If you were captivated by the eerie suspense and psychological twists of The Afflicted (2011), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similarly gripping movies and shows that delve into themes of mystery, horror, and psychological turmoil. Whether you loved the unsettling atmosphere or the unpredictable plot, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Stigmata (1999)
Description: Explores religious phenomena and bodily manifestations of spiritual torment, questioning faith and science.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the controversial case of Padre Pio, an Italian priest who reportedly bore stigmata.


The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Description: Blends courtroom drama with supernatural horror, focusing on the psychological and legal aftermath of a possession case.
Fact: Based on the real-life case of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who underwent exorcisms in the 1970s.


The Possession (2012)
Description: Centers on a family grappling with a malevolent entity, emphasizing psychological terror and familial bonds under siege.
Fact: Inspired by a supposedly haunted dybbuk box that was auctioned on eBay in


The Rite (2011)
Description: Explores the training of an exorcist, blending skepticism with chilling supernatural encounters.
Fact: Loosely based on the book 'The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist' by Matt Baglio.


Paranormal Activity (2007)
Description: Uses found-footage to depict a couple's terrifying encounters with an unseen entity, emphasizing slow-building dread.
Fact: Made on a shoestring budget of $15,000, it became one of the most profitable films ever made.


The Last Exorcism (2010)
Description: Uses a found-footage style to explore themes of faith, deception, and the unknown, centered around a skeptical preacher.
Fact: The film's ending was reshot after test audiences found the original conclusion too ambiguous.


The Conjuring (2013)
Description: A haunted house story with deep psychological and supernatural layers, emphasizing family trauma and demonic forces.
Fact: The film is based on the Perron family's alleged experiences in their Rhode Island farmhouse.


The Vatican Tapes (2015)
Description: Examines a young woman's possession and the Church's efforts to save her, blending medical and supernatural explanations.
Fact: The film's exorcism scenes were heavily researched using real Vatican documents on demonic possession.


Sinister (2012)
Description: Focuses on a writer uncovering dark secrets through disturbing home videos, blending psychological horror with supernatural elements.
Fact: The creepy soundtrack includes reversed recordings of children's songs to enhance the unsettling atmosphere.


Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
Description: Merges police procedural with demonic possession, focusing on a detective's descent into the supernatural.
Fact: Inspired by the accounts of real-life NYPD sergeant Ralph Sarchie, who investigated paranormal cases.
