Movies Similar to Midsommar: 20 Must-Watch Horror Movies

Get ready for watching horror movies similar to Midsommar that let you involve in sensational picturization in a scary way. Although the plots and stories in different horror films are changed and unique, the overall theme is frightful to watch. For this reason, fear fiction buffs get real excitement and curiosity to view more and more eerie stuff. 

Notably, horrifying plots and scary stories keep viewers alert all the time when they are watching movies like Midsommar. The movies are the perfect blend of complex plots, frightening visuals, distressing sound compositions, secrets enigma (difficult to understand), and mysterious missions. 

20 Movies Similar to Midsommar

The described twenty Midsommar similar movies are a full package of horror and excitement for the buffs. To create a sense of interest for complete watching, viewers should watch exciting trailers along with the plot discussed below.

The Wicker Man (1973)

Movie NameThe Wicker Man (1973)
ProducerPeter Snell
DirectorRobin Hardy
Release DateDecember 6, 1973
LanguageEnglish
Gross Profit$393,316

“The Wicker Man” is a 1973 fear-based horror film directed by Robin Hardy. The screenplay was penned by Anthony Shaffer, drawing inspiration from David Pinner’s 1967 novel “Ritual,” while Paul Giovanni composed the film’s score.

The story revolves around Sergeant Neil Howie, a sincere Christian police officer, who embarks on a journey to the isolated Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. To his shock and dismay, Howie discovers that the island’s inhabitants have uncontrolled Christianity in favour of a Celtic pagan belief system.

“The Wicker Man” is highly regarded by critics and has earned various honours over the years. Additionally, the film won the 1978 Saturn Award for Best Horror Film. It is notably known for its chilling final scene, which was featured in Bravo’s list of the 100 Scariest Movie Moments and played a part in the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, celebrating British cinema and bringing the concept of the wicker man into contemporary popular culture.

The Wicker Man (1973)

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Movie NameBodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
ProducerDavid Hinojosa
DirectorHalina Reijn
Release DateMarch 14, 2022
Running Time94 minutes
Gross Profit$14 million

Bodies Bodies Bodies, a 2022 American horror-comedy film helmed by director Halina Reijn, features a screenplay penned by Sarah DeLappe based on a story by Kristen Roupenian. Having made its debut at the South by Southwest festival on March 14, 2022, the Movie hit theatres across the United States on August 5, 2022, courtesy of A24. 

Critics have showered the film with positive feedback, applauding its humour and the outstanding performances of the cast, with special mention going to Sennott. At the box office, Bodies Bodies Bodies raked in an impressive $14 million.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Kill List (2011)

Movie NameKill List (2011)
ProducerClaire Jones
DirectorBen Wheatley
Release DateMarch 12 2011
Total Budget$800,000
Gross Profit$462,206

Released in 2011, Kill List is a supernatural horror crime film crafted by director Ben Wheatley. The screenplay, a collaboration between Wheatley and Amy Jump, serves as the backdrop for this dark narrative starring Neil Maskell, Michael Smiley, and MyAnna Buring.

The story follows a British soldier’s return from Kyiv, as he partners with an old friend to delve into the world of contract killing Amidst. Unsettling job experiences and menacing employers, his passionate past rises, pushing him to the edge of chaos. The film was shot on location in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.

Kill List (2011)

Smile (2022)

Movie NameSmile (2022)
ProducerMarty Bowen
DirectorParker Finn
Release DateSeptember 22, 2022
Total Budget$17 million
Gross Profit$217.4 million

Dr. Rose Cotter’s life takes a terrifying turn after she witnesses a traumatic incident involving a patient. The unexplainable and frightening occurrences that follow leave her in a state of overwhelming terror. In order to survive and break free from this horrifying new reality, Rose must confront her troubled past head-on. If you really want to enjoy the sensation of Midsommar like movies, you should watch the horror-containing Smile (2022) film.

