27 Horror Movies Like The Conjuring
Looking for the best horror movies like The Conjuring?
The Conjuring feels to be a rebirth of early 2000s horror to me, but with more emphasis on storyline (which I love), and if you’re a horror fan that hasn’t seen it – what are you waiting for?
To be fair, I’m writing this post assuming you have seen The Conjuring, enjoyed it and are interested in finding more films that have the same look, feel or storyline… if that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
These are the best horror movies like The Conjuring that I’ve come across, which is next on your list?
Best Horror Movies Like The Conjuring
1. Insidious (2010)
Insidious dives into the realm of the supernatural, centering on a family whose son inexplicably enters a comatose state and becomes a vessel for ghosts in an astral dimension.
As the family seeks help, they uncover a sinister realm known as ‘The Further’. This film is perfect for The Conjuring fans due to its intense atmosphere, jump scares, and a gripping storyline that blurs the lines between the living and the spectral.
It’s worth noting that despite the fact that there are similarities in cast and crew between the two movies, Insidious and The Conjuring are NOT in the same film “universe.”
2. Sinister (2012)
In Sinister, a true-crime writer discovers a collection of disturbing home movies that suggest the murder of the previous family in his new home was not an isolated incident.
The movie’s use of super 8 footage as a plot device creates an eerie backdrop, making it ideal for fans of The Conjuring who appreciate a deep, dark backstory coupled with supernatural elements.
3. Annabelle (2014)
A spin-off from The Conjuring universe, Annabelle focuses on the backstory of the haunted doll from the original film.
After a young couple brings Annabelle home, they begin to experience terrifying supernatural occurrences. This film expands on the dark and oppressive atmosphere familiar to The Conjuring fans, providing a mix of tension and terror that delves into demonic possession.
It’s worth noting that this film is loosely based on a true story and a real haunted doll.
4. The Amityville Horror (1979)
The Amityville Horror is a classic in the horror genre that follows a family as they move into a house where a mass murder was committed. They soon experience strange and frightening events.
With its foundation in real-life events, this movie is a must-watch for those who are captivated by haunted house stories and chilling narratives, much like The Conjuring. Note that the 1979 version is not the one where you get to see Ryan Reynolds shirtless – you’ll need to look to a remake for that.
5. Poltergeist (1982)
Poltergeist explores the haunting of a suburban family’s home by malevolent ghosts that communicate through their television set and ultimately abduct the youngest daughter.
Its groundbreaking visual effects and child-centric horror make it a compelling choice for The Conjuring enthusiasts looking for both supernatural encounters and emotional depth.
6. The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is a psychological horror about a widow and her son who discover a sinister presence lurking within a children’s book. As they confront their grief and fears, the line between reality and nightmares blurs.
This film is ideal for The Conjuring fans who appreciate a horror film that delivers scares through atmosphere and emotional intensity rather than gore.
7. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Paranormal Activity uses a found-footage style to document the disturbing experiences of a couple haunted by a supernatural presence in their home.
Its minimalistic approach maximizes the feeling of realism and suspense, perfect for fans of The Conjuring who enjoy an escalating horror that builds to a terrifying climax.
8. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary follows a family unraveling cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry. The movie combines psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating an unsettling atmosphere of dread.
Fans of The Conjuring will find Hereditary’s focus on family and its sinister undercurrents especially compelling. I will mention that I enjoy the story more in The Conjuring, I find Hereditary to be more about the fear factor and “horror elegance.”
9. Pet Sematary (1989)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Pet Sematary explores the dark side of grief and resurrection when a family discovers a mysterious burial ground behind their new home.
The themes of death and what lies beyond, paired with the chilling atmosphere, make it an excellent match for those drawn to the eerie, unsettling narrative style of The Conjuring.
10. The Woman in Black (2012)
In The Woman in Black, a young solicitor travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.
The film’s gothic atmosphere and story of loss and revenge resonate well with The Conjuring fans, offering plenty of chilling moments and a haunting setting.
11. The Others (2001)
The Others features Nicole Kidman as a woman living in a dark, secluded mansion with her two photosensitive children, convinced that their home is haunted.
The film masterfully uses suspense and a slow-building tension rather than overt horror, making it a great choice for fans of The Conjuring who enjoy a strong psychological twist and atmospheric storytelling.
12. The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch tells the unsettling tale of a Puritan family encountering forces of evil in the woods beyond their farm.
The film’s meticulous attention to historical detail and its eerie, immersive atmosphere make it perfect for The Conjuring fans interested in folklore-based horror and the descent into paranoia.
13. The Ring (2002)
The Ring is a remake of the Japanese horror film about a cursed videotape that kills the viewer seven days after watching it.
Its blend of mystery and supernatural elements, along with a relentless dread and a race against time, offers a gripping experience similar to the chilling suspense found in The Conjuring.
This is probably one of my favorite horror movies of all time, probably because it reminds me of my entrance into horror fun as a teen. But it is full of early 2000s horror cheese.
14. It Follows (2014)
It Follows deals with a supernatural entity passed through sexual contact, haunting its victims with relentless pursuit.
The concept of an inescapable curse creates a pervasive sense of dread that matches the atmospheric tension fans love in The Conjuring. The film’s unique and modern take on horror tropes makes it a standout recommendation.
