Movies Like From the Dark for Horror Fans

Description: A gothic horror story that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than gore. The film's clever narrative structure and themes of isolation and denial create a profoundly eerie experience.

Fact: The film was shot almost entirely using natural light or candlelight to maintain its atmospheric quality. Nicole Kidman's character's strict hairstyle was inspired by photographs of women during World War II.

Description: A gothic horror tale set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, blending historical drama with supernatural elements. The film's melancholic tone and exploration of childhood innocence lost create a unique horror experience.

Fact: This was Guillermo del Toro's first Spanish-language film since his debut. The ghost's design was inspired by medical specimens del Toro saw in a museum as a child.

Description: A psychological horror film that uses the decaying environment of an abandoned asylum to create unease. The film's fragmented narrative and unreliable perspectives build a sense of creeping madness.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual Danvers State Mental Hospital, which was scheduled for demolition. Many of the creepy audio tapes featured in the film were improvised by the actors during production.

Description: A claustrophobic horror film that combines physical terror with psychological breakdown. The underground setting and all-female cast create a unique dynamic of fear and survival instincts.

Fact: The cave scenes were filmed in a studio set that was only slightly larger than the actual spaces depicted. The original UK ending was significantly darker than the version released in some other countries.

Description: A haunting ghost story that balances emotional depth with supernatural scares. The film's focus on maternal grief and childhood trauma gives its horror elements profound emotional weight.

Fact: Director J.A. Bayona made his feature debut with this film, which was produced by Guillermo del Toro. The creepy children's game featured in the film was based on a real Spanish children's game called '1, 2, 3, toca la pared.'

Description: A psychological horror film that delves into themes of grief and maternal struggle, using a supernatural entity as a metaphor for emotional trauma. The film's slow-burning tension and atmospheric dread create a deeply unsettling experience.

Fact: The Babadook was originally conceived as a short film, but its success at festivals led to a feature-length adaptation. The creature's design was inspired by early 20th-century German expressionist films.

Description: A claustrophobic horror mystery that unfolds in a single location, blending supernatural elements with forensic investigation. The gradual revelation of the titular character's secrets creates mounting dread.

Fact: The actress playing Jane Doe had to remain completely still for hours during filming, even holding her breath during close-ups. The film was shot in just 20 days on a relatively small budget.

Description: A unique take on occult horror that focuses on the grueling process of a magical ritual. The film's realism in depicting esoteric practices and its intense character study create a profoundly unsettling atmosphere.

Fact: The director spent years researching actual occult rituals to ensure authenticity. The film's magical system is based on real-world hermetic practices rather than fictional inventions.

Description: A complex horror-thriller that blends supernatural elements with police procedural, creating a sense of pervasive dread. The film's ambiguous nature and cultural-specific folklore make it particularly haunting.

Fact: The film's title in Korean ('Goksung') refers to both the name of the village where it's set and a term meaning 'the sound of weeping.' Director Na Hong-jin incorporated elements from his own nightmares into the story.

Description: This film explores family trauma and inherited guilt through a harrowing supernatural lens. Its meticulous pacing, disturbing imagery, and emphasis on psychological horror make it a standout in the genre.

Fact: Hereditary features one of the most shocking and talked-about scenes in modern horror, involving a telephone pole. The film's miniature dioramas were created by the protagonist actress herself, adding a meta-layer to the story.