12 Best Movies Like The Conjuring (Ranked & Where to Stream)

The third main installment in The Conjuring series sees Ed and Lorraine Warren tackling their most unusual case yet: a legal defense claiming demonic possession. Moving beyond the haunted house trope, this film delves into a real-life murder trial where the accused pleaded 'not guilty by reason of demonic possession.' The shift offers a fresh perspective while maintaining the franchise's signature blend of jump scares, chilling atmosphere, and the Warrens' unwavering faith. Its exploration of moral ambiguity and the tangible consequences of supernatural evil keeps viewers deeply invested, making it a compelling, if slightly different, entry into the universe.

Widely considered a masterclass in modern horror, The Conjuring 2 transports Ed and Lorraine Warren to Enfield, England, to investigate the notorious Poltergeist case. James Wan orchestrates an unrelenting assault of dread, from the terrifying 'Crooked Man' to the chilling nun Valak, all while grounding the scares in genuine emotional stakes for the struggling Hodgson family. Its impeccable pacing, ingenious jump scares, and effective use of practical effects solidify its place as a benchmark for supernatural horror, proving that sequels can indeed surpass their predecessors in sheer terror and narrative depth.

Before The Conjuring, James Wan terrified audiences with Insidious, a film that introduced the chilling concept of 'The Further.' When their son Dalton falls into an unexplained coma, the Lambert family discovers it's not their house that's haunted, but Dalton himself. Wan masterfully builds suspense through unsettling imagery and a unique mythology involving astral projection and malevolent entities. The film is a relentless exercise in dread, delivering expertly timed scares without resorting to cheap tricks, establishing a new paradigm for ghost stories and cementing Wan's reputation as a horror maestro.

Picking up immediately where the first left off, Insidious: Chapter 2 delves deeper into the Lambert family's torment, revealing a horrifying secret from Josh's past that connects him directly to the spirit world. James Wan returns to direct, expanding the lore of 'The Further' and the spectral entities within it. The film weaves a complex narrative of past and present, utilizing clever reveals and unsettling visuals to maintain a consistent atmosphere of dread. It successfully builds upon its predecessor's mythology, delivering a satisfying, terrifying continuation of the family's battle against demonic forces.

Bringing the core Lambert family story to a close, Insidious: The Red Door sees a college-aged Dalton and his father, Josh, confront their repressed past and the entities that still haunt them. Directed by star Patrick Wilson, the film explores themes of trauma and memory, as the family must once again venture into 'The Further' to finally put their demons to rest. While leaning more into character drama, it delivers potent scares and a melancholic tone, offering a fitting, if somber, resolution to the saga that began with James Wan's original terrifying vision.

Cobweb expertly crafts a claustrophobic nightmare seen through the eyes of young Peter, who is tormented by mysterious tapping from inside his bedroom wall. His parents dismiss his fears, leading to a chilling exploration of psychological manipulation and the blurring lines between reality and delusion. The film builds its dread slowly, relying on an unsettling atmosphere and the sinister implications of Peter's isolation. Its unique visual style and commitment to a child's vulnerable perspective make for a genuinely unsettling and memorable haunted house experience, echoing the domestic terror of The Conjuring.

Based on director David F. Sandberg's viral short film, Lights Out introduces Diana, a malevolent entity that can only exist in darkness. The film cleverly exploits a primal fear while weaving a poignant story about mental illness and inherited trauma within a family. Teresa Palmer delivers a strong performance as Rebecca, fighting to protect her younger brother from a creature linked to their mother's past. Its innovative monster design and effective use of light and shadow for scares make it a standout supernatural thriller, offering both terrifying jump scares and a surprising emotional depth.

This prequel to the Insidious series delves into the backstory of beloved parapsychologist Elise Rainier, taking her back to her childhood home – the source of her earliest encounters with 'The Further.' The Last Key explores Elise's personal demons and the entity that has haunted her family for generations. Lin Shaye's powerful performance anchors the film, adding emotional weight to the terrifying journey. While it doesn't reach the heights of the original Insidious, it provides valuable lore and ample scares, showcasing Elise's crucial role in battling the supernatural.

Claiming to be 'based on a true story,' The Haunting in Connecticut delivers classic haunted house terror with a chilling premise. When the Campbell family moves into a stately home to be closer to their son's cancer treatment, they discover its dark past as a funeral parlor. The film effectively builds suspense through disturbing visions, malevolent spirits, and intense poltergeist activity. Its blend of jump scares and psychological torment, coupled with the unsettling 'true story' hook, makes it a potent entry for fans of The Conjuring's blend of reality and supernatural dread.

The Possession taps into classic demonic horror with a unique twist: a 'dybbuk box' that curses a young girl after she purchases it at a yard sale. Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick portray the estranged parents fighting to save their daughter from the malevolent entity consuming her. The film uses Jewish folklore to create a distinct, unnerving atmosphere, focusing on the psychological toll of possession on a family torn apart. Its commitment to body horror and the escalating signs of demonic influence make it a chilling, effective tale of supernatural malevolence.

Directed by Lee Daniels, The Deliverance promises a return to intense, character-driven supernatural horror. Following a struggling single mother who moves her family into a new home, only to discover it's plagued by a malevolent entity, the film strongly echoes The Conjuring's themes of domestic terror and spiritual warfare. While unreleased at the time of writing, its premise, combined with a strong cast, suggests a potent exploration of faith, family, and the fight against unseen evils. It aims to deliver a visceral, emotional, and terrifying experience for fans of the genre.

Set over a single night, The Vigil offers a unique and deeply unsettling take on supernatural horror. Yakov, a man struggling with his faith, undertakes an overnight vigil for a deceased member of his former Orthodox Jewish community. Trapped in a house with a malevolent entity known as a Mazik, he confronts both external terror and his own inner demons. The film's claustrophobic setting, cultural specificity, and reliance on atmosphere over jump scares create a palpable sense of dread. It's a slow-burn, psychologically rich experience that rewards patience with genuine chills.