If you enjoyed the eerie mystery and found-footage style of Howard's Mill (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same unsettling atmosphere, blending documentary realism with supernatural intrigue. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn horror or cryptic small-town secrets, these picks will keep you hooked.

Twin Peaks (1990)
Description: A surreal and atmospheric mystery that delves into the dark underbelly of a small town, featuring supernatural elements and an unsettling tone.
Fact: The show's famous 'Red Room' scenes were inspired by David Lynch's own dreams. The backward-speaking character, The Man from Another Place, was improvised on set.


The X-Files (1993)
Description: Blends supernatural elements with investigative drama, focusing on unexplained phenomena and government conspiracies, creating a mysterious and eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The show's iconic theme song was composed by Mark Snow in just 15 minutes. It was initially intended to be a placeholder.


Fringe (2008)
Description: Mixes science fiction with crime procedural elements, focusing on bizarre and unexplained phenomena, often with a dark and mysterious tone.
Fact: The show's alternate universe storyline was planned from the very beginning. The glyphs that appear during commercial breaks spell out hidden messages related to the episode.


The Killing (2011)
Description: A gritty crime drama that delves into the psychological toll of investigations, with a slow-burning narrative and dark, moody visuals.
Fact: The show was originally based on a Danish series called 'Forbrydelsen.' Its rainy, gloomy setting became a character in itself.


True Detective (2014)
Description: A noir-inspired crime anthology that explores dark, existential themes, with a focus on complex characters and atmospheric storytelling.
Fact: Each season features a completely new cast and storyline. The first season's six-minute tracking shot was filmed in a single take.


Wayward Pines (2015)
Description: A psychological thriller set in a seemingly idyllic town with dark secrets, blending mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements.
Fact: The show was originally intended to be a limited series, but its popularity led to a second season. It was based on a book trilogy by Blake Crouch.


Sharp Objects (2018)
Description: A haunting psychological drama that explores trauma and family secrets, with a slow-burning narrative and a deeply atmospheric setting.
Fact: The series was filmed in Barnesville, Georgia, to capture the small-town feel. The show's opening credits feature hidden messages and imagery related to the story.


The Leftovers (2014)
Description: Explores the psychological and emotional aftermath of a mysterious event, blending supernatural ambiguity with deep character studies.
Fact: The show's opening theme changes slightly each season to reflect the evolving tone of the story. The series was based on a novel by Tom Perrotta, who also co-created the show.


The Outsider (2020)
Description: A crime drama with supernatural undertones, focusing on an investigation that uncovers inexplicable and eerie phenomena.
Fact: The series was adapted from a Stephen King novel of the same name. The show's eerie atmosphere was enhanced by its use of minimalistic music and sound design.


The Sinner (2017)
Description: A psychological thriller that unravels the motives behind seemingly inexplicable crimes, with a focus on hidden traumas and dark secrets.
Fact: Each season follows a standalone case, with Jessica Biel starring in the first season. The show was inspired by a German novel by Petra Hammesfahr.
