If you were captivated by the eerie atmosphere and psychological horror of 'Lord of Tears' (2013), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similarly chilling movies and shows that blend folklore, mystery, and spine-tingling suspense. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn horror or supernatural thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Changeling (1980)
Description: A classic ghost story that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than gore. The film's slow-building dread and focus on grief and the supernatural make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film's iconic séance scene was so intense that it reportedly caused real fear among the cast and crew during filming.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film with a slow-burning narrative that relies on atmosphere and suspense rather than jump scares. The story's twist recontextualizes the entire film, much like a psychological puzzle.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in natural light or candlelight to maintain its eerie, period-authentic atmosphere.


The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film set during the Spanish Civil War, blending historical drama with supernatural elements. The film's melancholic tone and ghostly imagery explore themes of loss and unresolved trauma.
Fact: The film's title refers to a real medical condition where spinal deformities were once believed to be caused by demonic influence.


Session 9 (2001)
Description: A psychological horror film set in an abandoned asylum, where the decaying environment mirrors the unraveling mental states of the characters. The film's ambiguous storytelling and eerie sound design create a pervasive sense of dread.
Fact: The film was shot in a real abandoned mental hospital, which added to the unsettling atmosphere on set.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting ghost story that blends emotional depth with supernatural horror, focusing on themes of loss and maternal love. The film's melancholic tone and chilling visuals create a deeply affecting experience.
Fact: The film's iconic masked child was inspired by a real-life medical condition called hydrocephalus.


The Innkeepers (2011)
Description: A character-driven horror film that balances humor with genuine scares, set in a supposedly haunted hotel. The film's low-key approach to horror emphasizes atmosphere and character development over spectacle.
Fact: The hotel where the film was shot is reportedly haunted in real life, adding to the eerie ambiance during production.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A gothic ghost story that relies on atmosphere and suspense, with a hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying setting. The film's slow-building tension and tragic backstory create a deeply unsettling experience.
Fact: The film's production design was heavily influenced by Victorian-era mourning customs and superstitions.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into grief and mental instability, using supernatural elements as metaphors for deeper emotional struggles. The eerie atmosphere and slow-building tension create a haunting experience.
Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days, and the titular monster was inspired by early 20th-century children's book illustrations.


The Canal (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that blurs the line between reality and delusion, focusing on a man's descent into madness. The film's eerie visuals and unsettling sound design create a sense of creeping dread.
Fact: The film's climax was shot in a single take to maintain the intensity and immersion of the scene.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling horror film that explores family trauma and inherited guilt, blending supernatural horror with psychological dread. The film's meticulous pacing and disturbing imagery create a lingering sense of unease.
Fact: The miniature models seen throughout the film were all handcrafted by the director's wife, who is an artist.
