Movies like The Distraction (2020)
The best movies like The Distraction (2020) are Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019), Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019) and Doc of the Dead (2014). If The Distraction hooked you with its thriller and horror, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedJoker (2019)8.1/10 from 28,678 votes
- NewestWhat About Petey? (2025)Released 2025
Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019)
A lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay on The Exorcist, the last film of Alexandre O. Philippe explores the uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mind’s eye, the nuances of his filmmaking process, and the mysteries of faith and fate that have shaped his life and filmography.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHorror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019)
Delving into a century of genre films that by turns utilized, caricatured, exploited, sidelined, and finally embraced them, this is the untold history of black Americans in Hollywood through their connection to the horror genre.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDoc of the Dead (2014)
The definitive zombie culture documentary, brought to the screen by the makers of THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKiller Legends (2014)
Delving into our collective nightmares, this horror-documentary investigates the origins of our most terrifying urban legends and the true stories that may have inspired them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
SnoozefestMovies like thisTerror in the Aisles (1984)
A non-stop roller coaster ride through the scariest moments of the greatest terror films of all time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGoing to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film (2006)
This historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Prom Night. The films' directors, writers, producers, and special effects creators comment on the films' making and success. During the Reagan years, the films get gorier, budgets get smaller, and their appeal wanes. Then, Nightmare on Elm Street revives the genre. Jump to the late 90s, when Scream brings humor and TV stars into the mix.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLiving with Chucky (2022)
A filmmaker who grew up alongside Chucky the killer doll seeks out the other families surrounding the Child's Play films as they recount their experiences working on the ongoing franchise and what it means to be a part of the, "Chucky" family.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNightmares in Red, White and Blue (2009)
An exploration of the appeal of horror films, with interviews of many legendary directors in the genre.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUnknown Dimension: The Story of Paranormal Activity (2021)
A deep dive into the making of the Paranormal Activity films with first time ever interviews with cast and crew, never-before-seen footage from the movies, and a preview of the seventh installment in the franchise.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPennywise: The Story of ‘It’ (2021)
Thirty-plus years after its release, the popular two-part miniseries "It" and its infamous villain Pennywise live on in the minds of horror fans around the world. This documentary captures not only the buzz the "It" saga generated in 1990 but also the lasting impact it has had on an entire generation and the horror genre at large. Several years in the making, the film features exclusive interviews with many of the cult classic's key players, from cast members Richard Thomas, Seth Green, and Tim Curry, who portrayed the notorious monster clown Pennywise, to director Tommy Lee Wallace and special effects makeup artist Bart Mixon. The documentary also boasts a wealth of archival material and never-before-seen footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLovecraft: Fear of the Unknown (2008)
A chronicle of the life, work and mind that created the Cthulhu mythos.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMidnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream (2006)
From 1970-1977, six low budget films shown at midnight transformed the way we make and watch films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Green Prince (2014)
This real-life thriller tells the story of one of Israel’s prized intelligence sources, recruited to spy on his own people for more than a decade. Focusing on the complex relationship with his handler, The Green Prince is a gripping account of terror, betrayal, and unthinkable choices, along with a friendship that defies all boundaries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & thriller
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIn Search of Darkness: Part II (2020)
The ultimate ‘80s Horror retrospective just got BIGGER. In Search of Darkness: Part II is a four-hour-plus sequel to the Rondo Hatton-nominated In Search of Darkness, adding 15 new interviewees and 40+ returning favorites for the biggest and most comprehensive ‘80s Horror documentary cast ever assembled.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIn Search of Darkness (2019)
An exploration of '80s horror movies through the perspective of the actors, directors, producers and SFX craftspeople who made them, and their impact on contemporary cinema.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisScream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street (2019)
Mark Patton sets the records straight about the controversial 1985 sequel to A Nightmare on Elm Street, which ended his acting career, just as it was about to begin.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWelcome to Leith (2015)
In September 2012, the tiny prairie town of Leith, North Dakota, sees its population of 24 grow by one. As the new resident's behavior becomes more threatening, tensions soar, and the residents desperately look for ways to expel their unwanted neighbor.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both thriller & documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCropsey (2010)
