If you were captivated by the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of 'The Piper (2023)', you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share similar themes of mystery, horror, and psychological tension. Whether you loved the haunting soundtrack, the chilling narrative, or the dark folklore elements, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive in to discover your next favorite watch!

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: The Wicker Man shares with The Piper (2023) a folk horror theme and a focus on a protagonist uncovering dark secrets in a remote community. Both films build tension through mystery and feature unsettling rituals. The contrast between innocence and horror is a key element in both.
Fact: The Wicker Man is often cited as one of the greatest horror films of all time. The film was heavily edited upon its original release, with some scenes lost forever. Christopher Lee considered his role in the film one of his favorites.


The Others (2001)
Description: The Others and The Piper (2023) both feature gothic horror elements and a slow-building sense of dread. Both films use isolation and a dark, atmospheric setting to create tension. The twist endings in both films redefine the entire narrative.
Fact: The Others was directed by Alejandro Amenábar. Nicole Kidman's performance was highly acclaimed. The film was a major box office success, especially in Europe.


The Village (2004)
Description: The Village, similar to The Piper (2023), is set in an isolated community with dark secrets. Both films use suspense and mystery to drive the narrative, and feature a protagonist who challenges the status quo. The atmospheric tension and period setting are also shared elements.
Fact: The Village was directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film's twist ending was a subject of much debate. The score was composed by James Newton Howard and was highly praised.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: The Babadook and The Piper (2023) both deal with themes of grief and mental illness, using horror as a metaphor for personal demons. Both films feature a mother and child in peril, with the horror stemming from psychological rather than purely supernatural sources.
Fact: The Babadook was director Jennifer Kent's debut feature. The film became a cult classic and was praised for its representation of mental health. The Babadook character became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: The Autopsy of Jane Doe, like The Piper (2023), is a horror film that relies on mystery and gradual revelation of dark secrets. Both films use a confined setting to heighten tension and feature supernatural elements that are slowly uncovered. The investigative aspect is key in both.
Fact: The film was directed by André Øvredal, known for Trollhunter. The role of Jane Doe was played by a real actress, who had to remain completely still. The film was praised for its originality in the horror genre.


The Wailing (2016)
Description: The Wailing shares with The Piper (2023) a blend of horror, mystery, and folk elements. Both films involve a protagonist investigating strange occurrences in a rural setting, with the horror stemming from ancient, supernatural forces. The tone is both eerie and deeply unsettling.
Fact: The Wailing is a South Korean horror film. The film's director, Na Hong-jin, spent years researching shamanism for the movie. The film was a critical and commercial success, both domestically and internationally.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: Hereditary shares similarities with The Piper (2023) in its exploration of grief, family trauma, and supernatural horror. Both films delve into psychological terror and feature eerie, atmospheric storytelling that builds tension gradually. The visual aesthetics in both films are dark and unsettling, enhancing the horror elements.
Fact: Hereditary was director Ari Aster's debut feature film. The film's miniature house sets were built by the director himself. Toni Collette's performance was highly praised, with many considering it one of the best in horror cinema.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: The Lighthouse and The Piper (2023) both explore psychological horror and isolation. The black-and-white cinematography in The Lighthouse mirrors the grim tone of The Piper. Both films feature protagonists descending into madness, with surreal and unsettling imagery.
Fact: The Lighthouse was shot on 35mm black-and-white film. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe performed their own stunts. The film's dialogue was heavily inspired by old sailor slang.


The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018)
Description: The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion shares with The Piper (2023) a focus on a young protagonist with hidden powers and a dark past. Both films blend horror with thriller elements and feature intense, suspenseful sequences. The exploration of identity and survival is central to both.
Fact: The film is a South Korean action-horror thriller. It was a commercial success, leading to a sequel. The lead actress, Kim Da-mi, won several awards for her performance.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: Midsommar, like The Piper (2023), explores themes of isolation and psychological horror within a seemingly idyllic setting. Both films use bright, natural lighting to contrast with their dark themes, creating a unique visual style. The slow-building dread and folk horror elements are prominent in both.
Fact: Midsommar was inspired by director Ari Aster's own breakup. The film features a real-life Swedish midsummer festival. Florence Pugh's performance was widely acclaimed, earning her several awards.
