Are you ready for a scare that’s also strangely funny? Remember that feeling you got watching “The Visit,” that creeping sense of unease mixed with moments of outright laughter? If you loved that, then you’re in the right place! This article will guide you through a curated list of movies like The Visit that will keep you on the edge of your seat while tickling your funny bone. Get ready for a wild ride through the world of suspenseful, quirky horror!
What Made “The Visit” So Special?
Official Movie: The Visit
“The Visit,” directed by M. Night Shyamalan, tells the story of two young siblings, Becca and Tyler, who go to visit their estranged grandparents for the first time. What starts as an innocent family visit quickly turns terrifying as the kids discover a dark secret about their seemingly sweet grandparents. It’s a masterclass in building suspense, using the found-footage style to create a feeling of realism and vulnerability. The blend of horror and dark humor is what truly sets it apart, making it a memorable and unsettling cinematic experience.
Movies That Capture the Essence of “The Visit”
We’ve hand-picked twenty scary movies that share similar elements with “The Visit,” such as found-footage techniques, unexpected twists, creepy family dynamics, and that perfect blend of horror and dark comedy. Prepare for suspenseful nights ahead!
- “Honeymoon” (2014)
A young newlywed couple, Bea and Paul, retreat to a remote lake house for their honeymoon. Their romantic getaway takes a sinister turn when Bea starts exhibiting strange and disturbing behavior after a mysterious incident in the woods. Paul desperately tries to understand what’s happening to his wife, but the truth is far more terrifying than he could have ever imagined.
Like “The Visit,” “Honeymoon” delves into the unsettling unknown and the fragility of relationships when faced with inexplicable events. Both films feature characters who are initially in a comfortable, familiar setting that slowly descends into chaos and horror. The focus on a small cast and an isolated location adds to the claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere, making you question the sanity of the characters and the reality of their situation. Both films share the element of secrets and hidden truths that slowly unravel, leading to shocking revelations.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Tumbbad” (2018)
Set in colonial India, “Tumbbad” tells the story of Vinayak, a man obsessed with finding a hidden treasure guarded by a cursed god in a mysterious ancestral village. His relentless pursuit leads him down a dark and dangerous path, uncovering secrets and confronting terrifying entities. The film blends folklore, mythology, and horror to create a visually stunning and deeply unsettling narrative.
While “Tumbbad” is set in a completely different cultural context than “The Visit,” both films share the theme of uncovering dark family secrets and confronting ancient evils. The characters in both movies are driven by greed or curiosity, leading them to places and situations where they encounter supernatural forces. The sense of dread and suspense is palpable in both films, and they both explore the consequences of disturbing the past. The element of isolation and the decaying atmosphere of the settings contribute to the overall feeling of unease, making them unforgettable horror experiences.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Subscription |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Creep” (2014)
Aaron, a videographer, answers a Craigslist ad to film Josef, a man who claims he’s dying of cancer and wants to leave a video message for his unborn child. As Aaron spends more time with Josef in his remote cabin, he begins to realize that Josef’s intentions are far more sinister than he initially believed. The film is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense, using awkward humor and unsettling interactions to create a truly creepy atmosphere.
“Creep,” much like “The Visit,” relies on the unsettling dynamic between characters and the gradual unveiling of a disturbing truth. Both films employ a found-footage style, adding to the feeling of realism and immediacy. The protagonists in both movies enter seemingly normal situations that quickly devolve into terrifying ordeals. The sense of isolation and the unpredictable behavior of the antagonists are key elements in both films, creating a sense of dread and suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. Both feature twisted individuals with dark secrets.
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| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014)
This mockumentary follows the lives of a group of vampire roommates in Wellington, New Zealand. The film hilariously chronicles their struggles with modern life, including paying rent, navigating social situations, and dealing with vampire hunters. “What We Do in the Shadows” is a clever and witty take on the vampire genre, blending horror with comedy to create a unique and entertaining experience.
