10 Movies & Shows Similar to When Evil Lurks (2023)

Description: This film shares with 'When Evil Lurks' a rural setting where evil forces prey on isolated families. Both films feature a relentless, oppressive atmosphere and a focus on the disintegration of family bonds under supernatural pressure. The visual style is similarly bleak, with a muted color palette that enhances the sense of despair.

Fact: The film was shot on a farm in Texas, which added to the authenticity of the rural setting. Director Bryan Bertino is known for his work on 'The Strangers', another film about home invasion and terror. The film's score was composed by Tom Schraeder, who used unconventional instruments to create an unsettling soundscape.

Description: Like 'When Evil Lurks', 'The Babadook' explores the theme of evil manifesting within the home, with a strong focus on the psychological horror of the characters. Both films use a dark, oppressive visual style to create a sense of claustrophobia and dread. The emotional tone is similarly intense, dealing with themes of grief and mental instability.

Fact: 'The Babadook' was director Jennifer Kent's debut feature film. The film's monster, the Babadook, has become a cultural icon, even appearing in LGBTQ+ pride events as a symbol of overcoming inner demons. The film was shot in just 30 days on a modest budget.

Description: Both 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' and 'When Evil Lurks' feature a forensic, almost clinical approach to horror, with a focus on uncovering the truth behind supernatural events. The films share a claustrophobic setting and a gradual reveal of the horror, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and tension.

Fact: The film's director, André Øvredal, is also known for 'Trollhunter'. The role of Jane Doe was played by actress Olwen Catherine Kelly, who had to remain completely still for hours during filming. The film was praised for its realistic depiction of autopsy procedures.

Description: 'A Dark Song' and 'When Evil Lurks' both delve into the occult, with a focus on rituals and the summoning of dark forces. Both films feature a slow, methodical buildup of tension and a stark, realistic visual style. The emotional tone is similarly heavy, dealing with themes of guilt and redemption.

Fact: The film's director, Liam Gavin, spent years researching occult rituals to ensure accuracy. The film was shot in just 20 days on a very low budget. The lead actress, Catherine Walker, performed many of her own stunts.

Description: Like 'When Evil Lurks', 'Pyewacket' deals with the consequences of summoning dark forces, with a focus on the emotional and psychological impact on the characters. Both films feature a slow-building tension and a stark, naturalistic visual style. The emotional tone is similarly dark, dealing with themes of regret and desperation.

Fact: The film's title refers to a name for a familiar spirit in folklore. Director Adam MacDonald also starred in the film 'Backcountry'. The film was shot in a remote forest location, which added to the isolation and tension.

Description: Similar to 'When Evil Lurks', 'The Wailing' is a horror film that delves into themes of demonic possession and the breakdown of societal norms in the face of supernatural evil. Both films feature a slow-burning tension that escalates into full-blown horror, with a strong emphasis on the psychological and emotional toll on the characters. The visual aesthetics in both films are gritty and realistic, enhancing the sense of dread.

Fact: 'The Wailing' was inspired by real-life events in a small South Korean village. The film's director, Na Hong-jin, spent over six years developing the script. It was a major box office success in South Korea, becoming one of the highest-grossing horror films in the country's history.

Description: 'The Empty Man' and 'When Evil Lurks' both explore the idea of a malevolent force spreading through a community, with a focus on the psychological and physical toll it takes on the characters. Both films feature a mix of supernatural horror and detective-like investigation, with a visually striking style.

Fact: The film was based on a graphic novel by Cullen Bunn. Director David Prior originally worked in documentary filmmaking, which influenced the film's realistic tone. The film's production was troubled, with extensive reshoots and delays.

Description: 'The Devil's Doorway' and 'When Evil Lurks' both explore the theme of evil infiltrating a religious or sacred space, with a focus on the breakdown of faith and sanity. Both films use a found-footage style to create a sense of realism and immediacy. The emotional tone is similarly intense and unsettling.

Fact: The film was shot in a real abandoned asylum in Ireland. Director Aislinn Clarke is one of the few female directors in the found-footage horror genre. The film's script was inspired by real-life reports of paranormal activity in religious institutions.

Description: 'Hereditary' shares with 'When Evil Lurks' a focus on familial trauma and the insidious nature of evil that infiltrates a family. Both films use a slow-building narrative to create an atmosphere of unease, culminating in shocking and visceral horror. The emotional tone is similarly bleak, with both films exploring grief and despair.

Fact: Toni Collette's performance in 'Hereditary' is often cited as one of the best in horror cinema. The film's director, Ari Aster, drew inspiration from his own family's history of mental illness. The miniature models in the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist, reflecting the film's themes of control and manipulation.

Description: Both 'The Wind' and 'When Evil Lurks' are set in isolated, rural environments where the characters are tormented by unseen forces. The films share a slow-burning narrative and a focus on the psychological horror of isolation and paranoia. The visual style is similarly bleak and atmospheric.

Fact: The film is set in the American frontier in the late 1800s. Director Emma Tammi drew inspiration from classic Westerns and horror films. The film's sound design was particularly praised for creating an unsettling atmosphere.