10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Others (2001)

Description: As one of the original haunted house films, 'The Haunting' shares with 'The Others' its reliance on psychological horror and suggestion rather than explicit scares. Both films feature ambiguous supernatural events that may be projections of the protagonist's mind. The black-and-white cinematography creates a similarly gothic atmosphere.

Fact: Director Robert Wise used innovative camera techniques to create unease. Julie Harris wore a back brace to help convey her character's tension. The house exteriors were shot at the actual haunted Ettington Park Hotel.

Description: This classic ghost story shares with 'The Others' a restrained, atmospheric approach to horror. Both films feature protagonists investigating supernatural occurrences in large, isolated houses, with revelations about the property's dark history. The pacing and emphasis on mood over shocks are very similar.

Fact: The film's famous séance scene was based on an actual paranormal investigation. George C. Scott took the role specifically to work with director Peter Medak. The bouncing ball scene was achieved using fishing line and careful editing.

Description: Like 'The Others', 'The Sixth Sense' is a psychological horror film that relies heavily on atmosphere and a slow-building sense of dread. Both films feature children who can see and interact with the supernatural, and both have twist endings that redefine the entire narrative. The emotional tone is similarly somber and introspective, focusing on themes of grief and the afterlife.

Fact: Bruce Willis' character was originally written as a ghost from the start, but the filmmakers decided to hide this fact to preserve the twist. The famous line 'I see dead people' was improvised by young actor Haley Joel Osment. M. Night Shyamalan wrote the script specifically with Bruce Willis in mind for the lead role.

Description: This Guillermo del Toro film shares with 'The Others' a historical setting (Spanish Civil War vs post-WWII), a ghost story centered around children, and themes of war's lingering trauma. Both films use the supernatural to explore real human tragedies, blending horror with deep emotional resonance. The visual style similarly combines gothic elements with poetic realism.

Fact: The ghost Santi's floating blood was created using condoms filled with colored liquid. The film was originally conceived as a Spanish Civil War version of 'Peter Pan'. Del Toro considers this his most personal film.

Description: Like 'The Others', 'Session 9' is a psychological horror film that gradually reveals its supernatural elements. Both films deal with themes of fractured identity and the past haunting the present. The abandoned asylum setting creates a similarly oppressive atmosphere to 'The Others'' isolated mansion.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual abandoned Danvers State Hospital. Much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors. The 'Session 9' tapes were based on real psychiatric case studies.

Description: This Spanish horror film shares with 'The Others' a gothic atmosphere, a focus on maternal grief, and a haunted house setting. Both films use ghosts as metaphors for unresolved trauma and feature protagonists who are unaware of their own connection to the supernatural events. The pacing and visual style are similarly deliberate and atmospheric.

Fact: Director J.A. Bayona was mentored by Guillermo del Toro, who served as executive producer. The film's iconic masked child was inspired by a real medical condition called hydrocephalus. The movie was Spain's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in

Description: While more overtly scary than 'The Others', 'The Conjuring' shares its period setting (1970s vs 1940s) and focus on a family experiencing supernatural phenomena in their home. Both films use classic haunted house tropes but ground them in strong character development and emotional stakes. The visual style similarly emphasizes practical effects and atmospheric lighting.

Fact: The real-life Warrens, who the film is based on, actually visited the set during filming. The clap scene was completely improvised by the actors. The film was originally rated R for being 'too scary', with no gore or violence to cut.

Description: Like 'The Others', 'The Babadook' explores themes of grief and mental illness through the lens of supernatural horror. Both films feature isolated female protagonists dealing with children who perceive threats the adults cannot see. The films share a similar slow-burn approach to horror, building tension through psychological unease rather than jump scares.

Fact: The Babadook creature design was inspired by Lon Chaney's appearance in 'London After Midnight'. The film's pop-up book was created by artist Alexander Juhasz over several months. Director Jennifer Kent originally conceived the story as a short film about sleep paralysis.

Description: This Netflix series shares with 'The Others' its focus on a haunted house and a family dealing with supernatural trauma. Both works explore how ghosts can represent unresolved emotional baggage. The visual style similarly uses long takes and careful composition to build dread.

Fact: The series features several hidden ghosts in background shots. The famous single-take episode required 7-10 takes per day. Mike Flanagan originally conceived it as a completely different story before adapting Hill House.

Description: Like 'The Others', 'Hereditary' deals with themes of family secrets, inherited trauma, and the blurred line between psychological breakdown and supernatural events. Both films feature shocking revelations about the true nature of the family unit. The cinematography similarly uses framing and composition to create unease.

Fact: Toni Collette performed all of her character's screams in one take. The miniature houses in the film were actually built by the art department, not CGI. The clicking tongue sound was created by director Ari Aster's own mouth.