10 Shows & Movies Similar to Ghosts (2021)

Description: While more serious in tone, The X-Files shares with Ghosts (2021) an interest in paranormal phenomena and the idea that supernatural beings coexist with humans. Both shows blend standalone episodes with overarching mythology, though X-Files focuses more on conspiracy theories.

Fact: The iconic theme music was composed in just three minutes. Gillian Anderson was only 24 when cast as Scully. The 'I Want to Believe' poster was a real prop bought from a yard sale.

Description: Like Ghosts (2021), Buffy mixes supernatural elements with witty humor and character-driven stories. Both shows feature a diverse group of supernatural beings and explore found family themes. The balance between comedy and supernatural drama is similar, though Buffy has more action.

Fact: Joss Whedon created the show after being unhappy with the 1992 film adaptation. The library set was reused from another show. Sarah Michelle Gellar did most of her own stunts.

Description: As a Buffy spinoff, Angel shares many similarities with Ghosts (2021) through its supernatural ensemble cast and mix of humor with darker themes. Both shows explore redemption and second chances, with supernatural beings trying to do good despite their natures.

Fact: Originally conceived as a darker, film noir-style show. David Boreanaz was the only cast member to appear in every episode. The show's cancellation was announced before the final season was written.

Description: Supernatural shares with Ghosts (2021) the theme of spirits and supernatural beings coexisting with the living. Both shows mix humor with horror elements, though Supernatural leans more heavily into the horror and action genres. The brotherly dynamic in Supernatural parallels the found family aspect of Ghosts.

Fact: Supernatural holds the record for longest-running North American fantasy series. The Impala used in the show is a 1967 Chevrolet. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles became real-life best friends during filming.

Description: Fringe shares with Ghosts (2021) a blend of supernatural/sci-fi elements with character-driven storytelling. Both shows explore alternate realities and the idea that our world contains hidden supernatural layers, though Fringe takes a more scientific approach to these concepts.

Fact: John Noble based Walter Bishop's mannerisms on his father. The Observer characters never blink on screen. The show used real scientific consultants for its pseudoscience concepts.

Description: Like Ghosts (2021), AHS frequently deals with spirits and haunted locations, though with much more graphic horror elements. Both shows feature ensemble casts and explore how different spirits interact with each other and the living world, albeit with very different tones.

Fact: Each season is a self-contained story. Jessica Lange came out of semi-retirement to join the cast. The Murder House season was inspired by the real-life Black Dahlia murder.

Description: Lucifer shares with Ghosts (2021) a supernatural being living among humans and dealing with mundane problems. Both shows blend procedural elements with supernatural comedy, though Lucifer focuses more on crime-solving. The fish-out-of-water humor is similar in both series.

Fact: Based on characters from DC Comics' Sandman series. Tom Ellis learned to play piano for the role. The show was canceled by Fox but revived by Netflix due to fan demand.

Description: Like Ghosts (2021), The Good Place blends comedy with supernatural elements, exploring themes of the afterlife and moral dilemmas in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking manner. Both shows feature a diverse cast of characters navigating an unfamiliar supernatural setting, with humor and heart.

Fact: The Good Place was created by Michael Schur, who also worked on The Office and Parks and Recreation. The show's philosophy consultant was a Harvard professor. The iconic 'forking shirtballs' line was improvised by Kristen Bell.

Description: While much darker in tone than Ghosts (2021), both shows explore how spirits interact with the living and affect family dynamics. The haunted house setting and focus on how past traumas manifest in the present are common themes, though Hill House takes a more dramatic, horror-oriented approach.

Fact: The series features several hidden ghosts in background shots. The famous 'bent-neck lady' twist was kept secret from the actress until filming. All episodes were shot with continuous takes for certain scenes.

Description: This mockumentary-style series shares Ghosts' (2021) comedic approach to supernatural beings living among humans. Both shows feature an ensemble cast of supernatural characters trying to navigate modern life, with hilarious results. The deadpan humor and quirky characters are similar in tone.

Fact: Based on the 2014 film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. The show features actual historical figures like Baron Afanas. Kayvan Novak improvised many of Nandor's lines.