22 Must-Watch Movies Like 'House of Wax' for Horror Enthusiasts

Lila Sommers

Lila Sommers

Movies Like 'House of Wax'

Discover the thrill of suspense and eerie atmospheres with our curated list of the "22 Best Movies Like House of Wax." If you're a fan of wax museums, atmospheric horror, and intense storytelling, this collection is tailor-made for you.

From classic psychological thrillers to contemporary horror gems, each film on this list shares common tones with House of Wax, promising a riveting experience.

Dive into the twisted worlds of psychological horror, supernatural mysteries, and chilling suspense as we explore lesser-known cinematic treasures that deliver the same spine-tingling excitement as the iconic House of Wax.

Whether you're a horror aficionado or seeking something new, these carefully selected films are bound to captivate and keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Rotten tomatoes97%
iMBD97
Metacritic8.5

Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" remains a cornerstone of psychological horror, paralleling the suspenseful narrative found in House of Wax. With a chilling Bates Motel reminiscent of House of Wax's eerie wax museum, the film explores themes of psychosis and unexpected twists. Both classics, they share a mastery of suspense that keeps audiences on the edge, making "Psycho" a timeless recommendation for those seeking psychological depth and atmospheric thrills akin to House of Wax.

CAST

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh

Vera Miles

Vera Miles

John Gavin

John Gavin

Martin Balsam

Martin Balsam

John McIntire

John McIntire

Simon Oakland

Simon Oakland

Frank Albertson

Frank Albertson

Patricia Hitchcock

Patricia Hitchcock

Vaughn Taylor

Vaughn Taylor

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Image
Rotten tomatoes95%
iMBD86
Metacritic8.6

"The Silence of the Lambs" invites viewers into the intense world of criminal psychology, mirroring the psychological depth of House of Wax. As Clarice Starling pursues a serial killer with Hannibal Lecter's guidance, the film echoes House of Wax's theme of investigators delving into dark mysteries. Both films excel in psychological tension, creating an atmosphere where the unknown becomes the most unsettling element. For those drawn to psychological horror that goes beyond mere scares, "The Silence of the Lambs" stands as a parallel experience to House of Wax.

CAST

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins

Scott Glenn

Scott Glenn

Ted Levine

Ted Levine

Anthony Heald

Anthony Heald

Brooke Smith

Brooke Smith

Diane Baker

Diane Baker

Kasi Lemmons

Kasi Lemmons

Frankie Faison

Frankie Faison

Tracey Walter

Tracey Walter

Directed by Jonathan Demme

2 degrees of seperation (similar to The Silence of the Lambs)

Psycho
Se7en
The Sixth Sense
No Country for Old Men
Gone Girl
The Usual Suspects
Zodiac
Memento
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Shutter Island
Mystic River
Prisoners
Red Dragon
The Bone Collector
Nightcrawler
Oldboy
Silence
Fallen
Kiss the Girls
Frailty
8MM
Copycat
The Pledge
Suspect Zero
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Rotten tomatoes89%
iMBD50
Metacritic7.4

Tobe Hooper's "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" offers a visceral and intense horror experience, reminiscent of the gritty and intense atmosphere found in House of Wax. Both films share a raw, unrelenting style that immerses audiences in terror. As Leatherface's family echoes the macabre creations in House of Wax, the film's brutal realism and relentless pursuit make it a fitting recommendation for those seeking horror that leaves a lasting, visceral impact. "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and House of Wax both push the boundaries, delivering horror that lingers.

CAST

Marilyn Burns

Marilyn Burns

Allen Danziger

Allen Danziger

Paul A. Partain

Paul A. Partain

Teri McMinn

Teri McMinn

Edwin Neal

Edwin Neal

Jim Siedow

Jim Siedow

Gunnar Hansen

Gunnar Hansen

John Dugan

John Dugan

Robert Courtin

Directed by Tobe Hooper
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Rotten tomatoes86%
iMBD68
Metacritic7.5

In "The Conjuring," horror enthusiasts find a chilling parallel to House of Wax's supernatural terrors. This film, based on the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, delivers heart-stopping moments reminiscent of House of Wax's atmospheric scares. The Warrens, much like the characters in House of Wax, face malevolent forces as they uncover dark secrets. With a focus on haunted environments and supernatural entities, "The Conjuring" shares the same sense of dread and suspense that makes House of Wax a classic in the horror genre.

