2015’s horror game “Until Dawn” was somewhat unexpectedly successful in the gaming industry, eventually leading to a fully-fledged series of interactive experiences. In 2025, the story was brought to life on the big screen in a long-anticipated cinematic version, directed by David F. Sandberg, who had previously created “Lights Out” and returned to horror after his foray into superhero films was cut short when “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” underperformed at the box office.
In the spirit of “Until Dawn,” the game maintains its core theme of the butterfly effect, yet introduces an original twist. The protagonist, Ella Rubin, is on a mission to unravel her sister’s mysterious disappearance, but instead finds herself and her friends in a time loop, repeatedly encountering their untimely deaths. However, they have a limited number of opportunities to succeed, as failure could result in an even worse fate.
Based on enthusiastic responses from viewers and the movie’s box office earnings exceeding its budget by more than three times, it seems likely that sequels could be in our future. In the meantime, if you’re seeking something comparable to watch, you might be amazed at how many time loop films and TV series exist – including quite a few within the horror genre. Each one offers its own distinct appeal, so here are 12 top movies similar to “Until Dawn” that you should consider watching next.
ARQ
A film revolving around a duo trapped in a time loop as they evade relentless assailants – this could easily be mistaken for a survivalist-themed slasher reminiscent of “Until Dawn.” However, unlike that production, “ARQ” premiered back in 2016 and leans more toward science fiction than horror. The menacing element here isn’t derived from supernatural forces or deranged serial killers; rather, it stems from a perceived intruder within their home.
On streaming platform Netflix, the film “ARQ” was launched, creatively employing the concept of time loops within a gripping narrative. The characters, Renton (well-known from “Arrow,” played by Robbie Amell) and his wife Hanna (Rachael Taylor), reside in a grimy, energy-crisis-stricken future world. Previously involved with a government project titled A.R.Q., Renton had secretly stolen the technology capable of generating endless energy, which he stored in his basement. However, when an intruder endangers both Renton and Hanna, they resort to using the device, only to find themselves ensnared in a continuous temporal loop unintentionally.
Balancing the boundary between intellectually challenging sci-fi and bloodcurdling horror, “ARQ” is an engaging survival tale that manages to keep you guessing, despite the characters repeating the same events. A hidden gem on Netflix, its mixed reviews fail to capture its true essence as a nerve-wracking, suspenseful rollercoaster ride.
The Final Girls
If you’re seeking a movie similar to “Until Dawn,” but with a dash more humor and a self-referential twist, then “The Final Girls” (2015) might be your pick! The title itself is a nod to the common horror movie trope where only one girl survives. This film takes it a step further by featuring an all-female ensemble cast, including Malin Åkerman, Nina Dobrev, Alia Shawkat, and Taissa Farmiga.
In this rephrased version: Amanda Cartwright, once a scream queen in horror films from the ’80s, particularly known for “Camp Bloodbath,” finds it hard to secure respectable roles decades later due to her past. After a tragic car accident takes her life, her daughter Macy (Farmiga) and friends watch a screening of Amanda’s cherished film as a tribute. However, an unfortunate fire breaks out in the theater, causing the teens to flee. They end up mysteriously entering the world portrayed in the movie, where they are forced to relive the terrifying events depicted over and over again. To survive, they must rely on their understanding of horror movie tropes to dodge a maniac with a machete.
Without a doubt, “The Final Girls” is far more playful than “Until Dawn.” It blends the concept of time loops with the self-referential wit and extreme violence reminiscent of “Deadpool.” Expect this movie to deliver not only chilling moments but also ample opportunities for laughter.
Haunter
Known primarily for directing the horror classic “Cube” and the sci-fi thriller “Splice” with Adrian Brody, director Vincenzo Natali has also created two time-loop horror movies. His latest work is “In the Tall Grass,” while his standout piece, “Haunter” from 2013, features a ghost and old house concealing dangerous secrets in a chilling time-bending tale.
Haunter” features Abigail Breslin as Lisa Johnson, a girl who has passed away and is now a ghost haunting a Canadian home. Unaware of their afterlife status, she and her family continue to reenact the events that caused their deaths. However, when Lisa starts to suspect something amiss about their existence, she finds herself capable of delving into alternate timelines. As she digs deeper, she uncovers signs of a sinister plot linked to the house and its former resident, who might also be connected to her peculiar situation.
With a modest budget, “Haunter” stands out due to its unique concept, which creatively combines the themes of a haunted house and time loops. The addition of an enigmatic ghost pursuing blood only adds to its captivating quality.
Lucky
2020’s film “Lucky” demonstrates that time loop narratives don’t always require time travel. Instead of characters going back in time to relive the same events, we follow May (Brea Grant), a writer of self-help books who’s grappling with her current project. However, her life takes a sinister turn when she encounters an intruder attempting to break into her home during the night. Strangely, her husband Ted (Dhruv Uday Singh) seems unfazed by this, suggesting that such terrifying incidents are routine for them.