Although “What We Do in the Shadows” is primarily a comedy, it shares “The Visit’s” ability to find humor in unsettling situations. Both films use a mockumentary or found-footage style to create a sense of realism and intimacy. While “The Visit” is more focused on suspense and horror, both films feature characters who are eccentric and unpredictable. The element of family, albeit a very unconventional one in “What We Do in the Shadows,” is also present in both films.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “The Babadook” (2014)
A widowed mother, Amelia, struggles to cope with her son Samuel’s fear of a monster lurking in their house. When a mysterious pop-up book titled “The Babadook” appears, Samuel becomes convinced that the monster is real, and Amelia begins to suspect that it might be too. “The Babadook” is a psychological horror film that explores themes of grief, depression, and the power of imagination.
Similar to “The Visit,” “The Babadook” centers on a family dealing with a terrifying and unexplained presence. Both films explore the psychological toll that fear and isolation can take on individuals. The characters in both movies are forced to confront their inner demons and face the darkness that surrounds them. The use of unsettling imagery and sound design contributes to the overall feeling of dread and suspense in both films. The underlying theme of hidden secrets within a family is also present.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Ready or Not” (2019)
Grace, a young bride, marries into a wealthy and eccentric family. On her wedding night, she’s forced to participate in a deadly game of hide-and-seek, where her new family members hunt her down with the intent to kill her. “Ready or Not” is a darkly comedic horror film that blends suspense, gore, and humor to create a thrilling and entertaining ride.
“Ready or Not” shares “The Visit’s” blend of horror and dark humor. Both films feature protagonists who are thrust into bizarre and dangerous situations by eccentric family members. The sense of unease and suspense is palpable in both films, and they both explore the dark secrets that can lie beneath the surface of seemingly normal families. The element of survival and the protagonists’ resourcefulness in the face of danger are also key elements in both films.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “The Witch” (2015)
Set in 17th-century New England, “The Witch” follows a Puritan family who are banished from their colony and forced to live on a remote farm. As unexplained events begin to plague the family, they suspect that a witch is responsible for their misfortune. The film is a slow-burn horror that explores themes of religious extremism, paranoia, and the power of belief.
Like “The Visit,” “The Witch” creates a sense of unease through the gradual unraveling of a family unit in an isolated setting. While “The Visit” blends humor with its horror, “The Witch” leans heavily into the psychological and atmospheric elements of the genre. Both films feature children as central characters who are deeply affected by the strange events unfolding around them. The idea of a hidden evil and the breakdown of trust within a family are prominent themes in both movies.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “It Comes at Night” (2017)
In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious plague, a family lives in isolation in a remote cabin. When another family seeks refuge with them, paranoia and distrust begin to grow, threatening to tear both families apart. “It Comes at Night” is a psychological horror film that explores themes of fear, survival, and the darkness that can reside within human beings.
“It Comes at Night” shares with “The Visit” the theme of isolation and the breakdown of trust within a family unit. While “It Comes at Night” lacks the comedic elements of “The Visit,” both films create a sense of dread and suspense through the gradual unveiling of unsettling events. The characters in both movies are forced to confront their fears and make difficult choices in the face of the unknown. The importance of family and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones are also explored in both films. Both movies contain the similar key element of unsettling suspense.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Searching” (2018)
After his teenage daughter goes missing, a desperate father uses her laptop to search for clues and uncover the truth behind her disappearance. “Searching” is a suspenseful thriller that utilizes the found-footage format in a unique and innovative way, telling the story entirely through computer screens and social media platforms.
Like “The Visit,” “Searching” employs the found-footage technique to create a sense of realism and immediacy. While “Searching” is more of a thriller than a horror film, it shares the theme of a family dealing with a crisis and uncovering unsettling secrets. The characters in both movies are forced to confront the unknown and make difficult choices in their search for the truth. The focus on family dynamics and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones are also key elements in both films.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “The Taking of Deborah Logan” (2014)
A film crew documents Deborah Logan, an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. As her condition worsens, the crew begins to suspect that something more sinister is at play, and that Deborah may be possessed by an evil entity. “The Taking of Deborah Logan” is a found-footage horror film that explores themes of dementia, possession, and the fragility of the human mind.