CAST

Patrick Wilson

Patrick Wilson

Vera Farmiga

Vera Farmiga

Lili Taylor

Lili Taylor

Ron Livingston

Ron Livingston

Mackenzie Foy

Mackenzie Foy

Joey King

Joey King

Shannon Kook

Shannon Kook

John Brotherton

John Brotherton

Hayley McFarland

Hayley McFarland

Shanley Caswell

Shanley Caswell

Directed by James Wan
Image
Rotten tomatoes98%
Metacritic7.8

Jordan Peele's "Get Out" invites viewers into a social horror experience, echoing the thought-provoking elements found in House of Wax. Like House of Wax, this film delves into societal issues while delivering a gripping and suspenseful narrative. The movie's unique blend of horror and social commentary, reminiscent of House of Wax's psychological depth, captivates audiences with unexpected twists and an unsettling atmosphere. "Get Out" stands as a modern masterpiece, appealing to those who appreciate horror that goes beyond the surface.

CAST

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya

Allison Williams

Allison Williams

Bradley Whitford

Bradley Whitford

Caleb Landry Jones

Caleb Landry Jones

Stephen Root

Stephen Root

Catherine Keener

Catherine Keener

Marcus Henderson

Marcus Henderson

Betty Gabriel

Betty Gabriel

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield

Lil Rel Howery

Lil Rel Howery

Directed by Jordan Peele
Image
Rotten tomatoes90%
iMBD84
Metacritic7

Step into the eerie world of folk horror with "The Witch," a film that mirrors House of Wax's atmospheric intensity. Set in 1630s New England, the movie explores supernatural occurrences within a Puritan family, much like the mysterious events in House of Wax. With a focus on psychological horror and unsettling visuals, "The Witch" shares a common thread with House of Wax in its ability to create a sense of foreboding and unease. Fans of atmospheric horror will find "The Witch" to be a hauntingly beautiful experience, reminiscent of the classic chills found in House of Wax.

CAST

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy

Ralph Ineson

Ralph Ineson

Kate Dickie

Kate Dickie

Harvey Scrimshaw

Harvey Scrimshaw

Ellie Grainger

Ellie Grainger

Lucas Dawson

Lucas Dawson

Bathsheba Garnett

Sarah Stephens

Sarah Stephens

Julian Richings

Julian Richings

Daniel Malik

Daniel Malik

Directed by Robert Eggers
Image
Rotten tomatoes91%
iMBD72
Metacritic7.1

"Bone Tomahawk" ventures into the horror-western genre, drawing parallels with House of Wax's gritty intensity. This film follows a sheriff and a group on a rescue mission, much like the unexpected challenges faced in House of Wax. As they encounter a tribe of cannibalistic cave dwellers, the suspense and atmospheric tension evoke the eerie atmosphere akin to House of Wax, making it a captivating watch for those who appreciate unconventional horror with a historical twist.

CAST

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell

Patrick Wilson

Patrick Wilson

Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox

Lili Simmons

Lili Simmons

David Arquette

David Arquette

Fred Melamed

Fred Melamed

Evan Jonigkeit

Evan Jonigkeit

Sid Haig

Sid Haig

Maestro Harrell

Maestro Harrell

Directed by S. Craig Zahler
Image
Rotten tomatoes74%
iMBD57
Metacritic6.3

In "The Ritual," a group of friends faces terror in the Scandinavian wilderness, echoing the unexpected horrors of House of Wax. As they navigate through a mysterious forest, the film combines psychological horror and folklore elements, creating an atmosphere of suspense and dread similar to House of Wax's eerie setting. With its unique blend of supernatural elements and intense storytelling, "The Ritual" offers a thrilling experience for fans seeking atmospheric horror reminiscent of House of Wax.

CAST

Rafe Spall

Rafe Spall

Arsher Ali

Arsher Ali

Robert James-Collier

Robert James-Collier

Sam Troughton

Sam Troughton

Paul Reid

Paul Reid

Matthew Needham

Matthew Needham

Jacob James Beswick

Jacob James Beswick

Maria Erwolter

Maria Erwolter

Hilary Reeves

Hilary Reeves

Peter Liddell

Peter Liddell

Directed by David Bruckner
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Rotten tomatoes91%
iMBD71
Metacritic6.2

"A Dark Song" delves into psychological horror with a narrative that resonates with House of Wax's eerie and suspenseful themes. The film revolves around a grieving woman and an occultist performing dark rituals, exploring themes of grief and the supernatural. Much like the psychological depth in House of Wax, "A Dark Song" captivates audiences with its atmospheric storytelling, making it a hidden gem for those who appreciate the intensity and suspense found in House of Wax.

