10 Movies & Shows Like The Djinn (2021)

Description: A gothic ghost story that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than jump scares. The film's twist ending recontextualizes everything that came before it.

Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in Spain. Nicole Kidman's character was written specifically for her after the director saw her in another film.

Description: A Spanish-language ghost story that combines emotional depth with supernatural scares, focusing on a mother's search for her missing child. The film's melancholic tone and gothic atmosphere create a haunting experience.

Fact: Guillermo del Toro served as a producer but had no creative input on the film. The child actors were kept away from the scarier elements of production to protect them.

Description: A supernatural horror film based on real-life paranormal investigators, featuring a malevolent entity tormenting a family. The period setting and practical effects create an authentic, unsettling feel.

Fact: The film's case files were allegedly so disturbing that the script was kept in a locked safe. It spawned an entire cinematic universe of connected films.

Description: A horror film that combines found footage elements with traditional narrative, focusing on a writer investigating gruesome home movies. The film's disturbing imagery and slow-building mystery create intense psychological horror.

Fact: The creepy home movies were inspired by real snuff film urban legends. The film's antagonist was based on a nightmare the writer had as a child.

Description: A psychological horror film that delves into grief and trauma, using supernatural elements as metaphors for emotional struggles. The film's slow-burn tension and focus on a single parent and child dynamic create a deeply unsettling atmosphere.

Fact: The Babadook was originally a short film before being expanded into a feature. The creature's design was inspired by early 20th-century German expressionist films.

Description: A psychological horror film that blurs the line between reality and illusion, centered around a haunted mirror. The non-linear storytelling and unreliable narration create a disorienting, terrifying experience.

Fact: The film was based on the director's earlier short film of the same name. The mirror used in filming was actually a custom-built prop weighing over 500 pounds.

Description: A claustrophobic supernatural mystery that unfolds primarily in a single location, blending forensic investigation with paranormal horror. The gradual revelation of the central mystery creates mounting tension.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days. The titular character was played by two different actresses - one for facial expressions and another for body scenes.

Description: An occult horror film that focuses on a grueling, months-long magical ritual. The film's commitment to authentic occult practices and its psychological intensity create a uniquely unsettling experience.

Fact: The director consulted with real occultists to ensure the ritual's accuracy. The entire film was shot in sequence to maintain the actors' emotional journey.

Description: A Korean horror film that blends supernatural elements with police procedural, creating a complex narrative about possession and cultural folklore. The film's ambiguous ending and shifting perspectives keep viewers unsettled.

Fact: The film's title in Korean translates to 'The Strangers' rather than 'The Wailing.' Director Na Hong-jin spent three years researching shamanistic rituals for the film.

Description: A family drama wrapped in supernatural horror, exploring themes of inherited trauma and mental illness. The film's meticulous pacing and shocking imagery create a sense of dread that lingers long after viewing.

Fact: The miniature models featured throughout the film were actually created by the lead actress Toni Collette's character. The film's most shocking scene was filmed in one continuous take.