Indeed, to May’s dismay, Ted was correct: the very next evening, they were once more confronted by the same individual. This pattern persisted night after night. Yet, it appeared as though everyone around her found this repeated harassment to be quite ordinary. According to those in her circle, these incidents had a straightforward explanation, but no one seemed inclined to share that explanation with May.
As I delved into “Lucky,” it might’ve seemed like just another slasher flick with a surprising plot twist, akin to “Until Dawn.” But as the story unfolded, I realized it was far more than that. It was a profound exploration of trauma, a haunting tale about a woman desperate for help, only to be ignored by everyone around her.
Redux Redux
Given the title “Redux Redux,” it’s not unreasonable to assume that this movie involves some sort of temporal or dimensional manipulations. Released in 2025, it follows the tale of a ruthless killer who traverses dimensions in search of victims. However, this sinister slasher is not your typical antagonist, as portrayed by Michaela McManus as Irene Kelly, a tormented mother who seeks revenge for her cold-blooded murdered daughter, not just within our universe, but across multiple realities.
As a relentless gamer, I find myself in an endless loop of vengeance, seeking justice for my daughter. The man responsible, Neville (Jeremy Holm), is my primary target. Time and again, I bury him six feet under, ensuring he stays there forever. This quest isn’t just a one-time thing; it becomes an obsession that consumes me as I navigate various realities. My daughter’s death doesn’t seem to have a solution in any of these dimensions.
In the midst of this chaos, I cross paths with Mia (Stella Marcus), a courageous young woman who I manage to save from Nelson’s grasp. Instead of parting ways, she chooses to join me on my multidimensional quest for vengeance. Together, we continue our relentless pursuit, seeking not just justice but the impossible – a reality where my daughter lives once more.
A revisit (or “Redux Redux”) serves as a blend of dream fulfillment and a warning tale. It’s more about sci-fi suspense than horror, offering a fresh perspective on the time loop murder mystery genre, while prioritizing heavier topics like love and sorrow.
The Void
The Void” is similar to “Redux Redux,” as it delves not into time travel but other dimensions. However, unlike the sophisticated approach, this film adopts a cheesy, B-movie style. The 2016 release takes viewers on a nerve-wracking expedition to unknown territories, blending Lovecraftian horror and survivalist themes. Add in a sinister cult and a vibe reminiscent of ’80s low-budget masterpieces, and you’ve got an idea of the eerie experience “The Void” offers.
The film opens in a nearly deserted hospital run by a few personnel, where Sheriff Daniel Carter (Aaron Poole) brings a severely wounded man (Evan Stern) he discovers on the road. Upon arrival, however, he unexpectedly witnesses a nurse killing a patient – just the beginning of a series of disturbing events. It soon becomes clear that this hospital houses a peculiar portal to another realm with sinister intentions for our world. Within this gateway lies a malevolent spirit aiming to exterminate everyone, and it falls upon Carter to assist the remaining staff and patients in surviving, preventing an ancient evil from being released onto the planet.
The Void,” surprisingly chilling, effectively pays tribute to ’80s slasher films, primarily through its convincing monster effects and clever budget management. Ideal for a spooky night in with friends, “The Void” is a commendable production from indie studio Astron-6, known for B-movies such as “Manborg” and “Psychogoreman.
The Descent
In “The Descent,” I find myself introduced to Sarah (Shauna Macdonald), a woman still grappling with the grief of losing her husband and daughter a year prior. Seeking solace, she joins a group of friends for an exhilarating cave exploration in the Appalachian mountains, unaware that this excursion would spiral into a terrifying ordeal.
Misfortune strikes as we become stranded within the labyrinthine depths of the cave, and to add insult to injury, we realize our error in selecting the wrong cave system altogether. With limited resources and our own wits as our only allies, survival becomes a daunting prospect.
Yet, being trapped and disoriented is merely the beginning of our troubles. As darkness envelops us, sinister figures lurk in the shadows – a grotesque species known as “crawlers,” who crave human blood. This nightmare scenario pushes us to the limits of our courage and resourcefulness, as we struggle not only to escape but also to outwit these bloodthirsty creatures.
In relentless pursuit by countless creepy creatures, the characters in “The Descent” find themselves racing against time in a desperate struggle for survival against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This gripping tale has left a lasting impression on horror enthusiasts and while it doesn’t share the same time-based mechanics as “Until Dawn”, it effectively creates an atmosphere of suffocating claustrophobia and escalating tension throughout its duration. It’s no coincidence that “Until Dawn” writer Gary Dauberman and director David F. Sandberg have openly admitted to being inspired by the terrifying film “The Descent”.
Timecrimes
Instead of recommending “Timecrimes” as a match for those who enjoyed “Tenet,” it might be more fitting to suggest it to fans of “Until Dawn,” given its darker, gruesome feel. Although it shares the time-bending theme with the Christopher Nolan action film, the narrative revolves around a man who inadvertently uses a time machine to flee what appears to be a masked killer’s rampage.
