10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Dear David (2023)

Description: Similar to 'Dear David' (2023), 'The Sixth Sense' explores themes of supernatural encounters and psychological horror. Both films involve a protagonist who is haunted by a ghostly presence, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The emotional tone of both films is deeply unsettling, with a focus on the protagonist's personal trauma and the eerie atmosphere.

Fact: The famous line 'I see dead people' was improvised by Haley Joel Osment. Bruce Willis was not allowed to appear in any promotional materials to preserve the film's twist. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: 'The Others' shares with 'Dear David' a gothic horror aesthetic and a slow-burning tension that builds to a shocking revelation. Both films deal with the theme of a haunted house and the presence of unseen entities. The psychological depth and the twist ending in 'The Others' are reminiscent of the eerie and mysterious tone of 'Dear David'.

Fact: Nicole Kidman's performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. The film was shot entirely in Spain. Director Alejandro Amenábar also composed the film's score.

Description: Like 'Dear David', 'The Orphanage' is a supernatural horror film that combines emotional drama with chilling ghostly encounters. Both films focus on a protagonist trying to uncover the truth behind mysterious events, with a strong emphasis on maternal themes and the loss of a child. The atmospheric tension and haunting visuals are key similarities.

Fact: Produced by Guillermo del Toro. The film won seven Goya Awards, including Best New Director. The child actor Roger Príncep was only 10 years old during filming.

Description: Like 'Dear David', 'Paranormal Activity' uses a found-footage style to create a sense of realism and immediacy in its supernatural horror. Both films focus on a haunting that escalates over time, with a strong emphasis on the psychological toll on the characters. The minimalist approach to horror is a key similarity.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $15,

Description: 'The Conjuring' and 'Dear David' both belong to the haunted house subgenre, with a focus on a family tormented by a malevolent spirit. The films share a reliance on atmospheric tension and jump scares, with a strong emphasis on the psychological impact of the haunting on the characters. Both are based on 'true' supernatural events.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. It was the first horror film to be shown at the Museum of Modern Art. The clap scene was improvised by the actors.

Description: 'Sinister' and 'Dear David' both involve a protagonist uncovering disturbing supernatural phenomena, with a focus on found footage and eerie visuals. The films share a sense of creeping dread and a mystery that unfolds gradually. The malevolent entities in both films are tied to a dark, hidden past.

Fact: The film's soundtrack includes songs by Boards of Canada. Ethan Hawke was initially hesitant to take the role. The lawnmower scene was inspired by a real-life nightmare.

Description: 'The Babadook' and 'Dear David' both delve into psychological horror, with a focus on a mother and child relationship strained by supernatural forces. The films share a dark, oppressive atmosphere and explore themes of grief and mental instability. The monstrous entity in 'The Babadook' parallels the haunting presence in 'Dear David'.

Fact: The Babadook became a LGBTQ+ icon symbolizing overcoming inner demons. The film was shot in just 30 days. Director Jennifer Kent drew inspiration from German Expressionist cinema.

Description: While 'A Quiet Place' is more of a creature feature, it shares with 'Dear David' a focus on family dynamics under extreme stress and a tense, atmospheric horror style. Both films use silence and sound effectively to build suspense. The emotional core of protecting loved ones is central to both stories.

Fact: John Krasinski and Emily Blunt are married in real life. The film's script was only 67 pages long. The creatures' design was inspired by nightmares.

Description: This series, like 'Dear David', is a supernatural horror story that blends family drama with ghostly encounters. Both explore the psychological impact of trauma and the lingering presence of the past. The visual storytelling and eerie atmosphere are key similarities, with both using the haunted house as a metaphor for inner turmoil.

Fact: The series features hidden ghosts in the background of many scenes. It is loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel. The show's creator, Mike Flanagan, also directed 'Doctor Sleep'.

Description: Both 'Hereditary' and 'Dear David' are horror films that blend family drama with supernatural terror. They feature a slow-building dread and shocking, visceral moments. The themes of inherited trauma and the breakdown of a family under supernatural pressure are central to both films. The visual style and unsettling tone are also similar.

Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely praised but snubbed by the Oscars. The film's climax was inspired by a real-life séance. Director Ari Aster spent over a year editing the film.