Like “The Visit,” “The Taking of Deborah Logan” employs the found-footage style to create a sense of realism and intimacy. Both films feature elderly characters who exhibit disturbing and unpredictable behavior. The sense of unease and suspense is palpable in both films, and they both explore the dark secrets that can lie hidden within families. The theme of facing one’s fears and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones are also explored in both movies.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Subscription |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Housebound” (2014)
A young woman, Kylie, is placed under house arrest after a failed robbery attempt. As she spends more time confined to her childhood home, she begins to suspect that it may be haunted. “Housebound” is a horror-comedy film that blends suspense, gore, and humor to create a unique and entertaining experience.
Similar to “The Visit,” “Housebound” successfully merges horror and comedy. Both films feature a protagonist stuck in a confined space who gradually uncovers strange and unsettling secrets. The humor in both films arises from the characters’ reactions to the bizarre situations they find themselves in. The theme of family secrets and hidden pasts is also present in both movies.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Hell House LLC” (2015)
Five years after a tragic incident that killed fifteen people on opening night, a documentary crew investigates the abandoned Abaddon Hotel, the site of the infamous “Hell House” haunted attraction. “Hell House LLC” is a found-footage horror film that relies on suspense and atmosphere to create a truly terrifying experience.
Like “The Visit,” “Hell House LLC” utilizes the found-footage format to create a sense of realism and immediacy. Both films feature characters who are placed in a situation where they are increasingly exposed to disturbing and unexplained events. The gradual build-up of tension and the sense of impending doom are key elements in both movies. The theme of confronting one’s fears and the consequences of disturbing the past are also explored.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Subscription |
| Shudder | Subscription |
- “Lake Mungo” (2008)
After the tragic death of sixteen-year-old Alice Palmer, her family begins to experience a series of strange and unsettling events. As they investigate, they uncover a series of dark secrets about Alice’s life. “Lake Mungo” is a mockumentary horror film that explores themes of grief, loss, and the secrets that can lie hidden within families.
While “Lake Mungo” takes a more somber and melancholic approach than “The Visit,” both films share the theme of uncovering dark family secrets after a significant event. Both movies use a documentary-style format to create a sense of realism and intimacy. The characters in both films are forced to confront the unknown and deal with the psychological consequences of their discoveries. The focus on family dynamics and the complexities of human relationships are also key elements in both films.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Resolution” (2012)
Michael convinces his drug-addicted friend Chris to go to a remote cabin to get clean. As they spend more time in the cabin, they begin to experience a series of bizarre and unsettling events, leading them to believe that they are being manipulated by an unseen force. “Resolution” is a mind-bending horror film that blends suspense, humor, and philosophical themes to create a unique and thought-provoking experience.
“Resolution” shares with “The Visit” the theme of characters being placed in an isolated location where they are subjected to increasingly strange and unsettling events. While “Resolution” is more focused on the psychological and philosophical aspects of horror, both films feature a sense of unease and suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. The characters in both movies are forced to confront their inner demons and deal with the consequences of their past actions.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Tubi | Free with Ads |
- “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” (2018)
A group of horror enthusiasts streams live from an abandoned asylum, Gonjiam, in South Korea. As they delve deeper into the asylum’s dark history, they encounter terrifying supernatural forces. “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” is a found-footage horror film that relies on jump scares and atmosphere to create a truly terrifying experience.
Similar to “The Visit,” “Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum” uses the found-footage format to immerse viewers in the unfolding horror. Both films feature characters who knowingly enter a dangerous situation, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the terrifying events that follow. The sense of isolation and the escalating tension contribute to the overall feeling of dread in both movies. The consequences of seeking thrills in potentially dangerous locations are also explored.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Shudder | Subscription |
- “Butterfly Kisses” (2018)
A filmmaker discovers a box of old VHS tapes that appear to show a real-life boogeyman terrorizing a small town. As he investigates the tapes, he becomes increasingly obsessed with proving their authenticity, putting himself and his family in danger. “Butterfly Kisses” is a found-footage horror film that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
Like “The Visit,” “Butterfly Kisses” plays with the audience’s perception of reality by presenting its story through the lens of found footage. Both films create a sense of unease by suggesting that something sinister is lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life. The characters in both movies become increasingly consumed by their pursuit of the truth, leading them down a dark and dangerous path.
