10 Best Movies Like It Follows | Similar-List

Since its release in 2014, It Follows has become a pivotal entry in modern horror, drawing audiences in with its distinctive mix of psychological tension and supernatural dread. At the core of the narrative lies the unfathomable horror of an entity that relentlessly pursues its victims, tapping into deep themes of anxiety, sexual vulnerability, and the inevitability of fate. The film's eerie ambiance and poignant exploration of youthful fears resonate profoundly with viewers, solidifying its esteemed status within the genre. For those keen to discover more films that evoke similar sentiments of dread and emotional depth, here are ten horror movies that beautifully capture the essence and chilling atmosphere of It Follows.

10 Best Movies Like It Follows

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

After the massive success of his Spider-Man trilogy, director Sam Raimi returned to his horror roots with Drag Me to Hell. This film deftly balances humor with horrifying supernatural elements. The story follows Christine Brown, portrayed by Alison Lohman, a young loan officer eager for a promotion. When she denies an elderly woman, Mrs. Ganush, a loan extension, Christine is cursed by a vengeful spirit.

This film is notable for its campy scares and its sharp social commentary on the consequences of one’s choices. As Christine descends into a world of the supernatural, she confronts the manifestation of her guilt and the ramifications of her ambition. The curse itself is an embodiment of impending doom, forcing her to race against time to find a way to lift it before she is dragged to Hell.

Raimi employs a unique visual style that enhances comedic and horror elements. Exaggerated sound effects, creative camera angles, and dynamic editing contribute to exhilarating chaos that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. For instance, the intense sequences in which Christine battles the spirit are simultaneously terrifying and darkly comedic, reminiscent of classic horror films while establishing a fresh narrative voice.

Moreover, the duality of Christine’s character elevates the film beyond mere shock value. As she grapples with the moral implications of her actions and their concrete effects, audiences are invited to reflect on themes of empathy, greed, and the human condition. The haunting climax, which features a dramatic twist that offers both horror and a chilling sense of certainty, reinforces the film's central message: our actions have consequences, and the past can come back to haunt us in unimaginable ways.

Drag Me to Hell stands out in the horror genre not just for its scares but for its ability to blend humor with genuine tension, making it a unique experience that resonates with fans of supernatural horror. Audiences who appreciate It Follows for its psychological tension and impending doom will find Drag Me to Hell a thrilling counterpart, captivating them with its blend of horror, humor, and moral complexity.

Gerald’s Game (2017)

Before taking on the monumental task of adapting Stephen King's sequel to The Shining, director Mike Flanagan impressively tackled the similarly challenging adaptation of King’s 1992 novel Gerald’s Game. This psychological thriller follows the harrowing ordeal of Jessie Burlingame, played masterfully by Carla Gugino, who finds herself handcuffed to a bed in a remote vacation home after a game with her husband goes awry.

As the chilling premise unfolds, viewers are thrust into a brutal exploration of Jessie’s psyche. With the sun setting and her husband suddenly dead, she must confront both her terrifying circumstances and the traumas of her past. The film expertly delves into themes of survival, abuse, and the struggle for self-empowerment. Flanagan utilizes flashbacks to reveal critical moments of Jessie’s life, highlighting her childhood traumas and the psychological scars they leave.

In a particularly haunting sequence, Jessie grapples with hallucinations of her deceased husband, who taunts and terrorizes her, showcasing how trauma can manifest in the mind. The tension intensifies with Jessie's desperate attempts to escape her physical restraints, creating a palpable sense of claustrophobia that mirrors her emotional confinement.

The film also skillfully examines deep-rooted issues of female empowerment and reclaiming one’s agency. As Jessie fights to survive, she confronts her fears and transforms her trauma into strength. This journey is not just a fight for physical escape but represents a powerful narrative of liberation from past abuses.

What sets Gerald’s Game apart from typical horror fare is its character-driven approach, which makes the viewer both an observer of horror and a participant in Jessie’s psychological battle. The film’s ability to create visceral tension and emotional depth, combined with Gugino’s compelling performance, ensures that audiences remain on the edge of their seats.

Ultimately, Gerald’s Game echoes the thematic essence found in It Follows, where trauma shapes the characters' experiences and resonates beyond the confines of their immediate horrors. Both films intricately weave psychological complexity into their narratives, leaving audiences terrified and profoundly affected long after the credits roll.

Split (2016)

After the success of It Follows, the collaboration between director M. Night Shyamalan and cinematographer Mike Gioulakis brought forth Split. This psychological thriller captivates audiences with its unsettling exploration of identity and trauma.

The film centers around Kevin Wendell Crumb, a young man with dissociative identity disorder who harbors 23 distinct personalities. These personalities range dramatically in temperament and characteristics, from a precocious child to a sinister figure known as "The Beast." When Kevin kidnaps three teenage girls—Kayla, Marcia, and Claire—who are held captive in an underground lair, suspense escalates as the girls attempt to escape while also trying to understand Kevin's fractured psyche.