If you want a fresh-feeling horror flick (assuming you haven’t seen it), then It Follows is for you.
15. Oculus (2013)
Oculus”centers around a haunted mirror that causes hallucinations and has a grim history. The siblings confronting this malevolent object must unravel their past and question their reality.
This film is ideal for those who appreciate The Conjuring’s blend of psychological horror with supernatural phenomena.
16. The Grudge (2004)
An American nurse living and working in Tokyo is exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse, one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim.
The non-linear storytelling and creepy visuals make The Grudge a fitting choice for fans of the unsettling, jump-scare-filled narrative style of The Conjuring.
17. 1408 (2007)
Based on Stephen King’s short story, 1408 follows a skeptical author as he encounters genuine terror when staying in a notorious hotel room.
The psychological horror and claustrophobic elements blend well with chilling, supernatural occurrences, appealing to The Conjuring fans who enjoy a mix of mind-bending and ghostly frights.
18. The Orphanage (2007)
The Orphanage combines elements of a haunted house film with the emotional depth of a psychological drama.
A woman’s return to her childhood orphanage with her family leads to her son’s mysterious disappearance and a chilling search for the truth. It’s perfect for those who appreciate The Conjuring’s emotional storytelling alongside their scares.
19. The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
Documenting a family’s supernatural ordeal in their new home, which used to be a mortuary, The Haunting in Connecticut crafts a horrifying narrative of hauntings and historical secrets.
Like The Conjuring, it delivers on both atmospheric tension and a deeply unsettling story rooted in purported real events. However, this flick does have a bit more of a dated feel to it.
20. The Possession (2012)
The Possession explores the horrifying effects of a cursed dybbuk box on a young girl and her family.
As her behavior becomes increasingly erratic, her parents must uncover the dark history of the box to save her. This film is ideal for The Conjuring fans who are fascinated by the intersection of the supernatural with family dynamics and ancient curses.
21. Lights Out (2016)
Lights Out centers on a family haunted by a mysterious entity that only appears in the dark.
The film’s use of darkness as a primary element of fear cleverly plays on primal fears, making it a compelling watch for fans of The Conjuring who appreciate a blend of psychological terror and supernatural thrills.
22. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
As another chapter in The Conjuring universe, Annabelle: Creation delves into the origin story of the infamous Annabelle doll.
Set in a dollmaker’s home, where several girls are housed, the movie builds a claustrophobic horror atmosphere that will resonate well with fans of the series looking for spine-chilling suspense and demonic disturbances.
23. The Nun (2018)
Directly tied to The Conjuring series, The Nun features the demonic nun Valak, who first appeared in The Conjuring 2. Set in a remote Romanian abbey, a priest and a novice investigate her haunting origins.
The film’s gothic setting and religious iconography provide a perfect backdrop for those who enjoy the dark, moody ambiance of The Conjuring.
24. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
In The Autopsy of Jane Doe, coroners are drawn into a terrifying mystery while examining the body of an unidentified woman.
The claustrophobic morgue setting and gradual revelation of horrifying secrets make this a must-see for fans of The Conjuring who favor suspense over explicit gore.
25. Mama (2013)
Mama follows two young girls who, after being abandoned in the woods, are taken in by a couple. However, the presence that looked after them in the woods is not ready to let go.
This ghost story mixes emotional depth with supernatural horror, appealing to those who appreciate The Conjuring’s blend of heart and horror.
26. The Rite (2011)
The Rite takes a deeper dive into the world of exorcisms through the journey of a skeptical seminary student who attends exorcism school at the Vatican.
Inspired by true events, this film offers a psychological approach to demonic possession that will captivate fans of The Conjuring looking for realism in supernatural themes.
27. Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell is a thrill ride of curses and moral dilemmas, focusing on a loan officer who, after denying an extension to an elderly woman, finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse.
Combining dark humor with jump scares, it’s a fantastic choice for The Conjuring fans who enjoy a mix of scare tactics and unexpected twists.
What is The Conjuring?
The Conjuring is inspired by the true stories of Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, who are paranormal investigators and demonologists.
The plot revolves around the Perron family, who experience disturbing paranormal events in their newly purchased farmhouse in Rhode Island. Seeking help, they invite the Warrens to assess their home, and the couple quickly discovers that the house’s haunting is more sinister than typical ghostly activities.
The film dives deep into the concepts of demonic possession and the steps to perform an exorcism, framed within a chilling narrative that combines both psychological terror and traditional horror elements. The Conjuring is known for its atmospheric tension, effective jump scares, and a strong emotional core, making it a standout in the horror genre.
It was successful enough to spawn a franchise, known as The Conjuring Universe, which includes sequels and spin-offs that explore other stories linked to the Warrens’ cases. This film is a must-watch for those who enjoy a blend of real-life mysteries with spine-tingling horror.
Final Thoughts: Horror Movies Like The Conjuring
If you’re looking for the best horror movies like The Conjuring, there’s something out there for everyone – well, assuming you’re a horror fan. As someone with a specific interest in the paranormal (and Ed and Lorraine’s story), this is a great film and if you want something similar… there is DEFINITELY a flick out there for you.
So, which will you watch next?
