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13 Chilling Horror Films Like The Conjuring to Thrill You

Sep 23,25(6 months ago)
13 Chilling Horror Films Like The Conjuring to Thrill You

The Conjuring universe, encompassing three main films and several spin-offs, ranks among the most lucrative horror franchises, amassing over $2 billion on modest budgets.

Helmed by James Wan, also a co-creator of the Saw series, The Conjuring began as a chilling portrayal of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The franchise later delved into the origins of its demons (The Nun, The Nun 2) and haunted artifacts (Annabelle series).

As we anticipate the fourth and reportedly final film, The Conjuring: Last Rites, set for release in September, we’ve curated 13 horror films that echo the eerie essence of The Conjuring. This list features tales of ghosts, demons, and malevolent spirits to satisfy your craving for supernatural scares.

Be sure to explore all nine films in the Conjuring saga: The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Conjuring 2, Annabelle: Creation, The Nun, The Nun 2, The Curse of La Llorona, Annabelle Comes Home, and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. Check our guide for streaming details on the Conjuring movies.

Here are 13 films like The Conjuring to fuel your horror obsession.

Insidious (2010)

Image credit: FilmDistrict

Director: James Wan | Writer: Leigh Whannell | Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey | Release Date: September 14, 2010 | Review: IGN's Insidious review

From James Wan and his Saw collaborator Leigh Whannell, the Insidious franchise spans five films: Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, Insidious: Chapter 3, Insidious: The Last Key, and Insidious: The Red Door. Featuring Patrick Wilson from The Conjuring and Rose Byrne, the series follows a demonologist (later played by Lin Shaye) battling ghostly possessions and nocturnal terrors. The first two films, directed by Wan, are standout entries.

Insidious 6 was slated for August 2025 but has been postponed to August 2026.

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The Changeling (1980)

Image credit: Pan-Canadian Film Distributors

Director: Peter Medak | Writer: William Gray, Diana Maddox, Russell Hunter | Stars: George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas | Release Date: March 28, 1980

Craving a timeless haunted house tale? The Changeling features George C. Scott as a grieving man whose new home harbors a dark, tragic secret. Can he find peace by confronting the restless spirits within? Watch to find out.

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Poltergeist (1982)

Image credit: MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

Director: Tobe Hooper | Writer: Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, Mark Victor | Stars: JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke, Craig T. Nelson | Release Date: June 4, 1982 | Review: IGN's Poltergeist review

Poltergeist terrified a generation with its sinister spirits, from menacing trees to creepy clown dolls. This iconic horror film follows the Freeling family as they face supernatural chaos in their seemingly perfect California suburb, delivering unforgettable thrills.

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Oculus (2013)

Image credit: Relativity Media

Director: Mike Flanagan | Writer: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard | Stars: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites, Katee Sackhoff | Release Date: September 8, 2013 | Review: IGN's Oculus review

With Karen Gillan and Katee Sackhoff, Oculus is a gripping, underappreciated entry in the cursed-object horror genre. Directed by Mike Flanagan, it follows siblings who believe an ancient mirror caused their family’s tragedies, unraveling a chilling tale of loss and supernatural dread.

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The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Image credit: Screen Gems/Sony

Director: Scott Derrickson | Writer: Scott Derrickson, Paul Harris Boardman | Stars: Jennifer Carpenter, Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson | Release Date: September 9, 2005 | Review: IGN's The Exorcism of Emily Rose review

Jennifer Carpenter delivers a riveting performance in Scott Derrickson’s The Exorcism of Emily Rose, a unique blend of horror and courtroom drama. Inspired by true events, it follows an agnostic lawyer (Laura Linney) defending a priest (Tom Wilkinson) charged with negligent homicide after a failed exorcism.

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The Exorcist (1973)

Image credit: Warner Bros.

Director: William Friedkin | Writer: William Peter Blatty | Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair | Release Date: December 26, 1973 | Review: IGN's The Exorcist review

Widely regarded as the greatest horror film ever, The Exorcist earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination, a first for the genre. Essential for horror fans, it’s a chilling masterpiece. Also consider The Exorcist III (1990), featuring George C. Scott and a standout performance by Brad Dourif, with one of horror’s best jump scares. Skip the 2023 sequel, The Exorcist: Believer.

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The Amityville Horror (1979)

Image credit: American International Pictures

Director: Stuart Rosenberg | Writer: Sandor Stern | Stars: James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod Steiger | Release Date: July 24, 1979 | Review: IGN's The Amityville Collection review

Opt for the 1979 original The Amityville Horror over the lackluster 2005 remake. Starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder, this chilling tale of a couple moving into a house plagued by malevolent forces delivers classic, reality-based scares.

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The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

Image credit: Lionsgate Films

Director: Peter Cornwell | Writer: Adam Simon, Tim Metcalfe | Stars: Virginia Madsen, Kyle Gallner, Martin Donovan | Release Date: March 27, 2009 | Review: IGN's The Haunting in Connecticut review

Inspired by a true story, The Haunting in Connecticut follows the Campbell family, who move into a new home to ease their son’s cancer treatment. They soon face violent spirits, blending heart-pounding horror with emotional depth.

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Sinister (2012)

Image credit: Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment

Director: Scott Derrickson | Writer: Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill | Stars: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Fred Thompson | Release Date: March 11, 2012 | Review: IGN's Sinister review

Scott Derrickson’s Sinister, starring Ethan Hawke as a true-crime writer, uncovers a malevolent demon in old home movies that annihilates families. A chilling standout, it deserved a stronger sequel than Sinister 2 delivered.

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The Others (2001)

Image credit: Dimension FIlms

Director: Alejandro Amenábar | Writer: Alejandro Amenábar | Stars: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston | Release Date: August 10, 2001 | Review: IGN's The Others review

Nicole Kidman stars in this atmospheric gothic horror set in post-World War II England. A family faces eerie disturbances from mysterious “others” haunting their home, delivering a suspenseful, twist-filled chiller perfect for a late-night watch.

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The Rite (2011)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Director: Mikael Håfström | Writer: Michael Petroni | Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga | Release Date: January 26, 2011 | Review: IGN's The Rite review

Anchored by Anthony Hopkins, The Rite draws from the real-life experiences of American exorcist Father Gary Thomas. Directed by Mikael Håfström, this slow-burn horror follows a young priest’s training in Rome, delivering atmospheric dread and gripping performances.

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The Orphanage (2007)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Director: J.A. Bayona | Writer: Sergio G. Sánchez | Stars: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep | Release Date: May 20, 2007 | Review: IGN's The Orphanage review

J.A. Bayona’s haunting gothic masterpiece, produced with Guillermo del Toro’s support, evokes 1970s Spanish cinema. A woman returns to her childhood orphanage to transform it into a home for disabled children, only to uncover a sinister ghost story when her adopted son vanishes.

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