The Shining is still one of the most spectacular horror movies ever made, and, whether it's due to the on-set stories, the likeness—or unlikeness—to the novel, or the countless conspiracy theories about every single scene, the movie still firmly remains a hot topic of conversation.
Now, 40 years have passed since the movie’s release, and there's an entire lineage of movies inspired by its atmosphere and ambiguity, and some of them even reach The Shining’s miasmic heights.
Suspiria (2018)
Though there are some significant changes, Suspiria is a remake of the 1977 film of the same name, and, though it underperformed at the box office, it is one of the most marvelous remakes of the decade and one of the best horror movies of 2018. Suspiria makes great use of the dark ominous vibe that was achieved so perfectly in The Shining, which is aided by a musical score created by none other than Thom Yorke.
The Lighthouse (2019)
The Lighthouse almost seems like a spiritual successor to The Shining, as not only do the two movies have very similar themes and outlooks on isolation, but they are both completely ambiguous and pay as much attention to the aesthetic and look of the movie just as much as the narrative.
The Lighthouse shows the effects of what being left alone with one’s own thoughts and being isolated from the world can have on people. It also showcases some of the best acting Robert Pattinson has ever committed to film.
It & It: Chapter II (2017/2019)
Though The Shining’s scares are more in its psychological suspense, It is one of Stephen King’s most famous supernatural novels, and many people forget how insanely long the book actually is.
Though some of it reads like King’s fever dream, there was enough in there for director Andy Muschietti to carve two excellent—and very long—horror movies out of. It is superior to It: Chapter 2, but both are fantastically crafted and showcase King’s words well, and Bill Skarsgard’s take on the supernatural clown is arguably better than Tim Curry’s version too.
1408 (2007)
Being the first of two Stephen King adaptations to see release in 2007, 1408 was a modest success amongst critics but received a positive response from audiences. It might become predictable towards the end, but 1408 is similar to The Shining, as it captures a particular mood and a distinct fear of the unknown, which makes it more than worth a watch. Though the movie is a passable romp, it still ranks much lower on the list of Stephen King adaptations from worst to best.
The Exorcist (1973)
The Shining is often cited as one of the most terrifying horror movies of all time, but it’s also worth visiting some of the other contenders for that title. Upon The Exorcist’s first theatrical release, audience members were throwing up in theatres and running out screaming mid-way through. Though horror movies don’t tend to age well, especially ones that are almost 50 years old, The Exorcist remains one of the most timeless horror films ever.
Little Shop Of Horrors (1960)
Though people may know Little Shop Of Horrors as the 1986 movie starring Rick Moranis and featuring Steve Martin as the evil dentist, it was actually a remake of a version from 1960.
In the 1960 take, Jack Nicholson plays the dentist, and, in hindsight, it seems like a role that’s perfect for him, as the character is drugged up as he energetically rips out teeth, and it’s interesting to see Nicholson in another horror movie outside of The Shining.
The Mist (2007)
Being the second of two Stephen King novels to be adapted into a movie in 2007 after the disappointing 1408, The Mist hit every possible spot. After Frank Darabont adapted two of King’s prison dramas, The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, it was surprising when Darabont decided to adapt one of the schlockiest fright fests that King has ever put to paper.
The result is a controversial horror movie with one of the most shocking endings in cinematic history. Although The Mist and The Shining approach the source material differently, the core thread is the same, which is that both movies feature characters who are led to insanity by isolation.
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Just like The Shining, Silence of the Lambs is based on a novel by Thomas Harris, which won the Bram Stoker Award for best novel in 1988. But, unlike The Shining, Silence of the Lambs was very faithfully adapted.
It’s no secret that Kubrick intentionally butchered the novel, but director Jonathan Demme brought the psychotic and terrifying Hannibal Lector from page to screen in the most loyal and accurate way possible.
The Invisible Man (2020)
The Invisible Man took the world by storm earlier in the year, as it took a B-movie character and used it to tell a thought-provoking and gut-punching story about abuse in relationships. It is as suspenseful as The Shining, if not more so, as Elizabeth Moss gives a performance of a lifetime, joining the ranks of Shelly Duvall and others as one of the best female leads in horror movies, and it’s one of the best thrillers of the past five years.
Wolf (1994)
Nicholson hasn’t acted in many horror movies in his storied career, but, strangely enough, the actor starred in Wolf alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. It’s not that great of a film, but it’s hilariously schlocky in its plot, which follows Nicholson as he turns into a werewolf.
The movie couldn’t be any more different from The Shining, but Jack Nicholson having an excuse to act crazy in a horror movie as he turns into a hairy beast is surely all anybody wants to see after watching him turn mental as Jack Torrance.