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Best supernatural movies to watch next

Dive into the world of the unexplained with a look at some of the most iconic supernatural films.

The Sixth Sense
Beetlejuice
The Exorcist

The supernatural genre has captivated audiences for decades, exploring the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding. From chilling encounters with the spectral to epic battles against demonic forces, these movies tap into our primal fears and curiosities.

Think about the groundbreaking practical effects used in The Exorcist, which still hold up today and contribute to its unsettling realism. Or the perfect blend of comedy and horror in Ghostbusters, proving that facing ghosts can be both terrifying and hilarious.

This list explores a range of supernatural tales, showcasing how filmmakers have interpreted the unknown through different lenses, from the psychological dread of The Shining to the fantastical, yet dark, world of Pan's Labyrinth. Get ready to explore the boundaries of reality and the things that go bump in the night.

14. The Witch (2016)

The Witch is a period supernatural horror film set in 17th-century New England. When a Puritan family is banished from their community, they settle on a secluded farm where they are terrorized by malevolent forces in the woods, including a witch. The film is notable for its historical accuracy, authentic dialogue, and incredibly unsettling atmosphere. It's a slow-burn horror that relies on dread and psychological terror rather than jump scares, creating a truly chilling and immersive experience.

The Witch

13. Let the Right One In (2008)

Let the Right One In is a Swedish vampire film that is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a supernatural horror. It tells the story of a lonely young boy who befriends his new neighbor, a mysterious girl who turns out to be a vampire. The film is known for its atmospheric setting, understated horror, and the surprisingly tender and complex relationship between the two main characters. It's a beautifully shot and deeply affecting film that offers a fresh take on vampire lore.

Let the Right One In

12. Coraline (2009)

From the mind of Neil Gaiman and directed by Henry Selick, Coraline is a stop-motion animated film that explores a darker side of the supernatural. A young girl discovers a hidden door in her new house that leads to an alternate reality that is eerily similar to her own, but with a sinister secret. The film is visually stunning and incredibly imaginative, creating a world that is both wondrous and terrifying. It's a fantastic example of how animation can delve into genuinely creepy and unsettling themes.

Coraline

11. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy masterpiece set in post-Civil War Spain. While not strictly a horror film, it heavily features supernatural elements and creatures that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. A young girl escapes into a fantastical world to complete three tasks, encountering mythical beings and facing the harsh realities of war. The film's stunning visuals, intricate creature design, and emotional depth make it a truly unique and haunting cinematic experience.

Pan's Labyrinth

10. The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is a deeply unsettling psychological horror film with a strong supernatural undercurrent. It explores themes of grief and motherhood through the lens of a terrifying creature from a children's book that comes to life. Essie Davis delivers a powerful and raw performance as a widowed mother struggling to cope with her son's fear of a monster. The Babadook itself is a truly creepy and effective creation, a figure of dread that embodies the unspoken fears and anxieties within the home.

The Babadook

9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced the world to Freddy Krueger, a truly terrifying supernatural villain who preys on teenagers in their dreams. Unlike many slasher villains, Freddy is witty and sadistic, making him both frightening and strangely charismatic. The film's premise, blurring the lines between reality and the dream world, was incredibly innovative for its time. It launched a successful franchise and solidified Freddy Krueger's place as one of horror's most enduring icons.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

8. The Shining (1980)

While perhaps more psychological horror, the supernatural elements in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining are undeniable. Based on Stephen King's novel, the film follows a writer who takes a job as the caretaker of an isolated hotel during the off-season, where he and his family are terrorized by supernatural forces that drive him to madness. Jack Nicholson's performance as Jack Torrance is legendary for its descent into insanity. The film's unsettling atmosphere, iconic imagery like the twins and the blood flooding the elevator, and ambiguous ending have made it a subject of endless analysis and debate.

The Shining

7. The Ring (2002)

The Ring brought Japanese horror, or J-horror, to mainstream Western audiences with its chilling tale of a cursed videotape that brings death to anyone who watches it within seven days. Naomi Watts stars as a journalist investigating the mysterious deaths. The film's slow-burn tension, unsettling visuals, and the terrifying figure of Samara emerging from the television created a new icon of horror. It was a massive box office success and significantly influenced the horror landscape of the early 2000s.

The Ring

6. Poltergeist (1982)

Produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, Poltergeist is a suburban nightmare brought to life. When a family's home is invaded by malevolent spirits who communicate through the television, they must fight to rescue their youngest daughter who has been taken to another dimension. The film is known for its unsettling atmosphere and iconic imagery, like the terrifying clown doll and the swirling portal in the closet. It also faced rumors of a 'curse' due to several tragic events involving cast members after the film's release, adding to its supernatural mystique.

Poltergeist

5. The Exorcist (1973)

Widely considered one of the most terrifying films ever made, The Exorcist delves into the dark and disturbing world of demonic possession. Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, the film follows a mother's desperate attempt to save her daughter from a malevolent entity. The film was incredibly controversial upon its release due to its graphic nature and unsettling themes, reportedly causing viewers to faint or vomit in theaters. Despite the controversy, its impact on the horror genre is undeniable, setting a high bar for supernatural terror.

The Exorcist

4. Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton's Beetlejuice is a delightfully quirky and darkly comedic take on the supernatural. When a recently deceased couple finds themselves haunting their former home, they enlist the help of a mischievous bio-exorcist, the titular Beetlejuice, to scare away the new, living occupants. Michael Keaton is absolutely electric in the role, bringing a chaotic and unpredictable energy to the character. The film's unique visual style, elaborate practical effects, and eccentric characters have made it a cult classic and a staple of Halloween viewing.

Beetlejuice

3. The Sixth Sense (1999)

I see dead people. This iconic line comes from M. Night Shyamalan's breakthrough film, The Sixth Sense. It's a deeply unsettling and emotionally resonant supernatural thriller that is as much a character study as it is a ghost story. Haley Joel Osment's performance as the young boy who can communicate with the dead is incredibly moving and earned him an Oscar nomination at just 11 years old. Bruce Willis delivers a surprisingly subtle and effective performance as the child psychologist trying to help him. The film's twist ending is legendary and redefined how audiences approach supernatural narratives.

The Sixth Sense

2. The Conjuring (2013)

Based on the real-life case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring is a masterclass in modern supernatural horror. Director James Wan really knows how to build tension and deliver genuine scares without relying on excessive gore. The film's success spawned an entire universe of interconnected horror films, but the original stands out for its chilling atmosphere and strong performances from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens. It's a film that will make you think twice about that creaking sound in your house.

The Conjuring

1. Ghostbusters (1984)

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This absolute classic from 1984 is pure supernatural fun. It perfectly blends comedy, action, and just the right amount of spooky. Did you know that Bill Murray's character, Peter Venkman, was originally written for John Belushi? Sadly, Belushi passed away before production began. The theme song by Ray Parker Jr. is instantly recognizable and became a massive hit, even earning an Academy Award nomination. It's a film that defined a generation and continues to entertain audiences of all ages with its witty script and fantastic cast.

Ghostbusters

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