While a slasher film can definitely be scary, there's something creepier about a story about the paranormal. Those who don't believe in spirits might still jump at these types of horror movies since they're all about a presence that can't be seen but can be felt. There are many ways to approach this kind of story, but the main character is often looking into what's going on, which allows audiences to root for them to figure it out before they meet a tragic end.
From haunted house stories to movies about curses and ghosts, Redditors are recommending the supernatural horror movies that they love, and anyone looking for terrifying paranormal horror movies is in luck.
Updated on September 22nd, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras: With Halloween fast approaching and the iconically undying slasher killer Michael Myers potentially taking his final stab at the box office, it's a good time to remember some of the other greats and look at more of the best supernatural horror movies that Reddit has highlighted for film fans.
The Grudge (2004)
Stream on Starz
In the 2004 remake of the Japanese film Ju-On: The Grudge, Karen is a student in Tokyo who discovers a scary curse when people pass away while they're very sad or angry. Redditor meganam38 shared, "The Grudge still makes me sleep with the lights on. It’s horrifying."
The movie is definitely considered a terrifying story and one of the best portrayals of spirits, since it's clear why the spirits haunt people as they're holding onto something tragic and terrible that happened before they died.
The Innkeepers (2011)
Stream on Peacock
Redditor sharksrppl2 recommended "The Innkeepers," a story about Luke and Claire who work at an old inn that is totally haunted.
The movie could be described as a slow-burn horror film as it's not full of jump scares or flashy moments but spends a lot of time setting up the freaky atmosphere and showing that there is absolutely a paranormal presence at this hotel.
Dark Skies (2013)
Stream on Netflix
Redditor erako asked for supernatural horror movie recommendations and shared that they would like a story about "alien invasion" as they loved "Dark Skies."
While the Alien franchise is famous and popular, Dark Skies follows the idea of aliens taking over by telling a tale of a family whose kids start being targeted. The movie's suburban setting works well as it's even scarier when strange things start happening in the middle of the night.
Stir Of Echoes (1999)
Rent on AppleTV
One Redditor shared their love for Stir Of Echoes, writing, "the journey getting to that secret is fun. The psychic angle is done well here too."
Kevin Bacon starred in many memorable movies and this '90s horror film is one of his most compelling. As Tom has visions, he is still living his regular family life with his wife and son, and the movie feels grounded and realistic even as it has supernatural elements.
The Blackcoat's Daughter (2017)
Stream on Fubo
Redditor hail_freyr recommended "The Blackcoat's Daughter" in a thread along with The Innkeepers, calling the movies "a couple of my favorites."
The movie follows several characters, from Joan who runs away from a hospital to Rose who thinks that she's expecting a baby to Kat who stays at Bramford Academy during the winter break. The movie is well-done and totally scary, making audiences think and surprising them at every turn. The movie's twist allows audiences to see why it's about the supernatural.
Relic (2020)
Stream on Fubo
Redditor bradleycharterss recommended Relic and called it "pretty creepy" and worth a watch."
When Kay and Sam go to their mother and grandmother Edna's house after she disappears, things aren't the way that they should be, and things just get worse and more terrifying from there. This is a supernatural family story that will shock audiences as they watch what happens to Edna.
Host (2020)
Stream on Shudder
There are many great found footage horror movies and this subgenre sometimes deals with the paranormal, making these films a good bet when people want to get scared.
One Redditor recommended "Host on Shudder" and said the movie is "pretty new and also really great." Rob Savage's 2020 horror movie shows a group of friends chatting on Zoom and having a seance. The movie's premise makes it extra interesting as it all takes place on a computer screen.
The Changeling (1980)
Stream on AMC+
Redditor alimaemia called The Changeling "one of the best straight up haunted house films ever."
In this truly horrifying movie, John begins staying in a mansion in Seattle, and he realizes that he got more than he bargained for when he learns that it's a dangerous place to be.
Personal Shopper (2016)
Stream on Hulu
Kristen Stewart's memorable movies include many different genres, and she starred in a supernatural movie that is truly fascinating.
Redditor M0viefunn recommended "Personal Shopper," the paranormal film that tells the story of Maureen, a woman dealing with the death of her brother, Lewis. Since they were twins, Maureen thinks that she can still get in touch with him, and the movie leaves audiences with a vague conclusion as it's unclear if she can reach him or not.
Poltergeist (1982)
Stream on Tubi and Rent on AppleTV
For Redditor educatedsavage, "Poltergeist is a classic (the original)," which is definitely something that many horror fans agree with.
The 1982 movie tells the story of married couple Diane and Steven who seem to be living a happy life with their kids. They soon realize that there's a supernatural presence in their home that is affecting their kids. The reveal that the house is built on what used to be a cemetery so there are still spirits there is still effective.
Wind Chill (2007)
Stream on Roku or rent on AppleTV
Redditor TheSeed2point0- wrote, Check out Wind Chill. I don't see this film talked about much on here but it is a good watch." This is a fun movie for fans of Emily Blunt as it's one of her lesser-known flicks.
When two college students drive home together, they run into some trouble when they see a paranormal presence. Wind Chill might not always be considered one of the best supernatural horror movies but it definitely deserves to be watched. It's fascinating to watch two characters who are basically strangers handle this kind of threat.
The Taking Of Deborah Logan (2014)
Stream on Prime Video and Shudder
The Taking Of Deborah Logan is a riveting and unsettling movie about demonic possession and exorcisms. Redditor Herr_Frau recommended the film in a Reddit thread and wrote that it's "very good."
Because it's a found footage film, it feels a bit different from others in the same subgenre, and focuses on young adult characters who want to film Deborah Logan, an older woman with Alzheimer's. While working on the project, they realize that she's acting strangely and that the paranormal must be at work here.
Dead Silence (2007)
Rent on AppleTV
With a perfectly chilling title, Dead Silence is a great pick for fans of paranormal horror movies. Redditor LeeMountford recommended it and wrote, "It's one of James Wans earlier works (guy behind Conjuring and Insidious). Whilst not up to the level of his later works its still pretty good, and creepy."
The movie is a combination of a supernatural story and killer doll movie, which makes it a fun watch. Lisa and Jamie Ashen are given a ventriloquist doll Billy. As is the case in these stories, Billy begins causing some trouble.
Antlers (2021)
Stream on HBO Max
Redditor Hot-Entrepreneur6301 suggested watching Antlers. The fan wrote, "the use of two little boys can really grip an audience with certain scenes. Some actors you'll recognize right away, with some nice horror that isn't too over the top."
The best quotes in Antlers prove that it's as emotional as it is horrifying, as two young boys are living in a house without any family around. It's a smart story about family and focuses on the residents of a small town which has seen better days.
The Babadook (2014)
Stream on AMC+
When it comes to the best supernatural horror movies, Redditor jjbrucey shared that "The Babadook" is a good pick. A mother tries to save her son as the two read a book about a strange creature called The Babadook and realize that he keeps coming to life.
The film is just as sad as it is fear-inducing and has often been praised for its emotional core. It also has some legitimate jump scares as it's easy to imagine how truly freaked out the main characters are by what they see in their home.