10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Black Phone (2022)

Description: 'The Sixth Sense' and 'The Black Phone' both focus on a child who can communicate with the supernatural, with a mix of horror and emotional drama. The films explore themes of fear, loss, and redemption, with a strong emphasis on the child's perspective.

Fact: 'The Sixth Sense' was M. Night Shyamalan's breakthrough film, known for its twist ending. The line 'I see dead people' became one of the most iconic quotes in cinema. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Haley Joel Osment.

Description: Similar to 'The Black Phone', 'It' combines horror with a coming-of-age story, focusing on a group of kids facing a supernatural threat. Both films explore themes of childhood trauma and resilience, with a strong emphasis on the bond between the young protagonists. The eerie, small-town setting and the presence of a malevolent entity preying on children are key similarities.

Fact: 'It' is based on Stephen King's 1986 novel of the same name. The film's budget was $35 million, and it grossed over $700 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing horror film at the time. Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Pennywise the Clown was highly praised, with his performance being both terrifying and mesmerizing.

Description: Both 'The Conjuring' and 'The Black Phone' are rooted in supernatural horror, with a focus on entities terrorizing families. The films rely on atmospheric tension and jump scares, with a strong emphasis on the emotional stakes for the protagonists.

Fact: 'The Conjuring' is based on the real-life cases of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film was so scary that test audiences had trouble sleeping after screenings. The success of 'The Conjuring' spawned a cinematic universe, including spin-offs like 'Annabelle' and 'The Nun'.

Description: 'Super 8' shares with 'The Black Phone' a focus on a group of kids encountering supernatural or otherworldly phenomena. Both films blend horror with elements of mystery and adventure, capturing the innocence and bravery of childhood. The small-town setting and the emotional depth of the young characters are also common threads.

Fact: 'Super 8' was produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by J.J. Abrams. The film is an homage to the Amblin Entertainment films of the 1980s, such as 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' and 'The Goonies'. The train crash scene was one of the most expensive and complex sequences in the film, costing around $1 million to shoot.

Description: 'Sinister' shares with 'The Black Phone' a focus on a sinister entity preying on children, with a strong emphasis on suspense and mystery. Both films use found footage elements to heighten the horror, and the protagonists are driven to uncover the truth behind the supernatural occurrences.

Fact: 'Sinister' was co-written by C. Robert Cargill, who was inspired by a nightmare he had after watching 'The Ring'. The film's antagonist, Bughuul, is based on Mesopotamian mythology. The home video sequences in the film were created to look authentic, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

Description: Both 'The Babadook' and 'The Black Phone' deal with themes of grief and trauma, manifesting through supernatural horror. The films focus on the psychological impact of loss and fear, with the horror elements serving as metaphors for deeper emotional struggles.

Fact: 'The Babadook' was director Jennifer Kent's debut feature film. The film's monster, the Babadook, became a cultural icon and even a symbol for depression. Despite its low budget, the film received critical acclaim and has been analyzed for its deep psychological themes.

Description: 'Doctor Sleep' and 'The Black Phone' both deal with psychic abilities and the trauma of childhood. The films blend supernatural horror with psychological depth, exploring the long-term effects of early-life encounters with evil.

Fact: 'Doctor Sleep' is a sequel to Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', based on Stephen King's novel. Director Mike Flanagan had to balance honoring Kubrick's vision while staying true to King's story. The film features a recreation of the Overlook Hotel, meticulously designed to match Kubrick's original set.

Description: Like 'The Black Phone', 'The Haunting of Hill House' delves into psychological horror and family trauma. Both stories feature haunted pasts and supernatural elements that are deeply intertwined with the characters' personal struggles. The atmospheric tension and emotional weight are key similarities.

Fact: The series is loosely based on Shirley Jackson's 1959 novel of the same name. Creator Mike Flanagan hid ghosts in the background of many scenes, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The show's famous 'Bent-Neck Lady' twist is considered one of the most shocking moments in horror television.

Description: 'Hereditary' and 'The Black Phone' both explore family trauma and the supernatural, with a slow-building sense of dread. The films delve into the psychological horror of inherited curses and the breakdown of family under supernatural pressure.

Fact: 'Hereditary' was director Ari Aster's debut feature film. The film's most shocking scene, involving a car accident, was inspired by a real-life traumatic event in Aster's life. Toni Collette's performance was widely praised, with many considering it one of the best in horror cinema.

Description: 'The Outsider' and 'The Black Phone' both explore the theme of a malevolent force targeting children, with a mix of supernatural horror and crime thriller elements. The slow-burning tension and the investigation into the unknown are central to both narratives.

Fact: Based on Stephen King's 2018 novel, the series blends horror and detective genres. Jason Bateman, known for his comedic roles, directed the first two episodes and starred in a dramatic role. The show's eerie atmosphere is heightened by its use of minimalistic music and sound design.