Shyamalan crafts a masterful narrative that dives deep into the complexities of Kevin's mind, illustrating how his traumatic past shaped each of his identities. This exploration reflects the broader theme of how trauma can fracture the human experience, mirroring the way It Follows and examines the psychological repercussions of sexual encounters and societal expectations. Additionally, the film's chilling portrayal of Kevin's internal conflict offers a poignant reflection on the struggles of mental illness, inviting empathy even as it generates horror.

Much as It Follows, which postulates an implacable threat that symbolizes deeper fears, Split presents a character whose identity becomes a torment source. The tension throughout the film builds slowly but inexorably, drawing viewers into a claustrophobic atmosphere that feels constricting as the girls' captivity. Both films utilize an effective climax that leaves the audience questioning the characters’ fates and their perceptions of fear and survival.

Split's distinct visual style further enhances its themes. Gioulakis’s cinematography employs stark contrasts and tight frames, crafting a sense of entrapment and intensifying the psychological tension. The masterful use of lighting and shadow creates an ambiguous visual landscape reflecting Kevin’s reality’s instability, much like the enveloping dread felt throughout It Follows.

Split garnered critical acclaim for its riveting performances, particularly that of James McAvoy, who seamlessly transitions between personalities, showcasing incredible range and emotional depth. This performance and the film's intelligent script revitalized interest in psychological thrillers and provoked discussions about mental health in mainstream cinema. Additionally, Split serves as a precursor to Shyamalan's follow-up film Glass (2019), where the story arcs converge, further solidifying its significance in contemporary film.

The Witch (2015)

In Robert Eggers' The Witch, viewers are transported to a time of deeply ingrained superstition and fear in 17th-century New England. The film follows a Puritan family that becomes increasingly isolated after being banished from their community for their radical beliefs. As they attempt to settle on the edge of a mysterious forest, tensions rise as they grapple with the unknown forces lurking within it.

The story revolves around Thomasin, the eldest daughter portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, who is thrust into the role of scapegoat as her family faces a series of misfortunes—a dying crop, the mysterious disappearance of their youngest child, and growing paranoia about an unseen evil. The film cleverly intertwines folklore and psychological horror, exemplified by the haunting imagery of a goat named Black Phillip, who embodies the darker aspects of the supernatural and becomes a symbol of the family's unraveling faith and sanity.

Eggers meticulously constructs an atmosphere of dread, using natural light and authentic period dialogue to create an unsettling realism that immerses the audience. The slow pacing of the narrative reflects the gradual descent into madness as the family is consumed by their internal conflicts and external fears of witchcraft. The film's climax, which unveils the horrors behind the witch in the woods, is a powerful commentary on the consequences of fanaticism and the fragility of faith.

Much like It Follows, The Witch evokes an overwhelming sense of dread that builds as the story unfolds. It portrays fear as an external entity and as something deeply rooted in human experience and belief. The exploration of guilt, innocence, and the psychological effects of isolation resonates with viewers long after the credits roll, making it a compelling choice for fans seeking a similarly chilling experience.

Under the Skin (2013)

In Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin, Scarlett Johansson delivers a hauntingly captivating performance as an alien entity who lures unsuspecting men to their doom in the bleak landscapes of Scotland. The film ventures beyond conventional horror by intertwining science fiction and existential inquiry elements, showcasing the alien's chilling detachment from humanity.

As the story unfolds, Johansson's character drives a van through the desolate streets, engaging in conversations with her victims, only to ensnare them in a nightmarish trap. The film's surreal atmosphere is enhanced by its striking visuals, which juxtapose the stark urban environment with hauntingly beautiful imagery of the Scottish countryside. Glazer cleverly employs ambient sound and minimalist dialogue, creating an unsettling tension that mirrors the isolation the alien and her victims feel.

Themes of identity and predation permeate the narrative, prompting viewers to reflect on the nature of desire, the vulnerability of human existence, and the chilling idea that predators may inhabit our everyday lives, often disguised as familiar faces. The visceral horror of Under the Skin lies not just in its narrative but also in its ability to evoke an emotional response. The alien’s gradual awakening to human emotions and experiences—highlighted in moments where she witnesses happiness, love, and even sorrow—adds complexity to her character, challenging the audience’s perception of horror.

The film’s conclusion leaves viewers with a powerful sense of ambiguity, further enhancing the horror. As the alien’s journey sees her grapple with her identity and eventual choice, it leads to a haunting contemplation of what it means to be human. This exploration of duality and the alien perspective resonates with the certainty and existential dread themes in It Follows. Ultimately, Under the Skin serves as a chilling reminder of the inherent fragility of life and the hidden predators that lurk within, marking it as a compelling companion piece to It Follows.