CAST

Catherine Walker

Catherine Walker

Steve Oram

Steve Oram

Mark Huberman

Mark Huberman

Susan Loughnane

Nathan Vos

Martina Nunvarova

Breffni O'Connor

Sheila Moloney

Directed by Liam Gavin
Image
Rotten tomatoes86%
iMBD65
Metacritic6.8

"The Autopsy of Jane Doe" unfolds like a chilling mystery, reminiscent of the unnerving discoveries in House of Wax. In a mortuary setting, a father-son coroner duo unravels the secrets behind an unidentified woman's body. Much like House of Wax, the film weaves a tale of suspense and horror as the autopsy reveals dark and supernatural elements. The atmospheric tension, combined with unexpected twists, mirrors the eerie ambiance of House of Wax, making it a compelling choice for fans of intense and mysterious horror.

CAST

Emile Hirsch

Emile Hirsch

Brian Cox

Brian Cox

Ophelia Lovibond

Ophelia Lovibond

Olwen Catherine Kelly

Olwen Catherine Kelly

Michael McElhatton

Michael McElhatton

Parker Sawyers

Parker Sawyers

Jane Perry

Jane Perry

Mark Phoenix

Mark Phoenix

Mary Duddy

Directed by André Øvredal
Image
Rotten tomatoes75%
iMBD68
Metacritic5.9

"The Blackcoat's Daughter" immerses viewers in a haunting narrative that echoes the atmospheric intensity of House of Wax. This psychological horror film intertwines two seemingly unrelated stories, gradually revealing their dark connections. As suspense builds, the film shares thematic similarities with House of Wax, including a sense of isolation and unsettling discoveries. With a slow burn and a focus on psychological horror, "The Blackcoat's Daughter" offers a unique and atmospheric experience, appealing to those who appreciate the nuanced storytelling found in House of Wax.

CAST

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts

Kiernan Shipka

Kiernan Shipka

Lucy Boynton

Lucy Boynton

James Remar

James Remar

Lauren Holly

Lauren Holly

Peter J. Gray

Peter J. Gray

Emma Holzer

Emma Holzer

Matthew Stefiuk

Matthew Stefiuk

Greg Ellwand

Greg Ellwand

Elana Krausz

Elana Krausz

Directed by Oz Perkins
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Rotten tomatoes85%
iMBD81
Metacritic6.7

"Goodnight Mommy" explores the psychological horror genre with a focus on family dynamics, drawing parallels with the disturbing revelations in House of Wax. In this Austrian thriller, twin boys suspect their mother's identity after her facial surgery. The film delves into themes of paranoia and twisted relationships, capturing the psychological intensity found in House of Wax. With a mix of suspense and disturbing visuals, "Goodnight Mommy" provides an unsettling experience, appealing to those who enjoy the psychological complexities and chilling tones present in House of Wax.

CAST

Elias Schwarz

Elias Schwarz

Lukas Schwarz

Lukas Schwarz

Susanne Wuest

Susanne Wuest

Hans Escher

Elfriede Schatz

Karl Purker

Georg Deliovsky

Christian Steindl

Christian Schatz

Erwin Schmalzbauer

Directed by Veronika Franz
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Rotten tomatoes59%
iMBD51
Metacritic6.1

"The Neon Demon" immerses viewers in the cutthroat world of fashion, paralleling House of Wax's dark and twisted narrative. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, the film explores the dangerous allure of beauty and the lengths one might go to in pursuit of success. Much like House of Wax's unsettling atmosphere, "The Neon Demon" features surreal and visually stunning scenes, creating a unique blend of psychological horror and the macabre.

CAST

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning

Karl Glusman

Karl Glusman

Jena Malone

Jena Malone

Bella Heathcote

Bella Heathcote

Abbey Lee

Abbey Lee

Desmond Harrington

Desmond Harrington

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves

Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks

Alessandro Nivola

Alessandro Nivola

Charles Baker

Charles Baker

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn
Image
Rotten tomatoes83%
iMBD72
Metacritic7.1

"Midsommar" introduces a folk horror experience, akin to the unsettling atmosphere in House of Wax. Directed by Ari Aster, the film follows a couple who attends a rural Swedish festival that takes a sinister turn. Like House of Wax, "Midsommar" weaves a narrative of psychological horror against a visually captivating backdrop, exploring the darkness beneath seemingly idyllic surroundings. The film's exploration of rituals and the unraveling of a disturbing communal secret resonates with the chilling themes found in House of Wax.