Smile (2022)

The Empty Man (2020)

Movie NameThe Empty Man (2020)
ProducerRoss Richie
DirectorDavid Prior
Release DateOctober 22, 2020
Total Budget$16 million
Gross Profit$4.8 million

The Empty Man (2020) is a psycho-horror film with an enigmatic theme of finding a mysterious secret. Directed by David Prior, the Movie is the adaptation of the graphic novel of Vanesa R. Del Rey and Cullen Bunn. While searching for a missing girl, a former police officer stumbles upon a secret group with sinister intentions. They are trying to summon a horrifying supernatural entity.

Notably, the Movie faced literary feedback from the viewers in both positive and negative ways. The pandemic played a crucial role in restricting the film from much development with the gross budget. 

The Empty Man (2020)

The Invitation (2015)

Movie NameThe Invitation (2015)
ProducerPhil Hay
DirectorKaryn Kusama
Release DateMarch 13, 2015
Total Budget$1 million
Gross Profit$354,385

The Invitation (2015) is a horror movie that revolves around a plot at a dinner party in a former house whose hosts have some evil plans for the participants. During a dinner party at his former residence, a man named Logan Marshall-Green becomes increasingly convinced that his ex-wife, portrayed by Tammy Blanchard, and her new husband, played by Michiel Huisman, harbour malevolent intentions towards the gathered guests.

The Invitation (2015)

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Movie NameThe Blair Witch Project (1999)
ProducerGregg Hale
DirectorDaniel Myrick
Release DateJanuary 23, 1999
Total Budget$200k-750k
Gross Profit$248.6 million

“The Blair Witch Project,” released in 1999, is an American supernatural horror film that follows the journey of three student filmmakers. They venture into the Dark Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland, in 1994 to create a documentary about the local legend of the Blair Witch. However, the trio mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind their equipment and footage, which serves as the basis for the Movie.

The concept of the Blair Witch legend was conceived by directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez in 1993. They developed a 35-page screenplay but allowed the actors to improvise their dialogue. Michael C. Williams, Heather Donahue, and Joshua Leonard were cast through a casting call advertisement. Filming commenced in October 1997, lasting eight days in Maryland, resulting in about 20 hours of footage. The final film, with a budget originally estimated at $35k–60k, incurred post-production expenses that raised the cost to $200k to $750k.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Sacrament (2013)

Movie NameThe Sacrament (2013)
ProducerEli Roth
DirectorTi West
Release DateSeptember 3, 2013
Running Time99 minutes
Gross Profit$9,221

In 2013, director Ti West brought us “The Sacrament,” an American-found footage horror film that tells a scary story of victim lady. The film features A. J. Bowen and Joe Swanberg as VICE journalists who embark on a documentary mission to find a co-worker’s missing sister, portrayed by Kentucker Audley. She has joined a secretive religious community, and the journalists document their unsettling journey to locate her. “The Sacrament” draws inspiration from the harrowing real-life events of the Jonestown Massacre in 1978.

The Sacrament (2013)

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

Movie NameBeau Is Afraid (2023)
ProducerLars Knudsen
DirectorAri Aster
Release DateApril 1, 2023
Total Budget$35 million
Gross Profit$11.5 million

In 2023, visionary filmmaker Ari Aster unveiled his latest creation, “Beau Is Afraid,” a strange and unsettling tragicomedy horror set in the heart of the human psyche. Joaquin Phoenix takes on the titular role of Beau Wassermann, a character affected with fear and paranoia. Distributed by A24, “Beau Is Afraid” made its world premiere at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on April 1, 2023. 

The film’s narrative revolves around the mild-affected yet profoundly Beau, who embarks on a strange and disturbing journey to attend his mother’s funeral. Throughout this odyssey, he confronts his deepest and most unsettling fears. Despite its commercial challenges, “Beau Is Afraid” stands as a testament to Ari Aster’s unique and unsettling storytelling style.

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

A Cure for Wellness (2016)

Movie NameA Cure For Wellness (2016)
ProducerArnon Milchan
DirectorGore Verbinski
Release DateDecember 10, 2016
Total Budget$40 million
Gross Profit$26.6 million

In 2016, director Gore Verbinski and writer Justin Haythe drew inspiration from Thomas Mann’s 1924 novel, “The Magic Mountain,” to craft the psychological horror film “A Cure for Wellness.” This chilling tale, starring Jason Isaacs, Dane DeHaan, and Mia Goth, revolves around a young executive tasked with a mysterious mission: retrieving his company’s CEO from an enigmatic rehabilitation centre nestled in the Swiss Alps.

