10 Movies and Shows Similar to Barbarian (2022)

Description: 'The Wicker Man' and 'Barbarian' both involve outsiders stumbling upon a community with sinister secrets. Both films build suspense through the gradual revelation of the true nature of these communities, leading to shocking and unforgettable climaxes. The folk horror elements are strong in both.

Fact: The film was originally released as a B-movie. Christopher Lee worked for free on the film. The final cut was heavily edited by the studio.

Description: Both 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' and 'Barbarian' feature terrifying encounters with deranged families in isolated locations. The raw, visceral horror and the sense of being trapped with no escape are central to both films. The gritty, realistic style enhances the terror.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life serial killer Ed Gein. It was made on a budget of just $300,

Description: Both 'The Descent' and 'Barbarian' feature claustrophobic settings and a group of people trapped in a terrifying situation. The films explore themes of survival and the monstrous, with a strong emphasis on female protagonists facing unimaginable horrors. The tension in both films is palpable, with tight spaces amplifying the fear.

Fact: The cave scenes were filmed in a studio, not on location. The film's creatures were inspired by real-life troglodytes. The original UK ending was much darker than the US release.

Description: 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Barbarian' both explore the horror of being hunted by monstrous figures in desolate environments. The films share a brutal, unrelenting tone and a focus on survival against inhuman adversaries. The family dynamics in both films add emotional weight to the horror.

Fact: The film is a remake of Wes Craven's 1977 original. The mutants were inspired by nuclear testing in New Mexico. The director, Alexandre Aja, is known for his intense horror films.

Description: Both 'The Cabin in the Woods' and 'Barbarian' deconstruct horror tropes while delivering genuine scares. The films play with audience expectations and subvert traditional horror narratives. The blend of humor and horror, along with meta-commentary on the genre, is a shared strength.

Fact: The film was delayed for nearly three years due to studio issues. Joss Whedon co-wrote the script. The film features over 30 different monsters.

Description: 'The Babadook' and 'Barbarian' both delve into psychological horror, with a focus on the protagonist's mental state deteriorating under supernatural or extreme pressures. Both films use their horror elements to explore deeper themes of grief, trauma, and the darkness within.

Fact: The Babadook became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon. The film was shot in just 30 days. The director, Jennifer Kent, drew inspiration from German Expressionist cinema.

Description: 'Get Out' and 'Barbarian' both use horror to explore social commentary, with 'Get Out' focusing on racism and 'Barbarian' on gender dynamics. Both films are masterful in building suspense and delivering shocking twists. The psychological horror elements are layered with deeper meanings.

Fact: Jordan Peele based the film on real-life fears of racial tension. The film's budget was just $

Description: Like 'Barbarian', 'Hereditary' is a horror film that masterfully builds tension and dread through psychological horror and unexpected twists. Both films explore themes of family secrets and inherited trauma, with a slow-burning narrative that escalates into terrifying chaos. The visual aesthetics in both films are dark and unsettling, enhancing the sense of unease.

Fact: 'Hereditary' was director Ari Aster's debut feature film. The film's iconic miniature models were created by the same artist who worked on 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'. Toni Collette's performance was widely praised, with many considering it one of the best in horror cinema.

Description: Like 'Barbarian', 'The Lighthouse' is a film that thrives on tension and psychological unraveling. Both films feature isolated settings that become characters in their own right, and both use visual and auditory techniques to create an oppressive atmosphere. The descent into madness is a central theme in both.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white on 35mm film. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe lived together during filming. The script was inspired by real-life lighthouse keeper diaries.

Description: 'Midsommar' shares with 'Barbarian' a focus on isolation and the horrors that unfold in seemingly idyllic settings. Both films subvert expectations by presenting daylight horror, where the terror is not hidden in shadows but exposed in bright, open spaces. The themes of manipulation and cultural rituals are also prominent in both.

Fact: Florence Pugh's character was originally written as American, but she convinced the director to let her use her natural British accent. The film's flower dress weighed over 40 pounds. The script was inspired by Ari Aster's own breakup.