If you're a fan of the eerie and surreal horror of 'Uzumaki (2024),' you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its unsettling atmosphere, psychological depth, and mind-bending visuals. Whether you crave more cosmic horror or twisted narratives, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Akira (1988)
Description: A landmark cyberpunk film with body horror, psychic powers, and societal collapse, known for its intense visuals and themes of transformation and chaos.
Fact: The film's motorcycle chase scene is one of the most meticulously animated sequences in anime history.


Boogiepop Phantom (2000)
Description: A dark, nonlinear narrative exploring existential dread, supernatural phenomena, and the psychological impact of urban legends on a group of interconnected characters.
Fact: The series is a sequel to the light novel 'Boogiepop and Others' and uses a monochromatic color palette to enhance its eerie atmosphere.


Paranoia Agent (2004)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into urban legends, collective hysteria, and the blurred line between reality and delusion, featuring surreal and unsettling visuals.
Fact: The series was directed by Satoshi Kon, known for his mind-bending narratives, and features a haunting score by Susumu Hirasawa.


Elfen Lied (2004)
Description: A brutal and emotional series that blends extreme violence with themes of isolation, trauma, and the duality of human nature, featuring surreal and grotesque imagery.
Fact: The opening sequence, set to 'Lilium,' is one of the most iconic in anime, contrasting the show's graphic content with serene visuals.


Ergo Proxy (2006)
Description: A cyberpunk mystery with philosophical undertones, exploring existential questions, identity, and the nature of reality through a dystopian lens.
Fact: The series incorporates elements of French New Wave cinema and references classic literature and philosophy.


Paprika (2006)
Description: A surreal and visually stunning film that blurs the line between dreams and reality, featuring chaotic, dreamlike sequences and psychological horror.
Fact: The film heavily influenced Christopher Nolan's 'Inception,' particularly its depiction of dream worlds.


Psycho-Pass (2012)
Description: A dystopian thriller that explores the psychological and moral implications of a surveillance state, with a focus on the darker aspects of human nature.
Fact: The series' Sibyl System, which judges citizens' mental states, was inspired by real-world predictive policing technologies.


Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Description: A dark fantasy series that explores themes of identity, transformation, and the monstrous nature of humanity, with visceral body horror and psychological depth.
Fact: The protagonist's struggle with his dual nature as a ghoul and human became a central theme, resonating with fans worldwide.


The Promised Neverland (2019)
Description: A horror-thriller that combines psychological tension with a dystopian setting, focusing on children uncovering a terrifying truth about their world.
Fact: The series was praised for its intense cliffhangers and strategic mind games between the protagonists and antagonists.


Junji Ito Collection (2018)
Description: This anime anthology adapts various horror stories from Junji Ito, known for their surreal and grotesque imagery, psychological horror, and themes of spirals and cosmic dread.
Fact: The series includes adaptations of some of Junji Ito's most famous works, such as 'The Hanging Balloons' and 'Souichi's Diary of Curses.'