With an international production that spans the United States, Germany, and Luxembourg, the film boasts captivating visuals and cinematography. Various German locations, including the picturesque Hohenzollern Castle in Baden-Württemberg, set the stage for this unsettling story.

Upon its release on February 17, 2017, under the banner of 20th Century Fox, “A Cure for Wellness” received a mixed critical reception. While praised for its striking visuals, cinematography, performances, and ambition, the film also faced criticism for its length, script, and narrative. Ultimately, it struggled at the box office, grossing $26 million against a production budget of $40 million, marking it as a commercial disappointment.

A Cure for Wellness (2016)

The Ritual (2017)

Movie NameThe Ritual (2017)
ProducerJonathan Cavendish
DirectorDavid Bruckner
Release DateSeptember 8 2017
Running Time94 minutes
Gross Profit$1.3-1.6 million

In 2017, the British horror film “The Ritual” took audiences on a traumatic journey. Directed by David Bruckner and penned by Joe Barton, who adapted Adam Nevill’s 2011 novel of the same name, the Movie tells the story of four friends embarking on a hiking expedition into the depths of a Swedish forest. Little do they know that their adventure will bring them face to face-with an ancient and malevolent force. The film features a talented cast, including Robert James-Collier, Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, and Sam Troughton.

“The Ritual” had its highly anticipated world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2017. Subsequently, it was released in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2017, where it gripped audiences with its spine-tingling narrative.

The Ritual (2017)

Climax (2018)

Movie NameClimax (2018)
ProducerEdouard Weil
DirectorGaspar Noé
Release DateMay 13 2018
Total Budget$2.9 million
Gross Profit$1.7 million

In the year 2018, the mind-bending psychological horror film “Climax” emerged as a captivating creation by the visionary director Gaspar Noé. The story is set in 1996 and revolves around a French dance group embarking on a demanding days-long rehearsal within the confines of an abandoned school. Their final night of rehearsal is a triumph, but their overjoyed after-party takes a nightmarish turn when the communal bowl of sangria is secretly spiked with LSD. 

What sets “Climax” apart is its unconventional production approach. The film was conceived and pre-produced in a mere four weeks and astonishingly shot in chronological order within just 15 days. While Noé provided the initial premise, the majority of the film unfolded as unrehearsed, on-the-spot improvisation by the cast. They were given no scripted dialogue in advance and enjoyed nearly complete creative freedom in shaping the narrative and their characters. This unique process contributed to the film’s mesmerizing and confusing atmosphere.

Climax (2018)

Hereditary (2018)

Movie NameHereditary (2018)
ProducerKevin Frakes
DirectorAri Aster
Release DateJanuary 21, 2018
Total Budget$10 million
Gross Profit$82.8 million

Hereditary (2018) is another fine production of the director Ari Aster with complete horror supernatural plot depiction. Furthermore, the Hereditary Movie revolves around the late grandmother, whose death reveals some mysterious secrets to her descendants in a scary way.

Notably, this mind-blowing twist pushes each descendent into a turbulent, confusing, and psychotic journey within their own minds. While the film garnered praise from critics for its thought-provoking and unsettling narrative, it achieved at the box office, earning $82 million in revenue.

Hereditary (2018)

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Movie NameRosemary’s Baby (1968)
ProducerWilliam Castle
DirectorRoman Polanski
Release DateJune 12, 1968
Total Budget$3.2 million
Gross Profit$33.4 million

In 1968, a chilling masterpiece of psychological horror emerged under the the direction of Roman Polanski. “Rosemary’s Baby” is its name, and it draws its eerie inspiration from Ira Levin’s 1967 novel of the same title. Mia Farrow leads the cast, portraying a young wife residing in Manhattan on the brink of motherhood. As her pregnancy progresses, she becomes increasingly suspicious of her elderly neighbours, convinced they are part of a sinister Satanic cult with dark intentions for her unborn child. 