The Invitation (2015)

In Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation, what begins as a seemingly ordinary dinner gathering escalates into a psychological battleground. The film centers on Will, who, after the death of his son, accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, Eden, and her new husband, David. As the evening unfolds in a stunningly designed Los Angeles home, the atmosphere shifts from convivial to unsettling, as subtle hints reveal that the hosts have ulterior motives.

Throughout the evening, guests share stories and reminisce, but an undercurrent of tension permeates the conversations. The meticulous pacing allows viewers to feel Will's growing unease; he becomes increasingly suspicious of Eden and David's strange behavior. When Eden reveals her involvement with a cult that promotes the acceptance of death and grief, the tone shifts dramatically, leaving Will and the audience questioning the true nature of the gathering.

The film cleverly employs symbolism, such as the recurring motif of a white light illuminating the home, representing the allure and danger of the unknown. Kusama masterfully builds suspense as the evening progresses, using close-up shots of Will's distressed expressions to amplify the viewer's anxiety.

As the dinner party unfolds, the tension reaches a climax when the true purpose of the gathering is revealed, forcing Will to confront not only the danger lurking within the house but also his emotional turmoil and unresolved grief. The palpable tension and psychological stakes reflected in the characters’ interactions brilliantly parallel the impending sense of doom felt in It Follows.

Ultimately, The Invitation is a harrowing exploration of trust, betrayal, and the fragility of human connections, compelling viewers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind social interactions and the thin line separating a reunion from a nightmare. This exploration of psychological horror makes The Invitation an essential watch for fans seeking narratives that harness an unsettling atmosphere, much like It Follows.

The Ring (1998)

This Japanese horror classic, directed by Hideo Nakata and based on the novel Ring by Koji Suzuki, revitalized the horror landscape with its chilling premise and masterful execution. The story follows journalist Reiko Asakawa, who investigates a cursed videotape that mysteriously claims the lives of anyone who watches it within seven days. After viewing the tape herself, Reiko embarks on a desperate quest to uncover its origins and find a way to break the curse, all while grappling with her demons and the emotional fallout from her divorce.

The film's narrative is intricately woven with themes of grief, guilt, and the inherent terror of the unknown. As Reiko pieces together the dark history surrounding the tape, viewers are introduced to key characters, including the ominous figure of Sadako—an enigmatic girl whose tragic fate is linked to the curse. The unsettling imagery of the tape's distorted visuals, interspersed with haunting audio, creates a palpable dread that lingers long after viewers leave the theater.

The Ring employs innovative storytelling techniques, notably utilizing media and technology as harbingers of doom. The cursed videotape is a metaphor for the spread of information and its moral repercussions. This aspect resonates with audiences on a societal level, eliciting fears of uncontrollable forces in our increasingly interconnected world.

Like It Follows, The Ring utilizes an inescapable sense of doom, underscoring that there is no easy escape once the curse is encountered. Reiko's frantic attempts to save herself and her young son, who also faces impending danger, heightens the emotional stakes. The film leaves viewers disturbed not just by the supernatural elements but also by the relatable human experiences of love, loss, and the lengths one would go to protect their family.

Additionally, The Ring's success led to a wave of J-horror films that explored similar themes of psychological horror and cursed media, influencing the genre globally. Its impactful storytelling and haunting visuals have cemented its place as a modern classic, reminding audiences that true horror often lies in the shadows of human emotion and the consequences of our actions.

In summary, The Ring is not merely a horror story but a profound exploration of fear, isolation, and the darkness that can lurk within us all. Like It Follows, it masterfully grips viewers through gripping narratives and an atmosphere thick with unrelenting tension.

Shutter (2004)

Shutter, the atmospheric Thai horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakul and Parkpoom Wongpoom, immerses viewers in a chilling narrative centered on a couple, Tun and Jane, who begin to experience haunting phenomena after a tragic accident. As they navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident, they discover mysterious photographs that reveal ghostly apparitions captured in the pictures, which serve as a metaphor for unresolved guilt and the emotional repercussions of their actions.

The film masterfully builds tension through its haunting cinematography and unsettling sound design. Every frame is imbued with a sense of foreboding as shadows stretch and morph in the corners of the screen. The use of low lighting and claustrophobic spaces enhances the viewer’s unease, making the ordinary feel nightmarish.

A pivotal plot element arises when Tun and Jane consult a shaman for help, showcasing the cultural beliefs surrounding spirits and retribution in Thai society. This element adds depth to the narrative, as it presents the conflict between the rational and the supernatural, echoing the themes of psychological torment that anchor the story.

