Movies and Shows Like ‘Pod’ for Your Next Thrill

Description: A horror film that uses a supernatural entity as a metaphor for grief and mental illness, creating a deeply psychological and emotional narrative.

Fact: The Babadook became a cultural icon and was even embraced by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of resilience. The film's monster was created using practical effects and stop-motion animation.

Description: A found-footage horror film that dramatizes the events of a Jonestown-like cult, blending real-life horror with a documentary-style approach.

Fact: The film was loosely based on the Jonestown massacre, with the director aiming to create a realistic and chilling portrayal of cult dynamics. It was shot in a single, continuous take for some scenes to enhance realism.

Description: A found-footage horror film that delves into the psyche of a manipulative and unpredictable antagonist, creating a sense of unease and unpredictability.

Fact: The film was largely improvised, with the director and lead actor working closely to create a natural, unsettling dynamic. It was shot in just eight days.

Description: A found-footage horror film that explores the dangers of online anonymity and voyeurism, creating a modern, tech-driven sense of dread.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use a 'screen life' format, where the entire story is told through a computer screen. It was inspired by the rise of cybercrime and online predators.

Description: A surreal and intimate exploration of relationships and identity, blending psychological tension with a mysterious, almost sci-fi twist.

Fact: The film's twist was kept secret from the audience and even most of the marketing materials to preserve the surprise. It was shot in just 18 days.

Description: A psychological thriller that explores the unsettling effects of a cosmic anomaly on a group of friends, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and existential dread.

Fact: The film was shot in just five nights, with much of the dialogue improvised by the actors. The director provided the cast with daily notes to guide the story without revealing the full plot.

Description: A thriller with a dark, enigmatic protagonist whose true nature is slowly revealed, blending elements of action, horror, and psychological tension.

Fact: The film's soundtrack is heavily inspired by 1980s synthwave, adding to its retro, eerie vibe. It was originally conceived as a straightforward action movie but evolved into a more complex, genre-blending story.

Description: A slow-burning horror film that explores the disintegration of a relationship under the influence of an unknown, sinister force, blending psychological and body horror.

Fact: The film was shot in a remote location in upstate New York, which added to the isolation and tension felt by the characters. The director drew inspiration from classic relationship dramas as much as horror films.

Description: A psychological thriller that examines the lingering effects of past trauma and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, with a slow-burning tension.

Fact: The film marks the directorial debut of Joel Edgerton, who also wrote and starred in it. It was inspired by real-life experiences of bullying and revenge.

Description: A psychological horror film that delves into the mind of a man haunted by visions and paranoia, blurring the line between reality and delusion.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life Victorian-era murder cases. It was shot in Dublin, Ireland, and uses the city's eerie, historical architecture to enhance its unsettling atmosphere.