The Conjuring Universe - comprising three core films and multiple spinoffs - stands among cinema's most profitable horror franchises, grossing over $2 billion worldwide despite modest production budgets.
Created by Furious 7 director James Wan (who also co-originated the Saw series), the franchise began with a chilling dramatization of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Subsequent installments explore sinister origins of demons (The Nun films) and cursed artifacts (Annabelle series).
While awaiting September's release of The Conjuring: Last Rites - billed as the franchise finale - we've curated 13 films delivering similarly skin-crawling supernatural terror. Our selection spans ghost stories, demonic hauntings, and malign spirits guaranteed to satisfy your Conjuring cravings.
Horror enthusiasts should naturally experience all nine existing Conjuring Universe entries - The Conjuring trilogy, Annabelle trilogy, both Nun features, The Curse of La Llorona, and Annabelle Comes Home. Consult our streaming guide for viewing options.
Without further preamble, here are 13 terrifying alternatives to The Conjuring:
Insidious (2010)
Director: James Wan | Writer: Leigh Whannell | Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne | Release: September 14, 2010
Following their Saw collaboration, Wan and Whannell crafted this paranormal horror about a family terrorized by spectral entities. Starring future Conjuring lead Wilson opposite Byrne, Insidious spawned five films featuring demonic possessions and supernatural disturbances across multiple timelines.
Though Insidious 6 was slated for 2025, its release was delayed until August 2026.
The Changeling (1980)
Director: Peter Medak | Cast: George C. Scott | Release: March 28, 1980
This atmospheric ghost story stars Scott as a grieving widower who discovers his new mansion harbors dark secrets. A masterclass in slow-burn horror, The Changeling remains seminal viewing for haunted house enthusiasts.
Poltergeist (1982)
Director: Tobe Hooper | Producer: Steven Spielberg | Cast: JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke
A benchmark for supernatural terror, Poltergeist delivers unforgettable scares through malevolent spirits terrorizing a suburban family. Terrifying set pieces involving clown dolls and ominous trees cemented its status as a horror landmark.
Additional Terrifying Titles:
- Oculus (2013) - Mike Flanagan's underrated cursed mirror thriller
- The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) - Blends courtroom drama with demonic horror
- The Exorcist (1973) - Horror's first Best Picture nominee remains unparalleled
- The Amityville Horror (1979) - Skip the remake for this chilling original
- The Haunting in Connecticut (2009) - Based-on-true-events supernatural terror
- Sinister (2012) - Ethan Hawke investigates grisly supernatural murders
- The Others (2001) - Nicole Kidman stars in this gothic ghost story
- The Rite (2011) - Anthony Hopkins mentors an exorcist-in-training
- The Orphanage (2007) - J.A. Bayona's heartbreaking Spanish horror
- The Frighteners (1996) - Peter Jackson's humorous ghostly adventure
Cast Your Vote:
Which Conjuring-esque film delivers the most terrifying experience? Participate in our poll or share your favorites in the comments!
For more spine-chilling recommendations, explore our guides to horror cinema essentials and the best streaming horror films.
