10 Best Supernatural Horror Movies After 2000 That Will Haunt Your Nights
Are you ready to experience spine-chilling terror, eerie atmospheres, and supernatural forces that will stay in your mind long after the credits roll? From haunted houses to demonic entities, these 10 best supernatural horror movies after 2000 deliver exceptional scares and eerie storytelling. Slow-burn psychological horror or adrenaline-pumping jump scares, this list has something to keep you up at night.
Dare to watch? Scroll down to uncover the must-see supernatural horrors of the modern era!
Written by: Md Habibur Rahman, Arizona, US, 2/8/2025
1. The Conjuring(2013)
Overview
The Conjuring (2013) undoubtedly tops this list. It is a chilling supernatural horror film based on real-life paranormal investigations by Ed and Lorraine Warren. It tells the harrowing tale of the Perron family, who move into a secluded farmhouse only to experience a series of disturbing and unexplainable events. As the haunting intensifies, they seek help from the Warrens, leading to a terrifying battle against dark forces.
Watching Experience
This film masterfully builds suspense, using eerie atmosphere, unsettling silence, and sudden frights to keep you on edge. The strong performances from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson bring depth to the Warrens, making their experiences feel all the more real. The expertly crafted scares, combined with an engrossing storyline, ensure an immersive and nerve-wracking experience.
Positive Aspects
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to create fear through tension rather than relying solely on jump scares. The direction by James Wan delivers a hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on horror enthusiasts. The connection to real-life paranormal events also adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Negative Aspects
For those sensitive to supernatural themes, the film’s dark and intense subject matter may be unsettling. Some of the scares are deeply psychological, making it a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Additionally, the real-life inspiration behind the story may make it feel even more unnerving.
2. Insidious(2010)
Overview
Insidious (2010) is a gripping supernatural horror film that follows a family’s desperate fight against dark entities after their son mysteriously falls into a coma. As they struggle to understand the strange and terrifying occurrences in their home, they uncover a chilling truth—an evil presence isn’t just haunting their house; it’s attached to their son. Turning to paranormal experts for help, they embark on a dangerous journey into a realm beyond the living, known as “The Further.”
Watching Experience
This film creates an unsettling atmosphere through a blend of eerie visuals, disturbing sound design, and well-placed suspense. Rather than relying solely on gore, Insidious masterfully builds dread, using unpredictable scares and an immersive storyline to pull viewers into its terrifying world. Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne deliver compelling performances, making the horror feel even more personal and real.
Positive Aspects
What sets this film apart is its fresh take on the haunted house genre. Director James Wan crafts a nightmarish world where the fear comes from both the supernatural and the psychological tension within the family. The unique concept of astral projection and the hauntingly surreal dimension of “The Further” add an extra layer of depth to the story.
Negative Aspects
The film’s intense atmosphere and unexpected jump scares might be overwhelming for viewers who prefer subtle horror. Some moments may feel too surreal or abstract, making them less effective for those who enjoy more grounded ghost stories.
3. Hereditary(2018)
Overview
Hereditary (2018) is a psychological horror film that explores the terrifying consequences of a family’s dark legacy. Following the death of their enigmatic grandmother, the Graham family begins to unravel as sinister and unexplainable events take hold of their lives. What starts as a story of grief soon transforms into a nightmare, revealing eerie secrets and an inescapable fate woven into their bloodline.
Watching Experience
This film masterfully blends slow-burning dread with shocking moments of horror, creating an overwhelming sense of unease. Rather than relying on traditional jump scares, Hereditary unsettles its audience through an intense atmosphere, disturbing imagery, and unnerving performances—especially from Toni Collette, whose portrayal of a grieving mother is both raw and haunting.
Positive Aspects
One of the strongest elements of Hereditary is its psychological depth. It isn’t just a horror film; it’s an emotionally charged story about trauma, guilt, and the terrifying power of the past. Director Ari Aster’s meticulous storytelling, combined with chilling cinematography and an eerie soundtrack, makes for a uniquely unsettling experience.
Negative Aspects
Due to its slow pace and heavy themes, Hereditary might not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced horror with constant action. The film’s disturbing nature and shocking imagery can also be overwhelming for sensitive viewers.
3.The Witch(2015)
Overview
The Witch (2015) is a chilling folk horror film that delves into paranoia, religious hysteria, and supernatural terror. Set in 17th-century New England, it follows a Puritan family that is exiled from their settlement and forced to live on the edge of a dense, eerie forest. As strange occurrences begin to unfold, tensions rise, and suspicion grows within the family, leading to a horrifying descent into madness.
