15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Longlegs

Longlegs has quickly risen to become one of the most discussed horror films of the year, prompting fans to explore similar movies that evoke its chilling atmosphere. Featuring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, this gripping thriller revolves around an FBI agent who uncovers unsettling occult clues while pursuing a serial killer. From the intrigue surrounding Cage’s enigmatic role to the shocking plot twists, Longlegs has captivated audiences and sparked intense conversations.

One of the film’s standout qualities is its successful fusion of crime and horror elements. Monroe portrays a grounded hero immersed in a suspenseful investigation, while the enigmatic presence of Cage’s character heightens the overall anxiety. This unique blend of genres reveals an underappreciated subgenre within horror films that has produced numerous titles worth watching for fans of Longlegs.

15 Taking Lives (2004)

Angelina Jolie Hunts A Killer Who Takes Victims’ Identities

Ethan Hawke and Angelina Jolie face each other in Taking Lives (2004)

Like Longlegs, Taking Lives plunges into the grim and violent depths of criminal investigation. In this film, Angelina Jolie portrays FBI agent Illena Scott, who is dispatched to Montreal to aid in tracking down a serial killer notorious for taking on the identities of his victims. Both Lee Harker in Longlegs and Scott face mounting pressure as they delve deeper into malevolent forces at play.

As the narrative unfolds, Scott becomes entwined with the case’s key witness (Ethan Hawke), creating a dangerous dynamic that intensifies as the film progresses. Jolie’s nuanced portrayal, akin to that of Monroe, showcases a strong female lead who navigates vulnerability amidst her fierce pursuit of justice.

14 Wind River (2017)

A Chilling Thriller About A Murder On A Reservation

The atmospheric tension in Longlegs is central to its horror, encapsulating a pervasive sense of danger. This feeling of isolation resonates strongly in Wind River, which marks the directorial debut of Taylor Sheridan. The film features Jeremy Renner as a hunter on a Native American reservation who partners with young FBI agent Elizabeth Olsen to solve a young woman’s murder.

Olsen’s character, Jane Banner, parallels Lee Harker’s struggle as both capable agents confront harrowing situations. Although Wind River leans less toward horror, its bleak landscape and gripping sequences evoke genuine fear, providing a compelling companion to Longlegs.

13 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

David Fincher’s Bleak Mystery Adaptation

While Longlegs expertly manipulates viewers’ perceptions of reality, David Fincher’s adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo plunges into humanity’s darkest evils. This film features Daniel Craig as an investigative journalist hired by a wealthy family to uncover the mystery behind their grandniece’s decades-long disappearance.

Rooney Mara delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Lisbeth Salander, whose character resonates with the heightened stakes faced by protagonists in Longlegs. Both films force audiences to confront unsettling aspects of society, with their dark narratives keeping viewers enthralled to the end.

12 The Wicker Man (1973)

Longlegs skillfully builds tension through a conventional serial narrative, subtly hinting at deeper occult elements lurking beneath the surface. Similar thematic explorations can be found in the cult classic The Wicker Man. While Nicolas Cage starred in a less-received remake, the original film remains a must-see.

This eerie story follows a Scotland Yard investigator sent to a secluded island community to probe into a young girl’s disappearance. As he sifts through the deceptive appearances of the residents, he suspects their ties to the incident could be rooted in their own religious beliefs. Like Longlegs, The Wicker Man captivates with its descent into horror and culminates in one of the genre’s most memorable twist endings.

11 Frailty (2002)

The unsettling atmosphere present in Longlegs prompts lingering questions about the nature of evil. This narrative complexity is echoed in Frailty, directed by Bill Paxton. In this chilling tale, Matthew McConaughey plays a man who visits an FBI agent, claiming that his brother is a serial killer perpetuating their father’s misguided mission to eliminate perceived demons.

Working primarily through flashbacks, the film delves into the brothers’ upbringing with a father who believed he was carrying out divine orders. This prompts the audience to grapple with whether their father was truly a visionary or just a delusional murderer.

10 Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

The Greatest All-Time Blend Of Crime & Horror

Silence of the Lambs frequently draws comparisons to Longlegs for good reason. Directed by Jonathan Demme, this iconic film follows FBI Agent Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster) as she seeks insight from the manipulative cannibalistic mastermind Dr. Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins). This intertwining relationship echoes the dynamic present in Longlegs, where an FBI agent grapples with her connection to a killer.

While some may argue that Longlegs borrows heavily from its predecessor, it’s essential for filmmakers to draw inspiration from iconic works. The moral complexities faced by both agents enhance the character narratives, while the distinctive storytelling and visual styles of Longlegs contribute to its originality within modern horror cinema.

