If you enjoyed the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of 'Altar' (2017), a British horror film that blends psychological tension with supernatural dread, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture similar themes of haunted pasts, eerie settings, and psychological horror. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn terror or supernatural mysteries, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Exorcist (1973)
Description: A classic horror film that delves into themes of demonic possession and the supernatural, featuring intense psychological and physical horror elements.
Fact: The Exorcist was the first horror film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's infamous pea soup vomit scene used a mix of split pea soup and oatmeal.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film with a slow-burning mystery, relying on atmosphere, tension, and a twist ending to deliver its chills.
Fact: The Others was filmed almost entirely in natural light to maintain its eerie atmosphere. The film's twist ending was kept secret from the cast until the final scenes were shot.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting tale of a mother's search for her missing son, blending supernatural elements with deep emotional and psychological horror.
Fact: The Orphanage was produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also served as a creative consultant. The film's iconic sack mask was inspired by a real medical condition.


Paranormal Activity (2007)
Description: Utilizes found footage to create a sense of realism and dread, focusing on a couple haunted by an unseen supernatural force.
Fact: Paranormal Activity was made on a budget of just $15,000 and became one of the most profitable films ever. The film's ending was reshot multiple times based on test audience reactions.


The Conjuring (2013)
Description: Centers around paranormal investigators dealing with a malevolent supernatural presence, blending psychological terror with jump scares and a dark, foreboding atmosphere.
Fact: The Conjuring is based on the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film's production used a real haunted house to heighten the actors' performances.


Sinister (2012)
Description: Focuses on a writer uncovering terrifying supernatural secrets through old films, combining found footage with traditional horror storytelling.
Fact: Sinister's creepy home videos were inspired by real snuff films. The film's antagonist, Bughuul, was designed to resemble a 19th-century stage actor.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that uses a children's book to explore grief, mental illness, and the monstrous manifestations of repressed emotions.
Fact: The Babadook's creature design was inspired by silent film monsters like Nosferatu. The film's director, Jennifer Kent, originally conceived it as a short film.


A Dark Song (2016)
Description: A slow-burning occult horror film that delves into ritual magic, featuring a deeply personal and emotionally raw narrative.
Fact: A Dark Song's director, Liam Gavin, spent years researching occult rituals to ensure accuracy. The film's climax was achieved through practical effects rather than CGI.


The Wailing (2016)
Description: A complex horror-thriller that blends folklore, possession, and mystery, creating a tense and unpredictable narrative.
Fact: The Wailing's director, Na Hong-jin, drew inspiration from real-life events in his hometown. The film's title in Korean, 'Goksung,' refers to the name of the village where the story is set.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: Explores family trauma intertwined with occult horror, featuring slow-building tension, disturbing imagery, and a deeply unsettling tone.
Fact: Hereditary's director, Ari Aster, initially pitched the film as a family drama before revealing its horror elements. The miniature models in the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist, reflecting the film's themes of control and fate.
