If you were captivated by the chilling psychological horror of Joshua (2002), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similarly unsettling movies and shows that explore themes of family tension, eerie children, and psychological dread. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn horror or twisted family dynamics, these picks will keep you on edge.

The Changeling (1980)
Description: A classic ghost story that follows a grieving composer who moves into a haunted house, uncovering a tragic mystery tied to the supernatural occurrences.
Fact: The film is considered one of the best ghost stories ever made and was inspired by real-life events reported by screenwriter Russell Hunter. It was shot in Vancouver, standing in for Seattle.


The Sixth Sense (1999)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural, with a child protagonist who can see and communicate with the dead.
Fact: The iconic line 'I see dead people' was improvised by the young actor during filming. The film was a sleeper hit, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film that delves into themes of isolation, family, and the supernatural, with a twist ending that recontextualizes the entire story.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Spain, despite its English setting. Nicole Kidman performed all her own piano playing scenes.


The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film set during the Spanish Civil War, blending supernatural elements with a coming-of-age story and themes of war and innocence.
Fact: The film is often considered a spiritual precursor to 'Pan's Labyrinth,' sharing similar themes and visual style. The ghostly character Santi was inspired by a real ghost story from the director's childhood.


The Ring (2002)
Description: A supernatural horror film that revolves around a cursed videotape and the investigation into its origins, blending psychological terror with a mystery narrative.
Fact: The film's iconic imagery, such as the long-haired ghost girl, has become a staple of modern horror. It was a remake of the Japanese film 'Ringu' and helped popularize J-horror in the West.


Dark Water (2005)
Description: A psychological horror film that focuses on a mother and daughter moving into a haunted apartment, dealing with themes of abandonment and maternal love.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Koji Suzuki, who also wrote 'Ring.' The American remake stayed relatively faithful to the original Japanese version's tone and themes.


The Grudge (2004)
Description: A horror film that explores the concept of a curse that lingers in a specific location, affecting anyone who enters, with a non-linear narrative and eerie visuals.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Japanese movie 'Ju-On: The Grudge' and was shot in Japan with a mixed Japanese and American cast. The ghost Kayako's croaking sound was created by recording the voice actress's actual vocal cords.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A Spanish horror film that combines supernatural elements with a deeply emotional story about motherhood and loss, featuring a haunting atmosphere and a child in peril.
Fact: The film was produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also served as a creative consultant. It won seven Goya Awards, including Best New Director.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A gothic horror film about a lawyer who discovers a vengeful ghost haunting a remote village, with a focus on atmosphere and slow-building tension.
Fact: The film marks Daniel Radcliffe's first major role after the 'Harry Potter' series. It was shot on location in England, using many real historic buildings to enhance its eerie atmosphere.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that uses a monster as a metaphor for grief and depression, focusing on a single mother and her troubled son.
Fact: The Babadook character was created using a combination of practical effects and stop-motion animation. The film gained a cult following after being embraced by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of resilience.
