The highly anticipated psychological horror film, Gretel & Hansel, hit theatres at the end of January and has since received primarily positive reviews. The film starred Sophia Lillis (best known for her role of Beverly Marsh in the hit It movies) and Sammy Leaky starred as the films titular leads, while Alice Krige portrayed the Witch.
Adapted from the age-old fairy tale, the film stayed true to its source material while presenting a creepier twist. Gretel & Hansel has been praised for its eerie cinematography and stunning use of disturbing visuals. The film is not in-your-face with its horror elements, but it definitely has an unnerving quality that sticks with you after the credits roll. If you liked Gretel & Hansel, here are a few more similar films that might be worth the time investment.
Suspiria (1977)
Suspiria is widely known as a film you don’t watch to understand, but to experience. As pretentious as this may sound, it remains true for both the original 1977 Suspiria and the 2018 remake by the same name. Both films are artsy and deeply focused on aspects like visual aesthetics and colour tones, more so than the storytelling itself.
If you’re looking for a film that’s similarly as artsy as Gretel & Hansel, look no further than the original Suspira, as it captures those elements really well.
Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary was writer/director Ari Aster’s feature film debut. Before it hit the big screen, his career had been focused on writing and directing short films like The Turtle’s Head (2016) and The Strange Thing About The Johnsons (2011).
Hereditary is obviously iconic for many reasons and definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet. It will also satisfy your needs if you have a craving for a good-quality psychological horror film.
Red Riding Hood (2011)
Red Riding Hood is definitely one of the most infamous, well-known adaptations of the Brothers Grimm classic fairytale. The film is a dark take on the story, although it’s more of a fantasy/mystery film than anything else, there are some horror elements mixed in.
Red Riding Hood is definitely not as well-made as Gretel & Hansel and doesn’t serve up those pleasing visuals, but if you’re looking for a dark take on an old fairy tale, it satisfies in that department.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Pan’s Labyrinth was master director Guillermo Del Toro’s first claim to fame. It was released in 2006 and would go on to get nominated in several categories at the Academy Awards that year. Del Toro has made leaps and bounds in terms of successful films since his breakout hit, but Pan’s Labyrinth will not be forgotten any time soon.
It’s much darker and more mystical than Gretel & Hansel, but it is a self-proclaimed dark fairy tale story, and there’s no reason not to watch it if you haven’t already.
Tideland (2005)
Tideland had its world premiere in September of 2005 at the Toronto International Film Festival, and after receiving tepid reviews, was not officially released until over a year later, in October of 2006. There’s no doubt that Tideland is a very strange movie, and its fantasy elements were somewhat messy, causing it to be criticized by critics and viewers alike.
There are, however, many similarities between Tideland and Gretel & Hansel. Both films take the fantasy genre to the next level, with more subtle elements of horror woven in.
Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1971)
Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is like the lesser-known version of other classic horror films such as What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? and Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte. Not as popularized, but just as much of a staple in the horror genre as the other two aforementioned films.
Though it’s rather obscure, Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is certainly worth a watch, especially if you’re looking for a film that has similar psychological horror elements to Gretel & Hansel.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Donnie Darko gained a cult following after its theatrical release in 2001. The film still holds its relevance and is still often talked about today. Although it’s not exactly an obvious choice if you’re looking to replicate the experience you had with Gretel & Hansel, it’s a good choice.
Donnie Darko’s theme and plot are very different than Gretel & Hansel, but the tone is quite similar, as are the psychologically disturbing elements.
The Nightingale (2019)
The Nightingale was writer/director Jennifer Kent’s follow-up to her 2014 hit psychological horror film, The Babadook. Like its predecessor, The Nightingale is quietly horrifying, and uses mindbending aspects rather than cheap jump scares to evoke emotions from its audience.
Though it’s a very different plot than Gretel & Hansel, the two films are quite alike. Both are period pieces that utilize the psychological horror genre in similar ways, and the setting of the films are almost identical.
Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Jacob’s Ladder was a mystery/thriller released in 1990, but the film was largely praised for its unique use of psychological horror. There were some unforgettable scenes to come out of this film, working to immortalize the piece of work for years to come.
The film is not similar to Gretel & Hansel in terms of plot or even really tone, but the way it goes about horror is akin to the aforementioned film.
The Witch (2015)
The Witch (or The VVitch, technically) was one of the most popular, controversial films to come out of 2015. It had its worldwide release at the Sundance Film Festival and was met with highly positive reviews from critics. Despite this, though, many fans of the horror genre disputed whether The Witch should have actually been categorized as a horror film.
Much like Gretel & Hansel, The Witch focuses more on tone and setting, and the horror elements - all completely psychological - take a backseat, and are not in the audience’s face. Visually and in terms of horror, The Witch and Gretel & Hansel have a lot in common.
