If you're a fan of psychological horror and mind-bending thrillers, then '1408' (2007) likely left a lasting impression on you. This chilling adaptation of Stephen King's short story follows a skeptical writer who checks into a haunted hotel room, only to confront terrifying supernatural forces. If you loved the eerie atmosphere, psychological tension, and supernatural twists of '1408,' you're in luck—we've compiled a list of 10 movies and shows that deliver similar thrills. From ghostly encounters to psychological torment, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Shining (1980)
Description: Both 'The Shining' and '1408' are psychological horror films that explore themes of isolation and madness. They feature protagonists who are writers, and both films use the setting of a haunted location (a hotel in both cases) to delve into the characters' deteriorating mental states. The eerie atmosphere and slow-building tension are key similarities.
Fact: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel famously deviated from the source material, leading King to express his dissatisfaction. The iconic 'Here's Johnny!' line was improvised by Jack Nicholson. The film's maze was inspired by a photograph of a hedge maze Kubrick saw in a magazine.
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The Sixth Sense (1999)
Description: Both 'The Sixth Sense' and '1408' feature protagonists dealing with supernatural phenomena while grappling with personal trauma. They share a focus on psychological horror and feature famous twist endings that redefine the entire narrative.
Fact: Bruce Willis was paid $14 million plus 17% of gross receipts. The famous 'I see dead people' line was improvised. M. Night Shyamalan wrote the script specifically for Bruce Willis.
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The Others (2001)
Description: 'The Others' shares with '1408' a focus on psychological horror and a twist ending that recontextualizes the entire story. Both films create a claustrophobic atmosphere and play with the audience's perception of reality, blending supernatural elements with deep psychological tension.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Spain. Nicole Kidman's performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Director Alejandro Amenábar also composed the film's score.
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Session 9 (2001)
Description: Like '1408', 'Session 9' is a psychological horror film that uses a confined setting (an abandoned asylum) to explore themes of madness and supernatural horror. Both films rely on atmospheric tension and psychological unraveling rather than jump scares.
Fact: The film was shot in the real-life Danvers State Hospital. Director Brad Anderson later worked on TV series like 'The Wire' and 'Fringe'. The title refers to a specific session in the audio tapes found in the film.
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The Ring (2002)
Description: 'The Ring' and '1408' both involve cursed media (a videotape vs. a hotel room) that brings supernatural horror into the protagonists' lives. Both films create a pervasive sense of dread and feature investigative protagonists trying to understand the supernatural phenomena.
Fact: The American version was shot in just 45 days. The creepy well scene was filmed in a real abandoned psychiatric hospital. Naomi Watts' performance helped launch her Hollywood career.
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The Conjuring (2013)
Description: Both 'The Conjuring' and '1408' are supernatural horror films based (loosely in 1408's case) on supposedly true events. They feature investigators of the paranormal and use haunted locations to create a sense of dread. The films share a focus on building tension through atmosphere rather than gore.
Fact: The film is part of the Conjuring Universe, which includes multiple spin-offs. Director James Wan used practical effects whenever possible. The real-life Warrens, whom the film is based on, were controversial figures in paranormal research.
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Sinister (2012)
Description: 'Sinister' and '1408' both feature writers as protagonists who become obsessed with supernatural phenomena they're investigating. Both films use the concept of a haunted artifact (films in 'Sinister', a room in '1408') as the source of horror, leading to psychological breakdowns.
Fact: Ethan Hawke took the role because his children were fans of horror films. The creepy home videos were inspired by real snuff film rumors. The film's villain, Bughuul, is based on Mesopotamian mythology.
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The Babadook (2014)
Description: Like '1408', 'The Babadook' explores psychological horror through the lens of grief and mental instability. Both films use supernatural elements as metaphors for psychological trauma, and both feature protagonists who are writers dealing with personal demons.
Fact: The Babadook became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon. Director Jennifer Kent drew from her own experiences with grief. The film's monster was inspired by German Expressionist cinema.
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Oculus (2013)
Description: 'Oculus' shares with '1408' the theme of a haunted object (a mirror vs. a room) that manipulates reality and perception. Both films feature protagonists determined to prove the supernatural nature of their experiences, leading to psychological unraveling.
Fact: The film is based on director Mike Flanagan's 2006 short film. Karen Gillan shaved her head for the role while filming 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. The mirror's design was inspired by actual antique mirrors.
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The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Description: Like '1408', this series explores psychological horror within a haunted location, blending supernatural elements with deep character studies. Both use the setting to explore themes of grief, guilt, and mental illness, with the house itself being almost a character.
Fact: The series features several hidden ghosts in the background of shots. It's loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel but expands the story significantly. The famous 'bent-neck lady' twist was kept secret from the actress until filming.
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