Dive into chilling horror movies where protagonists interact with spirits, from classics like The Sixth Sense to recent hits like Good Boy.
The fascination with ghosts and spirits has haunted audiences for generations, fueling a deep-seated fear of the unknown. Horror films that revolve around characters who can see the dead tap into our primal anxieties and offer an eerie glimpse into the supernatural world.
With Halloween approaching, these films make for the perfect streaming marathon, where terror and intrigue collide as protagonists confront the ghostly realm.
Among the latest entries into this genre is Good Boy (2025), directed by Ben Leonberg. Premiering at the Sitges Film Festival, the movie has already become a critical and commercial success.
Set in a haunted house, Good Boy offers a fresh perspective: the story is told from the point of view of a dog, making it a standout in the realm of ghost films. The plot follows Todd, a young man with a chronic lung disease who moves to his late grandfather’s secluded house in the woods with his loyal dog, Indy.
Although the house has been abandoned for years, Todd’s sister Vera fears it’s haunted, believing that their grandfather’s death there may have been caused by something otherworldly. Indy, however, senses the supernatural from the moment they arrive, witnessing dark shadows and a sinister, mud-soaked figure haunting the house. As Todd grapples with his health and the strange occurrences around him, the line between the living and the dead blurs unsettlingly.
You can buy Good Boy on Apple TV, Amazon Video and YouTube.
While Good Boy is a recent hit, it is by no means the first film to delve into the theme of seeing spirits. The genre has been explored for decades, with legendary films like The Sixth Sense (1999) and The Others (2001) still considered landmarks in supernatural horror.
Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense is one of the most iconic ghost-themed films of all time. The film tells the story of Cole Sear, a young boy who can see and communicate with the dead. What makes this film unforgettable is its emotionally charged narrative and its haunting twist ending, which redefined the genre and set the standard for ghost stories. The film’s ability to weave emotional depth with spine-chilling terror remains a hallmark of Shyamalan’s filmmaking.
Similarly, The Others, starring Nicole Kidman, presents a slow-burning psychological horror set in a dark, fog-drenched mansion. The film follows Grace Stewart, a mother who becomes convinced that her family’s new home is haunted by spirits, all while struggling to protect her photosensitive children. With a slow pace, tense atmosphere, and a chilling twist, The Others is a perfect example of how ghost stories can tap into the emotional complexity of grief, loss, and fear of the unknown.
You can watch these movies on Hulu, YouTube TV, and HBO.
For those who prefer a more modern take on supernatural horror, The Ring (2002) offers a disturbing new dimension. This film centers on a cursed videotape that causes the viewer’s death seven days after watching it. Rachel Keller, a journalist investigating the tape, uncovers the horrifying backstory of the vengeful ghost Samara. The film’s unsettling visuals, ominous mood, and relentless tension helped establish The Ring as a cornerstone of 21st-century horror.
Fans of quirky horror with a dash of humor should look no further than Beetlejuice (1988). Directed by Tim Burton, this film features a recently deceased couple who enlist the help of the mischievous, chaotic ghost Beetlejuice to haunt their former home. With its surreal visuals, eccentric characters, and dark humor, Beetlejuice offers a fun and offbeat alternative to the more traditional ghost stories.
You can watch these movies on Hulu, YouTube TV, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
Finally, Poltergeist (1982) remains one of the most frightening films in the genre. Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist follows a suburban family whose home is haunted by malicious spirits.
The film is known for its groundbreaking special effects, including the terrifying scene where a chair moves across the floor. What sets Poltergeist apart is its ability to blend supernatural horror with grounded, believable family dynamics, making the terror all the more visceral.
Watch Poltergeist on Hulu, YouTube TV, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
All these 6 films represent just a handful of the many ways that cinema has explored the theme of seeing the dead. From psychological thrillers to supernatural hauntings, the genre has evolved into a diverse and compelling form of horror.
As Halloween approaches, watching these iconic movies—whether they make you laugh, cry, or scream—promises an unforgettable journey into the afterlife.
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