The Movie delves into a tapestry of themes, skillfully weaving elements of suspicion, women’s liberation, Catholicism, and the mysterious into its complicated narrative, delivering a haunting and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

The House of the Devil (2009)  

Movie NameThe House of the Devil (2009)
ProducerJosh Braun
DirectorTi West
Release DateApril 25, 2009
Total Budget$900,000
Gross Profit$101,215

In 2009, director Ti West crafted a spine-tingling cinematic experience with “The House of the Devil.” The cast members skillfully blend elements from the slasher and haunted house subgenres, creating a uniquely chilling narrative.

The plot revolves around a young college student who accepts a babysitting job at a remote and isolated house. However, as the night unfolds, she finds herself entangled in a web of strange and perilous events, fighting for her very survival. This horrible production is the scariest movie similar to Midsommar that will let you deep sensations.

This film pays homage to the horror movies of the 1970s and 80s, expertly capturing their style through filmmaking techniques and technology characteristic of that era. Additionally, it draws inspiration from the “satanic panic” of the 1980s, making it a compelling addition to the horror genre. The film’s opening text teasingly claims to be based on true events, a storytelling device meaningful of classics like “The Amityville Horror” and “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”

The House of the Devil (2009)

Antichrist (2009) 

Movie NameAntichrist (2009)
ProducerMeta Louise Foldager
DirectorLars von Trier
Release DateMay 20 2009
Total Budget$3.4 million
Gross Profit$7.4 million

In 2009, Lars von Trier brought forth “Antichrist,” a horror art film that delves into the darkest rests of the human psyche. Starring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg, this provocative and unsettling film explores the harrowing journey of a couple who, shattered by the accidental death of their son, seek solace in a remote cabin nestled within a foreboding forest.

As the story unfolds, the man begins to experience eerie visions while his partner descends into a disturbing world of increasing sadomasochism (violent sexual behaviour in sadness). Von Trier artfully structures the narrative into a prologue, four chapters, and an epilogue, guiding viewers through a haunting and enigmatic tale.

Notably, this film’s creation deeply intertwined with the director’s struggles. Conceived in 2006 during a period of hospitalization for von Trier’s severe depressive episode, “Antichrist” reflects his own battles with anxiety and depression.

Antichrist (2009) 

Apostle (2018)  

Movie NameApostle (2018)
ProducerGareth Evans
DirectorGareth Evans
Release DateSeptember 21 2018
LanguageEnglish
Running Time129 minutes

In 2018, the world was introduced to “Apostle,” a chilling mediaeval horror film that bears the creative mark of writer, director, and editor Gareth Evans. This gripping tale had its grand debut at Fantastic Fest in September 2018 before making its way to Netflix on October 12, 2018.

The plot centres on a British man’s perilous quest to rescue his sister, who has fallen into the clutches of a sinister cult residing on a remote and enigmatic island. As the story unfolds, it weaves a web of mystery and merciless tension. Apostle is one of the same films like Midsommar, so you may explore it for recreation.

Critics found much to appreciate in “Apostle,” offering generally positive reviews that acknowledged the film’s ability to send shivers down viewers’ spines and keep them on the edge of their seats.

Apostle (2018)

Mother! (2017)

Movie NameMother! (2017)
ProducerScott Franklin
DirectorDarren Aronofsky
Release DateSeptember 5, 2017
Total Budget$30 million
Gross Profit$44.5 million

In 2017, the audience witnessed the arrival of “Mother!” a psychological horror film written and directed by the talented Darren Aronofsky. The narrative revolves around a young woman whose idyllic life with her husband is thrown into chaos with the unexpected arrival of a mysterious couple.

The film had its world premiere on September 5, 2017, at the 74th Venice International Film Festival, where it competed for the prestigious Golden Lion award. Subsequently, “Mother!” hit theatres in the United States on September 15, 2017, under the banner of Paramount Pictures. Despite its modest $30 million budget, the film managed to gross an impressive $44.5 million worldwide.

