10 Movies and Shows Like The Sixth Sense (1999)

Description: Like 'The Sixth Sense', 'The Others' is a psychological horror film that plays with the audience's perception of reality. Both films feature a protagonist who is unaware of their own supernatural circumstances, leading to a shocking twist ending. The atmospheric tension and slow-burn storytelling are key similarities.

Fact: 'The Others' was directed by Alejandro Amenábar, who also composed the film's score. Nicole Kidman's performance was highly praised, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. The film was shot entirely in Spain, despite its English setting.

Description: This Guillermo del Toro film, like 'The Sixth Sense', is a ghost story that is as much about emotional trauma as it is about scares. Both films feature a child protagonist who interacts with a ghost, and both use the supernatural to explore themes of loss and the past's hold on the present.

Fact: Set during the Spanish Civil War, adding historical depth to its horror. The ghost, Santi, is one of del Toro's most memorable creations. The film is considered a precursor to del Toro's later masterpiece, 'Pan's Labyrinth'.

Description: Like 'The Sixth Sense', 'The Ring' combines supernatural horror with a mystery that needs to be solved. Both films feature a protagonist trying to understand and resolve a supernatural phenomenon, with a child's safety at stake. The eerie atmosphere and the focus on a curse are key similarities.

Fact: The American remake was so successful that it led to a surge in Hollywood remakes of Japanese horror films. The iconic image of Samara crawling out of the TV was achieved using a stunt double and some clever camera tricks. The film's director, Gore Verbinski, went on to direct the first three 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films.

Description: Similar to 'The Sixth Sense', 'The Grudge' deals with spirits that are tied to unresolved trauma. Both films explore how past events haunt the present, and both use a non-linear narrative to build suspense and reveal the story's secrets gradually.

Fact: Like 'The Ring', 'The Grudge' is a remake of a Japanese horror film, 'Ju-On: The Grudge'. The film's ghost, Kayako, is one of the most iconic horror movie characters. It was shot in Japan, with a mix of Japanese and American cast members.

Description: This Spanish horror film shares with 'The Sixth Sense' a focus on the theme of children and the supernatural. Both films explore grief and the inability to let go, with a mother figure central to the story. The emotional depth and the blend of horror with heartfelt drama are reminiscent of 'The Sixth Sense'.

Fact: Produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also had a hand in its creative direction. The film won 7 Goya Awards, including Best New Director for J.A. Bayona. The child actor, Roger Príncep, had never acted before this film.

Description: While 'Paranormal Activity' is a found-footage film, it shares with 'The Sixth Sense' a focus on a supernatural presence that is initially subtle but becomes increasingly terrifying. Both films play on the fear of the unseen and the idea that spirits can interact with the living.

Fact: Made on a budget of just $15,000, it became one of the most profitable films ever made. The film's success led to a franchise with multiple sequels. The original ending was much darker but was changed after test audiences found it too disturbing.

Description: While more overtly horror than 'The Sixth Sense', 'The Conjuring' shares its focus on family and the supernatural. Both films involve experts helping a family deal with paranormal activity, and both use a mix of suspense and emotional storytelling to engage the audience.

Fact: Based on the real-life cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film was so scary that it received an R rating solely for its terror, with no gore or explicit content. It spawned a successful cinematic universe, including the 'Annabelle' and 'The Nun' spin-offs.

Description: 'Sinister' shares with 'The Sixth Sense' a focus on a protagonist investigating supernatural occurrences, with children playing a central role in the horror. Both films use a slow build of tension and a mix of psychological and supernatural horror to unsettle the audience.

Fact: The film's creepy home videos were inspired by real snuff films. Ethan Hawke was initially hesitant to take the role but was convinced by the script. The film's villain, Bughuul, is based on a Mesopotamian deity.

Description: Similar to 'The Sixth Sense', 'The Babadook' uses horror as a metaphor for psychological trauma—grief in 'The Sixth Sense' and depression in 'The Babadook'. Both films feature a child who perceives supernatural elements that adults initially dismiss, leading to a deeper exploration of emotional pain.

Fact: The Babadook creature was inspired by Lon Chaney's portrayal of The Phantom of the Opera. The film was shot in just 28 days. It became a cult classic, with the Babadook meme becoming popular in LGBTQ+ communities as a symbol of embracing one's inner monsters.

Description: Like 'The Sixth Sense', 'Hereditary' is a horror film that deeply explores family trauma and grief. Both films feature a child protagonist who is central to the supernatural occurrences, and both build tension through a slow, unsettling narrative that culminates in a shocking revelation.

Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely acclaimed, with many calling it a snub that she wasn't nominated for an Oscar. The film's director, Ari Aster, drew inspiration from classic horror films like 'Rosemary's Baby'. The miniature models in the film were all created by the protagonist's actress, Milly Shapiro's character.