10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Ghostlight (2024)

Description: The Changeling and Ghostlight (2024) both feature haunted houses and ghostly apparitions that are tied to unresolved past traumas. Both films rely on atmosphere and suspense rather than gore, with a focus on psychological horror. The strong performances and eerie settings make both films classics of the genre.

Fact: The film is based on a supposed true story experienced by screenwriter Russell Hunter. The seance scene was so intense that it caused real fear among the cast and crew. The film was a major influence on later horror films, including The Ring.

Description: Similar to Ghostlight (2024), The Sixth Sense explores themes of the supernatural and the thin veil between the living and the dead. Both films delve into emotional and psychological depth, using ghostly encounters as metaphors for unresolved personal issues. The storytelling is subtle yet impactful, with a focus on character development and atmospheric tension.

Fact: The famous line 'I see dead people' was improvised by Haley Joel Osment. Bruce Willis agreed to a lower salary in exchange for a percentage of the box office profits, which turned out to be a lucrative deal. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Like Ghostlight (2024), The Others is a psychological horror film that relies on atmosphere and suspense rather than jump scares. Both films deal with themes of isolation, grief, and the supernatural, with a strong emphasis on family dynamics. The twist endings in both films redefine the entire narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.

Fact: Nicole Kidman performed all her own piano playing in the film. The film was shot entirely in Spain, despite its setting in the Channel Islands. Director Alejandro Amenábar wrote the script with Nicole Kidman in mind for the lead role.

Description: The Devil's Backbone, like Ghostlight (2024), is a ghost story that blends horror with emotional storytelling. Both films are set in isolated locations and deal with themes of loss and the supernatural. The atmospheric direction and strong performances make both films deeply affecting.

Fact: The film is set during the Spanish Civil War. Guillermo del Toro considers it a companion piece to his later film, Pan's Labyrinth. The ghost in the film is based on a real Spanish legend.

Description: The Orphanage, like Ghostlight (2024), is a haunting tale that blends horror with deep emotional resonance. Both films deal with themes of loss, grief, and the supernatural, using ghostly elements to explore human emotions. The atmospheric storytelling and strong performances make both films deeply affecting.

Fact: Guillermo del Toro served as a producer on the film. The film was Spain's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2007 Academy Awards. The child actors were kept away from the scarier aspects of the film to preserve their performances.

Description: Paranormal Activity and Ghostlight (2024) both explore the intrusion of the supernatural into everyday life, using a minimalist approach to build tension. The found-footage style of Paranormal Activity creates a sense of realism and immediacy, similar to the intimate storytelling in Ghostlight. Both films focus on the psychological impact of supernatural events on their characters.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $15,

Description: The Conjuring shares with Ghostlight (2024) a focus on supernatural occurrences and their emotional toll on families. Both films blend horror with deep emotional storytelling, creating a sense of dread that lingers. The use of practical effects and a period setting in The Conjuring adds to the authenticity, much like the grounded approach in Ghostlight.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The clap scene was entirely improvised by the actors. The film was rated R for being 'too scary,' despite having no gore or explicit content.

Description: The Babadook and Ghostlight (2024) both use supernatural elements to explore themes of grief and mental illness. The Babadook's monster serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's unresolved trauma, much like the ghostly encounters in Ghostlight. Both films are character-driven, with a strong focus on emotional storytelling.

Fact: The Babadook became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon after the film's release. The film was shot in just 27 days. The director, Jennifer Kent, drew inspiration from German Expressionist cinema for the film's visual style.

Description: A Ghost Story and Ghostlight (2024) both explore the afterlife and the lingering presence of the dead. Both films use a minimalist approach to storytelling, with a focus on mood and atmosphere over traditional plot. The emotional depth and philosophical themes in both films make them stand out in the horror genre.

Fact: Casey Affleck wore the ghost costume for the entire shoot, even when not filming. The pie-eating scene was shot in one take. The film was shot in secret, with the crew using a fake title to avoid attention.

Description: Hereditary shares with Ghostlight (2024) a focus on family trauma and the supernatural. Both films use horror elements to explore deep-seated emotional issues, with a slow-burn approach that builds to a terrifying climax. The performances in both films are central to their impact, with a strong emphasis on character development.

Fact: Toni Collette's scream in the film was so intense that it damaged her vocal cords. The film's director, Ari Aster, drew inspiration from his own family's history of mental illness. The miniature models in the film were all created by hand.