If you loved the dark, mythological horror of 'Tumbbad' (2018), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its eerie atmosphere, rich folklore, and gripping storytelling. Whether you're a fan of supernatural horror or immersive world-building, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Description: A gothic horror story set against a historical backdrop, combining ghostly apparitions with deep emotional and political undertones.
Fact: The film is often considered a spiritual prequel to 'Pan's Labyrinth,' sharing similar themes and settings.


Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
Description: A dark fantasy film that intertwines brutal reality with mythical elements, creating a haunting and visually stunning narrative about innocence and brutality.
Fact: The Pale Man creature was inspired by Francisco Goya's painting 'Saturn Devouring His Son.'


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores grief and mental illness through the lens of a terrifying folktale, with a strong emphasis on emotional depth and atmospheric dread.
Fact: The Babadook monster became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon after the film's release, symbolizing repressed emotions.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: A claustrophobic horror film that unravels a dark mystery through a forensic investigation, blending supernatural horror with a chilling, methodical narrative.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and the titular character, Jane Doe, was played by a real-life contortionist.


A Dark Song (2016)
Description: A deeply atmospheric horror film centered around occult rituals and the supernatural, with a focus on slow-building tension and psychological horror.
Fact: The film's depiction of the Abramelin ritual is based on real occult practices described in a medieval grimoire.


Baskin (2015)
Description: A visceral and surreal horror film that delves into nightmarish imagery and themes of hellish descent, with a strong emphasis on visual horror and psychological torment.
Fact: The film's title refers to a Turkish children's game similar to 'tag,' contrasting sharply with its gruesome content.


The Wailing (2016)
Description: A slow-burning horror film that blends folklore, supernatural elements, and psychological terror, creating an atmosphere of dread and mystery.
Fact: The film's title in Korean, 'Goksung,' refers to a shamanic ritual to summon spirits. It was a major box office success in South Korea.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling horror film that combines family drama with supernatural horror, featuring slow-building tension and shocking, visceral imagery.
Fact: The miniature models seen in the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist actress in real life.


The Lighthouse (2019)
Description: A psychological horror film shot in black-and-white, featuring surreal and claustrophobic storytelling, with themes of isolation and madness.
Fact: The film was shot on 35mm black-and-white film stock to achieve its distinctive, grainy aesthetic.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A folk horror film that uses bright, daylight settings to create an eerie contrast with its disturbing and ritualistic themes, blending beauty with horror.
Fact: The film's flower-covered maypole dance was inspired by real Swedish midsummer traditions.