In this rephrased version: Hector, played by Karra Elejalde, stumbles upon an unconscious, bare-naked woman in a forest. Soon after, he’s ambushed by a shadowy figure whose visage is hidden beneath bloodstained wrappings. Seeking refuge, Hector finds solace near a scientist, and then discovers the sanctuary they’ve entered is actually a time machine that has transported him back an hour. Determined to safeguard the forest woman from her would-be assailant, Hector embarks on a mission through time.
In the tradition of timeless sci-fi tales such as “By His Bootstraps” and “–All You Zombies–,” filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo constructs a narrative exploring themes of fate and destiny, where a man struggles to escape his personal history, even physically. Although it may not feature the typical bloody elements common in slasher movies, its suspenseful chase sequences and Hector’s continuous efforts to prevent a murder make it an appealing choice for horror enthusiasts seeking something with an intriguing twist.
Triangle
Time loop movies draw you in instantly with their enigma of recurring events. However, “Triangle” takes a distinct path, initially presenting what appears to be a horror narrative involving a lethal killer, only later unveiling its time loop concept. Melissa George portrays Jess, one of a band of friends who find themselves in trouble at sea on a boat during a storm. The mysterious, inexplicable distress signal they receive from an unknown vessel sets off a chain of events that could potentially last forever.
In their quest to identify the sender of a distress signal, friends seek shelter on an abandoned ocean liner. However, when a masked murderer begins targeting them, it becomes evident that something peculiar is occurring – particularly when they encounter doppelgängers who appear hostile towards them. As corpses accumulate – quite alarmingly – the enigma thickens, and soon enough, they realize that their actions are inadvertently shaping the predicament they find themselves in.
The Cabin in the Woods
Similar to “Until Dawn,” the movie “The Cabin in the Woods” takes a standard horror plot and adds a unique, science-fiction flavor. It deliberately imitates classic horror cliches, starting with a group of young adults traveling to a secluded cabin for a wild weekend, only to be hunted by an unseen assailant.
In a typical slasher movie scenario, our characters fall neatly into familiar stereotypes and encounter a foreboding meeting with an enigmatic stranger hinting at their impending demise. However, “The Cabin in the Woods” deviates from this pattern. Instead, as they linger, the tale gradually reveals a complex mystery that deepens, suggesting there are powerful forces manipulating events beyond their comprehension and control.
Critics and audiences have universally lauded ‘The Cabin in the Woods’, making a strong case that it’s one of the best satirical horror films ever made on screen. The film offers more than just laughs, delivering genuine suspense, excitement, and chills. Although we won’t reveal any spoilers since the plot twists are better experienced first-hand, suffice it to say that the movie’s central themes have a self-referential quality that greatly contributes to its excellence. Unlike ‘Until Dawn’, ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ doesn’t involve time travel as a challenge for its protagonists. Instead, it features an ensemble cast struggling for survival against equally unforeseen circumstances.
Happy Death Day
If we had to find just one similarity for the game “Until Dawn,” it could be the movie “Happy Death Day” from 2017, which spent over a decade in development before its release. Produced by Blumhouse, this film follows Tree Gelbman (played by Jessica Rothe), a college student known for her wild lifestyle and frequent troublemaking. On her birthday, she meets an untimely end at the hands of a masked man… but then she wakes up, only to relive the same day again and again.
Indeed, an extraordinary occurrence unfolds as Tree mysteriously revives following her birthday homicide, completely unscathed. The cause behind this peculiar resurrection remains unexplained, yet she is compelled to endure the grueling reenactment of her demise each day. To break free from this time loop, Tree embarks on a quest to unmask her assassin and gains insights into her own personality along the way.
Similar to being both puzzling and terrifying, the movie “Happy Death Day” blends elements of “Until Dawn” and “Groundhog Day.” Despite carrying a PG-13 rating, it softens the brutal aspects slightly, emphasizing the humorous side of its concept. This less intense rating also makes it an enjoyable choice for a family viewing, especially since there’s another installment, “Happy Death Day 2U,” allowing you to plan an entire movie night around it.
The Night House
In comparing various films to “Until Dawn,” “The Night House” stands out as the most distinctive. The movie centers around Beth Parchin, portrayed by Rebecca Hall, who’s rebuilding her life following her husband’s suicide at a secluded lakeside house. As she delves deeper into her deceased spouse’s secrets, she uncovers revelations that are far more unsettling than anticipated. Simultaneously, Beth starts noticing strange occurrences, the most disconcerting being what appears to be an identical version of herself and her home on the other side of the water.
Experience a mind-twisting, eerie tale about grief that will challenge your perception of reality, as “The Night House” skillfully weaves in some genuinely spine-tingling scenes that elevate it beyond typical thrillers. Directed by David Bruckner, known for his terrifying masterpiece “The Ritual,” this horror film stands out as a unique piece in his oeuvre and contrasts significantly with titles like “Until Dawn.” If you’re open to exploring a top-notch title that also manipulates temporal and spatial dimensions, then “The Night House” is an unmissable must-watch.
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2025-06-25 00:32