10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Cruel Peter (2020)

Description: Both 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Cruel Peter' deal with children who can see and interact with the dead. The films blend supernatural horror with deep emotional storytelling, focusing on the psychological impact of these experiences on the young protagonists.

Fact: Bruce Willis' character was originally written as a ghost from the beginning. The famous line 'I see dead people' was improvised by Haley Joel Osment. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards.

Description: Both 'The Others' and 'Cruel Peter' are period horror films that rely on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than gore. They explore themes of isolation, family secrets, and the supernatural, with children playing central roles in the unfolding mystery.

Fact: Starring Nicole Kidman, who also produced the film. The movie was shot almost entirely on location in Spain. It won eight Goya Awards, including Best Film.

Description: This Guillermo del Toro film, like 'Cruel Peter', is a ghost story set against the backdrop of war and political unrest. Both films feature orphaned children and explore themes of innocence lost and the lingering effects of violence. The gothic setting and emotional depth are key similarities.

Fact: Considered a spiritual precursor to Pan's Labyrinth. The title refers to a birth defect caused by radiation. The ghost in the film is one of del Toro's most iconic creations.

Description: 'The Ring' and 'Cruel Peter' both feature cursed children and supernatural vengeance. The films create tension through mysterious backstories and the threat posed to innocent characters, with water often serving as a symbolic element.

Fact: The American remake was actually shot before the Japanese original was released in the US. The famous 'video' sequence took seven days to film. Naomi Watts' performance helped launch her Hollywood career.

Description: Like 'Cruel Peter', 'The Orphanage' is a haunting tale that blends supernatural elements with deep emotional storytelling. Both films feature children in peril and explore themes of loss, guilt, and the supernatural. The gothic atmosphere and suspenseful narrative style are common threads.

Fact: Produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also influenced its dark fairy-tale aesthetic. The film won seven Goya Awards, including Best New Director for J.A. Bayona. The story was partially inspired by real-life orphanages in Spain.

Description: Like 'Cruel Peter', 'The Conjuring' is based on allegedly true events and features a family tormented by supernatural forces. Both films use period settings and focus on the vulnerability of children to evil forces, creating tension through atmosphere rather than jump scares.

Fact: The first film in what would become the Conjuring Universe. The real-life Warrens consulted on the film. Director James Wan used practical effects whenever possible.

Description: 'Sinister' and 'Cruel Peter' both explore the theme of children being connected to dark, supernatural forces. The films share a sense of creeping dread and feature disturbing imagery related to childhood trauma and family tragedy.

Fact: The super 8 footage was shot by director Scott Derrickson himself. Ethan Hawke's character was originally written as much younger. The film's villain, Bughuul, is based on Mesopotamian mythology.

Description: 'Mama' shares with 'Cruel Peter' a focus on children who have experienced trauma and the supernatural forces that surround them. Both films use chilling visuals and a sense of dread to explore the bond between children and their caretakers, whether real or spectral.

Fact: Based on a short film by the same director, Andrés Muschietti. Executive produced by Guillermo del Toro. The film's ghostly figure was created using a mix of CGI and practical effects.

Description: Similar to 'Cruel Peter' (2020), 'The Babadook' explores themes of psychological horror and the manifestation of inner demons. Both films delve into the dark aspects of childhood and the impact of trauma on family dynamics. The eerie atmosphere and slow-building tension are key elements that connect these two films.

Fact: The Babadook was director Jennifer Kent's debut feature film. The creature design was inspired by early 20th-century German Expressionist films. The film was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of grief and mental illness.

Description: Both 'Hereditary' and 'Cruel Peter' deal with family trauma passed down through generations, manifesting in supernatural horrors. The films share a slow-burn approach to horror, with disturbing imagery and psychological depth that lingers after viewing.

Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely praised but overlooked by major awards. The miniature houses in the film were actually built by the art department. Director Ari Aster drew inspiration from classic horror films like Rosemary's Baby.