Realizing the urban legend of their youth has actually come true, two filmmakers delve into the mystery surrounding five missing children and the real-life boogeyman linked to their disappearances.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTalhotblond (2009)
This is the true story of a love triangle that takes place entirely online. Lies lead to murder in real life, as a teenage vixen (screen name 'talhotblond') lures men into her web. Revealing a shocking true crime story that shows the Internet's power to unleash our most dangerous fantasies.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & thriller
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGhost Adventures (2007)
In 2007, The Sci-Fi Channel premiered "Ghost Adventures," a raw documentary in which 3 men go to Virginia City, NV and Goldfield, NV on a ghost hunting expedition. Virginia City is rife with macabre lore and reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in America. Ghost Adventures has won a Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary that was given by the New York International Film & Video Festival.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary & horror
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisPsycho II (1983)
Norman Bates is declared sane and released from the facility in which he was being held, despite the complaints of Lila Loomis, sister of his most famous victim. Is he really cured, or will he kill again?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & thriller
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAngst (1983)
A killer is released from prison and breaks into a remote home to kill a woman, her handicapped son and her pretty daughter.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both thriller & horror
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Cat o' Nine Tails (1971)
A newsman works with a blind puzzle-solver to uncover a deadly conspiracy linked to a genetic research facility.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & thriller
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarkley Dubis' Danse Macabre (2023)
A boy is thrown into the middle of an increasingly bizarre local disturbance.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror
Your Mind Matters (2025)
When Roger Lee slips on his front steps, he has no idea the fall will send him spiralling into the darkest chapter of his life. Injured, and drowning in despair, he hits rock bottom—until he discovers the power of his own words. Through pain, he finds purpose, turning his struggle into wisdom that inspires millions. Now, as a world-renowned speaker, he lifts others the way he once needed lifting. A raw and uplifting story of resilience, reinvention, and the unexpected ways we rise.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Quiet (2006)
After her widowed father dies, deaf teenager Dot moves in with her godparents, Olivia and Paul Deer. The Deers' daughter, Nina, is openly hostile to Dot, but that does not prevent her from telling her secrets to her silent stepsister, including the fact that she wants to kill her lecherous father.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both thriller
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Cry of the Owl (2009)
Fleeing New York City, a failed marriage and a fragile mental history, artist Robert Forrester moves to small-town Pennsylvania. There he becomes fascinated with the simple domesticity of a beautiful neighbor, watching her through the windows of her home --- until she invites him in for coffee. He is drawn into a relationship with the young woman whose boyfriend goes missing; Robert becomes a murder suspect, gradually sensing he is the target of a larger plot.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both thriller
SnoozefestMovies like thisWhat About Petey? (2025)
After the sudden death of his wife, the film's protagonist, Mr. Jochec, must take on the responsibility of caring for his two teenage children—his daughter Vanesa and his son Petr, who has a severe autism spectrum disorder. Previously often working away from home, Mr. Jochec now has to manage everything on his own, keeping his family together.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Joker (2019)
During the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both thriller
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisExecuting the Insane: The Case of Scott Panetti (2007)
Scott Panetti was tried for the capital murder of his parents-in-law on September 8, 1992 in Gillespie County, Texas. He was subsequently sentenced to death on September 22, 1995. Panetti has an extensive history of mental illness, including schizophrenia, manic depression, auditory hallucinations and paranoia. Panetti was hospitalized, both voluntarily and involuntarily for mental illness fourteen times in six different hospitals before his arrest for capital murder in 1992. Following his conviction, Panetti’s former wife, and daughter of the victims, Sonja Alvarado, filed a petition stating that Panetti never should have been tried for the crimes as he was suffering from paranoid delusions at the time of the killings.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Like The Distraction and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Distraction?
The closest matches to The Distraction are Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019), Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019) and Doc of the Dead (2014). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Distraction?
Start with Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019), the closest match to The Distraction.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Distraction?
Joker (2019), rated 8.1/10 by 28,678 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Distraction?
What About Petey? (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Distraction?
Yes: Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019), Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror (2019) and Doc of the Dead (2014).
How are movies similar to The Distraction chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Distraction, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.