13 Horror Movies Similar to The Conjuring to Watch

The Conjuring-verse, created by the renowned director James Wan, who also brought us the long-running Saw franchise, has become one of the most successful horror franchises in history. With three main Conjuring movies and multiple spinoff sagas, it has grossed over 2 billion dollars on relatively modest horror budgets. The series started as a dramatic portrayal of the real-life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, and has since expanded to explore the backstories of its demons in films like The Nun and The Nun 2, as well as cursed objects in the Annabelle series.

As we eagerly await the release of The Conjuring: Last Rites, the fourth and final installment of the main series, set for September, we've curated a list of 13 movies that evoke the same spine-chilling atmosphere as The Conjuring. These films delve into themes of ghosts, devils, and various malevolent spirits, perfect for those seeking that quintessential Conjuring experience.

Before diving into our recommendations, don't forget to explore all nine movies within the Conjuring franchise. These include 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. For streaming options, refer to our guide on where to watch the Conjuring movies.

Without further ado, here are 13 films that will scratch that horror itch, reminiscent of The Conjuring.

Insidious (2010)

Director: James Wan | Writer: Leigh Whannell | Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey | Release Date: September 14, 2010 | Review: IGN's Insidious review

James Wan, the mastermind behind the Saw series, teamed up with Leigh Whannell to create the Insidious franchise, which now boasts five films: Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, Insidious: Chapter 3, Insidious: The Last Key, and Insidious: The Red Door. Starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, these films delve into the terrifying world of ghostly possessions, with the first two directed by Wan himself. Originally slated for August 2025, Insidious 6 has been delayed to August 2026.

Alliance Films | Apr 1, 2011 | PG-13

Where to Watch

The Changeling (1980)

Director: Peter Medak | Writer: William Gray, Diana Maddox, Russell Hunter | Stars: George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas | Release Date: March 28, 1980

For a classic haunted house tale, look no further than The Changeling, where George C. Scott portrays a grieving man whose new home harbors a tragic secret. Will he find redemption by confronting the spirits within?

Pan-Canadian Film Distributors | Mar 28, 1980 | R

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Poltergeist (1982)

Director: Tobe Hooper | Writer: Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, Mark Victor | Stars: JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke, Craig T. Nelson | Release Date: June 4, 1982 | Review: IGN's Poltergeist review

The diabolical Poltergeist became a go-to terror for young audiences of its time, with its iconic moments like evil trees and sinister clown dolls. The Freeling family's encounter with malevolent spirits in their suburban home makes for a thrilling ride.

MGM/UA Entertainment Co. | Jun 4, 1982 | PG

Where to Watch