10 Movies & Shows Similar to The Empty Man (2020)

Description: 'The Ninth Gate' and 'The Empty Man' both follow protagonists on a quest involving occult books and hidden knowledge. Both films blend detective noir with supernatural horror, creating a unique tone. The protagonists' journeys into the unknown mirror each other.

Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski. Based on the novel 'The Club Dumas' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Johnny Depp stars as the rare book dealer.

Description: Similar to 'The Empty Man', 'The Babadook' explores psychological horror and the manifestation of grief and trauma through a supernatural entity. Both films delve into the protagonist's mental state, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. The atmospheric tension and slow-burn horror are key elements in both movies.

Fact: The Babadook was Jennifer Kent's directorial debut. The film was inspired by Kent's short film 'Monster'. It was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of mental illness and grief.

Description: Both 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' and 'The Empty Man' involve investigations into mysterious, possibly supernatural phenomena. The confined settings (a morgue in 'Jane Doe', a remote town in 'The Empty Man') amplify the tension. Both films reveal their horrors gradually, keeping the audience guessing.

Fact: Directed by André Øvredal, known for 'Trollhunter'. The film was praised for its claustrophobic atmosphere. The mystery of Jane Doe's identity is central to the plot.

Description: 'The Endless' and 'The Empty Man' both deal with mysterious cults and the blurring of reality. Both films use a slow-burn approach to build tension and feature protagonists who are drawn into inexplicable events. The sense of cosmic horror is strong in both.

Fact: Directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. The film is connected to their previous movie 'Resolution'. It explores themes of time loops and existential dread.

Description: 'Under the Shadow' and 'The Empty Man' both use supernatural elements to explore deeper societal and personal fears. The films are set against political backdrops (1980s Tehran for 'Under the Shadow', modern America for 'The Empty Man') and use horror to comment on broader issues.

Fact: The first Iranian horror film to gain international acclaim. The director, Babak Anvari, drew from his childhood memories. The film was shot in Jordan due to restrictions in Iran.

Description: Both 'A Dark Song' and 'The Empty Man' focus on occult rituals and the psychological toll they take on the participants. The films share a meticulous, almost documentary-like approach to the supernatural, making the horror feel more real and immersive.

Fact: The film is based on the Abramelin ritual. It was shot in a single location. The director, Liam Gavin, researched occult practices extensively.

Description: 'The Wailing' and 'The Empty Man' both involve investigations into mysterious, possibly supernatural events. Both films blend horror with detective elements, creating a sense of paranoia and uncertainty. The cultural and folkloric elements add depth to the horror.

Fact: The film is set in a small Korean village. It mixes horror with dark comedy. The director, Na Hong-jin, spent years researching shamanism.

Description: 'Hereditary' shares with 'The Empty Man' a deep exploration of familial trauma and the occult. Both films feature a slow-building dread and a shocking, surreal climax. The themes of inherited curses and the breakdown of reality are central to both narratives.

Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely praised. The film was Ari Aster's feature debut. It features one of the most shocking scenes in modern horror.

Description: Both 'The Lighthouse' and 'The Empty Man' feature protagonists descending into madness in isolated settings. The black-and-white cinematography of 'The Lighthouse' and the eerie visuals of 'The Empty Man' both serve to heighten the psychological horror. The films share a surreal, nightmarish quality.

Fact: Shot in 35mm black-and-white. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe's performances were highly praised. The film's dialogue was inspired by old sailor's lingo.

Description: Like 'The Empty Man', 'Midsommar' uses a cult setting to explore themes of isolation and psychological unraveling. Both films employ bright, unsettling visuals to contrast with their dark themes. The sense of dread and inevitability is palpable in both.

Fact: Florence Pugh's breakout role. Inspired by Scandinavian folklore. The film's daylight horror is a departure from typical horror aesthetics.