10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Brightburn (2019)

Description: The Bad Seed is a precursor to Brightburn, focusing on a seemingly perfect child who is secretly a sociopath. Both films explore the horror of a child's inherent evil, challenging the notion of innocence. The psychological tension and the parents' gradual realization of their child's true nature are central to both narratives.

Fact: The Bad Seed was based on a Broadway play, which was itself based on a novel. The film's ending was altered from the original play to comply with the Hays Code, which required moral endings. Patty McCormack, who played the titular bad seed, was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance.

Description: The Omen shares with Brightburn the theme of an evil child, specifically the Antichrist, Damien. Both films examine the horror of discovering that a child is not just mischievous but inherently malevolent. The atmospheric tension and the slow reveal of the child's true nature are key similarities.

Fact: The Omen was released on June 6, 1976 (6/6/76), a nod to the number of the beast,

Description: Like Brightburn, Village of the Damned features children with otherworldly powers who turn against the adults around them. The film's eerie, slow-building horror and the visual aesthetic of the children with their glowing eyes are reminiscent of Brightburn's chilling portrayal of its young antagonist.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1960 British film of the same name. John Carpenter directed the remake, marking his first studio film in nearly a decade. The children's glowing eyes were achieved using contact lenses and post-production effects.

Description: Case 39 shares with Brightburn the theme of a child with a hidden, malevolent nature. Both films explore the terror of realizing too late that a child is a threat, blending psychological horror with supernatural elements. The tension and fear of the unknown are key similarities.

Fact: Case 39 was actually filmed in 2006 but wasn't released until 2009 due to studio delays. Renée Zellweger took on the role to break away from her usual romantic comedy typecasting. The film's original ending was much darker but was changed for the final release.

Description: Orphan, like Brightburn, revolves around a child who is not what they appear to be. Both films subvert the trope of the innocent child, revealing a dark and dangerous reality beneath the surface. The suspenseful storytelling and shocking twists are hallmarks of both films.

Fact: Orphan's twist ending was kept secret during the film's marketing to preserve the surprise. Isabelle Fuhrman, who played Esther, was only 10 years old during filming. The film was inspired by a true story, though the real-life events were far less dramatic.

Description: It and Brightburn both feature children as central figures in horror narratives, though It focuses more on the children as victims rather than perpetrators. However, both films explore the loss of innocence and the fear of the unknown, with a mix of supernatural horror and coming-of-age elements.

Fact: It broke box office records for the highest-grossing horror film at the time of its release. Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Pennywise was heavily influenced by silent film actors. The film's success led to a sequel, It Chapter Two, released in

Description: The Babadook and Brightburn both explore the psychological horror of parenting a difficult child, though The Babadook leans more into metaphorical horror. Both films use visual storytelling to create a sense of dread and unease, and both challenge the idea of the perfect family.

Fact: The Babadook was director Jennifer Kent's feature film debut. The film's monster, the Babadook, has become a popular symbol in LGBTQ+ communities as a metaphor for repressed emotions. The film was critically acclaimed and has been analyzed for its themes of grief and mental illness.

Description: Similar to Brightburn, The Prodigy explores the terrifying concept of a child with sinister, supernatural abilities. Both films delve into the horror of parenting a child who is not what they seem, blending psychological horror with supernatural elements. The dark, unsettling tone and the theme of nature vs. nurture are central to both stories.

Fact: The Prodigy was directed by Nicholas McCarthy, known for his work in the horror genre. The film's screenplay was featured on the Black List of best unproduced screenplays in

Description: The Hole in the Ground, like Brightburn, deals with the horror of a mother suspecting her child is not her own. Both films use atmospheric tension and psychological horror to explore the fear of the unknown and the loss of control over one's child.

Fact: The film was shot in Ireland and features a predominantly Irish cast. Director Lee Cronin drew inspiration from classic fairy tales and folklore. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in

Description: Hereditary shares with Brightburn a focus on family dynamics and the horror of inherited traits or destinies. Both films feature shocking, violent turns and a slow build of tension leading to a terrifying climax. The visual style and emotional intensity are also similar.

Fact: Hereditary was director Ari Aster's debut feature film. The film's most shocking scene was inspired by a real-life event from Aster's childhood. Toni Collette's performance was widely praised but controversially not nominated for an Oscar.