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Robert Eggers’ upcoming remake of Nosferatu is already building anticipation with its star-studded cast and atmospheric visuals. If you're excited about the new take on this gothic horror classic, there’s no better way to prepare than diving into films that shaped or were influenced by its legacy.
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Perfectly capturing the essence of gothic horror, vampiric tales, and artistic storytelling, here are a few movies to set the mood before Nosferatu’s much-anticipated release.
Watch these movies similar to Nosferatu before December 25
1) The Witch
Led by Anya Taylor-Joy, The Witch is a 2015 signature Robert Eggers film showcasing his atmospheric storytelling about a Puritan family in 1630s New England. Forced to be banished to the wilderness, the family encounters supernatural forces that bring mystery to their lives. The film explores themes of religious paranoia, fear of the unknown, and the fragility of family bonds. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a splendid performance as Thomasin, a teenage girl accused of witchcraft as her family spirals into chaos.
Eggers’ meticulous attention to historical detail and his use of atmospheric tension make this film a must-watch. The eerie silences, unsettling imagery, and gradual build-up of dread highlight his talent for psychological horror.
2) Crimson Peak
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Crimson Peak is a visually stunning gothic romance starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain. Set in a decaying English mansion, the film tells the story of Edith, a young writer who marries a mysterious aristocrat only to discover the dark secrets of his family. The house itself, with its bleeding walls and ghostly apparitions, becomes a character, amplifying the film’s atmosphere.
Del Toro’s love for gothic storytelling is evident in each frame. The intricate costumes, lavish set designs, and an overarching sense of tragedy are vividly seen throughout the movie. While Crimson Peak doesn’t have vampires, the film’s themes of obsession, betrayal, and the supernatural align with the gothic tone of Nosferatu. Overall, Del Toro’s mastery of blending beauty with horror makes Crimson Peak a perfect companion piece to Eggers’ upcoming film.
3) The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is another Robert Eggers masterpiece. This film stars Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as two lighthouse keepers stranded on a remote island. As isolation and paranoia set in, the characters descend into madness, blurring the line between reality and hallucination. Shot in black-and-white and framed in a claustrophobic 1.19:1 aspect ratio, the movie creates a visual and emotional intensity that’s impossible to shake.
Eggers’ use of sound design, surreal imagery, and character-driven storytelling showcases his ability to craft psychological horror. While The Lighthouse isn’t about vampires, its exploration of human fragility and descent into darkness mirrors the themes expected in Nosferatu. Watching this film offers a glimpse into how Eggers might handle the psychological and gothic elements of his vampire tale.
4) Renfield
Directed by Chris McKay, Renfield offers a modern twist on the Dracula mythos. Starring Nicholas Hoult as Renfield and Nicolas Cage as Dracula, the film blends horror and comedy to explore the toxic relationship between the infamous vampire and his loyal servant. While Renfield leans into humor and action, it provides a fresh perspective on vampiric lore and the enduring influence of Dracula’s character.
Though tonally lighter than Nosferatu, Renfield complements the upcoming film by exploring similar themes of power, dependence, and the impact of immortality. It’s a fun, contemporary take on vampire stories that serves as a contrast to the dark, gothic world Eggers is likely to create.
5) Thirst
Directed by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, Thirst is a provocative vampire tale starring Parasite star Song Kang-ho. The film follows a priest who becomes a vampire after a failed medical experiment. Struggling with his new identity, he grapples with guilt, desire, and the darker aspects of humanity.
Park’s unique take on vampirism weaves moral complexity with gothic tragedy, making Thirst a standout in the genre. Its exploration of forbidden love, betrayal, and existential dilemmas resonates with the gothic themes of Nosferatu. The film’s rich storytelling and cultural lens offer a refreshing yet haunting take on vampire lore, aligning with the emotional depth expected in Eggers’ film.
Meanwhile, Nosferatu is set for a global premiere on December 25, Christmas day.