Watching Experience
Unlike conventional horror films that rely on quick scares, The Witch builds its terror through an overwhelming sense of dread. The slow, creeping atmosphere keeps you on edge, while the unsettling score and muted cinematography enhance the film’s eerie tone. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a standout performance as Thomasin, a young girl caught in the middle of her family’s unraveling.
Positive Aspects
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its commitment to historical accuracy, from the language to the setting, which makes the horror feel even more immersive. The psychological depth, combined with an eerie sense of isolation, adds layers of tension, making the supernatural elements even more disturbing.
Negative Aspects
Since The Witch takes a slow-burn approach, viewers who prefer fast-paced horror might find its pacing too deliberate. Additionally, its old-fashioned dialogue and ambiguous storytelling may not appeal to those looking for a straightforward narrative.
4. The Ring(2002)
Overview
The Ring (2002) is a psychological horror film that weaves a terrifying mystery with supernatural elements. The story follows journalist Rachel Keller, who investigates a mysterious videotape said to cause the viewer’s death exactly seven days after watching it. As she uncovers the disturbing truth behind the tape’s origins, she finds herself in a race against time to break the deadly curse.
Watching Experience
Rather than relying on constant jump scares, The Ring builds tension through an eerie atmosphere and an unsettling sense of inevitability. The film’s washed-out color palette and ominous soundtrack create a chilling mood that lingers throughout. Naomi Watts delivers a gripping performance, pulling the audience deeper into the terrifying mystery.
Positive Aspects
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its ability to sustain suspense from start to finish. The storyline is engaging, offering both psychological depth and supernatural horror. The slow unraveling of the mystery keeps you invested, while the terrifying imagery—especially Samara’s iconic appearance—adds to the film’s lasting impact.
Negative Aspects
The film’s deliberate pacing may feel slow for those who prefer more action-driven horror. Additionally, some of the plot’s supernatural elements are left ambiguous, which might leave certain viewers wanting more concrete answers.
5. It Follows(2014)
Overview
It Follows (2014) is a psychological horror film that delivers an unsettling, creeping terror rather than relying on traditional jump scares. The story revolves around Jay, a young woman who, after an intimate encounter, finds herself relentlessly pursued by a supernatural entity. This mysterious force takes the form of different people and moves at a slow but steady pace, never stopping until it catches its target. The only way to escape it? Pass the curse to someone else.
Watching Experience
Instead of bombarding viewers with excessive gore or sudden frights, It Follows maintains an atmosphere of constant paranoia. The film’s dreamlike cinematography, eerie synth-heavy score, and slow, methodical pacing create an overwhelming sense of unease. The tension never truly dissipates, making you feel as if danger is always lurking just beyond the frame.
Positive Aspects
One of the strongest elements of It Follows is its originality. The premise is simple yet deeply unsettling, and the ambiguous nature of the entity adds to the film’s psychological impact. The cinematography is visually striking, and the retro-inspired soundtrack enhances the film’s eerie, almost timeless quality.
Negative Aspects
The movie’s slow pace and vague explanations might not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced horror or clear-cut answers. Some viewers may find the open-ended nature of the story frustrating, as it leaves many questions unanswered.
6. Sinister(2012)
Overview
Sinister (2012) is a chilling supernatural horror film that blends psychological terror with disturbing imagery. The plot follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt, who moves his family into a new home to investigate a mysterious murder case. While searching for clues, he discovers a box of old Super 8 films in the attic, each depicting horrific deaths. As he watches them, he unknowingly unearths an ancient, malevolent force that slowly tightens its grip on his life.
Watching Experience
Rather than relying on excessive jump scares, Sinister creates an atmosphere of pure dread. The grainy home videos, eerie silence, and unsettling score work together to build an overwhelming sense of unease. The film plays with darkness and shadow, making viewers feel as though something sinister is always lurking just out of sight.
Positive Aspects
One of the most effective aspects of Sinister is its deeply disturbing tone. The use of found-footage elements adds a layer of realism that makes the horror feel more personal. Ethan Hawke’s performance brings emotional depth, making the fear feel grounded rather than exaggerated. The pacing gradually escalates, pulling viewers deeper into its nightmarish mystery.
Negative Aspects
Some horror fans may find the film’s pacing slow in the beginning, as it takes time to establish its eerie atmosphere. Additionally, the film’s reliance on certain horror tropes may feel familiar, though its execution remains strong.
7. Smile(2022)
Overview
Smile (2022) is a psychological horror film that takes fear to an unsettlingly personal level. The story centers on Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist who witnesses a patient’s gruesome suicide. Following this traumatic event, she begins to experience terrifying hallucinations and eerie encounters with people displaying sinister, unnatural smiles. As she delves into the mystery, she realizes she is caught in a horrifying chain of events that leads to an inescapable fate.
