10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Conjuring (2013)

Description: Similar to The Conjuring, The Exorcist is a cornerstone of the horror genre, focusing on demonic possession and the battle between good and evil. Both films are based on supposedly true events, adding a layer of realism and fear. They also feature strong religious themes and the involvement of clergy in combating supernatural forces.

Fact: The Exorcist was the first horror film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's production was plagued by rumors of a curse, including fires on set and injuries to cast members. The pea soup used in the famous vomit scene was actually a mix of split pea soup and oatmeal.

Description: The Amityville Horror, like The Conjuring, is based on allegedly true events of a haunted house. Both films feature families experiencing terrifying supernatural phenomena and the involvement of paranormal investigators.

Fact: The Amityville Horror was based on a book that claimed to be a true story, though many details have been disputed. The real Amityville house still stands and has had numerous owners since the events. The film's iconic 'red room' was not mentioned in the original accounts.

Description: The Others shares with The Conjuring a gothic atmosphere and a focus on a family experiencing supernatural events in their home. Both films rely on psychological tension and slow reveals rather than jump scares, with twist endings that redefine the story.

Fact: The Others was filmed almost entirely on location in a mansion in Spain. Nicole Kidman's character was written specifically for her. The film's twist ending was kept secret from the cast until filming to preserve their genuine reactions.

Description: The Orphanage, like The Conjuring, combines supernatural horror with deep emotional storytelling about family and loss. Both films feature haunted locations with tragic pasts and use children as central figures in the supernatural occurrences.

Fact: The Orphanage was produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also helped shape its visual style. The film's creepy child character, Tomás, was played by a girl to make him appear more androgynous. The movie's ending was changed during production to make it more emotionally impactful.

Description: Paranormal Activity, like The Conjuring, is presented as being based on true events and uses a documentary-style approach to heighten realism. Both films involve demonic entities haunting a home, with escalating terror that culminates in a dramatic climax.

Fact: Paranormal Activity was made for just $15,000 but grossed over $193 million worldwide. The film was shot in the director's own house to save money. The original ending was much darker but was changed after test audiences found it too disturbing.

Description: Sinister shares with The Conjuring a focus on supernatural entities terrorizing a family, with a particular emphasis on the vulnerability of children. Both films use found footage elements to enhance realism and suspense. The atmospheric tension and slow-building dread are hallmarks of both movies.

Fact: Sinister's antagonist, Bughuul, is inspired by pagan deities associated with child abduction. The film's director, Scott Derrickson, insisted on using real Super 8 footage to create an authentic feel. The movie's soundtrack includes unsettling noises recorded in a haunted house.

Description: Like The Conjuring, The Babadook explores the theme of a malevolent presence affecting a family, with a strong psychological horror element. Both films delve into the emotional and mental toll of supernatural encounters, blending horror with deep character studies.

Fact: The Babadook was made on a modest budget of $2 million but became a critical and commercial success. The creature's design was inspired by Lon Chaney's Phantom of the Opera and Nosferatu. The film has been interpreted as an allegory for grief and depression.

Description: Annabelle is a direct spin-off from The Conjuring, sharing the same universe and many thematic elements. Both films feature demonic entities manifesting through everyday objects, with a strong focus on the terror they bring to ordinary families.

Fact: The Annabelle doll in the film is based on a real Raggedy Ann doll that is allegedly haunted. The real doll is kept in a glass case at the Warrens' occult museum with a warning not to touch it. The film's production was so intense that crew members reported strange occurrences on set.

Description: The Nun is another spin-off from The Conjuring series, sharing its gothic atmosphere and focus on religious horror. Both films feature the demon Valak and explore themes of faith versus evil in a historical setting.

Fact: The Nun's costume was inspired by Marilyn Manson's aesthetic. The film's setting, a Romanian abbey, was actually a constructed set built for the movie. The character of the Nun first appeared in The Conjuring 2 before getting her own film.

Description: Hereditary and The Conjuring both center around families tormented by supernatural forces, with a strong emphasis on inherited trauma and curses. Both films feature meticulously crafted atmospheres of dread and shocking, unforgettable imagery.

Fact: Hereditary was director Ari Aster's debut feature film. The miniature models in the film were all created by the protagonist actress Toni Collette's character. The film's most shocking scene was kept secret from the actors until filming to capture genuine reactions.