Ranking the Creepiest Supernatural Thrillers

 

If you love a good supernatural thriller that sends shivers down your spine, you’re in for a treat. There’s something uniquely unsettling about movies that dive into the world of ghosts, demons, and otherworldly forces—those eerie tales that make you question what’s lurking just beyond the veil. In this blog, I’ve ranked the 10 creepiest supernatural thrillers that deliver unforgettable chills, from subtle haunts to full-on paranormal terror. These films blend suspense, mystery, and the supernatural to keep you glued to the screen. I’ve also included where you can stream or rent each one, so you can plan your spooky movie night. Ready to face the unknown? Let’s dive into the ranking! Note: Streaming availability may vary by region, so check your local platforms.

10. The Others (2001)

Kicking off our list, The Others is a haunting gothic tale. Nicole Kidman stars as Grace, a mother living in a secluded mansion with her light-sensitive children, where strange occurrences hint at ghostly presences. The film’s foggy atmosphere and slow-burn suspense build a creeping dread, with a twist that flips everything upside down. Rated PG-13 for its eerie vibe, it holds an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its quiet, unsettling chills make it a perfect supernatural starter. Stream it on Max or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

9. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

This underrated gem delivers a fresh take on supernatural horror. Two coroners (Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch) perform an autopsy on an unidentified body, uncovering horrifying secrets tied to a mysterious force. The film’s claustrophobic setting and gruesome discoveries ramp up the tension, with a supernatural twist that’s pure nightmare fuel. Rated R for graphic content, it has a 86% Rotten Tomatoes score. You’ll never look at a morgue the same way again. Stream it on AMC+ or rent it on Apple TV.

8. The Orphanage (2007)

This Spanish masterpiece blends heart and horror. Laura (Belén Rueda) returns to her childhood orphanage to open a home for disabled children, only to face eerie events tied to her son’s imaginary friend. The film’s emotional depth and ghostly scares create a haunting mix, with a finale that’s both heartbreaking and chilling. Rated R for disturbing themes, it boasts a 87% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its tender yet terrifying story lingers. Stream it on Shudder or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

7. The Grudge (2004)

Based on the Japanese Ju-On, The Grudge follows an American nurse (Sarah Michelle Gellar) in Tokyo, cursed by a vengeful spirit tied to a haunted house. The film’s non-linear storytelling and iconic croaking ghost create a relentless sense of dread. Those creepy attic scenes will have you avoiding crawlspaces. Rated PG-13 for horror, it has a 59% Rotten Tomatoes score but remains a fan favorite. Its supernatural curse feels inescapable. Stream it on Hulu or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

6. Insidious (2010)

James Wan’s Insidious is a rollercoaster of supernatural scares. A family discovers their comatose son is trapped in a shadowy realm called The Further, hunted by malevolent entities. The film’s eerie red-faced demon and haunting score by Joseph Bishara are unforgettable. Its blend of jump scares and otherworldly dread keeps you on edge. Rated PG-13 for intense themes, it holds a 66% Rotten Tomatoes score. This one’s a wild ride into the paranormal. Stream it on Netflix or rent it on Apple TV.

5. The Ring (2002)

This American remake of Ringu is a chilling classic. Naomi Watts plays a journalist investigating a cursed videotape that kills viewers seven days later. The film’s creepy visuals—like Samara crawling from the TV—and relentless tension make it a standout. Its exploration of technology and fate feels scarily relevant. Rated PG-13 for horror, it has a 71% Rotten Tomatoes score. You’ll dread answering your phone after this. Stream it on Paramount+ or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

4. Sinister (2012)

Sinister cranks up the supernatural dread with a sinister twist. Ethan Hawke stars as a true-crime writer who finds old film reels in his new home, revealing a demonic entity named Bughuul. The grainy footage and eerie sound design create a suffocating atmosphere, and Bughuul’s presence is pure terror. Rated R for disturbing imagery, it holds a 63% Rotten Tomatoes score. This film will make you rethink moving houses. Stream it on Peacock or rent it on Apple TV.

3. The Haunting (1963)

Based on Shirley Jackson’s novel, The Haunting is a masterclass in subtle terror. A group of people investigates a haunted mansion with a dark past, facing psychological and supernatural horrors. The black-and-white visuals and clever sound design amplify the unease, proving you don’t need gore for chills. Rated G (pre-MPAA), it has a 87% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its timeless dread makes it a must-watch. Stream it on TCM or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

2. Paranoid Park (2007)

Gus Van Sant’s Paranoid Park isn’t a traditional horror but earns its spot with supernatural unease. A teen skateboarder grapples with guilt after a tragic incident, haunted by visions that blur reality and the paranormal. The film’s dreamlike visuals and haunting soundscape create a unique kind of dread. Unrated, it has a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its subtle supernatural elements linger like a ghost. Stream it on Criterion Channel or rent it on Amazon Prime Video. Note: This film is less overtly supernatural, but its eerie tone fits the thriller vibe.

1. The Exorcist III (1990)

Topping our list is The Exorcist III, a criminally underrated sequel. George C. Scott plays a detective investigating murders linked to a demonic force tied to the original Exorcist. The film’s psychological depth, chilling hospital scenes, and Brad Dourif’s haunting performance make it a standout. Its blend of faith, fear, and supernatural terror is unmatched. Rated R for disturbing content, it has a 59% Rotten Tomatoes score but a cult following. This one’s a nightmare you can’t escape. Stream it on Shudder or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

Why These Supernatural Thrillers Creep Us Out

These films rank high because they tap into the fear of the unknown—ghosts, demons, and curses that defy logic. Their atmospheres, from the foggy isolation of The Others to the demonic terror of The Exorcist III, create a sense of dread that’s hard to shake. They blend suspense with supernatural elements, making you question what’s real. Whether it’s a cursed tape or a haunted house, these movies remind us why the paranormal is so unsettling.

Tips for Your Supernatural Movie Night

Ready to dive into these creepy thrillers? Here’s how to make it epic:

• Set the vibe: Use candles or dim lighting to mimic the eerie settings of these films, but maybe keep a nightlight handy.
• Watch in order: Start with lower-ranked films for a gradual build-up, saving the top picks for maximum impact.
• Invite friends: Sharing the scares makes jumpy moments more fun and less terrifying.
• Check platforms: Streaming availability can change, so verify access before your marathon.

Where to Find These Films

Here’s where you can watch these creepy supernatural thrillers (check your region for availability):

• The Others (2001): Max, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016): AMC+, Apple TV (rent)
• The Orphanage (2007): Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• The Grudge (2004): Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Insidious (2010): Netflix, Apple TV (rent)
• The Ring (2002): Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Sinister (2012): Peacock, Apple TV (rent)
• The Haunting (1963): TCM, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• Paranoid Park (2007): Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video (rent)
• The Exorcist III (1990): Shudder, Amazon Prime Video (rent)

Visit these platforms’ websites for the latest availability: Netflix, Max, Hulu, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, AMC+, TCM, Criterion Channel, or Apple TV. Some services may require subscriptions or add-ons, so confirm before planning.

Final Thoughts

These supernatural thrillers are perfect for anyone who loves a creepy, otherworldly scare. From the psychological chills of The Haunting to the demonic terror of The Exorcist III, this ranking covers a range of paranormal horrors that will keep you up at night. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, these films deliver unforgettable thrills. So, queue them up, brace for the scares, and enjoy the supernatural ride.

Which of these creepy thrillers is your top pick? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and share your favorite supernatural horror films. Happy haunting!