Like 'Wednesday'? 10 Spine-Chilling Picks For Your Next Binge

Hey there, fellow 'Wednesday' fans! Are you reeling from the darkly delightful world of Nevermore Academy and craving more of that gothic, mysterious, and supernatural vibe? You've come to the right place! If you, like me, binge-watched the Netflix sensation 'Wednesday' and are now experiencing a serious Addams Family-sized void in your life, don't despair! I've compiled a list of 10 incredible movies, shows, and books that will keep you entertained while we all patiently (or not so patiently) wait for season two. Let's dive into this treasure trove of eerie awesomeness!

1. Movies: Dark Shadows (2012)

If you're missing the quirky humor and gothic aesthetic of 'Wednesday,' Tim Burton's 'Dark Shadows' is a must-watch. This campy and visually stunning film stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, a vampire who awakens after centuries of imprisonment to find his family estate in ruins and his descendants plagued by secrets and curses. The film is a blend of horror, comedy, and romance, with a healthy dose of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. You'll find yourself chuckling at the eccentric characters, marveling at the elaborate sets and costumes, and perhaps even shedding a tear or two at the heartfelt moments. What makes 'Dark Shadows' such a great choice after 'Wednesday' is its shared DNA with the Addams Family universe: a focus on the eccentric, the macabre, and the importance of family, even when that family is, shall we say, unconventional. The dark humor is reminiscent of Wednesday's dry wit, and the supernatural elements will definitely scratch that itch for the strange and unusual. Beyond the surface similarities, both 'Wednesday' and 'Dark Shadows' explore themes of belonging, identity, and the struggle to find your place in a world that often doesn't understand you. Barnabas Collins, much like Wednesday Addams, is an outsider, a misfit who must navigate a world that is both fascinating and frightening. He grapples with his own monstrous nature while also trying to connect with his family and protect them from external threats. The film's ensemble cast is also a major draw, featuring the likes of Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Helena Bonham Carter, all of whom bring their own unique flair to the proceedings. Their performances are delightfully over-the-top, adding to the film's overall sense of playful darkness. So, if you're looking for a film that captures the gothic spirit of 'Wednesday' with a dash of humor and a touch of romance, 'Dark Shadows' is definitely worth checking out. It's a visual feast for the eyes and a treat for the funny bone, guaranteeing a good time for any fan of the macabre.

2. TV Series: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Okay, guys, if you loved the supernatural boarding school vibes of Nevermore, then 'The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' is your next obsession waiting to happen. This Netflix series is a dark and edgy reimagining of the classic Archie Comics character, Sabrina Spellman. It follows Sabrina as she navigates the complexities of being a teenage witch, balancing her mortal life with her magical destiny. This show is seriously addictive, blending horror, witchcraft, and teenage drama into a compelling concoction. One of the biggest draws of 'The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' is its atmosphere. The show is steeped in gothic imagery, from the eerie town of Greendale to the chilling halls of the Academy of Unseen Arts. The visuals are stunning, creating a world that is both beautiful and unsettling. Just like Nevermore Academy in 'Wednesday,' the Academy of Unseen Arts is a school for magically gifted individuals, providing a similar setting for supernatural shenanigans and interpersonal drama. You'll find yourself drawn into the intricate world-building and the rich mythology surrounding witchcraft and the occult. But it's not just about the visuals; 'Sabrina' also boasts a compelling storyline and well-developed characters. Sabrina herself is a strong and independent protagonist, grappling with difficult choices and moral dilemmas. She's fiercely loyal to her friends and family, but she's also willing to challenge authority and fight for what she believes in. The supporting cast is equally engaging, with memorable characters like Sabrina's quirky aunts, Hilda and Zelda, her mortal friends, and her complex love interests. Each character brings their own unique perspective and adds depth to the overall narrative. The show delves into darker themes than 'Wednesday' at times, exploring the consequences of magic, the dangers of power, and the importance of free will. It tackles complex issues with nuance and sensitivity, making it a thought-provoking watch as well as an entertaining one. So, if you're looking for a series that blends supernatural thrills with teenage drama and a healthy dose of gothic charm, 'The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' is a perfect choice. Prepare to be spellbound!

