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Horror films have always been a popular genre, and recently there has been an increase in eerie horror films that have audiences trembling in their seats. “The Conjuring” series, which has established a household brand for fans of horror films, is one of the most recognisable franchises of this subgenre. With their clever use of jump scares, eerie sound effects, and unsettling imagery, the films in this franchise have raised the bar for the genre. If you enjoyed “The Conjuring” and are looking for more eerie horror films to give you nightmares, you’re in luck. We’ll introduce you to the finest horror movies like The Conjuring in this blog, which will make you shudder.
Reincarnation (2005)
| Director | Takashi Shimizu |
| Release Date | January 7, 2006 |
| Lead Cast | Yuka, Karina, Kippei Shina |
| IMDb Rating | 6.1/10 |
The slow-burning terror in this film intensifies as it goes along. The creation of a horror film based on real-life mass murder is the main theme of the first half of the film, which prepares the audience for horror to come. The movie’s second half takes a supernatural turn as the production team starts to encounter odd happenings that could be related to the actual killings. The film has some genuinely unsettling moments, an eerie score, and is atmospherically well-made.
Dead Silence (2007)
| Director | James Wan |
| Release Date | James Wan |
| Lead Cast | Ryan Kwanten, Amber Valetta, Donnie Wahlberg |
| IMDb Rating | 6.1/10 |
The plot of this movie revolves around a ventriloquist doll, which makes for an intriguing premise. The execution, however, falls short of its potential. The characters are weak, and the movie depends too much on jump scares, making it difficult to care about what happens to them. The movie’s impressive visuals, which feature a muted colour scheme and some unsettling imagery, aren’t enough to keep it from appearing trite.
The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
| Director | Peter Cornwell |
| Release Date | March 27, 2009 |
| Lead Cast | Virginia Madsen, Martin Donovan, Elias Koteas |
| IMDb Rating | 5.8/10 |
This true-life story-inspired film follows a family as they settle into a home with a troubled background. Although the film has some good scares, its characters are underdeveloped and the pacing is erratic. It is difficult to empathise with the family members because they are only provided a few ties with one another and little other individuality. Although the film features some dramatic images with a dark and ominous look, it ultimately fails to be truly terrifying.
Insidious (2010)
| Director | James Wan |
| Release Date | April 1, 2011 |
| Lead Cast | Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8/10 |
With a distinct and original plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, this film stands out in the horror genre. To bring their kid back from a coma, the family in the story unintentionally invites evil spirits into their home. The movie has several great scares, including some genuinely terrifying scenes that linger long after the credits have finished. The beautiful images have a dreamy quality that heightens the uncomfortable nature of the otherworldly elements. The film also has a strong emotional core, and the well-developed characters pique the interest of the viewer in what happens to them.
The Innkeepers (2011)
| Director | Ti West |
| Release Date | March 12, 2011 |
| Lead Cast | Sara Paxton, Pat Healey, Kelly McGillis |
| IMDb Rating | 5.5/10 |
A slow-burning horror film, this one rewards viewers for their patience. Two employees of a failing hotel decide to look into the building’s allegedly ghostly past before it closes in the story. The film has some very terrifying moments, but it’s more about the individuals and their relationships than it is about scares. Deliberate pacing, a sense of foreboding that grows throughout, and a suspenseful conclusion. The film’s subtle design, which includes a subdued colour scheme and understated imagery, adds to the discomfort. For aficionados of a slow-burn horror, it’s an atmospheric and well-made film that’s worth seeing.
Sinister (2012)
| Director | Scott Derrickson |
| Release Date | October 12, 2012 |
| Lead Cast | Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, James Ransone |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8/10 |
A true-crime author who relocates his family into a home where a family was brutally murdered is the subject of this film. A box of old home movies he finds reveals a malicious spirit haunting the place. The horror film Sinister is expertly made, and Ethan Hawke gives a strong performance. The film largely focuses on jump scares, but it does a good job of developing suspense and a spooky atmosphere. Particularly eerie and remaining in the mind long after the credits have rolled is the ending.
The Babadook (2014)
| Director | Jennifer Kent |
| Release Date | November 28, 2014 |
| Lead Cast | Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall |
| IMDb Rating | 6.8/10 |
The protagonist of this film is a single mother who is trying to raise her son and who starts to believe that their home is haunted by a monster from a children’s tale. The Babadook is a slow-burning horror film that creates suspense with its moody scenery and sound effects. The film is a meditation on bereavement and motherhood, and the two stars give commanding performances. A frightening and thought-provoking horror film, The Babadook stays with you long after it has ended.
It (2017)
| Director | Andy Muschietti |
| Release Date | September 8, 2017 |
| Lead Cast | Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Martell, Finn Wolfhard |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
This film is an adaption of the Stephen King book about a group of children who are frightened by a shape-shifting monster that assumes the form of their biggest fears. The young cast gives outstanding performances in the well-made horror film. With a blend of passion, humour, and horror, the movie effectively captures the essence of the book. It is a coming-of-age tale that is also a horror film, and it is successful in both roles.
Hereditary (2018)
| Director | Ari Aster |
| Release Date | June 8, 2018 |
| Lead Cast | Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro, Alex Wolff |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
In this film, a family dealing with the loss of their grandmother is followed as they unearth sinister family secrets. Hereditary is a slow-burning horror film with a startling and unnerving climax. Strong performances from Toni Collette and Alex Wolff serve as the film’s cornerstone. The images are startling, and each frame is infused with a sense of dread. The difficult and extremely unsettling film Hereditary will stick with you long after you’ve seen it.
The Lighthouse (2019)
| Director | Robert Eggers |
| Release Date | November 1, 2019 |
| Lead Cast | Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Valeria Karaman |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
Two lighthouse keepers who are isolated on a distant island in this film start to lose their minds. The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film with undertones that are gloomy and weird. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson have standout performances in the film, both of whom are at the peak of their game. The film’s black-and-white photography and dismal atmosphere add to the unsettling vibe. For aficionados of psychological horror, The Lighthouse is a challenging and rewarding film.
Wrap Up!
If you enjoy horror films, you probably already know that the genre is continuously changing and that new films are constantly coming out. But certain movies transcend time and become instant classics, and the films on this list are no exception. These chilling horror films will give you nightmares, from the ambient terror of “The Lighthouse” to the slow-burning terror of “The Babadook.” They all have their distinctive styles, but they all aim to terrify you beyond belief. So prepare to be horrified by these eerie horror films by turning down the lights, grabbing some popcorn, and watching them.
