Down The Horror Rabbit Hole
Run Rabbit Run is the latest psychological chiller on Netflix, and it certainly packs one heck of an eerie punch!
For those who have finished and are looking for alternate picks, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top choices for alternate viewing.
As usual, let us know your thoughts about our picks in the comments below!
The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is a psychological horror film about a single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, who battles with her son’s fear of a monster lurking in the house. However, she soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.
The Babadook is not just a horror film, but a complex exploration of grief and depression. This is similar to Run Rabbit Run’s main thematic weight too. Its brilliance lies in the ability to blend horror with a compelling narrative about a mother and son dealing with emotional trauma. The film uses the Babadook not just as a literal monster, but also as a metaphor for the oppressive weight of grief.
The Machinist (2004)
The Machinist is a psychological thriller about an industrial worker called Trevor Reznik. He hasn’t slept in a year, and his insomnia has led to severe weight loss and mental instability. When Trevor unintentionally causes an accident at work, his life becomes even more complicated.
The film’s narrative is amplified by Christian Bale’s incredibly dedicated performance (he actually lost 60 pounds for the role!) The movie offers a complex exploration of guilt, obsession, and the effects of severe insomnia. The film’s dark atmosphere and increasing tension is very similar to Run Rabbit Run’s tone too.
Umma (2023)
Umma (which is Korean for “mother”) is about Amanda and her daughter, who live a quiet life on an American farm. However, when the remains of her estranged mother arrive from Korea, Amanda is haunted and fearful of turning into her own mother.
Umma presents a unique blend of horror and family drama, boasting a chilling exploration of generational trauma and identity. Its effectiveness comes from the ability to balance supernatural spooks with relatable and human fears.
The Witch (2015)
Plot Description: The Witch is a historical supernatural horror set in 17th century New England. It follows a Puritan family who seemingly encounter forces of evil in the woods beyond their farm. But is this really the truth? Or is this all imaginary?
The Witch plays with this question a lot across its run, becoming an intriguing and chilling exploration of hysteria, religion, and unknown forces at work. This is a slow-burn horror, and a constant, creeping dread.
The film is has excellent historical accuracy and really excels with its eerie, atmospheric storytelling. Fans of Run Rabbit Run should be in their element with this one!
Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Goodnight Mommy is an Austrian psychological horror film, and the original is far superior to the remake that came out last year. After undergoing cosmetic facial surgery, a mother comes home to her twin sons, who both start doubting her identity. This consuming paranoia soon escalates into a horrifying ordeal as the pair strive to uncover the truth.
Goodnight Mommy offers a chilling, suspenseful story that’s enhanced by its isolated setting and fantastic performances by its young leads. The film excels in creating a tense atmosphere, continually challenging audiences with its ambiguous narrative and shocking twists.
The Others (2001)
The Others is a psychological horror about a woman named Grace who, along with her two photosensitive children, live in a dark, old mansion waiting for her husband to return from war. Unfortunately, all is not well in the house, and Grace starts to become paranoid, believing that there might be others in the house.
The Others is a little gem from 2001 and it really works well to suffocate audiences in atmospheric tension, heightened by a memorable performance by Nicole Kidman. The movie uses suspense rather than gore to create fear, and with a narrative filled with plot twists and haunting revelations, should whet the appetite for anyone after an intriguing horror.
Lovely Molly (2011)
Lovely Molly is a horror about a newlywed woman who moves into her deceased father’s house. When she gets there, she begins experiencing a series of disturbing events that lead her down a dark path into exploring her past.
Lovely Molly effectively combines psychological horror with supernatural drama, leaving viewers uncertain about whether the protagonist’s terrifying experiences are supernatural or the result of psychological deterioration. This element of uncertainty makes it a prime watch for any fans of Run Rabbit Run.
Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is a divisive supernatural horror, which is very much a love/hate affair. The story is undoubtedly intriguing though, as it centers on the Graham family and what happens to them.
After the death of their secretive grandmother, the family begins to unravel cryptic and terrifying secrets about their ancestry, forcing them to try and outrun the fate they have inherited.
Hereditary excels with its careful and suspenseful build-up of horror, blending that in with a fantastic performance by Toni Collette. The film’s exploration of grief, trauma, and family dynamics, makes it a must-watch if you haven’t seen it already.
The Canal (2014)
The Canal is a horror about a film archivist who sees footage from a 1902 murder scene that took place in his house. Shortly after, his wife goes missing under mysterious circumstances, and he starts to suspect his house is haunted.
The Canal delivers a chilling tale about guilt, paranoia, and the supernatural, all of which themes that Run Rabbit Run inhabits. The film maintains a consistent atmosphere of dread, combined with unexpected plot twists, to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
A Tale of Two Sisters is a South Korean psychological horror. The central character here is a girl institutionalized for a shockingly violent act. She and her sister return to live with their father and cruel stepmother, but in doing so, encounter horrifying visions and dark secrets.
The film excels with a gripping narrative, haunting visuals, and a lot of psychological depth. A Tale of Two Sisters blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, creating a deep sense of uneasy dread throughout. There’s also a lot of discussion regarding emotional trauma, which adds further depth to this one, making it a horror that’s as tragic as it is frightening.
There we have it, our list of best movies that are similar to Run Rabbit Run. What do you think about our picks? Did one of your favourites make the list? Let us know in the comments below!