Movies Like Hereditary

Looking for movies like Hereditary? Here are 10 films with similar devastating, slow-burn, terrifying vibes, matching themes, and the same emotional impact.

Horror Drama 2018

Best Movies Like Hereditary

The best movies like Hereditary are Midsommar, The Babadook, Rosemary's Baby, The Witch. Each shares the devastating, slow-burn, terrifying tone and explores similar themes of family trauma, grief, mental illness, the occult, fate.

If you loved Hereditary (2018) for its devastating family drama disguised as horror, Toni Collette's shattering performance, and scenes that stay with you for days, these 10 movies deliver a similar experience. We picked each one based on shared tone, themes, and emotional feel — not just surface-level genre tags.

1. Midsommar
2019 Horror
Why it's similar: Same director, Ari Aster. A grieving woman joins a Swedish midsummer festival that turns sinister. Equally disturbing. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch Midsommar
2. The Babadook
2014 Horror
Why it's similar: A mother and son are haunted by a creature from a children's book. Grief and motherhood as horror. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch The Babadook
3. Rosemary's Baby
1968 Horror
Why it's similar: The original domestic horror. A pregnant woman suspects her neighbors of sinister plans. Paranoia perfected. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch Rosemary's Baby
4. The Witch
2015 Horror
Why it's similar: A Puritan family disintegrates as evil creeps in. Same slow-burn dread and family-as-battleground approach. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch The Witch
5. The Exorcist
1973 Horror
Why it's similar: A mother watches helplessly as her daughter is possessed. The template for family horror that Hereditary updates. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch The Exorcist
6. It Follows
2014 Horror
Why it's similar: A supernatural entity pursues its victims relentlessly. Atmospheric, dread-soaked, and deeply unsettling. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch It Follows
7. The Conjuring
2013 Horror
Why it's similar: Paranormal investigators help a family in a haunted house. More conventional but masterfully crafted scares. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch The Conjuring
8. Saint Maud
2019 Horror
Why it's similar: A devout nurse becomes dangerously obsessed with saving a patient's soul. Psychological horror at its finest. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch Saint Maud
9. Lake Mungo
2008 Horror
Why it's similar: A family grieves their drowned daughter through a documentary format. Quietly devastating and haunting. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, horror Best for fans of: Hereditary, Horror films
Where to watch Lake Mungo
10. We Need to Talk About Kevin
2011 Drama
Why it's similar: A mother reflects on raising a son who committed a massacre. Not supernatural, but the family horror is real. Vibe: devastating, slow-burn, terrifying, drama Best for fans of: Hereditary, Drama films
Where to watch We Need to Talk About Kevin

Why These Movies Are Similar to Hereditary

Every film on this list connects to Hereditary through shared horror DNA — but we went deeper than genre alone. The devastating, slow-burn, terrifying tone, recurring themes of family trauma, grief, mental illness, the occult, fate, and the way Hereditary makes you feel are the real criteria. Whether it's the narrative structure, visual atmosphere, or emotional payoff that hooked you, these recommendations are chosen to recreate that experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest movie to Hereditary?

Midsommar (2019) is the most similar overall. Same director, Ari Aster. A grieving woman joins a Swedish midsummer festival that turns sinister. Equally disturbing.

What should I watch after Hereditary?

If you want the closest experience, watch Midsommar. For a different angle on similar themes, try Rosemary's Baby (1968).

Are there more horror movies like Hereditary?

Yes. Most films on this list fall within Horror and Drama. We have 10 recommendations above, all chosen for their devastating, slow-burn, terrifying qualities.

What are the top 3 movies like Hereditary?

Our top 3 picks are: Midsommar, The Babadook, and Rosemary's Baby. Each captures a different aspect of what makes Hereditary special.

What is a hidden gem similar to Hereditary?

Check out We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011). It's less well-known but captures a similar feel: A mother reflects on raising a son who committed a massacre. Not supernatural, but the family horror is real.

Movies Like Hereditary

Best Movies Like Hereditary

1. Midsommar

2. The Babadook

3. Rosemary's Baby

4. The Witch

5. The Exorcist

6. It Follows

7. The Conjuring

8. Saint Maud

9. Lake Mungo

10. We Need to Talk About Kevin

Why These Movies Are Similar to Hereditary

Frequently Asked Questions

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