If you were captivated by the haunting and surreal atmosphere of 'The Girl with the Needle' (2024), you're likely craving more films or shows that delve into dark, psychological narratives with a touch of the macabre. This article curates a list of 10 similar titles that share its eerie tone, complex characters, and unsettling themes. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, gothic horror, or twisted fairy tales, this guide will help you discover your next obsession.

The Others (2001)
Description: Both 'The Others' and 'The Girl with the Needle' are gothic horror films that rely on psychological tension and a slow reveal of secrets. They share a somber, eerie tone and explore themes of isolation and the supernatural. The cinematography in both films is moody and atmospheric.
Fact: Starring Nicole Kidman, the film was a critical and commercial success. It was shot entirely in Spain. The twist ending is considered one of the best in horror cinema.


The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Description: Similar to 'The Girl with the Needle' (2024), 'The Devil's Backbone' is a gothic horror film that blends historical drama with supernatural elements. Both films explore themes of trauma, loss, and the lingering effects of war, set against a backdrop of eerie, atmospheric visuals. The storytelling in both movies is slow-burning, focusing on psychological horror rather than jump scares.
Fact: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film is set during the final year of the Spanish Civil War. The ghostly character of Santi is one of the most iconic in horror cinema. The film is often considered a companion piece to 'Pan's Labyrinth', also by del Toro.


Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Description: Like 'The Girl with the Needle', 'Pan's Labyrinth' is a dark fairy tale that merges historical reality with fantastical elements. Both films delve into the psychological and emotional struggles of their protagonists, using surreal imagery to reflect their inner turmoil. The visual aesthetics in both movies are rich and symbolic, enhancing the narrative's depth.
Fact: Won three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography. The Pale Man creature was inspired by Francisco Goya's paintings. The film is set in post-Civil War Spain, blending real history with fantasy.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: This film shares with 'The Girl with the Needle' a focus on maternal grief and the supernatural. Both movies use haunted settings to explore deep emotional pain, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and suspense. The storytelling is poignant, blending horror with heartfelt drama.
Fact: Produced by Guillermo del Toro. The director, J.A. Bayona, was inspired by classic ghost stories. The film was Spain's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Similar to 'The Girl with the Needle', 'The Babadook' deals with themes of grief and mental illness, using horror as a metaphor for personal demons. Both films feature strong female leads grappling with profound emotional distress, and both use unsettling visuals to convey their themes.
Fact: The Babadook monster became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon. The film was a breakout hit for director Jennifer Kent. It was praised for its portrayal of motherhood under stress.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: Similar to 'The Girl with the Needle', this film is a supernatural horror that unfolds in a confined, eerie setting. Both movies rely on suspense and mystery, gradually revealing their horrors. They also share a focus on the macabre and the unknown.
Fact: The film was praised for its claustrophobic atmosphere. The titular character never speaks or moves. It was a surprise hit at film festivals.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: This film, like 'The Girl with the Needle', is a psychological horror-thriller that explores themes of guilt, punishment, and the supernatural. Both movies feature a slow-building tension and a clinical, almost detached visual style that makes the horror more unsettling.
Fact: Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his unique storytelling. The title references the myth of Iphigenia. The dialogue is deliberately stilted to create an eerie effect.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: Both 'Hereditary' and 'The Girl with the Needle' are psychological horror films that explore family trauma and inherited pain. They feature intense, emotional performances and a creeping sense of dread. The visual style in both is meticulous, with every frame contributing to the overall sense of unease.
Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely acclaimed. The film marked Ari Aster's directorial debut. It features one of the most shocking scenes in modern horror.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: Both 'The Lighthouse' and 'The Girl with the Needle' are atmospheric, visually stunning films that delve into madness and isolation. They share a surreal, dreamlike quality and a focus on psychological horror. The black-and-white cinematography in both enhances their eerie, timeless feel.
Fact: Shot in 35mm black-and-white film. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe performed their own stunts. The film's dialogue was heavily inspired by old sailor lingo.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: Like 'The Girl with the Needle', 'Midsommar' blends horror with deep emotional storytelling, focusing on a protagonist's psychological breakdown. Both films use striking visuals to create an unsettling atmosphere, and both explore themes of grief and isolation.
Fact: Director Ari Aster was inspired by a bad breakup. The film was shot in Hungary. It features extensive use of daylight horror, a rarity in the genre.
