Top 10 Supernatural Movies Of 2023

December 28, 2023 1:00 AM ‐ ParanormalParanormal EntertainmentMoviesLong Reads
A Haunting In Venice
From eerie ghost stories to intriguing encounters with the unexplained, these podcasts offer a window into a world that often defies conventional understanding. In 2023, the genre has continued to thrive, with a range of shows that cater to all tastes - whether you're a staunch skeptic, a curious observer, or a dedicated believer in the supernatural.

We put together a list of some of the best paranormal podcasts of the year, each offering its unique spin on the subject. From 'The Big Séance Podcast's deep dives into spirit communication and EVP to 'The Paranormal Podcast's broad coverage of everything from UFOs to cryptids, there's something for everyone. 'The Paranormal Monkey Podcast' stands out with its interactive YouTube streams, while 'Two Girls One Ghost' infuses humour into spooky narratives.

Other notable mentions include 'Haunted Road', which combines history and true crime with ghost stories, and 'Paranormal Activity', offering personal experiences and listener interactions. The 'Haunted Objects Podcast' intriguingly delves into the stories behind haunted objects, and 'Haunted History Chronicles' takes listeners on a journey through historically significant and haunted locations. For a more enlightened perspective on the supernatural, 'Spirit Talk' discusses paranormal phenomena in a spiritual context.

10. 'The Boogeyman'

'The Boogeyman,' a horror-thriller from 20th Century Studios and 21 Laps, brings to life a story from the mind of acclaimed author Stephen King. Directed by Rob Savage, known for 'Host,' the film features a screenplay by Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, and Mark Heyman, based on King's short story.

Set to release on June 2, 2023, the movie follows the harrowing experiences of the Harper sisters, Sadie and Sawyer, played by Sophie Thatcher and Vivian Lyra Blair. Reeling from their mother's recent death, the girls struggle to cope, receiving little support from their father, Will, a therapist portrayed by Chris Messina. Their lives take a terrifying turn when a desperate patient of Will's visits their home, inadvertently unleashing a malevolent supernatural entity.

This entity, known as The Boogeyman, preys on families, feeding on the suffering of its victims. As the sisters grapple with this sadistic presence, they desperately try to alert their grieving father before it's too late. The film's cast also includes Marin Ireland, Madison Hu, LisaGay Hamilton, and David Dastmalchian.

Produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, and Dan Cohen, with several executive producers including Emily Morris and John H. Starke, 'The Boogeyman' promises to be a chilling and intense horror-thriller. It offers a deep dive into themes of family, grief, and the terror of facing an unseen, malevolent force.

9. 'We Have A Ghost'

'We Have A Ghost,' directed by Christopher Landon and featuring David Harbour of 'Stranger Things' fame, is a Netflix original that mixes humour, heart, and a touch of the supernatural. The story follows the Presley family, who, seeking a new start in Chicago, move into a home that comes with an unexpected resident: a ghost named Ernest, haunting their attic.

Ernest, portrayed by Harbour, initially tries to scare Kevin, the teenage son of the family, but the two soon form an unlikely friendship. Kevin, played by Jahi Winston, is a detached, music-obsessed teen who finds a kindred spirit in Ernest, a soul trapped from the 70s. The plot thickens when Kevin's father, Frank (Anthony Mackie), discovers Ernest's presence and turns him into an overnight social media sensation, attracting the attention of the world – and the CIA.

The film takes a comedic yet thrilling turn as Dr. Leslie Monroe (Tig Notaro), a washed-up paranormal scientist, alerts her former CIA boss about Ernest, reigniting a secret ghost-capturing program. With the house now swarming with media, crowds, and government agents, Kevin teams up with his sharp-witted neighbour, Joy (Isabella Russo), to help Ernest escape and uncover the truth about his past.

'We Have A Ghost' combines family dynamics with adventure and mystery, delivering a story about friendship, the quest for identity, and the lengths one will go to help a friend in need. As Kevin and Joy dive into Ernest's history, they embark on a journey filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments.

