If you were captivated by the eerie psychological tension of 'John and the Hole' (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that delve into unsettling themes of isolation, manipulation, and psychological horror. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn thrillers or dark coming-of-age tales, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A folk horror masterpiece that blends psychological tension with cultural and religious themes, creating an atmosphere of dread and inevitability.
Fact: The film was originally released as a B-movie but has since been recognized as one of the greatest horror films of all time.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic psychological horror that plays with perception and reality, focusing on isolation and the unseen forces within a household.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on natural light to enhance its eerie and claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting tale of grief and the supernatural, blending emotional depth with chilling horror elements.
Fact: The film's director, though Spanish, was heavily influenced by classic British ghost stories, giving it a unique atmospheric quality.


Under the Skin (2013)
Description: A surreal and minimalist take on horror, exploring alienation and the human condition through an otherworldly perspective.
Fact: Many of the scenes featuring non-actors were filmed with hidden cameras, adding to the film's unsettling realism.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Explores psychological horror through the lens of familial tension and repressed emotions, creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers.
Fact: The Babadook was initially rejected by several film festivals before gaining critical acclaim and becoming a cult classic.


The Gift (2015)
Description: A psychological thriller that examines the lingering effects of past trauma and the unsettling intrusion of an outsider into a seemingly stable life.
Fact: The film's director also starred in it, marking his debut as both actor and filmmaker in a major motion picture.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A slow-burning psychological thriller with a surreal, almost clinical tone, focusing on moral dilemmas and the breakdown of a family under inexplicable circumstances.
Fact: The film's dialogue was intentionally written to be unnatural and stilted, adding to its eerie and unsettling vibe.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: Delves into themes of inherited trauma and psychological horror, with a focus on family dynamics and the unraveling of sanity.
Fact: The miniature models featured in the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist actress, adding a meta-layer to the story.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: A psychological descent into madness, characterized by its stark black-and-white visuals and intense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot on 35mm black-and-white film stock to achieve its distinctive, vintage look.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A visually striking exploration of psychological horror and emotional isolation, set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic but sinister community.
Fact: The film's daylight horror approach was inspired by classic folk horror, subverting traditional dark and shadowy horror tropes.
