10 Spine-Chilling Movies & Shows Similar to The Medium (2021)

Description: 'The Others' and 'The Medium' share a gothic atmosphere and a focus on the supernatural haunting a family. Both films play with the audience's perception of reality, leaving them questioning what is real and what is imagined. The emotional tone is melancholic, with a strong emphasis on maternal figures and their sacrifices.

Fact: 'The Others' stars Nicole Kidman. The film was a critical and commercial success. It is known for its twist ending.

Description: 'The Grudge' and 'The Medium' both draw on Asian horror traditions, with curses that transcend generations. The films feature vengeful spirits and the inescapable nature of their wrath. The visual style is eerie, with a focus on atmospheric dread rather than gore.

Fact: 'The Grudge' is a remake of a Japanese film. It stars Sarah Michelle Gellar. The film's ghost, Kayako, is one of horror's most iconic figures.

Description: Like 'The Medium', 'The Orphanage' combines supernatural horror with deep emotional storytelling. Both films explore themes of loss, grief, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. The horror is psychological, with a slow build-up that leads to a devastating climax.

Fact: 'The Orphanage' was produced by Guillermo del Toro. It was Spain's official submission for the Oscars. The film's ending is both heartbreaking and terrifying.

Description: Both 'Paranormal Activity' and 'The Medium' use a pseudo-documentary style to explore supernatural occurrences. The films rely on slow-building tension and the fear of the unseen. The horror is intimate, focusing on how supernatural events disrupt ordinary lives.

Fact: 'Paranormal Activity' was made on a shoestring budget. It became one of the most profitable films ever. The film spawned multiple sequels.

Description: 'The Conjuring' shares with 'The Medium' a focus on real-life paranormal investigators and their encounters with malevolent spirits. Both films are rooted in folklore and superstition, with a strong emphasis on the cultural and religious aspects of exorcism. The storytelling is tense and atmospheric, relying on slow-building dread rather than jump scares.

Fact: 'The Conjuring' is based on the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film spawned a successful cinematic universe. It was praised for its old-school horror techniques.

Description: 'Sinister' and 'The Medium' both involve investigations into supernatural phenomena that uncover horrifying truths. The films use found footage and documentary-style elements to create a sense of realism. The horror is visceral, with a focus on the corruption of innocence and the inescapability of evil.

Fact: 'Sinister' features Ethan Hawke. The film's soundtrack was composed by members of the band Muse. It was praised for its effective use of jump scares.

Description: Both 'The Babadook' and 'The Medium' use horror as a metaphor for mental illness and unresolved trauma. The films feature strong female protagonists grappling with supernatural forces that may or may not be manifestations of their psychological struggles. The visual style is dark and moody, enhancing the sense of dread.

Fact: 'The Babadook' became a cult classic. The monster was inspired by German expressionist cinema. The film's director also wrote the children's book featured in the movie.

Description: 'The Wailing' and 'The Medium' both delve into shamanistic rituals and the clash between traditional beliefs and modernity. The films share a rural setting where superstition and fear of the unknown drive the narrative. The horror is deeply rooted in cultural specificity, making the supernatural elements feel more authentic and terrifying.

Fact: 'The Wailing' is a South Korean horror film. It was a box office hit in Korea. The film's ending is famously ambiguous.

Description: Similar to 'The Medium' (2021), 'The Exorcist' (2016) delves into themes of demonic possession and the blurred lines between mental illness and supernatural phenomena. Both films explore the psychological and physical toll on those involved in exorcisms, with a strong focus on family dynamics and the struggle between faith and skepticism. The visual aesthetics in both films are dark and unsettling, enhancing the horror elements.

Fact: 'The Exorcist' (2016) is a TV series continuation of the original 1973 film. The series was praised for its modern take on the classic story while maintaining its terrifying essence. It was canceled after two seasons despite critical acclaim.

Description: Like 'The Medium', 'Hereditary' explores family trauma and inherited curses, blending psychological horror with supernatural elements. Both films feature a slow-burn narrative that culminates in intense, horrifying climaxes. The emotional tone is deeply unsettling, with a focus on grief and the breakdown of familial bonds.

Fact: 'Hereditary' was Toni Collette's first horror film. The film's director, Ari Aster, drew inspiration from personal grief. It features one of the most shocking scenes in modern horror.