Mother! (2017)

The Lodge (2019)

Movie NameThe Lodge (2019)
ProducerSimon Oakes
DirectorVeronika Franz
Release DateJanuary 25, 2019
Running Time108 minutes
Gross Profit$3.2 million

In 2019, the psychological horror film “The Lodge” emerged, helmed by directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala. The storyline revolves around a stepmother which is stuck with her two children in a distant lodge during the Christmas season. As they crawl down in this isolated setting, they are subjected to a series of unsettling and unexplained events that appear to be linked to her mysterious past.

The project was unveiled to the public in October 2017, with Riley Keough stepping into a leading role. Franz and Fiala took the directorial reins, working from a screenplay they co-authored with Sergio Casci. In February 2018, much of the cast was finalized, and principal photography commenced in March of the same year, wrapping up within the same month.

The Lodge (2019)

Barbarian (2022)

Movie NameBarbarian (2022)
ProducerArnon Milchan
DirectorZach Cregger
Release DateJuly 22, 2022
Total Budget$4.4.5 million
Gross Profit$45.4 million

“Barbarian,” a 2022 American horror thriller, marks Zach Cregger’s debut as a solo screenwriter and director. The story unfolds as a woman discovers that the rental home she had reserved has been accidentally double-booked by a man, setting the stage for a dark secret lurking within the dwelling.

“Barbarian” has garnered predominantly positive reviews, with acclaim directed towards Cregger’s screenplay, direction, and the compelling performances delivered by the cast. If you are interested in any mysterious plot and movie like Midsommar, you must watch this film.

Impressively, it achieved over $45 million in global box office earnings, all while being created on a production budget ranging from $4 million to $4.5 million.

Barbarian (2022)

About Midsommar (2019) 

Movie NameMidsommar (2019)
ProducerPatrik Andersson
DirectorAri Aster
Release DateJune 18, 2019
Running Time148 minutes
Total Budget$9 million
Gross Profit$48 billion

Midsommar (2019) Plot

Midsommar (2019) plot starts with a travelling campaign of a couple who visit Sweden at their friend’s rural residential area. To attend the renowned midsummer events, they visit that particular place. In addition, the normal event takes a completely changed scenario after some interval of time. Furthermore, the event took real chaos of the invasion of pagan cults and strange involvement in the ongoing competition.

Midsommar (2019)

Midsommar (2019) Cast

  • Florence Pugh worked as Dani
  • Jack Reynor performed the role of Christian
  • Will Poulter be named Mark
  • William Jackson Harper (Josh)
  • Vilhelm Blomgren worked as Pelle
  • Archie Madekwe performed as Simon
  • Ellora Torchia played the role of Connie
  • Gunnel Fred worked as Siv
  • Isabelle Grill played the role of Maja
  • Lars Väringer worked as Sten
  • Henrik Norlén performed as Ulf role 
  • Anders Beckman did work as Arne
  • Tove Skeidsvoll played the character of Majvor
  • Anders Back worked as Valentin
  • Dag Andersson performed the character of Sven

Box office performance

Midsommar (2019)
Production Budget (United States & Canada)$27.5 million
Other Territories$20.5 million
Gross Budget$48 million

Conclusion

After getting an overview of the movies similar to Midsommar, viewers will become prey to the sensational picturization. The films garnered generally positive reviews and also stimulated significant feedback due to mind-blowing theories and mysteries.

Horror movies like Midsommar are additional stuff for the buffs who like something enigmatic and scary. Moreover, themes and the disturbing portrayal of violence ensure its lasting impact in the realm of psychological horror on the audience.

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Castro Silva

Castro Silva is a digital nomad with an insatiable curiosity for uncovering exceptional websites dedicated to movies, manga, and anime. As a regular contributor to online publications, he's known for spotting user-friendly web experiences and sharing his discoveries. With a Bachelor's degree in Digital Media Studies from Stanford University, he combines academic knowledge with ongoing self-education in web development and user experience design. Castro has become a trusted curator of websites that enhance movie, manga, and anime experiences.