Movies Similar to Hereditary: 20 Scary Films with Horror Stories

Looking for movies similar to Hereditary, then get an overview of various films that contain horror stories and unusual events through horrible appearances. Hereditary is one of the refined examples of a horror fiction film that revolves around the late grandmother whose death brings unusual events in the form of a scary presence. Horror fiction is one of the key elements of fear and nervousness that lets viewers into a deep curiosity about unusual happenings.

Scary movies like Hereditary have been sorted out for the viewers so that they may watch more horrible stuff with the same plot and stories. Viewers may become nervous and conscious when watching these horror movies with deep fantasies of hidden creatures. Moreover, the soundtrack is pivotal in making the scenes and appearances frightening and more horrible.

20 Movies Similar to Hereditary

Viewers can get an idea about movies like Hereditary by getting a brief overview of the plot and description of the same films mentioned below. In addition, the audience can fulfil their emotional need for curious stories and scary tales by getting in touch through movie trailers.

If you are an enthusiastic lover of fear fiction, hereditary similar movies are the perfect choice for your mood. Notably, you may unleash the secret stories and mysterious plots by watching horror movies in high-definition quality.

The Conjuring (2013)

“The Conjuring” is a 2013 American fear fiction horror movie directed by James Wan, with the screenplay penned by Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes. This Conjuring (2013) cinematic gem serves as the foundational installment in The Conjuring Universe franchise, a fascinating realm of horror. The film’s heart revolves around the challenging paranormal investigator duo Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed by the talented Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

The Warrens are renowned for their pioneering work and authorship in the field of paranormal phenomena, and their real-life accounts have notably inspired not only this movie but also the infamous “The Amityville Horror” narrative and its subsequent film adaptations. Those fear fiction enthusiasts interested in conjuring must also watch horror movie like Hereditary.

The film embarks on a spine-tingling journey as the Warrens extend their expertise to the stressed Perron family. Set against the backdrop of a newly acquired farmhouse in Rhode Island, the Perrons find themselves entangled in a web of increasingly unsettling and evil occurrences in 1971. With the Warrens at their side, they grapple with the terror that lurks within their seemingly calm residence.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

“Rosemary’s Baby” is a timeless 1968 American mind-confusing horror masterpiece skillfully crafted by the renowned Roman Polanski. The film takes its unsettling inspiration from Ira Levin’s 1967 novel of the same name, translating the tale’s dread-inducing essence onto the silver screen. At its haunting core, “Rosemary’s Baby” features the mesmerizing Mia Farrow in the lead role as a young, pregnant wife residing in the heart of Manhattan.

As the narrative unfolds, a scary cloud of suspicion envelopes Rosemary as she gradually harbours unsettling doubts about her elderly neighbours. Her growing fear suggests they might be secret members of a sinister Satanic cult intent on entangling her and her unborn child for their dark and unholy rituals. 

In addition, the movie delves into a wall-hanging of profound themes, from the gripping realms of paranoia and women’s liberation to thought-provoking explorations of Catholicism and the occult. This cinematic gem continues to captivate audiences with its merciless sensation of suspense and terror, making it an enduring icon in the horror genre.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

This modern interpretation of an ancient Greek tragedy, skillfully crafted by Greek filmmakers Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis, is so profoundly unsettling that offering a wholehearted recommendation proves challenging.

Within this mysterious narrative, a cardiac surgeon unveils a perplexing and intense connection with a mysterious teenage boy rooted in their shared past. As he introduces the enigmatic youth to his family, a sinister sickness begins to grip them all. 

The true nature of this mythic bond remains indefinable until it unfolds with absolute simplicity. Throughout this unsettling journey, viewers will experience a deliberate and unsettling transformation of their perceptions of violence, akin to the worrying sensation that enveloped audiences during pivotal moments in “Hereditary.”

It Follows (2014)

“It Follows” is a 2014 horror film written and directed by David Robert Mitchell. Maika Monroe stars as the protagonist, a young woman relentlessly pursued by a supernatural entity following a sexual encounter. The movie also features Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, and Jake Weary in supporting roles.

The film debuted at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and was later acquired for distribution by Radius-TWC event. Following a successful limited release, it reached a wider audience on March 27, 2015. “It Follows” garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its originality and Monroe’s standout performance. Despite its modest $1.3 million budget, the film grossed an impressive $23.3 million worldwide.