Watching Experience
Rather than relying solely on traditional jump scares, Smile builds an overwhelming sense of dread through its eerie visuals and unsettling atmosphere. The film plays with tension, making even quiet moments feel suffocatingly suspenseful. Each scene is crafted to leave audiences feeling deeply disturbed, creating an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Strengths
One of Smile‘s most effective qualities is its psychological depth. The movie explores trauma and mental distress, adding emotional weight to the horror. The cinematography and sound design work in harmony to create an eerie, almost dreamlike quality. Additionally, Sosie Bacon’s performance as Rose enhances the film’s intensity, making her terror feel raw and real.
Weaknesses
For some, the movie’s pacing may feel drawn out, with a slow build before the full horror unfolds. Additionally, while the film’s premise is compelling, some elements may remind viewers of other psychological horror movies with similar cursed-entity themes.
8. The Autopsy of Jane Doe(2016)
Overview
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) is an atmospheric horror film that blends supernatural terror with an unsettling mystery. The plot follows a father-son duo of coroners, Tommy and Austin Tilden, who are tasked with performing an autopsy on an unidentified young woman found at a gruesome crime scene. As they begin their examination, strange and terrifying occurrences disrupt their work, revealing that Jane Doe’s body holds dark and horrifying secrets.
Watching Experience
Rather than relying on excessive gore or constant jump scares, The Autopsy of Jane Doe thrives on eerie tension and a creeping sense of dread. The confined setting of the morgue amplifies the fear, making every shadow and silence feel ominous. The horror builds gradually, leaving viewers in a state of suspense as the mystery deepens.
Strengths
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its simple yet gripping premise. The unfolding mystery keeps the audience engaged, while the film’s strong performances—particularly Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch as the father and son—add emotional weight to the terror. The film also excels in its use of practical effects and unsettling visuals, making the supernatural elements feel disturbingly real.
Weaknesses
For some, the slow-burn approach might feel too restrained, as the film focuses more on psychological horror rather than action-packed scares. Additionally, while the buildup is masterful, some viewers may find the ending leaves certain questions unanswered.
9. The Orphanage(2007)
Overview
The Orphanage (2007) is a Spanish supernatural horror film that masterfully combines psychological terror with deep emotional storytelling. The narrative follows Laura, a woman who returns to the orphanage where she grew up, now determined to turn it into a home for disabled children. However, soon after moving in with her husband and adopted son, Simón, eerie events begin to unfold. When Simón mysteriously disappears, Laura is drawn into a chilling search that forces her to confront the orphanage’s dark history and the spirits that linger within its walls.
Watching Experience
Rather than relying on excessive jump scares, The Orphanage builds tension gradually, immersing you in an atmosphere of unease. The film expertly balances horror with deep emotional stakes, making the fear feel more personal and heartbreaking. The setting—a grand yet decaying orphanage—adds to the film’s eerie tone, enhancing the sense of isolation and dread.
Strengths
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its ability to blend supernatural horror with raw human emotion. Belén Rueda delivers a powerful performance as Laura, making her grief and desperation feel intensely real. The story unfolds like a mystery, keeping you engaged while slowly revealing unsettling truths. Its cinematography, sound design, and direction create an immersive horror experience without relying on gore.
Weaknesses
For viewers seeking fast-paced scares, the film’s slow, deliberate pacing may feel too restrained. Additionally, some may find its emotional weight overwhelming, as it delves deeply into themes of loss and trauma.
10. Get Out(2017)
Overview
Get Out (2017) is a psychological horror thriller that masterfully blends suspense with sharp social critique. The film, directed by Jordan Peele, follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black photographer who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to uncover a terrifying conspiracy. As the weekend progresses, unease builds, leading to shocking revelations about the sinister secrets hidden beneath the family’s polite facade.
Watching Experience
This film expertly creates an atmosphere of creeping dread, using unsettling silences, eerie music, and lingering shots to heighten the suspense. Peele’s direction ensures that every scene holds weight, keeping the audience engaged as tension escalates. The story unfolds with a sense of psychological unease, making each revelation even more unsettling.
Strengths
One of Get Out’s standout qualities is its ability to weave horror with social commentary, addressing racial anxieties through an intelligent and gripping narrative. Daniel Kaluuya’s performance is captivating, making Chris’s fear and confusion deeply relatable. The film’s clever screenplay, combined with its sharp editing and unsettling visual choices, enhances its psychological horror elements.
Weaknesses
Some viewers might find the pacing slower in the first half, as the film prioritizes building tension over immediate scares. Additionally, the blend of satire and horror may not appeal to those looking for a traditional horror experience with more supernatural elements.