If you enjoyed the chilling horror of 'The Assent' (2020) and are craving more spine-tingling supernatural thrillers, you're in the right place. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver similar eerie atmospheres, demonic possession themes, and psychological terror. Whether you're a horror enthusiast or just looking for your next fright night pick, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Exorcist (1973)
Description: A classic horror film centered around demonic possession, featuring intense psychological and supernatural elements.
Fact: The Exorcist was the first horror film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's infamous 'pea soup' scene used a mix of split pea soup and oatmeal.
Watch Now 
Stigmata (1999)
Description: A supernatural horror film that explores religious phenomena and possession, with a focus on bodily manifestations of spiritual torment.
Fact: Stigmata's soundtrack features music by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins. The film's plot was inspired by the controversial Gospel of Thomas, a non-canonical Christian text.
Watch Now 
The Possession (2012)
Description: A supernatural horror film centered around a cursed object and its terrifying effects on a family, blending Jewish folklore with modern horror.
Fact: The Possession is based on a true story involving a dybbuk box, a haunted wine cabinet. The film's marketing campaign included a real dybbuk box being auctioned on eBay.
Watch Now 
The Rite (2011)
Description: A horror film inspired by true events, focusing on a skeptical priest who confronts demonic possession during his exorcism training.
Fact: The Rite is based on the book 'The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist' by Matt Baglio. The film's exorcism scenes were choreographed with input from real-life exorcists.
Watch Now 
The Last Exorcism (2010)
Description: A found-footage horror film that follows a disillusioned priest performing his final exorcism, only to encounter genuine supernatural forces.
Fact: The Last Exorcism was shot in just 18 days. The film's ending was reshot after test audiences found the original conclusion too bleak.
Watch Now 
The Conjuring (2013)
Description: A modern horror film based on real-life paranormal investigations, blending supernatural terror with psychological tension.
Fact: The Conjuring is part of a larger cinematic universe that includes spin-offs like Annabelle and The Nun. The film's events are allegedly based on the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Watch Now 
Sinister (2012)
Description: A horror film that combines found footage with traditional storytelling, focusing on a malevolent entity tied to gruesome home videos.
Fact: Sinister's soundtrack includes unsettling noises created by a band called Boards of Canada. The film's antagonist, Bughuul, is based on a Pagan deity associated with children.
Watch Now 
The Babadook (2014)
Description: A horror film that explores grief and mental illness through the lens of a supernatural entity, creating a deeply psychological experience.
Fact: The Babadook became a cultural icon and was even embraced as a LGBTQ+ symbol due to its themes of overcoming inner demons. The creature's design was inspired by early 20th-century German expressionist films.
Watch Now 
Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
Description: A supernatural horror film based on real-life accounts of a police officer encountering demonic forces, blending crime drama with exorcism themes.
Fact: Deliver Us from Evil is inspired by the memoirs of NYPD sergeant Ralph Sarchie. The film's exorcism scene was filmed in a real abandoned psychiatric hospital.
Watch Now 
Hereditary (2018)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into family trauma and supernatural occurrences, with a slow-burning, unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: Hereditary was director Ari Aster's debut feature film. The miniature models seen in the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist, reflecting the film's themes of control and fate.
Watch Now 
