As humans, we are often thrilled to watch movies filled with suspense and horror. The very idea of whatâs going to happen next adds a kind of excitement we all crave after a long day of 9-to-5 work.
Remember Christmas 2024? While most of us were busy unwrapping gifts and indulging in holiday cheer, others were drawn to theaters for Robert Eggers' dark and chilling gift to cinema: Nosferatu.
This reimagining of the 1922 vampire classic didnât just breathe new life into the genreâit pulled us into its hauntingly beautiful nightmare, leaving an unforgettable mark on that holiday season. While many of you have watched the movie, you might now be reflecting on your taste in films. And if you liked Nosferatu, youâre in for a treat.
Weâve rounded up a list of must-watch movies that carry the same eerie, gothic vibes. So grab a blanket, turn the lights down low, and letâs dive into the dark side of cinema. Youâre in for a (terrifying) treat!
1. âNosferatuâ (1922)
If you still havenât watched the movie, itâs only fitting to introduce you to Nosferatuâthe film that inspired remakes, including the 2024 adaptation, which closely follows the original plot.
The original Nosferatu (an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula) has earned its place as one of the most influential and enduring vampire movies in cinematic history.
The story takes us deep into the shadowy heart of Transylvania, where Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), an eager estate agent, encounters the enigmatic and terrifying Count Orlok (Bill SkarsgĂĽrd). Meanwhile, his wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) is tormented by visions so dark they practically seep off the screen.
With Eggersâ signature atmospheric style, Nosferatu delivered a gothic horror experience that lingered well past the closing credits.
2. Cries and Whispers (1972)
Ever wondered where filmmakers find inspiration for some of the most unforgettable movies? For Robert Eggersâ Nosferatu, one of his biggest creative sparks came from Cries and Whispers (1972).
This hauntingly beautiful film, written and directed by the legendary Ingmar Bergman, revolves around a woman with terminal cancer and the raw, emotional moments she shares with her two sisters in her final days.
While itâs technically a drama, Eggers describes it as "one of the best horror films ever made," despite it not being a horror movie at all. And honestly, heâs not wrongâits atmosphere and gripping performances stick with you.
Its chilling atmosphere clearly left a mark on Eggers, influencing how he directed his actors for Nosferatu. Sometimes, the most unexpected films have the power to shape the stories we tell.
3. Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
Ever wondered what it would be like if your favorite movie monster was the real deal?
Thatâs the wild premise behind Shadow of the Vampire, a clever and chilling twist on the making of the legendary 1922 classic, Nosferatu.
Starring Willem Dafoe in an unforgettable role, this movie blends horror and historical fiction to deliver a darkly humorous take on what went down behind the scenes. It imagines that Max Schreck, the actor who played the creepy Count Orlok, wasnât just playing a vampireâhe was one.
The twist? Director F.W. Murnau strikes a deal with this real-life bloodsucker to get a performance like no other. As the crew works to finish the film, the lines between fact and fiction blur, and the horrifying truth about Schreck slowly unravels.
For fans of Nosferatu or anyone who loves a good âwhat ifâ story, this oneâs a must-watch.
4. Bram Stokerâs Dracula (1992)
What if Dracula wasnât just a monster but a tragic romantic searching for love across centuries?
Thatâs the vibe Francis Ford Coppola delivers in his visually stunning take on Bram Stokerâs Dracula. Unlike Robert Eggersâ brooding approach, Coppola leans hard into gothic drama, crafting a story thatâs less about pure horror and more about mood, romance, and ambition.
Gary Oldman brings Count Dracula to life as a heartbroken anti-hero whoâs less interested in biting necks and more obsessed with reuniting with his lost love, Mina Murray. And honestly, when sheâs played by Winona Ryder, who can blame him?
The film goes all in on gothic romance: eternal love separated by âoceans of time,â heartbreak you can practically feel through the screen.
But letâs be realâthe real star here isnât just the cast. Itâs the production itself. Eiko Ishiokaâs Oscar-winning costumes are wild, weird, and unforgettable. The set design and practical effects? Pure magic. Add Wojciech Kilarâs haunting score, and youâve got a film dripping with the melancholy of a fading era.
5. Faust (1926)
If youâre a fan of Robert Eggersâ eerie, atmospheric style, it wonât surprise you to learn heâs drawn inspiration from another F.W. Murnau classic besides Nosferatu.
In an interview with DC Film Girl, Eggers shared how Faust (1926) shaped some of his filmâs most striking visuals.
One unforgettable moment from Faust shows Mephisto spreading his enormous wings over a village, symbolizing the plague heâs unleashed. Eggers took that haunting image and made it his own, reimagining the plague Orlok brings as a shadow creeping ominously across the town.
Itâs a perfect nod to Murnauâs mastery of visual storytelling.
Wrap-Up: Dive Deeper into Gothic Horror
If you loved Robert Eggersâ Nosferatu, these films will take you deeper into the eerie beauty of gothic cinema.
From the timeless classic Nosferatu (1922) to Coppolaâs romantic Dracula (1992), and Bergmanâs emotionally gripping Cries and Whispers, these movies blend suspense, visual storytelling, and atmospheric tension.
Now that youâve got this list of eerie, gothic masterpieces, itâs time to dive into the shadows. Which one will you start with? Happy haunting!
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