When The Babadook hit the screens in 2014, it shook the horror genre with its haunting exploration of grief and trauma. Rather than relying on jump scares, it used atmosphere, symbolism, and psychological terror to grip its audience. If you loved The Babadook‘s eerie ambiance and thought-provoking themes, you’re probably on the hunt for more movies that dive deep into your mind while making your skin crawl. Here’s a list of 10 chilling movies like The Babadook that explore psychological horror and evoke unsettling emotions.
1. Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
When a family experiences the death of its matriarch, eerie and disturbing events begin to unfold. Hereditary delves into grief, familial trauma, and occult mysteries, making it a perfect companion to The Babadook. Both films are rich in atmosphere and slow-building dread, leading to a terrifying and unforgettable climax. If you’re seeking a horror movie that disturbs on a psychological level, Hereditary should be at the top of your list.
2. The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
Set in the desolate wilderness of 1630s New England, The Witch tells the story of a family torn apart by paranoia, religious zealotry, and supernatural forces. Like The Babadook, this film is more about tension and atmosphere than jump scares, focusing on the mental breakdown of its characters as they spiral into madness. If you enjoy subtle, slow-burn horror with a haunting aesthetic, The Witch is an excellent choice.
3. It Follows (2014)
Director: David Robert Mitchell
This modern horror classic introduces a malevolent entity that relentlessly stalks its victims after a sexual encounter. Much like The Babadook, It Follows doesn’t rely on gore or shocking scenes; instead, it generates terror through its sense of inescapable doom. The theme of fear as an inevitable force resonates with The Babadook, where characters are haunted by their own emotional baggage.
4. The Others (2001)
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
If you loved the unsettling atmosphere and isolation in The Babadook, The Others is a must-watch. Starring Nicole Kidman, this ghostly tale is set in a remote mansion where a mother and her two light-sensitive children begin to experience inexplicable phenomena. Both movies skillfully use themes of loss and motherhood to drive their horror, creating an eerie, spine-tingling experience.
5. The Orphanage (2007)
Director: J.A. Bayona
Produced by Pan’s Labyrinth creator Guillermo del Toro, The Orphanage is a chilling Spanish horror film that taps into themes of childhood trauma and grief, much like The Babadook. The story follows Laura, who returns to her childhood home—an orphanage—to reopen it, only to face strange occurrences linked to her past. Its emotional depth, combined with supernatural elements, makes it a hauntingly beautiful film.
6. The Innocents (1961)
Director: Jack Clayton
An oldie but a goodie, The Innocents is an atmospheric black-and-white psychological horror film that revolves around a governess who becomes convinced that the children in her care are possessed by malevolent spirits. Like The Babadook, it explores the idea of whether the haunting is real or a manifestation of the character’s mental state. It’s subtle, unnerving, and an absolute must-watch for fans of gothic horror.
7. Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Director: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala
This Austrian psychological horror film is unsettling from start to finish. The plot centers on twin boys who begin to suspect that their mother, who has recently undergone facial reconstructive surgery, is not who she claims to be. Like The Babadook, Goodnight Mommy blurs the line between psychological distress and horror, playing with themes of identity, motherhood, and trust. It’s slow-paced but incredibly creepy.
8. The Lodge (2019)
Directors: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala
From the same creators as Goodnight Mommy, The Lodge also delves into psychological torment. A woman is left alone with her two stepchildren in a remote winter cabin, where strange occurrences begin to unfold. Like The Babadook, the film’s slow-burn tension and focus on isolation create an overwhelming sense of dread. It’s an exploration of trauma, guilt, and the fragility of the human mind.
9. Under the Shadow (2016)
Director: Babak Anvari
Set in war-torn 1980s Tehran, Under the Shadow combines political tension with supernatural terror. As a mother and daughter are trapped in their apartment during the Iran-Iraq war, they begin to experience eerie occurrences linked to a malevolent spirit. Like The Babadook, the movie explores the fears of motherhood and the emotional toll of trauma. Its unique cultural setting and blend of psychological and supernatural elements make it a standout horror film.
10. The Night House (2021)
Director: David Bruckner
In The Night House, a widow grieving her husband’s suicide begins to experience disturbing visions in the lakeside house they built together. As she uncovers dark secrets about her husband’s past, the lines between reality and nightmare blur. The movie, like The Babadook, deals with grief and explores the psychological consequences of loss, making it a deeply emotional yet terrifying watch.
Final Thoughts: Movies Like The Babadook
If you were captivated by the psychological depth and atmospheric horror of The Babadook, these films will take you on similar eerie and emotional journeys. Each movie on this list is more than just a series of scares; they explore deeper themes of trauma, grief, motherhood, and mental instability, creating a lasting impact long after the credits roll. Whether you’re looking for a slow-burn horror film or something that challenges your mind, these 10 chilling movies like The Babadook are essential viewing for any horror fan.
Each of these films will transport you into a world where horror is more than just a fleeting fear—it’s a reflection of our deepest, darkest emotions. So, if you’re in the mood for movies like The Babadook, prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the unknown!
