13 Must-Watch Horror Films Similar to The Conjuring

The Conjuring universe stands as one of horror cinema's most lucrative franchises, amassing over $2 billion worldwide despite modest budgets. Originating with director James Wan (known for Furious 7 and co-creator of the Saw series), these films initially dramatized the paranormal investigations of real-life demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren.

The franchise expanded through spinoffs exploring sinister entities (The Nun films) and haunted artifacts (Annabelle series). As anticipation builds for The Conjuring: Last Rites - slated as the fourth and "final" main installment releasing this September - we've curated 13 similarly chilling films featuring ghosts, demons, and malevolent spirits.

Before diving into our recommendations, horror enthusiasts should experience all nine existing Conjuring universe films, available through various streaming platforms.

A Haunting Hall of Fame

Our selection showcases horror classics and modern gems that deliver the same supernatural chills as The Conjuring series:

Insidious (2010)

James Wan's second horror franchise (with Saw collaborator Leigh Whannell) delivers terrifying spectral possessions starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne. Notably, Wilson reprises his role across multiple Insidious films.

The Changeling (1980)

This haunted house masterpiece features George C. Scott as a grieving widower confronting supernatural forces in his new residence. Atmospheric storytelling makes this a must-watch classic.

Poltergeist (1982)

Tobe Hooper's suburban nightmare became a cultural touchstone, featuring demonic trees, killer clown dolls, and one of cinema's most quoted lines: "They're here!"

Oculus (2013)

Mike Flanagan's underrated psychological horror follows siblings investigating an antique mirror's deadly history. Karen Gillan delivers a standout performance.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Jennifer Carpenter's haunting performance anchors this courtroom drama/horror hybrid based loosely on Anneliese Michel's controversial exorcism case.

The Exorcist (1973)

Widely regarded as horror's crowning achievement, William Friedkin's masterpiece became the first horror film nominated for Best Picture. Skip the recent revival trilogy.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

The original adaptation of Jay Anson's "true story" novel remains vastly superior to the 2005 remake, capturing 1970s paranormal panic perfectly.

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

This supernatural thriller about haunted real estate delivers effective scares despite its questionable claims of being "based on true events."

Sinister (2012)

Ethan Hawke stars as a true crime writer uncovering disturbing snuff films connected to a pagan deity in one of recent horror's most unsettling visions.

The Others (2001)

Alejandro Amenábar's Gothic ghost story features Nicole Kidman in a career-best performance and one of horror's most impactful twists.

The Rite (2011)

Anthony Hopkins plays a veteran exorcist training skeptic Colin O'Donoghue in Mikael Håfström's atmospheric chiller.

The Orphanage (2007)

J.A. Bayona's Spanish horror masterpiece combines emotional depth with terrifying supernatural elements, executive produced by Guillermo del Toro.

The Frighteners (1996)

Peter Jackson's darkly comic ghost story stars Michael J. Fox as a paranormal conman facing genuine supernatural threats.

Did our selection include your favorite supernatural horror? Share your thoughts on these Conjuring alternatives in the comments. For more terrifying recommendations, explore our guides to the greatest horror films ever made and Netflix's scariest offerings.