In 2018, Hereditary hit theaters and quickly garnered acclaim as one of the scariest horror films ever made. While everyone has their individual fears, it’s difficult to label Toni Collette’s film as the most terrifying for every viewer. However, there’s no denying that its eerie narrative, exceptional direction, and remarkable performances make it a standout in the horror genre. This also makes suggesting films similar to Hereditary a bit of a challenge.
The horror genre is vast and varied, ranging from comedies filled with jump scares to deeply introspective films that linger long after watching. Hereditary decidedly belongs to the latter category, addressing heavy themes such as family conflict, grief, and the inevitability of death. Toni Collette’s character grapples with the knowledge that there’s something sinister lurking in her family’s lineage, while her growing paranoia, combined with Ari Aster’s bold direction, creates a potent cinematic experience.
In this way, Hereditary is part of a broader tradition of horror films that tap into contemporary fears for maximum impact. From Rosemary’s Baby, which explores the anxieties surrounding pregnancy and societal fears of the occult, to The Babadook, which focuses more on the struggles of depression than on supernatural elements, there are plenty of intellectually stimulating horror films that will captivate fans of Hereditary. What sets Hereditary apart is its clever subversion of typical horror tropes, keeping viewers on edge.
The films listed below are noteworthy for their unique approaches to horror. Some tackle real-world traumas through a horror lens, while others are simply designed to terrify. Regardless, each offers the creative storytelling and chilling scares that Hereditary enthusiasts crave.
Films Like Hereditary That Are Both Smart and Scary
- Midsommar (2019)
If you enjoyed Hereditary and haven’t yet seen Midsommar, you’re missing out. Directed by Aster, this film shares a similar atmosphere of dread. It follows a couple nearing a breakup as they attend a Swedish festival that quickly turns unsettling. - The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch immerses viewers in a world where every misfortune can lead to witchcraft accusations. The story centers on Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), who must confront her family as they spiral into paranoia and blame. - It Follows (2014)
This film introduces a unique, terrifying premise involving a sexually transmitted curse. The eerie, dreamlike quality keeps you guessing, as the protagonist, Jay (Maika Monroe), is pursued by an ominous entity determined to claim her life. - The Babadook (2014)
After losing her husband, a mother (Essie Davis) grapples with depression while parenting her troubled son. When a mysterious children’s book arrives, it unleashes the nightmarish Mister Babadook on them, leading to a chilling exploration of fear. - Suspiria (1977)
While the 2018 remake is worth watching, the original Suspiria is a must-see for true horror fans. It follows Suzy (Jessica Harper) as she joins a dance academy in Germany, only to be plagued by illness and the mysterious deaths of her peers.
More Terrifying Films to Explore
- Us (2019)
- The Ritual (2017)
- The House of the Devil (2009)
- The Hole in the Ground (2019)
- The Devil’s Doorway (2018)
- Wake Wood (2009)
- Drag Me to Hell (2009)
- The Conjuring (2013)
- The Orphanage (2007)
- The Omen (1976)
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- Veronica (2017)
- Get Out (2017)
- A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
- Let the Right One In (2008)
- The Innocents (1961)
- Carrie (1976)
- A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
- Mother! (2017)
- I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)
- It Comes at Night (2017)
- The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
- The Lodge (2019)
- Insidious (2010)
- Relic (2020)
This collection of films offers a range of chilling narratives that resonate with the same themes and styles that made Hereditary so impactful. For further insights on related topics, you can check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re considering at-home insemination, an authority on the subject is Make a Mom, while the World Health Organization provides excellent resources on pregnancy.
Summary:
Explore this curated list of over 30 horror films that echo the themes of family dread, psychological tension, and unsettling narratives that Hereditary masterfully portrays. Each film is crafted to leave a lasting impression, making them perfect for fans seeking both intellect and fear in their cinematic experiences.
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