With the acclaimed film Hereditary now available for streaming on Netflix, many horror enthusiasts are eager to discover similar films that evoke a comparable sense of dread and psychological tension. Released in 2018, Hereditary revolves around the Graham family, grappling with the traumatic fallout from their mother’s death. This film has not only established Ari Aster as a prominent director but has also contributed significantly to the trend of horror narratives focused on familial trauma. Garnering a remarkable 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it is clear that Hereditary has made a lasting impact on audiences, making it important to explore similar films that capture its haunting essence.
When searching for films that resonate with Hereditary, it’s useful to explore a variety of themes such as demonic influences, unsettling settings like haunted houses, and the intricacies of family dynamics. The overarching theme of complex and traumatized families, akin to the Grahams, is particularly crucial for those seeking follow-up viewing experiences after Hereditary.
10.Pearl (2022)
A Confident Young Woman Will Do Anything For Fame
For viewers eager to dive deeper into the horror genre post-Hereditary, Pearl emerges as a compelling choice. This installment of Ti West’s X trilogy introduces us to the titular character in the early 20th century, where she embarks on a bloody quest to escape her monotonous farm life and achieve stardom. Despite her violent actions, the path to fame remains filled with uncertainty.
While Pearl‘s plot may differ significantly from that of Hereditary, both films share a common bond through their production by A24—a company renowned for delivering unique and artistically rich narratives. Audiences who appreciated the stylistic choices in Hereditary will likely find a similarly captivating atmosphere in Pearl.
9.Apostle (2018)
A Man Tries To Free His Sister From A Cult
Another excellent follow-up to Hereditary is Apostle, which aligns closely with its thematic elements. Set in 1905, the film follows Thomas as he returns to London to rescue his sister, who is being held captive by a mysterious cult. His journey leads him to an isolated island where danger lurks at every corner.
Fans who appreciated the sibling dynamics between Charlie and Peter in Hereditary will find parallels in Apostle, where familial love is tested against sinister forces. Moreover, the film’s focus on cults mirrors the themes of the Paimon cult present in Hereditary, making Apostle a fitting companion piece.
8.The Autopsy Of Jane Doe (2016)
Coroners Investigate A Mysterious Corpse
Focusing on themes of death and hidden secrets, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is an atmospheric horror film that resonates with the tension found in Hereditary. The narrative centers on a father-son duo performing an autopsy on an unidentified corpse, known only as Jane Doe. Their routine examination spirals into a chilling investigation as unsettling clues hint at supernatural occurrences.
This film explores themes of life, death, and trauma, paralleling the unsettling nature of Hereditary. The mounting tension and eerie atmosphere are bound to keep horror aficionados on the edge of their seats, making The Autopsy of Jane Doe a worthy watch.
7.The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
A Teenager Suspects His Father May Be A Serial Killer
Shifting away from the supernatural, The Clovehitch Killer is a gripping crime horror film. Following Tyler, a teenager leading a seemingly normal life with his doting father, the story takes a dark turn when he uncovers disturbing photographs that lead him to suspect his father may be linked to a series of grisly murders from a decade ago.
6.I’m Thinking Of Ending Things (2020)
A Couple Visit Family & Notice Strange Occurrences
Premiering with much anticipation, I’m Thinking of Ending Things captures the unsettling tone that Hereditary embodies. Following Lucy, who accompanies her boyfriend on a trip to meet his parents, the narrative quickly unravels into a surreal and disquieting journey as strange events unfold.
This film also features the talented Toni Collette, who delivered a powerful performance as Annie in Hereditary. Her role as the Mother in I’m Thinking of Ending Things adds to the film’s eerie complexity, making it an enticing experience for fans of Hereditary.
5.Death Whisperer (2023)
A Brother Attempts To Save His Sister From An Unusual Illness
Focusing on sibling relationships, Death Whisperer is a Thai horror film that delves into the supernatural. The story revolves around a man who returns home to assist his sister, who exhibits alarming behavior due to an unknown ailment. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that this “illness”may have a paranormal origin.
Similar to Apostle, this film emphasizes sibling dynamics, but it introduces paranormal elements that are hauntingly captivating. The film’s development and supernatural scares are striking and resonate deeply with those who appreciated the emotional and eerie aspects of Hereditary.
4.The Old Ways (2020)
A Journalist Is Kidnapped By A Witch
Underappreciated but critically acclaimed, The Old Ways tells the story of a journalist who returns to her hometown intending to explore witchcraft. Instead, she becomes a prisoner of a local witch who believes she is possessed and requires an exorcism. As the journalist fights for her survival, her grasp on reality is challenged.
While the core premise may diverge from Hereditary, The Old Ways echoes its themes of paganism and the unsettling influence of the supernatural on everyday lives. It adeptly captures the sense of dread akin to Hereditary, making it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts.
3.Under The Shadow (2016)
A Mother Cares For Her Daughter Amid a War
Under the Shadow is a haunting Iranian film following a mother striving to protect her daughter during the tumult of the Iran-Iraq War. When their apartment building is struck by a missile, the mother suspects that a malevolent force may have entered their home, heightening their vulnerability.
Much like Annie’s protective instincts in Hereditary, the mother in Under the Shadow exemplifies relentless devotion to her child. With a staggering 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this film’s potency and provocative themes leave a lasting impression on its audience.
2.Veronica (2017)
A Teen Girl Suffers Dire Consequences After Using a Ouija Board
Fans of Hereditary anticipating chilling sequences will find a fitting thriller in Veronica. This Spanish horror narrative depicts a teenage girl who, along with her friends, attempts to summon her deceased father’s spirit via a Ouija board. The summoning, however, unleashes a much darker presence.
While less focused on family than Hereditary, Veronica captivates with its possession tropes, delivering a visceral horror experience that serves as a thrilling companion piece to Aster’s work.
1.The Babadook (2014)
A Mother Realizes A Monster Lurks In Her Home
For a perfect follow-up to Hereditary, The Babadook stands out as an exceptional choice. The film tells the story of a grieving mother grappling with her husband’s violent death and her son’s insistence that a monster lurks within their home. As tensions rise, the reality of the haunting deepens, putting their lives at grave risk.
Shared themes of trauma and family dynamics resonate strongly between these two films. Moreover, the menacing presence of the titular monster in The Babadook ensures that horror enthusiasts will find themselves pleasantly frightened, making this film an ideal counterpart to Hereditary.
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