Occult Horror Films Similar to EXHUMA, The Story is Just as Terrifying

Kapanlagi.com - The euphoria of horror films about the occult like EXHUMA is indeed extraordinary, successfully making the audience shudder with tales of witchcraft and ancestral curses. This South Korean film successfully combines mystical elements and unforgettable tension.

However, did you know that long before EXHUMA, the occult horror genre has long captivated film lovers with similar thrilling stories? From ancient rituals to battles against unseen entities, these films present deep horror.

If you enjoy the horror sensations offered by EXHUMA, then the following list of films is a must-watch for you. There are several titles that also present themes of occultism, witchcraft, and family curses that will give you chills. Prepare your mind to face supernatural terror that you may have never imagined before!

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1. THE WAILING

occult horror film similar to EXHUMA (imdb)

The film THE WAILING is a South Korean horror film from 2016 directed by Na Hong-jin, centered on a police officer investigating a series of murders and a strange disease. The story follows Jong-goo, a policeman whose life drastically changes when his village is struck by an outbreak of a mysterious illness and brutal murders, seemingly linked to the arrival of a mysterious Japanese man.

When his own daughter begins to show the same symptoms, Jong-goo must race against time to uncover the truth behind these supernatural events, involving shamans, priests, and unexpected evil entities. The similarity of THE WAILING with EXHUMA lies in its deep exploration of Korean shamanism, exorcism rituals, and the struggle against inexplicable supernatural forces.

Both films build tension through layered mysteries and feature intense and horrifying ritual scenes, where the boundary between the living and the dead becomes blurred. Currently, THE WAILING can be legally watched on platforms like Netflix in certain regions.

2. THE MEDIUM

occult horror film similar to EXHUMA (imdb)

THE MEDIUM is a 2021 Thai-South Korean supernatural horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, following a documentary team recording the life of a shaman. The film is presented in a mockumentary format, following a documentary team that records the life of a hereditary shaman in the Isan region of Thailand.

However, their focus shifts when the shaman's niece, Mink, begins to exhibit strange behavior and signs of terrifying possession, believed to be a sign that she will become the successor to the ancestral spirit. However, the entity possessing her may be far darker and more malevolent than anticipated.

THE MEDIUM bears a strong resemblance to EXHUMA in its depiction of the details of shamanic rituals and possession that are highly authentic and brutal. The film also explores themes of spiritual heritage and family curses passed down through generations, similar to the ancestral curse that is central to the story of EXHUMA. THE MEDIUM can be legally watched on streaming platforms such as Prime Video and Viu in some regions.

3. HEREDITARY

occult horror film similar to EXHUMA (imdb)

HEREDITARY is a 2018 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster, following a family that is grieving after the death of their secretive grandmother. The film tells the story of the Graham family, who begin to experience a series of horrific and mysterious events after the death of their reclusive grandmother.

They gradually uncover dark secrets and a terrifying legacy that has been passed down through their family, involving occult cults and a demonic entity that seeks to possess one of the family members.

The similarity of HEREDITARY to EXHUMA lies in the themes of family curses and unavoidable evil legacies. Both films explore how dark pasts and occult practices can have devastating consequences for future generations. HEREDITARY also builds a chilling atmosphere of horror through occult symbolism and psychologically disturbing scenes, similar to EXHUMA. This film is available to watch legally on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video in certain regions.

4. THE PRIESTS

occult horror film similar to EXHUMA (imdb)

THE PRIESTS is a South Korean mystery horror film from 2015 directed by Jang Jae-hyun, centered around two Catholic priests trying to save a young girl. The film tells the story of Father Kim, a controversial priest, who believes that a young girl named Young-shin is possessed by a demon after experiencing a mysterious accident.

With the help of a young deacon, Father Choi, they must perform a dangerous exorcism ritual to save Young-shin before it's too late. THE PRIESTS bears similarities to EXHUMA in its portrayal of a direct battle against powerful and malevolent supernatural entities.

Although THE PRIESTS is rooted in Catholic exorcism and EXHUMA in Korean shamanism, both films feature intense rituals, incantations, and desperate attempts to expel dark forces. The film also highlights the sacrifices and risks that those who dare to confront the world of the occult must take. The tension and horror in THE PRIESTS stem from the direct threat of the possessing entity, similar to the threat faced by characters in EXHUMA from the resurrected evil spirits. THE PRIESTS can be legally watched on platforms like Viu in some regions.

5. INCANTATION

occult horror films similar to EXHUMA (imdb)

INCANTATION is a 2022 Taiwanese found footage horror film directed by Kevin Ko, told through discovered recordings. The film tells the story of Ronan, a mother trying to save her daughter from a deadly curse she unleashed six years earlier after violating a religious taboo while visiting a forbidden temple.

The similarity of INCANTATION to EXHUMA lies in the strong and unavoidable curse that arises from violations of sacred or taboo matters. Both films explore the horrific consequences of disturbing incompletely understood supernatural forces, and how the curse can spread and affect innocent people.

INCANTATION also features strange occult rituals and mysterious symbols that are at the core of the curse, creating a deep atmosphere of horror and a constant sense of despair. The film can be legally watched on streaming platforms like Netflix.

6. FAQ

Q: What is occult horror film?
A: An occult horror film is a genre that explores themes such as the supernatural, ancient rituals, magic, possession, curses, and the struggle against often malevolent supernatural forces.

Q: Where can I watch these recommended occult horror films?
A: These films are available on various legal streaming platforms such as Netflix (THE WAILING, HEREDITARY, INCANTATION), Prime Video (THE MEDIUM, HEREDITARY), and Viu (THE MEDIUM, THE PRIESTS) in certain regions.

Q: Why are occult horror films so popular among audiences?
A: Occult horror films are popular due to their ability to present deep terror through the exploration of mysteries, intense rituals, and the battle against dark forces, which often triggers primal fear and the audience's curiosity about the unseen.

(kpl/mda)