Paramount+ introduced its captivating series, School Spirits, in 2023, which has garnered a strong following among viewers who appreciate a blend of teenage drama and supernatural intrigue. The narrative follows Maddie, a young woman who awakens in her high school’s basement, only to discover she has become a ghost. As she navigates her new existence, Maddie grapples with the mystery of her own murder while forming bonds with other spirits linked to her school. Fans of the series can look forward to Season 2, premiering in January 2025.
The enthusiastic response to School Spirits is reflected in its impressive 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series not only features a talented ensemble cast, including Peyton List and Milo Manheim, but it also captivates audiences with an engaging mystery that keeps viewers questioning every character’s motives. Those who enjoyed this series are likely to appreciate films that showcase ghostly encounters, ambitious teenage characters, unexpected twists, and elements of suspense and murder.
10 The Black Phone (2021)
A Young Boy Is Kidnapped
While School Spirits dabbles in horror, it doesn’t dwell in the genre fully. In a more chilling vein, The Black Phone tells the harrowing tale of Finney, a 13-year-old abducted by a sinister figure known as The Grabber. Using the phone of a previous victim, Finney conjures hope and strength to escape his terrifying situation. Adapted from Joe Hill’s tale, this film explores themes of resilience in the face of violence, mirroring Maddie’s own struggle against her fate.
9 The Fallout (2021)
A Teenager Comes to Terms With Tragedy
Conversely, The Fallout presents a more realistic yet equally intense approach to the theme of death. Jenna Ortega stars as Vada, a high school student coping with the aftermath of a school shooting. This emotionally charged narrative emphasizes healing and personal growth as Vada reconnects with friends amidst the trauma, revealing parallels with Maddie’s search for closure in School Spirits.
8 Tragedy Girls (2017)
Two Best Friends Will Do Anything For Social Media Fame
In stark contrast to Maddie’s role as a victim, Tragedy Girls features its teenage leads as the murderers themselves. McKayla and Sadie, portrayed by Alexandra Shipp and Brianna Hildebrand, embark on a quest to capture a serial killer for social media fame, only to cross ethical lines by committing murders themselves. This darkly comedic narrative resonates with the themes of School Spirits, showcasing how obsession can twist moral compasses.
7 Darby and the Dead (2022)
A Teenage Girl Sees Dead People
Darby and the Dead follows Darby, a girl who, after a near-death experience, gains the ability to see ghosts. This unique premise synergizes well with the spirit world in School Spirits. When Darby’s late best friend returns as a ghost, she is compelled to confront her reclusive nature and embrace her gifts. The exploration of life, death, and healing aligns Darby’s narrative with Maddie’s journey, albeit from a different angle.
6 Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
A Friendly Hang Out Turns Unexpectedly Violent
Bodies Bodies Bodies combines elements of humor and horror as a group of young adults finds themselves isolated in a mansion during a storm. When one friend is murdered, the remaining group must uncover the identity of the killer before they become targets themselves. While this film has a more adult cast, its exploration of relationships and tensions in a crisis mirrors the dynamics seen in School Spirits, providing a humorous yet poignant reflection on youth culture.
5 Talk To Me (2022)
A Young Woman Plays A Dangerous Party Game
Talk to Me delves into the chilling experiences surrounding the supernatural. Mia, who is attempting to cope with her mother’s death, becomes involved in a party game that allows participants to communicate with spirits. This dark film grapples with themes of grief and connection, paralleling Maddie’s own supernatural predicament and her longing for answers. Both works challenge perceptions of life after death, crafting narratives that intertwine the living with the departed.
4 Totally Killer (2023)
A Teenager Goes Back In Time To Prevent Her Mom’s Death
The slasher-comedy Totally Killer takes a unique spin on time travel, featuring Jamie, a teen who journeys back to the 1980s to prevent a series of murders, including that of her mother. This whimsical yet dark adventure intersects with School Spirits in its focus on crime-solving and protective instincts towards loved ones. Both narratives encapsulate teenage empowerment against malevolent forces, albeit in contrasting styles.
3 Girl Haunts Boy (2024)
A Boy Falls In Love With A Ghost
For those captivated by Peyton List’s portrayal of Maddie, Girl Haunts Boy offers a fresh perspective. The story revolves around a boy who, after losing his father, finds solace in the ghost of a girl from the past. Their emotional bond and journey toward resolution echo the core themes of connection and loss that are prevalent in School Spirits. Although List’s character is not seeking answers like Maddie, her ghostly presence provides insight into themes of healing and friendship across realms.
2 Happy Death Day (2017)
A Girl Relives Her Murder Over & Over
Happy Death Day shares a striking resemblance to the premise of School Spirits, focusing on Tree, a college student who must relive the day of her murder until she can find a way to escape the cycle. Like Maddie, Tree is thrust into a race against time to uncover the identity of her murderer. This concept of confronting one’s own demise adds layers to both narratives and highlights the perseverance of the protagonists in their quests for survival and resolution.
1 Scream (1996)
Teens Are Terrorized By A Masked Killer
The ultimate must-watch for fans of School Spirits is none other than the iconic slasher film Scream. This groundbreaking 1996 movie revolves around a group of teens faced with a masked killer, Ghostface. Although its plot diverges from the supernatural elements of School Spirits, the impact of Scream on the horror genre cannot be understated as it redefined teenage protagonists in horror narratives. The themes of survival against a relentless foe resonate with Maddie’s own battle in School Spirits, making it a fitting capstone for this list of recommendations.
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