10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Bye Bye Man (2016)

Description: Both 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'The Bye Bye Man' feature a supernatural antagonist that preys on victims through their fears and subconscious. The idea of an unstoppable, malevolent force that can reach you anywhere (in dreams for Freddy, through speaking the name for The Bye Bye Man) is central to both films. The blend of psychological and physical horror is a common thread.

Fact: Wes Craven was inspired by real-life news stories about people dying in their sleep. Robert Englund was not the first choice for Freddy Krueger. The iconic glove was made by a special effects team using real knives.

Description: 'The Ring' and 'The Bye Bye Man' both feature a curse that spreads through media (a videotape in 'The Ring', a name in 'The Bye Bye Man'). The films share a focus on investigative journalism uncovering supernatural horrors, with a relentless, unstoppable force pursuing the protagonists. The eerie, washed-out visual style and themes of inevitability are also common.

Fact: The film is a remake of the Japanese horror movie 'Ringu'. The iconic 'Samara crawling out of the TV' scene was achieved using reverse footage. The movie's success sparked a wave of J-horror remakes in Hollywood.

Description: Both 'The Grudge' and 'The Bye Bye Man' involve supernatural entities that haunt and kill those who encounter them. The films share a non-linear narrative structure and a sense of dread that permeates every scene. The idea of a curse that cannot be escaped is central to both, with the supernatural elements tied to specific locations or names.

Fact: Like 'The Ring', 'The Grudge' is a remake of a Japanese film ('Ju-On: The Grudge'). The ghost Kayako's croaking sound was created by recording the director's own voice. The film was shot in Japan, with an American cast and crew.

Description: 'Paranormal Activity' and 'The Bye Bye Man' both use the concept of an unseen, malevolent force tormenting their victims. The found-footage style of 'Paranormal Activity' creates a similar sense of realism and immediacy as the more traditional but still intimate cinematography of 'The Bye Bye Man'. Both films rely on suspense and the fear of the unknown rather than overt gore.

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

Description: Similar to 'The Bye Bye Man' in its supernatural horror theme, 'The Conjuring' also revolves around a malevolent entity haunting its victims. Both films rely on psychological terror and jump scares, with a strong emphasis on the power of belief and fear. The films share a dark, eerie atmosphere and explore the consequences of encountering the supernatural.

Fact: 'The Conjuring' is based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film was so scary that it received an R rating solely for its terror, not for gore or language. It spawned a successful franchise, including spin-offs like 'The Nun' and 'Annabelle'.

Description: 'Sinister' shares with 'The Bye Bye Man' a focus on a malevolent supernatural entity that spreads through knowledge or exposure. Both films feature a protagonist uncovering dark secrets that lead to terrifying consequences. The use of found footage and a slow-building dread are common elements, creating a sense of unease and inevitability.

Fact: The film's antagonist, Bughuul, is inspired by pagan deities. The creepy home movies in the film were created by director Scott Derrickson himself. Ethan Hawke was initially hesitant to take the role but was convinced by the script's originality.

Description: Like 'The Bye Bye Man', 'The Babadook' explores the idea of a supernatural entity that manifests through fear and psychological torment. Both films delve into the theme of mental instability and the blurring line between reality and imagination. The atmospheric tension and focus on a family's disintegration under supernatural pressure are key similarities.

Fact: The Babadook became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon due to its themes of repression and acceptance. The film was shot in just 30 days. Director Jennifer Kent drew inspiration from German Expressionist cinema for the film's visual style.

Description: 'Oculus' shares with 'The Bye Bye Man' a focus on a supernatural entity that manipulates perception and reality. Both films explore the psychological breakdown of their protagonists as they struggle against an unseen force. The blending of past and present narratives and the theme of a cursed object (a mirror in 'Oculus', a name in 'The Bye Bye Man') are key similarities.

Fact: The film is based on director Mike Flanagan's 2006 short film 'Oculus: Chapter 3 - The Man with the Plan'. Karen Gillan shaved her head for the role, which was not required by the script. The mirror used in the film was a real antique, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Description: Like 'The Bye Bye Man', 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' involves uncovering the terrifying truth behind a supernatural mystery. Both films feature a slow reveal of horror, with the protagonists realizing too late the extent of the danger they're in. The claustrophobic setting and the blend of psychological and supernatural horror are common elements.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days. Director André Øvredal wanted to create a horror film that was both intelligent and terrifying. The role of Jane Doe was played by actress Olwen Catherine Kelly, who had to remain completely still during filming.

Description: 'Hereditary' and 'The Bye Bye Man' both deal with familial trauma and the idea of inherited horror. The films share a slow-building tension and a focus on the psychological unraveling of their characters. The use of symbolism and the exploration of grief and mental illness within a supernatural framework are key similarities.

Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely praised, with many calling it Oscar-worthy. The film's disturbing imagery was inspired by director Ari Aster's own nightmares. The miniature houses in the film were all built by hand, reflecting the protagonist's hobby.