CAST

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh

Jack Reynor

Jack Reynor

William Jackson Harper

William Jackson Harper

Will Poulter

Will Poulter

Vilhelm Blomgren

Vilhelm Blomgren

Isabelle Grill

Isabelle Grill

Gunnel Fred

Gunnel Fred

Ellora Torchia

Ellora Torchia

Archie Madekwe

Archie Madekwe

Henrik Norlén

Henrik Norlén

Directed by Ari Aster
Image
Rotten tomatoes93%
iMBD72
Metacritic5.8

In "Hagazussa," a German-Austrian historical horror film, the isolated mountain village setting mirrors the eerie atmosphere of House of Wax. As the protagonist is suspected of witchcraft, the film explores themes of paranoia and supernatural dread. Much like House of Wax, "Hagazussa" captivates with its atmospheric storytelling, delving into the psychological horror genre while maintaining a haunting and suspenseful tone throughout. Fans of House of Wax will appreciate the film's emphasis on atmospheric tension and dark, historical themes.

CAST

Aleksandra Cwen

Aleksandra Cwen

Claudia Martini

Claudia Martini

Tanja Petrovsky

Tanja Petrovsky

Haymon Maria Buttinger

Haymon Maria Buttinger

Celina Peter

Celina Peter

Gerdi Marlen Simon

Franz Stadler

Thomas Petruo

Thomas Petruo

Judith Geerts

Kilian Abeltshauser

Directed by Lukas Feigelfeld

More Hidden Gems Like 'House of Wax'

Explore the hidden gems in the realm of horror with our selection of underrated films akin to House of Wax.

Uncover terror in Tourist Trap's mannequin-filled nightmare, delve into May's psychological horror, and experience the chilling secrets within Session 9. These lesser-known treasures promise unique, spine-chilling narratives for true horror enthusiasts.

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Rotten tomatoes67%
iMBD58
Metacritic6.4

"Session 9" invites viewers into the eerie world of an abandoned mental asylum, paralleling the atmospheric horror of House of Wax. The film follows a hazmat crew tasked with cleaning the asylum, where dark secrets and supernatural occurrences gradually surface. Much like the psychological intensity of House of Wax, "Session 9" weaves a suspenseful narrative that delves into the minds of its characters. As the crew confronts their own fears and the asylum's disturbing history, the film captures a similar sense of foreboding, making it a compelling choice for those seeking psychological horror akin to House of Wax.

CAST

Peter Mullan

Peter Mullan

David Caruso

David Caruso

Stephen Gevedon

Stephen Gevedon

Josh Lucas

Josh Lucas

Brendan Sexton III

Brendan Sexton III

Paul Guilfoyle

Paul Guilfoyle

Larry Fessenden

Larry Fessenden

Charley Broderick

Lonnie Farmer

Lonnie Farmer

Sheila Stasack

Sheila Stasack

Directed by Brad Anderson
Image
Rotten tomatoes43%
iMBD44
Metacritic6.7

Roman Polanski's "The Ninth Gate" unfolds a mysterious quest for rare books, akin to the occult themes found in House of Wax. The film centers on a rare book dealer, much like House of Wax's exploration of unique and sinister creations. As the protagonist delves deeper into the occult, the film shares the same sense of dark intrigue and suspense as House of Wax. With supernatural undertones and a captivating plot, "The Ninth Gate" offers an intellectual and atmospheric experience, appealing to those who appreciate the enigmatic and mysterious elements of House of Wax.

CAST

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp

Frank Langella

Frank Langella

Lena Olin

Lena Olin

Emmanuelle Seigner

Emmanuelle Seigner

Barbara Jefford

Barbara Jefford

Jack Taylor

Jack Taylor

James Russo

James Russo

Allen Garfield

Allen Garfield

Directed by Roman Polanski
Image
Rotten tomatoes40%
Metacritic6.1

Step into the unsettling world of "Tourist Trap," a horror film that shares similarities with House of Wax's eerie ambiance. Set in a roadside museum filled with lifelike mannequins, the movie explores the terror that ensues when a group of friends becomes stranded in this eerie attraction. Much like House of Wax, "Tourist Trap" combines suspense and supernatural elements, offering a unique horror experience with a focus on the uncanny and the macabre.

