Movies like Secrets of the Shadow World (1999)
The best movies like Secrets of the Shadow World (1999) are Donnie Darko (2001), John Dies at the End (2013) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009). If Secrets of the Shadow World hooked you, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedDonnie Darko (2001)7.8/10 from 13,961 votes
- NewestBlack Box (2026)Released 2026
Donnie Darko (2001)
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJohn Dies at the End (2013)
A new drug promises out-of-body experiences, but users are coming back changed forever, and an otherworldly invasion of Earth is underway.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that makes clouds rain food, enabling the down-and-out citizens of Chewandswallow to feed themselves. But when the falling food reaches gargantuan proportions, Flint must scramble to avert disaster. Can he regain control of the machine and put an end to the wild weather before the town is destroyed?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBackrooms (2026)
A strange doorway appears in the basement of a furniture showroom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019)
Nancy Drew, a smart high schooler with a penchant for keen observation and deduction, stumbles upon the haunting of a local home. A bit of an outsider struggling to fit into her new surroundings, Nancy and her pals set out to solve the mystery, make new friends, and establish their place in the community
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInvaders from Mars (1953)
A boy tries to stop aliens that have taken over his town and are brainwashing its inhabitants.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisI Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)
When a depressed woman is burglarized, she finds a new sense of purpose by tracking down the thieves alongside her obnoxious neighbor. But they soon find themselves dangerously out of their depth against a pack of degenerate criminals.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMr. K (2025)
Mr. K, a traveling magician, finds himself in a Kafkaesque nightmare when he can’t find the exit of his hotel. His attempts to get out only pull him deeper, entangling him further with the hotel and its curious inhabitants.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Crazies (2010)
Four friends find themselves trapped in their small hometown after they discover their friends and neighbors going quickly and horrifically insane.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMigration (2023)
After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, the Mallard family embarks on a family road trip, from New England, to New York City, to tropical Jamaica.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlack Box (2026)
Vero Airlines Flight 298 from New Orleans to Seattle becomes the center of a chilling supernatural mystery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisCoherence (2014)
Four couples gather for dinner the night a mysterious and powerful comet passes overhead.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisParanormal Activity (2009)
After a young, middle-class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic, but is certainly the most active in the middle of the night.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (2000)
A cosmic case of flying saucers, intergalactic intrigue and out-of-this-world romance launches Scooby-Doo! and the Mystery Inc., Gang into their most unearthly adventure ever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAlien Abduction: Incident in Lake County (1998)
After a mysterious blackout, a son goes out to investigate and captures footage of actual aliens. When the aliens follow he and his brothers back to their home all hell breaks lose.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAloha Scooby-Doo! (2005)
The Mystery Gang goes to Hawaii for the Big Kahuna of Hanahuna Surfing Contest. However, the gang and the locals find the island invaded by the vengeful Wiki Tiki spirit and his demons.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Cell (2000)
A team of scientists use experimental technology to help a social worker enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in the hopes of saving his latest victim.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Scanner Darkly (2006)
An undercover cop in a not-too-distant future becomes involved with a dangerous new drug and begins to lose his own identity as a result.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGood Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die (2026)
A 'Man from the Future' arrives at an LA diner where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSolo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Secrets of the Shadow World?
The closest matches to Secrets of the Shadow World are Donnie Darko (2001), John Dies at the End (2013) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Secrets of the Shadow World?
Start with Donnie Darko (2001), the closest match to Secrets of the Shadow World.
What is the highest-rated movie like Secrets of the Shadow World?
Donnie Darko (2001), rated 7.8/10 by 13,961 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Secrets of the Shadow World?
Black Box (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Secrets of the Shadow World?
Yes: Donnie Darko (2001), John Dies at the End (2013) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009).
How are movies similar to Secrets of the Shadow World chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Secrets of the Shadow World, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.