Did you just finish watching Hereditary? While watching, you didn’t feel that things would seep in quietly, did you? After all, Ari Aster’s Hereditary is not one of those ‘in-your-face horror flicks.’ It is rather a twisted movie wherein the grief lingers on and takes a harrowing form, all the while showcasing the unsettling effect of trauma. All said, you seem to be ‘in the mood’ for some of its kind. So, if you are looking out for movies like Hereditary, you are on the right page!
This listicle will give you a glimpse of such twisted dark flicks that you may enjoy once in a while. Here we bring you –
Table of Contents
Movies like Hereditary for you to check out
Some of the movies from the same genre are –
1. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
This list cannot start without the mention of Rosemanry’s Baby, which served as an inspiration for Hereditary! With almost a similar tonality, this film, despite being classified as a horror flick, is more like a slow-burn fearful art that slowly but deeply penetrates under your skin.
The premise is simple: a couple looking forward to embracing parenthood who moved into a new flat confronts neighbors who don’t have the best intentions in mind. However, the tonality is dark, with a sense of paranoia and occultism blended in. This one is a must-watch film that is way ahead of its time if you are in some ‘I will face it all’ mood!
Director: Roman Polanski
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+
2. Night Of The Living Dead (1968)
A treasure trove of a film, the fire and blood seemingly reflects a monochromatic style. Call it a zombie flick, or refer to it as a horror extravaganza; without a doubt, when you see corpses coming back to eat the living, there’s no way you can still visualize horror in the same light.
The claustrophobic feeling that comes to the fore, with the gloomy backdrop and classic acts by the cast to support it all – this is one of the movies like Hereditary, equally unnerving and no less hypnotic! Catch it now!
Director: George A Romero
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video, PLEX
3. The Taking Of Deborah Logan (2014)
It is one of the most underrated movies that combines the helplessness of a medical condition, Alzheimer’s, with the aspects of mystery and horror. It starts off on the note of somewhat like a medical docu-experimentation, but what is later unveiled is curiously mysterious.
The unexplained behaviour of Deborah Logan (played to the T by Jill Larson), the cleverly twisted storyline, and the intermingling of borders when it comes to defining – ethics/non-normative behaviour/supernatural make it a classic!
Trust us: this is not a ‘let’s sit back with popcorn’ and enjoy the moment film!
Director: Adam Robitel
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video
4. The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
When you are busy looking out for some more trauma, in the name of movies like Hereditary, this does make it to the list! Three simple tales of three girls blended to create a film. Is it that simple, or is there more? Their home school is a religious abode, but it seems that evil Satan controls it. The questions are endless, and the answers are no less compelling!
Though, at times, the storyline may get a little complicated, but that simply enhances the premise of this film psychologically. With strong acting and intriguing soundscapes bordering the film – the transition from simple personas to disturbing personalities is a curious mental treat you must check out!
Director: Osgood Perkins
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+
5. The Wailing (2016)
In for some psychological thrill? How can South Korea stay behind? The Wailing is one of those movies like Hereditary, set in the mountainous village of Gokseong, where the arrival of a Japanese stranger is parallel to the breakout of an infectious outbreak. This film surprisingly delves into the dark corners of the human psyche and combines a layer of folklore to leave the audience unsettled about their thoughts!
Set against a spine-chilling atmosphere that kickstarts with a sense of fear, this dives people into looking back at their personal beliefs that unseemingly clash with their modern outlook. A must-watch for both cinephiles and horror-lovers – be prepared to jump out of your couch!
Director: Na Hong-jin
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video
6. Midsommar (2019)
For anyone looking for movies like Hereditary, you can simply go back to the director’s second outing – a compelling and visually stimulating treat, Midsommar. A slow-mo storyline, this explores the lives of a set of young US graduates traveling to a Swedish festival. Sounds simple? Only that – every student in the group has a reason to travel!
A contemporary look at something of a folk terror, this film questions your perspectives on each individual with a backstory – how do you perceive them, good or bad? Keep thinking…that’s what the film wishes to achieve!
Director: Ari Aster
Watch it on Apple TV+
7. Anything for Jackson (2020)
If you are looking for movies like Hereditary and categorically asking for one that knocks you down slowly but steadily – this is the flick to opt for! Released at a time when the world was already fighting a demonish pandemic, this showcases eerily the situation of a pair of grandparents who enter into a pact with the devil to bring back their darling grandchild.
The battling of one’s morality is insanely difficult, and especially when selling it brings back your loved ones, there seems to be no looking back. A treat to your brain cells, its dark humour is freakishly entertaining.
Director: Justin G.Dyck
Watch it on Amazon Prime Video
Last thoughts
The thing about psychological thrillers is that they leave an unsettling yet deep impact on you, wherein you may not have an immediate ‘jump-scare’ moment, but the thoughts last! Hence, when you are looking for movies like Hereditary, you need to be better prepared to deal with it since, as the narrative unfolds, a stark sense of creep is embedded in every scene.
Having said that, despite all the trauma and anguish that one passes through, one must have a positive approach that there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you liked this post, do leave your comments below. Share it with your friends, and keep watching this space for more!
Monalisa Mukherjee is a content writer, copywriter and editor with 4 years of experience. She has written for websites like Biography Talk, The Rich Net Worth, Contour Cafe, He And She Fitness and Fiction Pad. She is currently associated with a noted Digital Marketing Agency and specialises in writing press release, guest posts, articles on travel, entertainment, food recipes, celebs, lifestyle, tech, health, and fashion.
