If you were captivated by the eerie, enigmatic atmosphere of 'The Strange Ones' (2018), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similarly unsettling movies and shows that blend mystery, psychological tension, and surreal storytelling. Whether you loved the film’s ambiguous narrative or its haunting visuals, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Under the Skin (2013)
Description: A surreal sci-fi horror film that explores alienation and humanity through abstract visuals and minimal dialogue. The film's unsettling atmosphere and ambiguous narrative create a deeply disturbing experience.
Fact: Many of the scenes featuring non-actors were shot with hidden cameras to capture genuine reactions. The lead actress learned her lines phonetically as she didn't speak English at the time.
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The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: A visually striking horror film that explores beauty, obsession, and the dark side of the fashion industry. The film's surreal imagery and slow-burning tension create a dreamlike yet disturbing atmosphere.
Fact: All the fashion show scenes were shot at actual Paris Fashion Week locations. The film's color palette was inspired by 1980s fashion photography.
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The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that uses monster mythology to explore themes of grief, mental illness, and motherhood. The film's dark fairy tale aesthetic and emotional depth create a uniquely unsettling experience.
Fact: The Babadook character's voice was created by combining three different voices. The pop-up book featured in the film was hand-made by the director's husband.
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Annihilation (2018)
Description: A sci-fi horror film that blends psychological drama with surreal, otherworldly imagery. The film's exploration of self-destruction and transformation through a mysterious, ever-changing environment creates a deeply unsettling experience.
Fact: The bear creature's terrifying scream was created by combining actual bear sounds with human screams. The shimmer effect was achieved practically with prisms and filters rather than CGI.
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It Comes at Night (2017)
Description: A tense, atmospheric horror film that delves into paranoia and the breakdown of trust in a post-apocalyptic setting. The film's ambiguous storytelling and minimalist approach create a pervasive sense of unease.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location to heighten the claustrophobic atmosphere. The director intentionally left the nature of the apocalyptic threat unexplained to focus on human behavior.
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The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the supernatural through a slow-burning, unsettling narrative. The film's clinical visual style and eerie atmosphere create a sense of dread.
Fact: The film's title is a reference to the Greek myth of Iphigenia, who was sacrificed by her father Agamemnon. The dialogue was intentionally written to be unnatural and stilted to enhance the film's unsettling tone.
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A Ghost Story (2017)
Description: An unconventional supernatural drama that explores themes of time, loss, and existence through minimal dialogue and long, contemplative shots. The film's haunting atmosphere and unique perspective create a deeply emotional experience.
Fact: The ghost's sheet was an actual antique sheet found by the production designer. The famous pie-eating scene was completely improvised and lasted nearly 10 minutes in one take.
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Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling horror film that blends family drama with supernatural elements. The film's slow build-up, intense emotional performances, and disturbing imagery create a haunting experience.
Fact: The miniature models featured in the film were all created by hand by the protagonist actress in real life. The film's most shocking scene was achieved in a single take.
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The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: A psychological horror film shot in black-and-white that explores isolation, madness, and mythological themes. The film's claustrophobic setting and intense performances create a surreal, nightmarish atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot on 35mm black-and-white film stock to achieve its distinctive look. The actors had to learn authentic 1890s sailor jargon for their dialogue.
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Midsommar (2019)
Description: A daylight horror film that explores grief, relationships, and cult mentality through vibrant yet disturbing imagery. The film's unconventional setting and psychedelic visuals create a unique sense of dread.
Fact: The flower dress worn by the main character weighed over 40 pounds. All the background cult members were actual Swedish actors who didn't speak English to enhance authenticity.
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