If you enjoyed the chilling supernatural thriller “Night Swim”, there are plenty of other great horror films with similar themes and scares to check out next. From haunted houses to cursed objects to terrifying spirits, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are the 18 best supernatural horror movies like “Night Swim”:
1. Talk to Me (2022)
Talk to Me follows a group of friends who discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand. At first, the teens become hooked on the thrilling new high of being possessed. But things quickly spiral out of control when one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
With a unique premise and plenty of scares, Talk to Me is an exciting new addition to the supernatural horror genre. The young cast delivers strong performances as the curious teens in over their heads. And the special effects bringing the spirits to life are truly unnerving. If you’re looking for a fresh take on possession horror, Talk to Me is a must-watch.
2. The Grudge 2 (2006)
The Grudge 2 is the sequel to the 2004 remake of the Japanese horror film Ju-On: The Grudge. The story follows Karen’s younger sister Aubrey, who comes to Japan after learning of her sister’s terrifying encounter with a cursed house. Soon, Aubrey and those around her become the new targets of the vengeful spirits.
While not quite as scary as the first film, The Grudge 2 still delivers some effective frights. The nonlinear storytelling and intersecting subplots can be a bit confusing at times. But the creepy atmosphere and unsettling visuals make this a worthy follow-up for fans of the original. If you want to dive further into the cursed world of The Grudge, this sequel is worth a look.
3. Poltergeist (2015)
Poltergeist is a remake of the classic 1982 horror film about a family whose suburban home is invaded by malevolent ghosts. When the spirits abduct the family’s youngest daughter, they must come together to rescue her from the supernatural forces.
The 2015 Poltergeist doesn’t quite live up to the original, but it’s still an entertaining update for a new generation. The modern special effects help bring the ghostly activity to life in creative ways. And the talented cast grounds the fantastical story with relatable family dynamics. While it may not top the original, this Poltergeist provides enough thrills to satisfy horror fans.
4. Things Heard & Seen (2021)
In Things Heard & Seen, a young couple moves to a remote home in upstate New York for a fresh start. But Catherine soon senses a sinister presence lurking in both the walls of their house and her marriage. As she investigates the home’s dark history, the supernatural forces grow stronger.
Based on the novel All Things Cease to Appear, this slow-burn horror mystery takes its time building dread. Amanda Seyfried gives a compelling lead performance as a woman uncovering secrets about her new home and her husband. With gorgeous cinematography and a haunting score, Things Heard & Seen crafts an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that will get under your skin.
5. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone centers on the unlikely friendship between a billionaire and a young boy bonding over books and an iPhone. But when Mr. Harrigan passes away, the boy discovers he can still communicate with his friend from beyond the grave through the buried cell phone.
More supernatural drama than outright horror, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is a Stephen King adaptation with heart. The two leads develop a touching bond, even as the story heads into ghostly territory. Donald Sutherland is perfectly cast as the enigmatic Mr. Harrigan. And Jaeden Martell continues to impress as a sensitive teen processing grief. For a more sentimental spin on the supernatural, this is a solid pick.
6. Eli (2019)
Eli follows a boy receiving treatment for a rare autoimmune disorder at a remote medical facility. At first, the old house seems to offer a chance for Eli to live a normal life. But he soon realizes the building holds dark secrets and may not be as safe as it appears.
This Netflix original horror film takes some unexpected twists and turns as Eli uncovers the truth about his treatment. While not all of the big reveals completely land, Eli still provides an engaging mystery anchored by strong performances from the young cast. The sterile medical setting adds to the unsettling atmosphere. And there are some genuinely creepy moments as Eli explores the sinister halls.
7. Don’t Listen (2020)
In this Spanish supernatural horror film, a couple moves into an old house with their young son, who starts hearing ghostly voices. They soon discover why the locals call it “the house of the voices” as the spirits grow more aggressive. The family must find a way to stop the evil forces before it’s too late.
Don’t Listen is an effective haunted house movie that makes the most of its single location. The film builds tension as the family’s new domestic bliss gets disrupted by increasingly terrifying encounters. And the emotional core of parents fighting to save their son keeps you invested. With some inventive scares and a brisk pace, Don’t Listen is a worthy addition to the haunted house subgenre.
8. Where the Skin Lies (2017)
Where the Skin Lies follows six friends reuniting at a remote holiday home, years after a traumatic experience drove them apart. But as strange events unfold, they realize a sinister force from their past has returned for revenge.
This British indie horror combines supernatural scares with a mystery that slowly unfolds in flashbacks. The remote, rustic setting provides an eerie backdrop for the horrors to come. And the filmmakers make effective use of the wintry scenery. The characters aren’t always the most likable, but the story takes some surprising turns as dark secrets come to light. Where the Skin Lies doesn’t break new ground but offers a solid, spooky time.
9. The Manor (2018)
After being released from a mental asylum on her 18th birthday, Amy’s mother takes her to visit family at their remote country manor. But Amy soon realizes her relatives may be part of a dark cult with sinister intentions. As she investigates her family’s history, supernatural forces arise.
The Manor blends occult horror with family drama as Amy uncovers the secrets buried at the estate. The sprawling, shadowy manor makes for a creepy setting as the tension slowly builds. And there are some unsettling scenes of ritual and madness. While the story beats feel a bit familiar, The Manor still delivers an entertaining, gothic-tinged horror mystery.