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| Tubi | Free with Ads |
- “Absentia” (2011)
Tricia’s husband, Daniel, has been missing for seven years. As she prepares to declare him legally dead, she begins to experience a series of unsettling events that lead her to believe he may have been taken by something otherworldly. “Absentia” is a supernatural horror film that explores themes of loss, grief, and the unknown.
While “Absentia” lacks the comedic elements of “The Visit,” both films share the theme of uncovering disturbing secrets within a family. The characters in both movies are forced to confront the possibility that something supernatural is at play. The sense of unease and the gradual build-up of tension contribute to the overall feeling of dread in both films. The theme of facing one’s fears and the lengths people will go to for closure are also explored.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Amazon Prime Video | Subscription |
| Tubi | Free with Ads |
- “Tigers Are Not Afraid” (2017)
A group of orphaned children in Mexico band together to survive in a world ravaged by drug violence. When one of the children is given three wishes, they accidentally unleash a supernatural force that threatens their lives. “Tigers Are Not Afraid” is a dark fantasy horror film that explores themes of childhood trauma, resilience, and the power of imagination.
“Tigers Are Not Afraid”, similar to “The Visit,” focuses on children facing terrifying circumstances. Both films blend elements of fantasy and horror to create a unique and unsettling experience. While “Tigers Are Not Afraid” deals with darker and more mature themes than “The Visit,” both movies explore the resilience of children in the face of adversity.
| Platform | Availability |
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| Shudder | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “XX” (2017)
“XX” is an anthology horror film consisting of four short films directed by female directors. Each segment tells a unique and terrifying story, exploring themes of motherhood, female identity, and the horrors that can lurk within seemingly ordinary lives.
While “XX” is an anthology film, it shares “The Visit’s” ability to create unsettling and thought-provoking horror experiences. Both films explore themes of family, secrets, and the darkness that can reside within human beings. The diverse perspectives and styles of the different segments in “XX” offer a variety of scares, making it a compelling and memorable watch.
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| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Apple TV | Rent or Purchase |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
- “Await Further Instructions” (2018)
A dysfunctional family is trapped in their home on Christmas Eve by a mysterious black substance that surrounds the house. As they follow increasingly bizarre instructions that appear on their television, they descend into madness and paranoia. “Await Further Instructions” is a science fiction horror film that explores themes of family dysfunction, social control, and the dangers of blindly following authority.
“Await Further Instructions”, similarly to “The Visit,” features a family trapped in a confined space and subjected to increasingly bizarre and unsettling events. Both films explore the dark secrets and dysfunctional dynamics that can exist within families. The sense of claustrophobia and the escalating tension contribute to the overall feeling of dread in both movies. The theme of questioning authority and the consequences of blindly following instructions are also explored.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent or Purchase |
| Tubi | Free with Ads |
| Google Play Movies | Rent or Purchase |
FAQ About Movies Like The Visit
What makes a movie similar to “The Visit”?
- Movies similar to “The Visit” often blend horror and dark humor, feature found-footage or mockumentary styles, involve creepy family dynamics, and have unexpected twists.
Are there any other M. Night Shyamalan movies similar to “The Visit”?
- Yes, many of Shyamalan’s films have similar elements of suspense, unexpected twists, and psychological horror. Check out “Signs,” “The Village,” and “Split.”
Where can I find more found-footage horror movies?
- Streaming services like Shudder, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi often have a wide selection of found-footage horror movies.
Are there any family-friendly horror movies?
- While “The Visit” is not family-friendly, some milder horror movies suitable for older kids and teens include “Coraline,” “ParaNorman,” and “Goosebumps.”
What is the definition of found footage ?
- Found footage is a cinematic technique where a film is presented as if it were discovered video recordings.
Is The Visit movie scary?
- “The Visit” can be scary for some viewers because of its suspenseful atmosphere, unsettling scenes, and unexpected twists. However, it also incorporates elements of dark humor, which may lessen the fear factor for others. Viewer experience can vary based on individual sensitivities.
Who directed The Visit movie?
- M. Night Shyamalan directed the movie “The Visit.”
So, there you have it – a comprehensive list of movies similar to The Visit. Get ready to explore these chilling tales of suspense, dark humor, and family secrets! Happy watching!