Carrie (1976)

“Carrie” (1976), a foundational horror classic, bears a significant influence on “Hereditary” and is well worth revisiting multiple times. Directed by Brian De Palma and adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 novel, this film delves into the chilling aspects of adolescence, ancestral control, and otherworldly connections.

The story revolves around Carrie White, a high school student who grapples with profound social isolation. Her struggles intensify as she navigates her changing body, struggles with bullying classmates, and confronts her overbearing mother. In her quest, she discovers a psychic power that exacts a steep price. “Carrie” has left a permanent mark on supernatural horror films in the twenty-first century, and its thematic resonance with Ari Aster’s work is striking.

The Wailing (2016)

“The Wailing” is a 2016 South Korean horror film crafted by the talented writer and director Na Hong-jin. The movie boasts a cast featuring Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, and Chun Woo-hee. At its core, the film revolves around a dedicated policeman who embarks on an investigation into a perplexing string of murders and unexplained illnesses plaguing the secluded Korean village of Gokseong. 

Moreover, his quest is driven by the urgency of saving his own daughter from these mysterious conditions. At last, “The Wailing” enjoyed both commercial success and critical acclaim, solidifying its place as a standout in the horror genre.

Suspiria (2018)

In Luca Guadagnino’s 2018 supernatural horror film “Suspiria,” Dakota Johnson portrays an American woman who joins a prestigious dance academy in Berlin only to uncover the academy’s dark secret. Furthermore, it is actually a haven for a coven of witches.

For plot narration, a young ballet dancer embarks on a journey to a renowned dance academy in Europe. However, her excitement soon turns to terror as she unveils the academy’s dark and supernatural secrets, entangled with a string of gruesome murders. Moreover, the movie is full of scary appearances with distorted shape witches.

The Other (1972)

If you enjoyed the spooky sibling dynamics in “Hereditary,” you should definitely consider watching the 1972 film “The Other.” This kind of movie may require multiple viewings to fully grasp, as its uniqueness can make some of its plotlines a bit intangible.

Directed by Robert Mulligan, known for his work on notable films like “To Kill A Mockingbird” (1962) and “Love with the Proper Stranger” (1963), “The Other” revolves around a pair of identical twins. It was portrayed by Chris and Martin Udvarnoky, who reside on a farm with their mother. 

The family is still mourning the recent loss of the boy’s father, who tragically died in an apple cellar accident. The heart of the drama lies in this particular space, a building forbidden to the children since their father’s demise. However, it becomes a cursed playground where their unsettling story unfolds.

Frailty (2001)

A comprehensive list of horror films that delve into dysfunctional family dynamics would be incomplete without mentioning “Frailty.” This film, directed by and starring Bill Paxton, explores a profoundly unsettling narrative.

In “Frailty,” an angelic force guides Paxton, urging him to carry out a series of directed serial killings. However, he is not just a zealot on a murderous spree but also a devoted father to two young boys.

As he raises his children and grapples with what he perceives as the weight of his divine calling, the man is pushed to the intersection of faith, discipline, and his own humanity. “Frailty” takes audiences on a chilling journey through the complexities of ideology, family, and darkness.

The Machinist (2004)

If you find yourself captivated by the enigmatic atmosphere of “Hereditary” and yearning for more of that unique tone, consider revisiting “The Machinist” from the early 2000s. This film, directed by Brad Anderson, stars Christian Bale as a machinist who has inexplicably gone without sleep for an entire year.

As he continues to navigate his life, the protagonist becomes increasingly entangled with the dangerous machinery he works with, wandering closer to the height of his rationality. “The Machinist” delves into the distorted mysterious creature and a mechanical existence, offering an experience that resonates with the haunting ambience you may crave.

Creep (2014)

“Creep” is a 2014 American supernatural horror film presented as found footage, marking the directorial debut of Patrick Brice. The story, crafted by Brice and Mark Duplass (who also stars in the film), revolves around a videographer assigned to document an eccentric client portrayed by Duplass. The film draws inspiration from Brice’s personal experiences on Craigslist and takes cues from movies like “My Dinner with Andre,” “Misery,” and “Fatal Attraction.”