CAST

Chuck Connors

Chuck Connors

Jocelyn Jones

Jocelyn Jones

Jon Van Ness

Jon Van Ness

Robin Sherwood

Robin Sherwood

Tanya Roberts

Tanya Roberts

Dawn Jeffory

Dawn Jeffory

Keith McDermott

Keith McDermott

Arlecchino

Victoria Richart

Millie Dill

Directed by David Schmoeller
Image
Rotten tomatoes70%
Metacritic6.6

"May" unveils a psychological horror narrative reminiscent of House of Wax's intense storytelling. The film follows a lonely young woman with a penchant for creating her own form of companionship. As the protagonist's psychological state unravels, the film explores themes of isolation and madness, aligning with the psychological depth found in House of Wax. With its atmospheric tension and unsettling twists, "May" provides a chilling experience for those who appreciate horror that delves into the complexities of the human psyche, echoing the thematic elements of House of Wax.

CAST

Angela Bettis

Angela Bettis

Jeremy Sisto

Jeremy Sisto

Anna Faris

Anna Faris

James Duval

James Duval

Nichole Hiltz

Nichole Hiltz

Kevin Gage

Kevin Gage

Merle Kennedy

Merle Kennedy

Chandler Riley Hecht

Rachel David

Nora Zehetner

Nora Zehetner

Directed by Lucky McKee
Image
Rotten tomatoes28%
Metacritic6.2

"As Above, So Below" takes audiences on a harrowing journey through the catacombs beneath Paris, a setting reminiscent of House of Wax's eerie wax museum. Like House of Wax, this found-footage horror film combines adventure and supernatural elements as a group of explorers confronts their fears in the dark, claustrophobic tunnels. With unexpected twists and a descent into the supernatural, the film captures the same sense of suspense and unease, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate the atmospheric chills of House of Wax.

CAST

Perdita Weeks

Perdita Weeks

Ben Feldman

Ben Feldman

Edwin Hodge

Edwin Hodge

François Civil

François Civil

Marion Lambert

Marion Lambert

Ali Marhyar

Ali Marhyar

Cosme Castro

Cosme Castro

Hamid Djavadan

Théo Cholbi

Théo Cholbi

Emy Lévy

Emy Lévy

Directed by John Erick Dowdle

2 degrees of seperation (similar to As Above, So Below)

The Blair Witch Project
Cloverfield
The Descent
[REC]
The Pyramid
The Dyatlov Pass Incident
Quarantine
The Last Exorcism
The Ritual
Apollo 18
The Cave
The Bay
Grave Encounters
Catacombs
Willow Creek
The Tunnel
Lake Mungo
The Borderlands
Triangle
The Endless
The Devil's Candy
Banshee Chapter
The Possession of Michael King
The Conspiracy
The Objective
Image
Rotten tomatoes58%
iMBD53
Metacritic7.1

John Carpenter's "In the Mouth of Madness" plunges viewers into a world where reality and fiction blur, echoing the unsettling discoveries in House of Wax. As the protagonist investigates the disappearance of a horror novelist, the narrative mirrors House of Wax's suspenseful unraveling of dark secrets. With psychological twists and a descent into madness, the film shares the intense, mysterious atmosphere of House of Wax, catering to fans of horror that goes beyond the conventional.

CAST

Sam Neill

Sam Neill

Julie Carmen

Julie Carmen

Jürgen Prochnow

Jürgen Prochnow

David Warner

David Warner

Peter Jason

Peter Jason

Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston

John Glover

John Glover

Hayden Christensen

Hayden Christensen

Wilhelm von Homburg

Wilhelm von Homburg

Conrad Bergschneider

Conrad Bergschneider

Directed by John Carpenter
Image
Rotten tomatoes98%
iMBD73
Metacritic6.6

"The Loved Ones" offers a twisted take on high school events, akin to the unexpected horrors in House of Wax. This Australian horror film introduces a disturbed girl and her father, orchestrating a night of terror at a prom. The film's exploration of hidden secrets and disturbed minds aligns with the intense and unexpected turns found in House of Wax. With a dark, suspenseful narrative and disturbing revelations, "The Loved Ones" delivers a unique horror experience, appealing to those who appreciate the unexpected and chilling elements of House of Wax.

CAST

Xavier Samuel

Xavier Samuel

Robin McLeavy

Robin McLeavy

John Brumpton

John Brumpton

Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson

Victoria Thaine

Victoria Thaine

Jessica McNamee

Jessica McNamee

Andrew S. Gilbert

Andrew S. Gilbert

Suzi Dougherty

Suzi Dougherty

Victoria Eagger

Anne Scott-Pendlebury

Anne Scott-Pendlebury

Directed by Sean Byrne

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Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

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