8. 'Insidious: The Red Door'

'Insidious: The Red Door' marks the gripping final chapter in the Lambert family's chilling saga, part of the renowned 'Insidious' horror franchise. Directed by Patrick Wilson, who also reprises his role as Josh Lambert, the film plunges the family deeper into the ominous realm known as The Further.

The story revisits Josh and his son Dalton, ten years after their initial foray into astral projection and their encounters in The Further. In the present, Josh is divorced from Renai Lambert and estranged from Dalton. An attempt to reconnect during a university drive ends in conflict, leaving unresolved tensions. Dalton, now an Arts student, is challenged by his Professor to explore his inner fears, leading him to discover a mysterious red door. This door becomes a gateway to a renewed and more terrifying series of hauntings by demons from The Further.

The original cast, including Ty Simpkins as Dalton, Rose Byrne, and Andrew Astor, returns for this final instalment. Sinclair Daniel and Hiam Abbass also star in pivotal roles. The screenplay, written by Scott Teems from a story by Leigh Whannell and based on characters created by Whannell, promises a haunting and intense narrative. Producers Jason Blum, Oren Peli, James Wan, and Leigh Whannell bring together the elements of horror that have made the 'Insidious' series a staple in the genre, offering a climactic showdown that delves into the family's dark past and the horrors that lie behind the red door.

7. 'Haunted Mansion'

'Haunted Mansion,' directed by Justin Simien, is a delightful yet spine-tingling adventure inspired by the classic theme park attraction. The story follows a single mother, Gabbie, and her nine-year-old son as they embark on a new life by moving into an alluringly affordable mansion in New Orleans. However, they soon discover their new home holds more than its fair share of secrets, being inhabited by ghosts.

In a bid to reclaim their home from these supernatural squatters, Gabbie enlists an eclectic group of so-called spiritual experts. This team includes a priest, a widowed scientist who has now turned into a failed paranormal expert, a psychic from the French Quarter, and a grumpy professor. Together, they face the challenging task of exorcising the mansion.

Starring LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, and Owen Wilson, 'Haunted Mansion' combines humour, suspense, and the supernatural. Produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman as executive producers, the film promises to be a frighteningly fun adventure for audiences, blending the thrill of the paranormal with the charm of a family story.

6. 'The Pope's Exorcist'

'The Pope's Exorcist,' directed by Julius Avery, is a riveting film inspired by the real-life experiences of Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's Chief Exorcist, portrayed by Academy Award®-winner Russell Crowe. The movie delves into the dark and mysterious world of exorcism, drawing from Father Amorth's actual files and his published works, “An Exorcist Tells His Story” and “An Exorcist: More Stories.”

The plot centres around Father Amorth's investigation into the chilling case of a young boy's possession. As he delves deeper into the boy's affliction, Father Amorth uncovers a harrowing and centuries-old conspiracy within the Vatican, a secret that the institution has been striving to conceal. The film navigates the complex and often terrifying rituals of exorcism, while also exploring the intricate and hidden layers of the Vatican.

'The Pope's Exorcist' promises a gripping narrative that combines elements of horror with a profound exploration of faith and the unseen battles between good and evil. It's a journey into the depths of one of the Vatican's most enigmatic and feared offices, offering a rare glimpse into the life and challenges of an exorcist.

5. 'A Haunting In Venice'

'A Haunting in Venice' is a post-World War II mystery set in the hauntingly beautiful city of Venice. The film presents a unique twist on the classic detective story, featuring the iconic Hercule Poirot, now retired and living in seclusion. Despite his reluctance, Poirot, portrayed as skeptical and atheist, finds himself drawn into a perplexing case following a séance gone wrong.

The story unfolds in 1947, with Poirot attending a Halloween party and séance at the invitation of mystery writer Ariadne Oliver. The event, aimed at exposing or validating the medium Joyce Reynolds, takes a dark turn when Joyce is found impaled on a statue. The setting, a palace with a tragic past and rumored to be haunted, adds to the eerie atmosphere. The guest list includes diverse characters like Rowena Drake, an opera singer haunted by her daughter's suicide, Alicia's former fiancé Chef Maxine, and others, each adding layers to the mystery.