During filming, Brice and Duplass fine-tuned the story, resulting in multiple versions of each scene and various alternate endings. “Creep” premiered at South by Southwest on March 8, 2014, and was subsequently released on June 23, 2015, by The Orchard. It later reached an international audience through Netflix on July 14, 2015, garnering positive reviews from critics with a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)

“The Taking of Deborah Logan” stands out as a hidden gem within the realm of found footage films, offering an innovative and emotionally charged take on this subgenre. The story revolves around three students, portrayed by Michelle Ang, Jeremy DeCarlos, and Brett Gentile, who embark on creating a documentary centred on Deborah Logan, an elderly woman living with Alzheimer’s disease, played by Jill Larson.

Initially met with scepticism by Deborah, the students persist in their goal to film her daily life. The tension between them remains intense throughout the film, prompting viewers to critically consider the ethical implications of having a camera invade this woman’s home.

As the students continue their documentation, they begin to witness increasingly strange behaviour from Deborah that defies explanation within the confines of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, if it can be explained at all. The film delves into thought-provoking questions surrounding the ethics of observation and the blurred boundary between the supernatural and psychological states that deviate from the norm.

Midsommar (2019)

“Midsommar,” a 2019 folk horror film, is the brainchild of writer and director Ari Aster. The movie features Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor as an American couple grappling with a troubled relationship. They embark on a journey to rural Sweden with friends to partake in a midsummer festival but unwittingly become entangled with a sinister cult that claims to follow Scandinavian paganism.

This co-production between the United States and Sweden originated in a concept initially presented to Aster as a straightforward slasher film set amidst Swedish cultists. While traces of this original idea remain, the final film focuses primarily on the disintegration of a relationship, a theme inspired by Aster’s own challenging breakup experiences. 

Furthermore, the film’s soundtrack, composed by British electronic musician Bobby Krlic, known as The Haxan Cloak, draws inspiration from Nordic folk music. Principal photography took place on location in Budapest during the summer and autumn of 2018.

Lake Mungo (2008)

“Lake Mungo,” a 2008 Australian psychological horror film, created by writer and director Joel Anderson. The film features Talia Zucker and Martin Sharpe in prominent roles and utilizes a storytelling approach by portraying fictional events. These fictional stories incorporate found footage and mysterious elements, cleverly employing actors to convey the narrative. 

The story revolves around a grieving family’s attempt to encounter the tragic drowning death of their daughter and the eerie and potentially supernatural occurrences they encounter in the aftermath. The film debuted at the Sydney Film Festival on June 18, 2008, and was later screened at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin, Texas, in March 2009.

The Omen (1976)

“The Omen,” a 1976 supernatural horror film, was masterfully directed by Richard Donner and scripted by David Seltzer. The movie’s narrative revolves around Damien Thorn, a young child secretly substituted for the biological child of his father, without his wife’s knowledge, following the death of their own baby shortly after birth. As a series of enigmatic events and violent deaths unfold around the family and Damien grows into childhood, they gradually realize that he is, in fact, the prophesied Antichrist.

Upon its theatrical release by 20th Century Fox in June 1976, “The Omen” received a mix of reviews from critics. Nevertheless, it proved to be a resounding commercial success, raking in over $60 million at the U.S. box office and securing its place as one of the highest-grossing films of 1976. The film also garnered two Oscar nominations and proudly took home the accolade for Best Original Score, a well-deserved honour for composer Jerry Goldsmith, marking his lone Oscar win.

Men (2022)

“Men” is a 2022 British folk horror film captured and directed by Alex Garland. This unsettling tale stars Jessie Buckley as a widowed woman embarking on a holiday to a tranquil countryside village. However, her peaceful retreat takes a chilling turn as she becomes physically disturbed by the strange and unsettling men inhabiting the village, all portrayed by Rory Kinnear.

The film was released in the United States on May 20, 2022, courtesy of A24, followed by its United Kingdom release on June 1, 2022, distributed by Entertainment Film Distributors. “Men” garnered generally positive reviews, though some critics took issue with its narrative approach.

Possum (2018)

“Possum” is a 2018 British mind-indulging horror film that marks the feature film debut of writer and director Matthew Holness. This spooky tale stars Sean Harris and Alun Armstrong and revolves around a disgraced children’s puppeteer. He is compelled to return to his childhood home, where he is confronted by the traumatic experiences he endured there.