As the narrative unfolds, Tun’s deteriorating mental state mirrors the dark secrets that unravel; the audience is left to ponder the true nature of the haunting. The climax reveals heart-wrenching twists highlighting themes of remorse and the relentless nature of guilt as the couple’s past finally catches up, leading to a shocking and unforgettable conclusion.

With its emphasis on the psychological reasons behind the hauntings rather than relying solely on jump scares, Shutter achieves a level of horror that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll. The film not only terrifies but also forces one to reflect on the implications of their actions, much like It Follows. Both films effectively utilize supernatural elements to delve into deeper human emotions, resulting in chilling, memorable experiences that resonate with audiences.

Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter’s Halloween is a seminal slasher film that set the standard for future horror and introduced audiences to some of the genre's most iconic tropes. The chilling story revolves around Michael Myers, who, after escaping a mental institution, returns to his hometown of Haddonfield to stalk teenager Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis in her breakout role.

The film is renowned for its innovative use of suspense and tension, employing techniques such as the "slow reveal" and POV shots from Michael's perspective, which allow viewers to experience the terror as if they were the hunter. Carpenter’s minimalist score, characterized by the iconic piano melody, enhances the eerie atmosphere and amplifies the viewer's anxiety as they await the inevitable encounter.

One of the film's significant contributions to the horror genre is its portrayal of the "final girl," a trope encapsulated by Laurie Strode. Unlike typical horror movie characters, Laurie embodies resourcefulness and resilience, illustrating a deeper narrative about survival. This dynamic not only keeps the audience engaged but also elevates the film beyond mere slasher fare, offering commentary on morality and the consequences of reckless behavior, as evidenced by the fates of her friends.

Furthermore, Halloween sparked a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous sequels and remakes that sought to capture the original film's magic. Its influence can be seen in countless horror films that followed, from the killer's predictable stalking patterns to the moralistic undertones that suggest a reckoning for irresponsible behavior.

In conclusion, Michael Myers's relentless pursuit mirrored the unyielding dread experienced in It Follows, as both films craft a sense of foreboding that lingers long after the credits roll. Halloween does not just serve as a mere slasher film; it is a masterclass in tension and character building that continues to haunt viewers and influence filmmakers even decades after its release.

Halloween (2018)

Michael Myers returns in this highly anticipated sequel, set 40 years after John Carpenter's seminal slasher classic. Directed by David Gordon Green, Halloween (2018) rejuvenates the franchise while maintaining the tension and dread that made the original a hallmark of horror. Picking up directly from the events of the 1978 film, the story sees Laurie Strode, portrayed once again by the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis, prepare for an inevitable confrontation with the masked murderer who has haunted her life.

In this new narrative, Laurie is portrayed as a survivalist traumatized by her past experiences. Living in isolation, she has spent decades mentally preparing for Michael's return by honing her combat skills and fortifying her home. Her character evolution emphasizes the long-lasting impact of trauma and fear, highlighting that survival often comes with deep psychological scars.

This installment does not stop showcasing the passage of time and its effects on both victims and perpetrators. Laurie’s relationship with her estranged daughter Karen, played by Judy Greer, and her granddaughter Allyson, portrayed by Andi Matichak, illustrates generational trauma and the struggle to break free from the cycle of violence. The film poignantly explores maternal strength, resilience, and vulnerability, making Laurie a multi-dimensional character whose fight against Michael is as much about family as it is about survival.

The film returns to its roots, employing practical effects and suspenseful cinematography that mirrors the original's style while incorporating modern elements. Ominous moments are amplified by a chilling score from John Carpenter himself, which echoes the haunting melody that has become synonymous with the franchise. The blend of suspenseful pacing and visceral horror pays homage to the legacy of Halloween and ensures that the film resonates with contemporary audiences.

Moreover, Halloween (2018) intelligently critiques societal perceptions of horror and violence, scrutinizing how communities react to the threat of a known killer. The film’s climax culminates in a tense showdown, where Laurie confronts Michael in a gripping sequence that serves as both a decisive battle and a cathartic resolution to her long-standing fear.

As a modern reboot, Halloween (2018) successfully balances nostalgia and innovation, inviting longtime fans and newcomers to experience the torment of a haunting legacy. It solidifies that the most terrifying monsters often wear a familiar face, making it a compelling recommendation for fans of psychological horror and slasher films.

These ten films reflect the psychological horror and emotional depth that It Follows so adeptly conveys. Each story delves into the human psyche, exposing fears beneath the surface. For viewers intrigued by It Follows' chilling atmospheres and thought-provoking narratives, these recommendations promise a thrilling exploration of the darker aspects of the horror genre, revealing that fear can be both terrifying and profoundly introspective.

If you're interested in delving deeper into psychological horror or exploring thematic analyses of the genre, consider checking out additional resources on the emotional impact of horror films and curated lists of must-see horror classics.