Lights Out is a horror film that stands out differently from other movies of the genre. The high-concept horror that Lights Out presents is engrossing in every way, leaving the audience to long for more.

Well, there’s good news! Lights Out is not the only film that offers a high-concept horror experience. Several other films of the niche exist that have been successful and loved by horror enjoyers. These films promise to deliver a spine-chilling ride to the viewers with inquisitive stories and in this article, we will provide you with a list of 15 such movies.

The Empty Man

The Empty Man is a horror thriller set in a small midwestern town where a number of teenagers disappear mysteriously. When James Lasombra, a former police officer, sets out to investigate the matter, he discovers that the disappearances are linked to a supernatural entity. Directed by David Prior, the film came out in theaters in 2020.

The movie is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey. The Empty Man is rated 77% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Conjuring 2

The sequel to the 2013 film The Conjuring and the third installment in The Conjuring Universe, The Conjuring 2 is widely-loved by horror admirers. Directed by reputed director James Wan it stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

The movie had a splendid box office run of $321.8 million upon its release in 2016.

The Invisible Man

A one-of-a-kind horror, The Invisible Man revolves around Cecilia whose abusive ex-boyfriend fakes his death and becomes invisible to stalk and torment her. It presents a captivating screenplay that elevates the intriguing storyline.

Released in 2020, the movie is directed by Leigh Whannell. The Invisible Man had an impeccable box office run grossing $144.5 million and was also awarded a number of accolades. The film was adapted from H.G Wells’ novel of the same name.

It Follows

It Follows depicts teenager Jay ( played by Maika Monroe) sleeping with her new boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Weary), for the first time, she learns that she is the latest recipient of a fatal curse that is passed from victim to victim via sexual intercourse.

The film was highly praised upon its release in 2014 by critics. Rotten Tomatoes rates it 95% and Metacritic gives it an 83%. The direction and screenplay of It Follows were by David Robert Mitchell.

The Curse of La Llorona

Directed by Michael Chaves, The Curse of La Llorona is about a weeping spirit called La Llorona who haunts families and takes children. The film was released in 2019 and was able to gross over $123 million at the box office.

It stars Linda Cardellini, Raymond Cruz, and Patricia Velásquez and is inspired by the Latin American folklore of La Llorona. The movie is a spin-off of the Annabelle/Conjuring Universe and the sixth installment in the franchise.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

The Autopsy of Jane Doe narrates the tale of a coroner and his son conducting an autopsy on a beautiful Jane Doe murder victim and finding increasingly bizarre clues. Directed by André Øvredal, the film stars Emile Hirsch and Brian Cox as the father-and-son duo.

Released in 2016, the movie is rated 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb.

Mama

Mama is the horrifying story of two girls who are forced to reside in a house with an ominous presence after the death of their parents and even though they are rescued, the evil forces follow them to their new home.

Released in 2013, the film is directed by Andrés Muschietti and is based on his 2008 Argentine short film Mamá. The film stars Jessica Chastain and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as the protagonists. The supernatural film is rated 63% on Rotten Tomatoes.

No One Gets Out Alive

No One Gets Out Alive portrays the terrifying visions and uncanny cries that a Mexican immigrant experiences after she is forced to reside in a boarding house in Cleveland. It is directed by Santiago Menghini and features Cristina Rodlo and Marc Menchaca and in the main roles.

The film was adapted from the 2014 novel of the same name by Adam Nevill. Rotten Tomatoes rates No One Gets Out Alive with a decent 60%.

Insidious

Another James Wan film in this list, Insidious offers a spine-chilling and stirring experience to the viewers. It was the first installment in what would become a popular horror franchise.

Insidious was released in 2010 and stars Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, and Barbara Hershey. Rated 6.8 on IMDb, the movie had a great box office outing collecting $99.5 million.

Shutter

Shutter exhibits the frightening narrative of Benjamin and Jane, a newlywed couple who experience eerie events when they discover that the girl they ran over in an accident is now haunting them. Directed by Masayuki Ochiai, the movie is a remake on the 2004 Thai film of the same name.

Shutter stars oshua Jackson, Rachael Taylor, and Megumi Okina in the prominent personas and was released in 2008.

Malignant

Malignant is the tale of Madison, a young woman who is paralyzed by visions of the murders of strangers and later, decides to find and save the victims. Directed by acclaimed horror filmmaker James Wan, Malignant stars Annabelle Wallis in the lead role.

Malignant was released in 2021 and was appreciated for presenting the concept of gruesome visions turning out to be realities. Rotten Tomatoes recommends the horror thriller 76%.

The Babadook

Released in 2014, The Babadook is set around Sam, a young boy, who displays erratic behavior owing to the conviction of a monster’s presence in his home, resulting in his single mother, Amelia, being concerned and spiraling into a state of paranoia. The movie is directed by Jennifer Kent and features Essie Daviss and Noah Wiseman as the lead.

Rotten Tomatoes recommends the movie highly with a stellar 98% and IMD gives it a strong 6.8 out of 10.

Candyman

A gothic supernatural film, Candyman, released in 1992, is the first film in the Candyman franchise that flaunts 4 films. The plot is about a one-handed murderous soul, the Candyman who is summoned by a college grad, Helen.

Directed by Bernard Rose, the film stars Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Xander Berkeley, Kasi Lemmons, and Vanessa E. Williams. A classic in the horror genre, Candyman is rated 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.7 out of 10.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

A popular slasher horror, A Nightmare on Elm Street is an all-time classic. The plot follows a serial killer Freddy Krueger who haunts people in their dreams and murders them. Released in 1984, the film was the first of what would turn into a franchise.

Wes Craven directed it and the main characters are played by Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger, and Johnny Depp. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a strong 95%.

Oculus

Directed by Mike Flanagan, Oculus is based on his own short film Oculus: Chapter 3 – The Man with the Plan. It presents the intriguing story of a recently released inmate from a mental asylum who learns from his sister that the murders he was convicted of committing were actually orchestrated by a supernatural entity, the Lasser Glass mirror.

The film was released in 2013 and stars Karen Gillan and Brenton Thwaites as the protagonists. Rotten Tomatoes recommends the film with a commendable 75%.