If you were captivated by the chilling found-footage horror of 'The Last Exorcism' (2010), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly terrifying movies and shows that deliver the same spine-tingling suspense, demonic possession themes, and unsettling realism. Whether you're a horror enthusiast or just looking for your next scare, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Exorcist (1973)
Description: A classic horror film about a mother's desperate attempts to save her daughter from demonic possession. The film set the standard for possession horror with its intense scenes and religious themes.
Fact: The first horror film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Many cast and crew members reported strange occurrences during filming, leading to rumors of a curse.


The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Description: Blends courtroom drama with supernatural horror, focusing on a priest's trial after a failed exorcism. The film uses a mix of psychological tension and religious themes to explore possession.
Fact: Based on the true story of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who underwent 67 exorcisms. The film was marketed as 'based on a true story' to heighten its eerie atmosphere.


The Possession (2012)
Description: Follows a young girl who becomes possessed after opening a mysterious antique box. The film combines family drama with supernatural horror, emphasizing the psychological toll of possession.
Fact: Inspired by a supposedly true story involving a haunted dybbuk box. The film's marketing included a traveling exhibit of the actual dybbuk box, which allegedly caused misfortunes.


The Rite (2011)
Description: Explores the training of an exorcist through a skeptical protagonist who witnesses terrifying cases of possession. The film blends religious themes with psychological horror.
Fact: Based on the book 'The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist,' which documents real-life exorcisms. The film's script was revised to include more supernatural elements after test screenings.


Paranormal Activity (2007)
Description: Uses found-footage style to document a couple's terrifying encounters with a demonic presence in their home. The film relies on subtle, creeping horror rather than overt scares.
Fact: Made on a shoestring budget of $15,000, it became one of the most profitable films ever, grossing over $193 million worldwide. The film's success revitalized the found-footage horror genre.


The Conjuring (2013)
Description: Centers on paranormal investigators dealing with a haunted house and demonic possession. The film employs found-footage elements and slow-building dread to create a terrifying experience.
Fact: The first film in the Conjuring Universe, which has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs. The real-life Warrens, on whom the film is based, were controversial figures in paranormal investigations.


The Vatican Tapes (2015)
Description: Focuses on a young woman's possession and the Vatican's secret efforts to combat demonic forces. The film mixes religious horror with medical and psychological intrigue.
Fact: One of the few horror films to directly involve the Vatican in its storyline. The film's exorcism scenes were heavily researched to appear authentic.


Sinister (2012)
Description: A true-crime writer discovers terrifying home movies that reveal a sinister presence haunting his family. The film uses found-footage clips to build an atmosphere of dread.
Fact: The creepy home movies featured in the film were inspired by real snuff films. The film's antagonist, Bughuul, became a popular figure in modern horror lore.


Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
Description: A police officer teams up with a renegade priest to solve a series of crimes linked to demonic possession. The film blends crime thriller elements with supernatural horror.
Fact: Inspired by the real-life accounts of NYPD sergeant Ralph Sarchie, who claimed to have encountered demonic forces. The film's exorcism scene was filmed in a single take to heighten realism.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A family unravels after the death of their secretive grandmother, uncovering terrifying supernatural secrets. The film combines psychological horror with occult themes, creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The film's miniature models, created by the protagonist, were all built by hand for the production. Hereditary's shocking moments and slow-burn tension made it a critical and commercial success.