The film is an adaptation of Holness’ short story of the same name, initially published in the horror anthology “The New Uncanny: Tales of Unease.” It draws partial inspiration from Sigmund Freud’s theories on the uncanny. Interestingly, the plot sets aside the idea of adapting a more scary and hair-raising story.

The Witch (2015)

“The Witch,” is a 2015 folk horror film that marked the feature directorial debut of Robert Eggers. It is set in 1630s New England and centres around a Puritan family confronting evil forces lurking in the woods near their farm. If you are interested in the same movie similar to Hereditary, then watch this movie.

This internationally co-produced film, originating from the United States and Canada, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2015, before receiving a wide release from A24 on February 19, 2016. “The Witch” achieved critical acclaim and financial success, earning $40 million in box office revenue against a modest $4 million budget. Moreover, it is regarded by some as one of the finest horror films of the 2010s.

Pet Sematary (1989)

“Pet Sematary” is a 1989 American supernatural horror film, marking the initial adaptation of Stephen King’s 1983 novel. Directed by Mary Lambert and featuring a screenplay by King himself, the film stars Fred Gwynne, Dale Midkiff, Blaze Berdahl, Denise Crosby, and Miko Hughes as Gage Creed. The film’s title is a deliberate variation of “pet cemetery.”

Notably, the cat turns to life with a severe appearance when Creed tries to bury it in the cemetery. Upon its release on April 21, 1989, the movie garnered considerable success, amassing $89.5 million in box office revenue despite its $11.5 million budget. Subsequently, a sequel titled “Pet Sematary Two” hit theatres in 1992, and a second film adaptation emerged in 2019.

The Lodge (2019)

On a grander scale, the movie delves into themes such as family relations, the haunting consequences of past traumas and sorrow, and an unsettling fusion of the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

The narrative unfolds with the heart-wrenching suicide of Laura Hall, brought to life by Alicia Silverstone. Laura’s drastic decision is spurred by the revelation that her former husband, portrayed by Richard Armitage, intends to wed a woman he encountered during his investigation of a Christian cult that ended in a mass act of self-destruction. His prospective spouse, embodied by Riley Keough, was nurtured within this sinister cult and stands as its sole survivor.

Following Laura’s tragic demise, her ex-husband is convinced that their children must forge a deeper connection with their future stepmother. He arranges a family outing to their secluded winter cabin to facilitate this bond. Yet, complications arise when professional obligations lead the father to his work, leaving the two children alone with the woman. 

In addition, this setup amplifies the already disconcerting transition into a blended family to nightmarish proportions. The children, grappling with their unresolved inner chaos, embark on a quest against the woman who seems to replace their departed mother seamlessly.

About Hereditary

Hereditary Plot

Hereditary is a mystical horror movie about the unleashing of frightening secrets after the grandmother’s death. Directed by Ari Aster, the horrific plot unfolds after the death of grandmother Annie, whose death is associated with inheritance secrets of supernatural belongings. Furthermore, Annie’s husband, son and daughter express grief over the death of their beloved late lady. At last, they start observing the hidden presence of unusual, terrible events.

Hereditary Cast

Toni Collette performed as Annie Graham (miniature artist).

Gabriel Byrne worked as Steve Graham (psychiatrist character).

Alex Wolff played the role of Peter Graham (son).

Milly Shapiro performed her role as Charlie Graham (daughter).

Ann Dowd worked as Joan (a friend of Annie’s).

Mallory Bechtel played the role of Bridget (Peter’s schoolmate).

Box office performance 

Conclusion

The above-described stories provide you with an overview of movies similar to Hereditary. Notably, the plots of the described movies are complex and full of hair-raising scenes. Viewers may become shocked after watching the sudden appearances of frightful creatures and attacks on the fearsome characters. Furthermore, these eerie similarities encompass minor elements like miniature structures and breakables. 

These movies are strategically deployed at pivotal stages to convey narrative revelations and shifts in atmosphere. If you are interested in psychological supernatural horror movies like Hereditary, watch the trailer and go through with these films. Ultimately, you may experience dreadful movie events with real feelings of tragic incidents.