As Poirot dons the disguise of the deceased Joyce to investigate, he confronts both human deceit and unexplainable occurrences, suggesting a possible supernatural presence. The film, while staying true to its mystery roots, intriguingly blends supernatural elements, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative. 'A Haunting in Venice' diverges from its original book source, offering viewers a blend of rational explanations and hints of the paranormal in its resolution.

4. 'Evil Dead Rise'

'Evil Dead Rise,' directed by Lee Cronin, is a new terrifying chapter in the iconic 'Evil Dead' horror franchise, originally created by Sam Raimi in the 1980s. This instalment moves away from the familiar woodland setting of its predecessors and takes to the city, bringing a fresh and urban twist to the series.

The film revolves around the harrowing experience of two estranged sisters, portrayed by Sutherland and Sullivan. Their attempt at a reunion turns into a horrifying ordeal when they encounter flesh-possessing demons. This unforeseen menace plunges them into a desperate struggle for survival, facing what could only be described as the most nightmarish version of family one could imagine.

Adding to the franchise's lore, 'Evil Dead Rise' introduces a new group of young people who accidentally uncover the Necronomicon, leading to the inadvertent unleashing of a powerful evil. The movie promises to deliver intense horror and suspense, staying true to the legacy of the 'Evil Dead' series while offering a fresh and chilling perspective on demonic possession and survival.

3. 'Talk To Me'

'Talk To Me' is a gripping supernatural thriller directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. The film centres around a group of friends who stumble upon a chilling way to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand. This discovery initially seems thrilling, but their fascination quickly turns into a nightmare when one of them goes too far, inadvertently opening a gateway to the spirit world.

As the boundaries between the living and the dead blur, the group faces increasingly terrifying supernatural forces. The situation spirals out of control, compelling them to make a daunting choice: whom to trust, the dead or the living?

Featuring a cast including Sophie Wilde, Joe Bird, Alexandra Jensen, Otis Dhanji, and Miranda Otto, 'Talk To Me' promises an intense, edge-of-your-seat experience. This film takes audiences on a harrowing journey into the unknown, where curiosity leads to dire consequences.

2. 'When Evil Lurks'

'When Evil Lurks,' a gripping horror film directed by Demián Rugna, was released in October 2023 and has since captivated audiences with its chilling narrative. Set in a remote village, the plot unfolds around two brothers who encounter a man infected by a demon, on the brink of unleashing evil. Their attempt to dispose of the body inadvertently triggers chaos throughout their quaint countryside town.

As the story progresses, the town's inhabitants become aware of the imminent threat of the demon's birth. In a frantic effort to escape the town before the malevolent force fully materialises, they find themselves trapped in a race against time. The film, starring Ezequiel Rodríguez, Demián Salomón, and Silvina Sabater, is a Spanish-language horror that skilfully blends suspense and supernatural elements.

1. 'No One Will Save You'

'No One Will Save You' is a gripping sci-fi thriller from 20th Century Studios, blending intense action with psychological depth. The film centres on Brynn, an isolated and anxiety-ridden dressmaker, who leads a solitary life in her childhood home. Her monotonous existence is shattered one night by a terrifying noise, leading her to confront a horrifying reality: an alien invasion in her own home.

Brynn, battling her inner demons of guilt and sadness, must summon the courage to face an extraterrestrial intruder. Unlike any typical home invasion, this encounter tests her limits and forces her to confront not just the alien threat but also her troubled past. The film, directed and written by Brian Duffield, is noted for its action-packed sequences and emotional depth.

Featuring music by Joseph Trapanese, 'No One Will Save You' is produced by Tim White, Trevor White, Allan Mandelbaum, and Duffield, with executive production by Dever and Joshua Throne.

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