Movies like The Thing on the Shelf (2018)
The best movies like The Thing on the Shelf (2018) are Silver Bullet (1985), Mostly Ghostly 3: One Night in Doom House (2016) and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949). If The Thing on the Shelf hooked you with its horror, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedCoraline (2009)8.0/10 from 9,757 votes
- NewestGood Boy (2025)Released 2025
Silver Bullet (1985)
The small city of Tarker's Mills is startled by a series of sadistic murders. The population fears the work of a maniac, but sightings of a mysterious, hairy creature soon spread. People lock themselves up at night, but there's one boy who's still outside…
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMostly Ghostly 3: One Night in Doom House (2016)
Just one enchanted jewel stands between earth and an army of evil spirits led by the devious ghoul, Phears. With the help of his new girlfriend and ghost pals, Max Doyle races to find the crystal and save the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
A concise adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" about Mr. Toad's motor mania, followed by a short retelling of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" concerning schoolmaster Ichabod Crane.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNightbooks (2021)
Alex, a boy obsessed with scary stories, is trapped by a witch in her modern, magical New York City apartment. His original hair-raising tales are the only thing keeping him safe as he desperately tries to find a way out of this twisted place.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Witches (1990)
While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, Helga, a young boy named Luke inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch reveals a plan to turn all children into mice via a magical formula. When they discover the eavesdropper, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of Helga and hotel manager Mr Stringer, Luke the mouse must fight back against the witches.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It (2007)
Cassie, a 13 year old Gothic girl, is trying to fit in at her new school. To entertain herself, she plays a series of pranks on the popular kids and her younger brother, Max. When she goes to a Halloween store looking for new tricks, she finds a little book called "The Evil Thing"
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSomething Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
In a small American town, a diabolical circus arrives, granting wishes for the townsfolk, but twisted as only the esteemed Mr. Dark can make them. Can two young boys overcome the worst the devil himself can deal out?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Devil Rides Out (1968)
The powers of good are pitted against the forces of evil as the Duc de Richelieu wrestles with the charming but deadly Satanist, Mocata, for the soul of his friend. Mocata has the knowledge and the power to summon the forces of darkness and, as the Duc de Richelieu and his friends remain within the protected pentacle, they are subjected to ever-increasing horror until thundering hooves herald the arrival of the Angel of Death.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Jack in the Box Rises (2024)
When a creepy Jack-in-the-Box is discovered and opened on the grounds of an exclusive girls' school, six brave students soon enter a fight to the finish against the unleashed demon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDead of Night (1945)
An architect, visiting an English country house, realizes the other guests are familiar from his recurring nightmare. When they share their tales of the supernatural, he is filled with a growing dread.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSon of Dracula (1943)
Carpathian Count Alucard is invited to the U.S. by a young heiress. Her boyfriend and local officials are suspicious of the newcomer, who is interested in the "virile" soil of the new world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
SnoozefestMovies like thisMr. Boogedy (1986)
A novelty-salesman moves his family into a new house. Initially dismissing incidents as more of their father's practical jokes, the family soon learns that the house is haunted by people who lived in the house 300 years previously.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Horror of Frankenstein (1970)
Brilliant but arrogant scientist Victor Frankenstein builds a man from spare body parts, only for the monster to come alive and wreak havoc.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
SnoozefestMovies like thisWhoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1972)
Mrs Rosie Forrest, aka 'Auntie Roo', has a holiday tradition of inviting orphans to her mansion for a party. But Roo isn't completely sane; she lost her husband and is obsessed with her deceased daughter, whose corpse she still keeps in the house. When Katy Coombs sneaks into the party with her brother, Christopher, the deranged biddy abducts the young girl with the hopes of replacing her daughter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Cellar (2022)
When Keira Woods' daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country, she soon discovers there is an ancient and powerful entity controlling their home that she will have to face or risk losing her family's souls forever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCoraline (2009)
Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDracula (1958)
After Jonathan Harker attacks Dracula at his castle, the vampire travels to a nearby city, where he preys on the family of Harker's fiancée. The only one who may be able to protect them is Dr. van Helsing, Harker's friend and fellow-student of vampires, who is determined to destroy Dracula, whatever the cost.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural (1974)
A notorious bank robber kills his wife and flees the police, only to be captured by a mysterious group of figures in an abandoned town. His beautiful daughter, Lila Lee, receives a letter stating that her father is near death and that he needs to see her. Sneaking away at night from her minister guardian, Lila embarks on a terrifying journey...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGood Boy (2025)
A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner Todd, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTwice-Told Tales (1963)
3 horror stories based on the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne. In the 1st story titled "Dr. Heidegger's Experiment", Heidegger attempts to restore the youth of three elderly friends. In "Rappaccini's Daughter", a demented father is inoculating his daughter with poison so she may never leave her garden of poisonous plants. In the final story "The House of the Seven Gables", The Pyncheon family suffers from a hundred year old curse and while in the midst of arguing over inheritance, a stranger arrives.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDeer Camp '86 (2024)
In the fall of 1986, six knuckleheads from Detroit travel north to partake in the annual tradition of deer hunting. But something horrific has been awakened and the hunters become the hunted.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Bride of Chucky (1998)
For ten years, the tortured soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray has been imprisoned inside a child's doll. 'Chucky' is reborn when his old flame, Tiffany, rescues his battered doll parts from a police impound. But Chucky wants his new playmate cut down to size, so he transforms his blushing bride into a stunning little terror. Chucky and Tiffany can't wait to start their own homicidal honeymoon. When this demonic duo hits the road and hooks up with a pair of unsuspecting newlyweds, they leave a trail of murder and mayhem behind them. Chucky's back!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHEADCASE (TBA)
A man arrives at an apartment to reunite with a former lover but is instead met by something much worse
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Santa's List (TBA)
The film is set in the small town of Deep Haven, known for its world-renowned Santa Claus festival that keeps the small town alive all year round. But beneath all the Christmas Spirit, tinsel and lights, there’s a darkness lurking. And this year, the 12 days of Christmas get turned upside down. After the murder of her best friend, big city detective, Eve, is lured back to her hometown to solve the crime. With each passing victim, the killer seems to be closer to home than ever. Will she solve what “my true love gave to me” before it’s too late or will Santa check the final name off his list?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Krampus (2015)
When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHomecoming (2009)
A jilted ex-girlfriend plots revenge after her former beau comes back to their hometown with a new lover.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Demon Of Serling (2023)
Reagan Rossi discovers his neighbor-Mr. Yarley-is a local serial killer dubbed 'The Demon of Serling', and the two men embark on a night of enlightenment leading to bleak and darkly funny consequences.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
The Leech (2022)
A devout priest welcomes a struggling couple into his house at Christmas time. What begins as a simple act of kindness quickly becomes the ultimate test of faith once the sanctity of his home is jeopardized.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
The Children (2008)
A relaxing Christmas vacation turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the children begin to turn on their parents.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWarmth (2021)
Christopher, a paranormal investigator, spends the night at the home of a friend after she sees something horrifying in her fireplace.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Thing on the Shelf?
The closest matches to The Thing on the Shelf are Silver Bullet (1985), Mostly Ghostly 3: One Night in Doom House (2016) and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Thing on the Shelf?
Start with Silver Bullet (1985), the closest match to The Thing on the Shelf.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Thing on the Shelf?
Coraline (2009), rated 8.0/10 by 9,757 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Thing on the Shelf?
Good Boy (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Thing on the Shelf?
Yes: Silver Bullet (1985), Mostly Ghostly 3: One Night in Doom House (2016) and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949).
How are movies similar to The Thing on the Shelf chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Thing on the Shelf, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.