10 Best Movies Like X (Ranked & Where to Stream)

Tobe Hooper's seminal 1974 masterpiece stands as the foundational text for the kind of visceral, unrelenting rural horror that Ti West masterfully channels in X. Stripping away conventional scares for sheer atmosphere and psychological dread, it follows a group of young friends who stumble upon a family of cannibals in isolated Texas. Its raw, documentary-like aesthetic, unnerving sound design, and the palpable sense of dread it cultivates were revolutionary, influencing generations of filmmakers. The film’s brilliant subversion of the American Dream, depicting a horrifying 'family' unit preying on outsiders, resonates deeply with the unsettling dynamics of X’s elderly antagonists.

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's audacious double feature is a loving, blood-soaked tribute to the very exploitation cinema that X draws so heavily from. Specifically, Rodriguez’s Planet Terror segment, with its over-the-top gore, practical effects, and tongue-in-cheek bravado, mirrors X's commitment to vintage horror tropes and a distinct, gritty visual style. The film’s intentional grainy look, missing reels, and deliberately schlocky dialogue aren't just stylistic choices; they're a celebration of a bygone era of filmmaking where creativity often trumped budget. This shared passion for genre craftsmanship makes Grindhouse an essential watch for fans who appreciate X's retro charm.

Alexandre Aja's brutal 2006 remake redefines family-on-family horror with unrelenting intensity, making it a spiritual sibling to X. Following a suburban family stranded in the New Mexico desert who become prey for a clan of mutated cannibals, the film relentlessly escalates its violence and psychological torment. It shares X's theme of outsiders trespassing on dangerous territory and the horrific consequences that ensue. The film’s unflinching depiction of human depravity and the struggle for survival in a truly desolate environment creates a suffocating atmosphere, echoing the primal fear and visceral dread that permeate Ti West's slasher throwback.

Perhaps the most directly analogous premise to X on this list, GirlHouse sees a group of young women, including a college student, monetizing their lives by streaming adult content from an isolated house. When an incel viewer becomes obsessed and turns violent, it quickly devolves into a terrifying home invasion slasher. The film's commentary on voyeurism, online anonymity, and the dark side of internet culture, alongside its explicit sexual content and escalating body count, provides a compelling, modern parallel to X's exploration of sexuality, exploitation, and deadly consequences within a confined, vulnerable setting. It's a grisly, underseen gem.

Darren Lynn Bousman’s Mother's Day takes the concept of the deranged family to a chilling new level, aligning perfectly with X's exploration of unsettling domestic horrors. When a group of friends celebrating in their new home is interrupted by a trio of bank robbers, they become hostages to the robbers’ vengeful, manipulative mother. The film excels in its depiction of psychological torment and extreme violence, as the family’s twisted dynamics play out against their unwilling victims. It evokes the same sense of dread and helplessness as X, trapping its characters in a terrifying, inescapable scenario orchestrated by a truly formidable antagonist.

Marcus Nispel’s 2003 remake breathed new life into the iconic Leatherface mythology, delivering a slicker, more overtly brutal take on the rural slasher. While it lacks the raw, documentary-like grit of the original, it amps up the violence and delivers a relentless pursuit narrative that fans of X's intensity will appreciate. The film successfully updates the disturbing premise of young travelers encountering a cannibalistic family, maintaining a palpable sense of dread and featuring a truly terrifying antagonist. It's a high-octane, no-holds-barred horror experience that perfectly complements X's modern take on vintage terror.

Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's genre-bending cult classic shares X's flair for stylish, self-aware horror that doesn't shy away from excess. What starts as a gritty crime thriller involving two bank-robber brothers on the run suddenly explodes into a full-blown vampire siege at a remote Mexican bar. This audacious shift, combined with its distinct exploitation aesthetic, practical gore effects, and memorable characters, aligns perfectly with X's ability to blend intense character drama with shocking violence. It's a wild, unpredictable ride that perfectly embodies the spirit of B-movie glory and cult status.

The original V/H/S anthology captures a raw, independent spirit that resonates strongly with X's aesthetic and commitment to practical, visceral horror. Comprising a series of found-footage shorts tied together by a wrap-around story, the film delves into diverse subgenres from paranormal encounters to slasher scenarios. Its lo-fi production values and dedication to disturbing, often inventive, scares evoke the unpolished, grindhouse feel that X celebrates. Fans of X's blend of retro horror and modern execution will find plenty to appreciate in these unsettling, creatively executed nightmares, proving that effective horror doesn't always need a massive budget.

Often considered an improvement on its predecessor, V/H/S/2 continues the found-footage anthology tradition with even more ambitious and disturbing segments. The film pushes boundaries with its creative use of POV cameras, delivering some truly iconic and terrifying sequences, from zombie outbreaks to alien invasions and cult rituals. This dedication to inventive, visceral horror, combined with its independent spirit and often shocking practical effects, echoes X's own blend of retro charm and modern execution. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate X's willingness to go to dark and unexpected places within the horror genre.

Kyle Edward Ball’s upcoming Strange Darling promises a chilling, unconventional take on the slasher and cat-and-mouse thriller, echoing X's blend of psychological tension and violent confrontation. Described as a one-night stand spiraling into a vicious murder spree, it hints at a more intimate, character-driven horror that still delivers intense thrills. The premise suggests a similar dynamic of unsuspecting victims encountering a predatory force, with potential for the kind of stylistic flair and narrative subversion that made X so compelling. Keep an eye on this one if you’re drawn to modern horror that respects genre roots while forging its own path.