If you loved the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of 'Baby Ruby' (2023), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share similar themes of psychological tension, maternal horror, and unsettling narratives. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn thrillers or dark family dramas, this list will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into themes of paranoia, maternal anxiety, and the supernatural, creating an unsettling atmosphere through slow-building tension and a focus on psychological torment.
Fact: The film was shot in the same apartment building where John Lennon was later murdered. Mia Farrow's iconic pixie haircut in the movie was done spontaneously during filming.


The Omen (1976)
Description: A classic horror film about parental fears and the antichrist, featuring ominous atmosphere, religious symbolism, and the terror of realizing one's child might be evil.
Fact: The film's composer died in a plane crash before its release, adding to its cursed reputation. Several eerie accidents occurred during production, leading some to believe it was actually cursed.


The Brood (1979)
Description: A body horror film that examines the destructive effects of repressed anger and trauma, particularly within family dynamics, using grotesque imagery to symbolize emotional pain.
Fact: The film was inspired by the director's own contentious custody battle. The creepy child antagonists were played by actual twins found through a newspaper ad.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror story that plays with perceptions of reality and the supernatural, centered around a mother's protective instincts and the eerie atmosphere of an isolated house.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely using natural light to enhance its haunting atmosphere. Nicole Kidman's character was originally written for a much older actress.


Black Swan (2010)
Description: A psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and hallucination, focusing on perfectionism, bodily transformation, and the dark side of artistic obsession.
Fact: The lead actress trained in ballet for over a year to prepare for the role. Many of the


We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores the nature-versus-nurture debate through the lens of a troubled mother-son relationship, building tension through fragmented storytelling and disturbing imagery.
Fact: The film's distinctive use of the color red was meant to symbolize both danger and maternal bonds. The lead actress spent months researching real-life cases of violent children.


The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: A visually striking horror film that explores themes of beauty, obsession, and transformation, using surreal imagery and a dreamlike atmosphere to create unease.
Fact: The film's blood-filled swimming pool scene used over 5,000 gallons of fake blood. All the fashion models in the film were played by actual models rather than actresses.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Explores the psychological toll of motherhood and grief, blending horror with deep emotional trauma, and uses a monstrous entity as a metaphor for unresolved pain and fear.
Fact: The Babadook character was inspired by early 20th-century German expressionist films. The film's director also wrote the children's book featured in the movie.


It Comes at Night (2017)
Description: A psychological horror film that plays on primal fears of contagion and the unknown, focusing on family protection in an isolated setting with mounting paranoia.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to help actors maintain their emotional intensity. The director insisted on using only natural light for nighttime scenes.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A harrowing exploration of family trauma, inherited mental illness, and supernatural horror, with a focus on slow-burning dread and shocking, visceral imagery.
Fact: The miniature models seen in the film were actually built by the protagonist actress as part of her character's hobby. The film's climax was shot in a single take.
