Jordan Peele’s Us stunned audiences with its blend of psychological horror, social commentary, and eerie doppelgängers. If you’re looking for more films that give you a sense of dread, suspense, and thought-provoking themes, you’re in for a treat. From mind-bending horror to chilling social critiques, this list will take you through some of the most captivating and terrifying films in recent memory. Dive into these movies like Us to explore narratives that challenge your perceptions and keep you on the edge of your seat. If you loved Us, you’ll definitely want to read this article for some excellent recommendations.
1. Get Out (2017)
Another masterpiece from Jordan Peele, Get Out is a gripping horror film that cleverly weaves social commentary into its terrifying narrative. The film follows Chris, a young Black man, as he visits his white girlfriend’s family, only to discover a disturbing secret. Like Us, Get Out uses horror to examine race and identity in modern society. The tension builds slowly but relentlessly, leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax. The film’s mix of psychological horror, satire, and social critique makes it a perfect companion to Us.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is a deeply unsettling horror film about a family grappling with dark secrets and supernatural forces. The film’s slow-burn approach to horror, its intricate exploration of family dynamics, and its terrifying imagery make it one of the most memorable horror films of the decade. Like Us, Hereditary delves into themes of identity, grief, and the inescapability of trauma, all while delivering some truly horrifying moments. Toni Collette’s powerhouse performance only adds to the film’s emotional and psychological intensity.
3. The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is a haunting exploration of grief, motherhood, and mental illness. The film follows a single mother and her young son as they are tormented by a sinister presence that emerges from a mysterious children’s book. Much like Us, The Babadook uses horror as a metaphor for personal and psychological struggles, blurring the line between reality and nightmare. The eerie atmosphere and emotional depth of the characters make this film both a chilling and thought-provoking experience.
4. The Witch (2015)
Set in 17th-century New England, The Witch is a slow-burn horror film that examines the breakdown of a family isolated in the wilderness. As strange events begin to unfold, the family suspects that an evil force is at work. Like Us, The Witch uses tension, atmosphere, and a growing sense of dread to explore deeper themes, including religious fanaticism, fear, and paranoia. The film’s eerie visuals and haunting score create a deeply unsettling mood that lingers long after the credits roll.
5. It Follows (2014)
It Follows is a unique horror film that centers around a supernatural curse that is passed from person to person through sexual contact. The curse manifests as a slow-moving, relentless entity that can take the form of anyone. Like Us, It Follows uses a simple yet terrifying concept to explore themes of fear, anxiety, and the consequences of actions. The film’s retro style, eerie atmosphere, and minimalist storytelling make it one of the most innovative horror films of recent years.
6. The Invitation (2015)
In The Invitation, a man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband, only to realize that something sinister is at play. As the night progresses, tensions rise, and it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. Like Us, The Invitation builds suspense through psychological tension and paranoia, leading to a shocking and violent conclusion. The film’s slow-burn approach and claustrophobic atmosphere make it a gripping psychological thriller.
7. Midsommar (2019)
Directed by Ari Aster, Midsommar is a folk horror film that follows a group of friends who travel to a rural Swedish village for a once-in-a-lifetime festival. What begins as a picturesque getaway soon turns into a terrifying and surreal experience. Like Us, Midsommar explores themes of identity, trauma, and societal norms, all while delivering a visually stunning and deeply unsettling horror experience. The film’s daylight horror and disturbing imagery make it a unique and unforgettable entry in the genre.
8. The Others (2001)
The Others is a gothic horror film that follows a mother and her two children living in a dark, isolated mansion. As strange events begin to occur, the family starts to question whether they are truly alone in the house. Like Us, The Others uses suspense, atmosphere, and psychological horror to build tension, leading to a shocking twist that changes everything. The film’s eerie atmosphere and slow-burn pacing make it a must-watch for fans of chilling, character-driven horror.
9. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense is a supernatural thriller that follows a young boy who can see and communicate with the dead. As he struggles to understand his abilities, he forms a bond with a child psychologist who helps him confront the truth. Like Us, The Sixth Sense builds its horror through psychological tension and emotional depth, rather than relying on jump scares. The film’s iconic twist ending and haunting atmosphere make it a classic in the genre.
10. The Lighthouse (2019)
Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film that follows two lighthouse keepers as they descend into madness while isolated on a remote island. The film’s claustrophobic setting, surreal imagery, and descent into madness echo the themes of Us, particularly the psychological unraveling of its characters. Like Us, The Lighthouse is a visually stunning and deeply unsettling exploration of identity, isolation, and the human psyche.
11. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
The Cabin in the Woods takes the classic horror trope of a group of friends trapped in a remote location and turns it on its head with a clever twist. The film blends traditional horror with elements of science fiction and dark comedy, resulting in a unique and entertaining take on the genre. Like Us, The Cabin in the Woods is self-aware and plays with audience expectations, offering a fresh perspective on familiar horror tropes. Its mix of scares and satire makes it a must-watch for fans of intelligent, subversive horror.
12. Enemy (2013)
Denis Villeneuve’s Enemy is a psychological thriller about a man who discovers that he has a doppelgänger living nearby. As he becomes obsessed with finding his double, his life spirals into confusion and chaos. Like Us, Enemy explores the concept of duality, identity, and the fear of confronting one’s darker side. The film’s surreal atmosphere, haunting visuals, and mind-bending narrative make it a fascinating and unsettling experience for fans of cerebral thrillers.
If Us left you craving more mind-bending, atmospheric horror with deeper psychological and societal themes, these 12 films are sure to satisfy. From psychological thrillers to supernatural scares, these movies explore the darker sides of human nature and identity, much like Us. Whether you’re looking for a slow-burn thriller or a supernatural mystery, you’ll find plenty of suspense and intrigue in these movies like Us. Be sure to read this article to discover even more hidden gems in the world of psychological and supernatural horror.