10. The Strange House (2021)
In this German supernatural thriller, a big city family moves to a small town for a fresh start. But the two young brothers and their new friends soon discover their house is haunted. As they investigate the dark history of their home, they must confront the menacing spirits.
The Strange House takes a classic haunted house setup and tells it from the perspective of the children. The kids make for endearing protagonists as they work to solve a ghostly mystery. And the film doesn’t hold back on scares, despite the young leads. With an atmospheric old house and a twisty plot, The Strange House is a fun, spooky adventure for the whole family.
11. Totem (2017)
After the tragic death of their youngest son, a family is gifted a mysterious totem pole. The mother soon grows convinced the totem is connected to the supernatural events occurring around the house. She must uncover the dark origins of the object to save her family.
Totem is a slow-burn horror film that takes its time establishing the family dynamics and their overwhelming grief. But the deliberate pacing allows the dread to build as they’re haunted by their past and the cursed totem. The titular object makes for an ominous presence looming over the house. And the film delivers some chilling moments as the supernatural threat grows. Patient viewers will be rewarded by this moody, emotionally-driven horror drama.
12. The Others (2001)
The Others stars Nicole Kidman as Grace, a religious mother caring for her two photosensitive children in a remote country house after World War II. But when a mysterious new trio of servants arrives, strange events begin occurring. As Grace investigates, she uncovers dark secrets about their home.
This gothic supernatural tale is a masterclass in building atmosphere and dread. The foggy, candlelit mansion is the perfect eerie backdrop. And Kidman gives a riveting lead performance as an increasingly paranoid mother. The Others builds to a haunting, emotionally devastating climax with an unforgettable twist. It’s a modern classic of the haunted house subgenre not to be missed.
13. The Orphanage (2007)
In this Spanish gothic horror film, Laura returns with her family to the orphanage where she was raised, hoping to reopen it as a home for disabled children. But when her adopted son Simón goes missing, Laura must confront the dark secrets of the orphanage’s past and the spirits that still linger.
Produced by Guillermo del Toro, The Orphanage is an emotionally devastating ghost story anchored by a powerhouse performance from Belén Rueda. The crumbling, labyrinthine orphanage makes for an unsettling backdrop as Laura searches for her son. With a compelling mystery, chilling apparitions, and a gut-punch of an ending, The Orphanage is a modern supernatural horror classic.
14. The Awakening (2011)
Set in 1921, The Awakening follows Florence Cathcart, a professional hoax exposer grieving a personal loss. She’s called to a remote boarding school to investigate an alleged ghost sighting. But as Florence searches for rational explanations, she soon encounters a haunting presence that shakes her skepticism.
This British supernatural mystery is a slow-burn period piece dripping with atmosphere. The post-war setting adds another layer of grief and trauma to the ghostly happenings. Rebecca Hall gives a commanding lead performance as a woman of science grappling with the uncanny. With lush cinematography, haunting visuals, and a captivating lead, The Awakening casts a spellbinding, eerie mood.
15. The Innkeepers (2011)
The Innkeepers follows the last two employees of a haunted hotel on its final weekend before closing. Eager to capture proof of the paranormal, the duo attempt to contact the spirits before guests arrive. But they get more than they bargained for when a malevolent presence makes itself known.
Writer-director Ti West delivers another slow-burn spookfest with this charming, quirky ghost story. The leads are likable and funny, making you care as the scares escalate. And the empty, creaky hotel halls provide plenty of opportunities for simple but effective frights. The Innkeepers takes its time, but the payoff is worth it for patient horror fans.
16. We Are Still Here (2015)
After the death of their adult son, a couple moves to an isolated New England home for a fresh start. But they soon discover the house has a dark history and an evil supernatural presence. As the spirits grow violent, the couple seeks help from their New Age friends to put an end to the haunting.
We Are Still Here is a loving homage to 70s and 80s supernatural horror, from its retro visual style to its synth score. The wintry setting adds to the desolate, creepy atmosphere. And once the haunting kicks into high gear in the final act, the film delivers some wild, gory surprises. It’s a fun, nostalgic ride for fans of old-school horror.
17. The Night House (2020)
The Night House stars Rebecca Hall as Beth, a widow uncovering dark secrets about her recently deceased husband. As Beth grapples with her grief in their lakeside home, she’s plagued by disturbing visions and a ghostly presence. Determined to understand, she searches for answers in the house’s strange architecture.
One of the most underseen gems of 2020, The Night House is a devastating portrait of loss and a gripping supernatural mystery. Hall’s raw, complex performance anchors the film as Beth’s mental state unravels. With striking visuals and a bone-chilling sound design, the film creates a palpable sense of dread as the truth comes to light.
18. His House (2020)
In this haunting refugee drama, a couple escapes war-torn South Sudan for a chance at a better life in a small English town. But as they try to adjust to their new surroundings, they’re tormented by an evil presence in their dilapidated government housing. They must confront the malevolent force and the traumas of their past.
His House seamlessly blends social realism with supernatural horror for a uniquely affecting viewing experience. The lead performances are heartbreaking as the couple processes their grief and guilt. And the film conjures up some terrifying imagery as the haunting takes hold. It’s a powerful, poignant story of the immigrant experience through a horror lens.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fun ghost adventure, an emotional gut-punch, or a good old-fashioned haunted house thrill ride, there’s a supernatural horror film on this list for every taste. These 18 movies like “Night Swim” showcase the wide range of chilling stories this subgenre has to offer. So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and get ready for a spooky movie night.
