Top 13 Horror Movies Like The Conjuring

The Conjuring cinematic universe has become one of horror's most successful franchises, earning over $2 billion globally despite modest production budgets. This interconnected series of supernatural thrillers began with James Wan's 2013 film about paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

The Rise of a Horror Empire

What started as a dramatized account of the Warrens' cases evolved into an expansive mythology exploring demonic entities (The Nun films) and haunted artifacts (Annabelle series). As we anticipate the franchise's "final chapter" with The Conjuring: Last Rites this September, we've compiled 13 similarly unsettling films featuring ghosts, demons, and malevolent forces.

For true believers, the complete Conjuring saga includes: The Conjuring (2013), Annabelle (2014), The Conjuring 2 (2016), Annabelle: Creation (2017), The Nun (2018), The Nun 2 (2023), The Curse of La Llorona (2019), Annabelle Comes Home (2019), and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021).

13 Spine-Chilling Alternatives to The Conjuring

Insidious (2010)

James Wan's second horror masterwork follows a family terrorized by demonic forces after their son falls into a mysterious coma. The film launched a successful franchise blending psychological terror with supernatural elements.

The Changeling (1980)

This haunting Canadian classic tells the story of a grieving composer who discovers his Victorian mansion hides terrifying secrets. George C. Scott delivers a powerful performance in this atmospheric ghost story.

Poltergeist (1982)

Tobe Hooper's suburban nightmare became a cultural phenomenon, mixing family drama with increasingly disturbing paranormal phenomena. Its practical effects and iconic scenes remain influential decades later.

Oculus (2013)

Mike Flanagan's clever psychological horror follows siblings confronting their traumatic past and a possibly cursed antique mirror. The film plays with perception and reality in disturbing ways.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Blending courtroom drama with supernatural horror, this film examines a priest's trial following a fatal exorcism. Jennifer Carpenter's physically demanding performance elevates the material.

The Exorcist (1973)

William Friedkin's adaptation of William Peter Blatty's novel remains the gold standard for possession films. Its groundbreaking effects and intense performances continue to terrify new generations.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

Based on allegedly true events, this haunted house tale follows a family terrorized by supernatural forces in their new home. Its simplistic but effective scares helped define the genre.

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

This underrated chiller explores a family's disturbing experiences in a former funeral home. The film combines emotional drama with genuinely unsettling supernatural sequences.

Sinister (2012)

Ethan Hawke stars as a true crime writer who discovers disturbing home movies in his new house. The film's eerie atmosphere and jolting scares make it a modern horror standout.

The Others (2001)

Alejandro Amenábar's gothic ghost story features Nicole Kidman in a stunning performance. The film's twist ending and restrained scares showcase horror's potential for sophistication.

The Rite (2011)

Inspired by real events, this exorcism drama benefits from Anthony Hopkins' gravitas. It explores faith and skepticism through its protagonist's journey to becoming an exorcist.

The Orphanage (2007)

J.A. Bayona's Spanish horror masterpiece blends haunting visuals with profound emotional depth. Its story of maternal love and loss creates an unforgettable supernatural mystery.

The Frighteners (1996)

Peter Jackson's horror-comedy hybrid shows the director's genre-bending talents pre-Lord of the Rings. Michael J. Fox shines in this inventive blend of laughs and scares.

Which of these chilling alternatives to The Conjuring universe resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and personal favorites in the comments below!