9 Zodiac (2007)

A Horrific True Story From David Fincher

Zodiac, another masterful crime-thriller directed by David Fincher, stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. This film stands out as it recounts the true story of the Zodiac Killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area, leading investigators into a labyrinth of cryptic letters and elusive clues.

The film’s chilling reenactments, coupled with a unique focus on psychological suspense, would certainly resonate with fans of Longlegs. The portrayal of the Zodiac Killer’s mysterious persona exemplifies a new level of fear, echoing the unsettling vibes that define Longlegs.

8 The Bone Collector (1999)

A Solid Duo Of Denzel Washington & Angelina Jolie

The Bone Collector, directed by Phillip Noyce, features a captivating narrative that parallels Longlegs in its exploration of crime dynamics. Angelina Jolie stars as Amelia Donaghy, a rookie cop who collaborates with the paralyzed detective Lincoln Rhyme, played by Denzel Washington, to track down a serial killer known for leaving cryptic clues.

The chemistry between Jolie and Washington elevates this film, drawing viewers into the evolving relationship of their characters, which adds depth to the gripping storyline.

7 Se7en (1995)

Another David Fincher Crime Masterpiece

Se7en, also directed by David Fincher, showcases a harrowing tale of a serial killer who structures their heinous acts around the seven deadly sins. The film stars Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt as they dive into the twisted mind of the murderer while grappling with the disturbing implications of his crimes.

This chilling exploration of evil solidifies Fincher’s expertise as a storyteller, further evidenced by his two appearances on this list. The character of John Doe in Se7en feels reminiscent of the antagonists in Longlegs, as both figures extend their dark influence far beyond mere murder.

6 Copycat (1995)

A ’90s Thriller Starring Sigourney Weaver & Holly Hunter

Directed by Jon Amiel, Copycat presents a compelling mystery-thriller that aligns well with Longlegs. The plot centers around a killer who replicates the infamous crimes of historically notorious murderers, with Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter portraying a psychologist and detective who join forces to uncover the truth.

Both films showcase strong female leads confronting the legacies of past murders, with parallels that enhance the viewing experience for fans of Longlegs.

5 Mandy (2018)

Nicolas Cage Shows His Unhinged Side

Mandy is another gripping horror film featuring Nicolas Cage, released in 2018. This tale unfolds in the Shadow Mountains in 1983, where Red and Mandy (played by Andrea Riseborough) lead a peaceful life until a cult disrupts their tranquility, igniting Red’s quest for vengeance.

Although Mandy veers into surrealism rather than being grounded in reality like Longlegs, it highlights Cage’s versatility as an actor. Both films portray antagonistic cult dynamics and showcase the capacity for horror in unexpected settings.

4 The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)

Oz Perkins’ First Feature Film

Directed by the same mind behind Longlegs, Osgood Perkins, The Blackcoat’s Daughter explores a chilling narrative involving two girls (Kiernan Shipka and Lucy Boynton) stranded at their religious school. When Joan (Emma Roberts) encounters them, she uncovers a lurking malevolence targeting Kat.

The film’s undertones of satanic evil and thematic mysteries make it a fitting companion to Longlegs, highlighting Perkins’ distinctive style as a director while examining human darkness.

3 Gretel & Hansel (2020)

A Dark & Gritty Fairytale

Gretel & Hansel, another horror film by Oz Perkins released in 2020, reinterprets the classic tale of siblings with sinister origins. This fresh adaptation adeptly captures Perkins’ talent for genre blending, further enriching the viewing experience for fans of Longlegs.

Despite their contrasting settings, Longlegs embodies a grounded gothic fairytale vibe reminiscent of Perkins’ earlier works. This thematic resonance may intrigue viewers seeking more of his unique approach to horror storytelling.

2 The Empty Man (2020)

An Underrated Crime-Horror Flick

The Empty Man offers another gripping horror-crime narrative set in a real-world context, featuring a villain that looms larger than life. The film depicts an ex-cop, James Lasombra, investigating the disappearance of teenagers while confronting urban legends surrounding The Empty Man.

The investigative nature of this film aligns closely with the themes present in Longlegs, ensuring that fans will appreciate the intense narrative centered on uncovering a malevolent force.

1 Watcher (2022)

Another Great Maika Monroe Performance

Watcher is a 2022 mystery-thriller featuring returning star Maika Monroe, further establishing her reputation as a rising talent in horror. The plot follows a young actress who becomes convinced that a stranger watching her from across the street may also be the elusive serial killer terrorizing her new city.

The shared premise of a serial killer narrative and Monroe’s compelling performance creates a familiar yet fresh experience for viewers who enjoyed Longlegs. In this role, she embodies another vulnerable character haunted by a relentless threat.

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