13 Horror Movies Like 'The Conjuring' to See

The Conjuring universe, featuring three core films and multiple spin-offs, stands among history's most successful horror franchises, grossing over $2 billion worldwide on modest horror film budgets.

A Horror Legacy Forged by James Wan

Created by Furious 7 director James Wan - who also co-created the long-running Saw franchise - The Conjuring began as a chilling dramatization of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren's cases. The films evolved to explore backstories of various demons (The Nun and The Nun 2) and cursed artifacts (the Annabelle series).

While awaiting the fourth and reportedly final main series installment, The Conjuring: Last Rites, coming in September, we've curated 13 films that deliver similar supernatural chills. Our selection features ghost stories, demonic possession tales, and other malevolent spirit narratives to satisfy your Conjuring cravings.

You'll naturally want to experience all nine existing Conjuring universe titles: 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. Consult our guide for streaming details of the Conjuring films.

13 Spine-Chilling Films Like The Conjuring

Insidious (2010)

Following their success with Saw, director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell crafted the Insidious franchise - five films chronicling terrifying ghost possessions and nightmarish supernatural encounters. Starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne (with Lin Shaye later taking center stage as a demonologist), the first two films were directed by Wan himself. The long-awaited Insidious 6 was postponed from August 2025 to August 2026.

The Changeling (1980)

This classic haunted house story features George C. Scott as a grieving widower who discovers his new residence conceals a tragic supernatural secret. The atmospheric thriller remains a benchmark for ghost stories.

Poltergeist (1982)

Tobe Hooper's supernatural classic became the definitive ghost story for a generation, featuring iconic horror moments involving malevolent spirits, a haunted suburban home, and one terrifying clown doll.

Oculus (2013)

Mike Flanagan's underrated horror gem stars Karen Gillan and Katee Sackhoff in a story about siblings convinced an antique mirror caused their childhood trauma. A masterclass in psychological horror and cursed object terror.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Blending horror with legal drama, Scott Derrickson's film features a powerhouse performance from Jennifer Carpenter as a possessed young woman, with Laura Linney defending the priest (Tom Wilkinson) who performed the fatal exorcism.

The Exorcist (1973)

William Friedkin's horror masterpiece, the first in its genre nominated for Best Picture, remains the gold standard for possession films. While the 2023 sequel The Exorcist: Believer disappointed, 1990's The Exorcist III delivers an underrated terror experience.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

Skip the 2005 remake for this chilling "based on true events" account of a haunted Long Island house terrorizing its new residents (James Brolin and Margot Kidder). A foundational haunted house story.

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

Another "true story" supernatural tale following a family who moves into a former funeral home to accommodate their ill son, only to encounter violent spectral forces.

Sinister (2012)

Ethan Hawke stars in Scott Derrickson's terrifying film about a true-crime writer who discovers horrific home movies containing evidence of a family-slaying demon. One of the decade's scariest films.

The Others (2001)

Alejandro Amenábar's gothic ghost story features Nicole Kidman in a haunting World War II-era tale with one of horror's most memorable twists.

The Rite (2011)

Inspired by actual events, Mikael Håfström's atmospheric horror stars Anthony Hopkins as an exorcist training a skeptical seminary student (Colin O'Donoghue) in Rome.

The Orphanage (2007)

J.A. Bayona's Spanish masterwork follows a woman returning to her childhood orphanage who uncovers terrifying supernatural secrets when her adopted son disappears.

The Frighteners (1996)

Peter Jackson's horror-comedy hybrid stars Michael J. Fox as a con artist who sees ghosts - and must battle a genuinely terrifying supernatural killer. A perfect balance of humor and horror.

Which Film Haunts You Most?

Cast your vote for the best Conjuring-style horror film in our poll above. Did we include your favorite supernatural chiller, or has another ghost story been overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Craving more frights? Explore our guides to the greatest horror films of all time and the best horror currently streaming on Netflix.