10 More Must-Watch Spine-Chillers
The Exorcist, released in 1973, remains a landmark in the horror genre, haunting audiences for decades with its chilling portrayal of demonic possession.
Directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, the film follows the harrowing journey of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a malevolent entity.
With its shocking visuals, spine-tingling sound design, and powerful performances, The Exorcist set a new standard for horror movies and continues to be celebrated as one of the scariest films of all time.
If you’re someone who relished the unnerving and unforgettable experience that The Exorcist provided, you may find yourself yearning for more cinematic thrills that will send shivers down your spine. Fortunately, the horror genre offers a plethora of other movies that delve into the realm of demonic possession, supernatural evil, and psychological terror.
This article aims to introduce you to 10 bone-chilling films that will keep you on the edge of your seat, much like The Exorcist did. And, as always, you can drop your thoughts in the comments below:
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Directed by Roman Polanski, Rosemary’s Baby is a psychological horror masterpiece that explores the supernatural and the diabolical. The film follows Rosemary, a pregnant woman who gradually discovers that her unborn child is at the centre of a sinister conspiracy. Like The Exorcist, this movie skillfully blends suspense, paranoia, and supernatural elements to create an atmosphere of unrelenting dread.
Polanski’s meticulous direction, coupled with Mia Farrow’s haunting performance, makes Rosemary’s Baby a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of evil forces lurking beneath the surface. The film’s slow-building tension and exploration of societal fears surrounding motherhood and the occult make it a must-watch for fans of The Exorcist.
The Conjuring (2013)
Drawing upon the unsettling aura of The Exorcist, The Conjuring introduces us to Ed and Lorraine Warren, real-life paranormal investigators who become involved in a terrifying case involving a family terrorized by a malevolent presence in their farmhouse. The film’s effective use of atmospheric dread, expertly crafted scares, and intense exorcism scenes evoke the same sense of palpable fear experienced in The Exorcist.
With strong performances from the cast, including Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens, The Conjuring delivers a chilling and suspenseful supernatural horror experience that will leave you gripping the edge of your seat.
Hereditary (2018)
Considered a modern horror masterpiece, Hereditary delves into the disintegration of a family in the aftermath of a tragic loss. The film explores themes of grief, guilt, and the presence of supernatural evil. Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary is a slow-burn horror that gradually builds tension with its unsettling imagery and sense of impending doom.
Toni Collette’s remarkable performance as a mother grappling with a malevolent force within her family adds to the film’s haunting and disturbing nature.
With its atmospheric cinematography, shocking twists, and profound examination of the human psyche, Hereditary is an unsettling and unforgettable horror film.
The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is a psychological horror film that follows a single mother and her young son as they confront a terrifying entity from a mysterious children’s book. The movie effectively combines supernatural elements with psychological terror, exploring themes of grief, isolation, and the darkness that resides within us.
With its atmospheric visuals and sound design, The Babadook creates an unsettling and oppressive atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
Essie Davis delivers a powerful performance as the tormented mother, showcasing the psychological toll of battling inner demons and external malevolence.
The Omen (1976)
The Omen revolves around the story of a young boy named Damien, who may be the Antichrist. Directed by Richard Donner, this classic horror film weaves a chilling tale of biblical prophecy and supernatural evil.
With its ominous tone, religious symbolism, and moments of shocking violence, The Omen captures the same sense of impending doom and spiritual terror that made The Exorcist an iconic horror film.
Gregory Peck’s portrayal of a father grappling with the realization that his son may be destined for malevolence adds to the film’s gripping and unsettling nature.
Sinister (2012)
Starring Ethan Hawke, Sinister follows a true-crime writer who discovers a box of home movies depicting gruesome murders. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a malevolent supernatural entity that begins to haunt his own family.
Sinister effectively builds tension and creates a sense of dread through its atmospheric cinematography, haunting soundtrack, and pervasive feeling of unease.
The film’s depiction of the protagonist’s descent into obsession and the sinister forces that manipulate him echoes the psychological horror elements found in The Exorcist. With its clever use of found footage and genuinely chilling moments, Sinister is a must-watch for horror fans craving a deeply unsettling experience.
The Witch (2015)
The Witch transports viewers to 17th-century New England, where a devout Puritan family is torn apart by supernatural forces. As their isolation deepens and paranoia sets in, the family begins to suspect that an evil witch is responsible for their misfortunes. The Witch explores themes of religious fervour, possession, and the breakdown of familial bonds.
The film’s meticulous attention to historical accuracy, haunting cinematography, and slow-burning tension create an unnerving atmosphere that permeates every frame.
With its emphasis on psychological horror and the supernatural, The Witch showcases a different kind of terror that will leave you questioning what lurks in the darkness.
The Last Exorcism (2010)
The Last Exorcism takes a found footage approach to the possession subgenre, following a sceptical Reverend Cotton Marcus as he agrees to perform one final exorcism on a young girl named Nell. As the seemingly routine exorcism takes unexpected turns, Reverend Marcus confronts his own beliefs and the true nature of the evil at hand.
The film examines the clash between faith and scepticism, blurring the lines between psychological manipulation and genuine supernatural occurrences.
With its intense performances and unnerving atmosphere, The Last Exorcism delivers chilling moments and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a claustrophobic and atmospheric horror film that centres around a father and son coroner team who receives an unidentified female body for autopsy. As they delve deeper into the examination, they uncover increasingly disturbing and inexplicable phenomena.
The film combines elements of supernatural horror with a procedural investigation, creating a sense of mounting dread and unearthing dark secrets.
The film’s tight pacing, exceptional performances by Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch, and its skilful use of suspense and eerie imagery make The Autopsy of Jane Doe a chilling and unsettling experience for horror enthusiasts.
The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, The Devil’s Backbone is a haunting tale set in an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. As a young boy named Carlos becomes entangled in the secrets of the orphanage, he encounters the ghost of a deceased child and uncovers a malevolent presence.
Echoing the supernatural elements and psychological depth of The Exorcist, this film explores themes of loss, trauma, and the lasting impact of violence. Del Toro’s masterful direction, coupled with stunning visuals and a poignant narrative, creates an atmospheric and emotionally resonant horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
There we have it, our list of movies like The Exorcist. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: