Movies Like "It Comes At Night": Find Your Next Tense Watch - Discover Now

19 May, 2025

Are you searching for a horror film that truly unsettles, one that lingers in your thoughts long after the credits roll? Forget jump scares and predictable plots; the true terror lies in the atmosphere, the performances, and the masterful use of suspense.

In a landscape saturated with formulaic fright fests, a film like "It Comes at Night" (2017) dares to be different. It forgoes cheap thrills in favor of a slow burn, a creeping dread that seeps into your bones. The film, directed by Trey Edward Shults, isn't a traditional horror movie in the conventional sense. It doesnt rely on gore or jump scares to shock its audience. Instead, it builds tension through impeccable cinematography, a haunting sound design, and raw, believable performances from its cast, including Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, and Riley Keough.

For those who appreciate the unnerving quality of "It Comes at Night," exploring similar cinematic experiences becomes a quest. Films that share its DNA the unsettling atmosphere, the focus on human relationships under duress, and the psychological exploration of fear are worth seeking out. "The Descent" (2005), for example, plunges its characters into a claustrophobic cave system, where they confront both physical and psychological horrors. "Nomadland" (2021), while not a horror film, captures the isolation and vulnerability of its characters, creating a sense of unease through its realistic portrayal of life on the road. Similarly, "Green Room" (2016) amps up the intensity with a group of punk rockers in a brutal fight for survival.

The narrative unfolds in a desolate home, where a man, played by Edgerton, has established a precarious domestic order with his wife and son. An unnatural threat plagues the world outside, forcing the family to live in isolation and be on high alert. When another family seeks refuge, an uneasy alliance is forged, leading to questions of trust, paranoia, and the fragility of human connection.

The film's setting and tone are key ingredients of its horror. The confined space, the dim lighting, and the pervasive sense of uncertainty create a breeding ground for anxiety and suspicion. The audience is kept in the dark, sharing the characters' paranoia and experiencing their fear. It is a testament to the power of suggestion and the effectiveness of a slow-burning narrative.

Beyond its technical achievements and thematic depth, "It Comes at Night" is also a conversation starter. It is a film that sparks discussion about what truly terrifies us, about the darkness within humanity, and about the choices we make in the face of adversity. It's a movie that prompts viewers to reflect on their own fears and insecurities.

If you found yourself captivated by the unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth of "It Comes at Night," the following table offers suggestions of films that share similar qualities, allowing you to delve further into the genre of psychological horror and explore the themes that resonate with you:

Film Title	Year	Director	Key Themes & Similarities
The Descent	2005	Neil Marshall	Claustrophobia, isolation, primal fear, and the breakdown of relationships.
Nomadland	2021	Chlo Zhao	Isolation, vulnerability, survival against the odds, and the human spirit.
Green Room	2016	Jeremy Saulnier	Survival, tension, brutal violence, and the fight for survival.
10 Cloverfield Lane	2016	Dan Trachtenberg	Paranoia, uncertainty, the unknown, and the exploration of fear within a confined space.
A Quiet Place	2018	John Krasinski	Tension, family dynamics, sensory deprivation, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
Creep	2014	Patrick Brice	Psychological horror, found footage, unsettling interactions, and the exploration of trust and manipulation.
The Babadook	2014	Jennifer Kent	Grief, mental health, monstrous figures, and the exploration of the human mind.
The Witch	2015	Robert Eggers	Supernatural horror, religious themes, period setting, and the exploration of faith and paranoia.
Saint Maud	2019	Rose Glass	Psychological thriller, religious obsession, mental health, and the exploration of identity and faith.
It Follows	2014	David Robert Mitchell	Supernatural horror, relentless pursuit, teen horror, and the exploration of anxieties and generational trauma.

For further exploration of the themes and filmmaking techniques discussed, consult the Internet Movie Database (IMDb): IMDb

The film has become a place for creatives to really push the boundaries of different genres and horror, in particular, has thrived under the A24 banner thanks to movies like "The Witch" and "Green Room."

Exploring the world of cinema provides an opportunity to discover various films that share the unsettling and psychological qualities of "It Comes at Night." Films like "The Blackcoat's Daughter", "The Lighthouse", "Midsommar", "Possessor" and "The Lodge" also provide viewers with thought-provoking and disturbing experiences.

Beyond the immediate viewing experience, "It Comes at Night" and films of a similar nature encourage a deeper engagement with the art of filmmaking. The masterful use of cinematography, sound design, and the subtlety of performances, contributes to a chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

The film also shows that a movie doesn't have to rely on excessive gore or jump scares to be truly terrifying. Instead, it prioritizes building suspense through a masterful use of atmosphere and psychological tension. Its a testament to the power of suggestion and the power of a slow burn narrative.

In the world of film, it is a reminder that true horror doesnt always come from the supernatural or the grotesque. Sometimes, the most unsettling moments are the ones that tap into our deepest fears and anxieties. These original movies make you curiously curious of what's going to happen next and leave you to ponder the true nature of human darkness and survival.

The film also serves as a reminder of the importance of exploring unique and original voices in cinema, that challenge the typical boundaries and stereotypes of specific genres. The film emphasizes the importance of taking chances and exploring new avenues within the medium, resulting in a richer and more rewarding cinematic experience for viewers.

10 Best Slow Burning Psychological Horror Movies Like It Comes At Night

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It Comes At Night Official Trailer HD A24 YouTube

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It Comes at Night (2017) Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)

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