3. Books: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

For those of you who love to escape into the pages of a good book, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs is an absolute must-read. This novel blends fantasy, mystery, and a touch of horror into a captivating tale of a young boy who discovers a hidden world of children with extraordinary abilities. If you were fascinated by the outcasts and unique powers showcased in 'Wednesday,' this book will be right up your alley. What makes 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' so special is its unique blend of storytelling and visuals. The novel incorporates vintage photographs throughout its pages, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative. These photographs are not just decorative; they are integral to the story, depicting the peculiar children and their extraordinary abilities. This visual element creates a truly immersive reading experience, drawing you into the world of the novel in a way that few other books can. The story follows Jacob Portman, a teenager who has always been fascinated by his grandfather's stories of a magical orphanage on a remote Welsh island. After his grandfather's mysterious death, Jacob travels to the island and discovers that the orphanage is real, and its inhabitants are indeed peculiar. He meets children with extraordinary abilities, such as levitation, pyrokinesis, and super strength. These children are being hunted by monstrous creatures known as Hollowgasts, and Jacob soon discovers that he has a role to play in protecting them. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of embracing your own unique qualities. Jacob, like Wednesday, is an outsider who must come to terms with his own special abilities and find his place in a world that often doesn't understand him. The children at Miss Peregrine's Home are also outcasts, but they have created a community where they can be themselves and support one another. This sense of community is a recurring theme in both 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' and 'Wednesday,' highlighting the importance of finding your tribe, even if that tribe is a little…peculiar. So, if you're looking for a book that will transport you to a world of magic, mystery, and extraordinary children, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' is a perfect choice. Get ready to lose yourself in its pages and discover the peculiar within.

4. The Addams Family (1991)

Let's go back to the source, guys! If Wednesday Addams captured your heart, you absolutely need to revisit the 1991 film 'The Addams Family.' This movie perfectly embodies the spirit of the Addams Family, with its dark humor, eccentric characters, and gothic charm. It's a classic for a reason, and it will give you a deeper appreciation for the world that Wednesday comes from. What makes the 1991 'Addams Family' movie so iconic is its pitch-perfect casting and its faithful adaptation of the original cartoons and television series. Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams, Raul Julia as Gomez Addams, and Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams are all legendary performances that have defined these characters for generations. Their portrayals are both hilarious and heartwarming, capturing the Addams Family's unique blend of macabre humor and genuine affection for one another. The film's plot revolves around a long-lost uncle who returns to the Addams Family mansion, but his true identity is shrouded in mystery. As the family tries to unravel the truth, they encounter a series of hilarious and bizarre situations. The humor is sharp and witty, often relying on dark jokes and visual gags that are sure to delight fans of 'Wednesday.' But beyond the humor, 'The Addams Family' also celebrates the importance of family and individuality. The Addamses are a loving and supportive family, even if their methods are a bit unconventional. They embrace their quirks and differences, and they encourage each other to be themselves. This message of acceptance and self-love is just as relevant today as it was when the film was first released. The film's gothic aesthetic is also a major draw. The Addams Family mansion is a character in itself, a sprawling, dilapidated mansion filled with cobwebs, secret passages, and bizarre artifacts. The costumes are equally iconic, from Morticia's flowing black gown to Wednesday's signature braids and black dress. The visual style of 'The Addams Family' is a perfect complement to its dark humor and eccentric characters, creating a world that is both spooky and stylish. So, if you're looking for a film that will make you laugh, shiver, and maybe even shed a tear or two, 'The Addams Family' is a must-see. It's a classic for a reason, and it will remind you why you fell in love with the Addams Family in the first place.

5. What We Do in the Shadows (TV Series)

Okay, guys, if you appreciate the dry wit and quirky characters of 'Wednesday,' then you absolutely need to check out 'What We Do in the Shadows.' This hilarious mockumentary series follows the lives of a group of vampire roommates living in Staten Island. It's a masterclass in comedic timing and a perfect blend of the supernatural and the mundane. One of the things that makes 'What We Do in the Shadows' so funny is its commitment to its premise. The show is shot in a documentary style, with the vampire roommates being interviewed and filmed by a camera crew. This format allows for a lot of improvisation and deadpan humor, as the vampires try to navigate the modern world while also dealing with the everyday challenges of being immortal roommates. The characters are all brilliantly drawn and performed. There's Nandor the Relentless, the self-proclaimed leader of the group who is constantly trying to assert his authority, but often fails miserably. There's Laszlo Cravensworth, the flamboyant and eccentric vampire who loves to indulge in the finer things in life (and also shapeshift into a bat). There's Nadja, Laszlo's wife, who is just as eccentric and enjoys causing chaos and mayhem. And then there's Colin Robinson, the energy vampire who feeds on people's boredom and frustration. Together, these characters create a hilarious ensemble that is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. The show also does a great job of exploring the challenges of being a vampire in the 21st century. The vampires have to deal with everything from paying the bills to finding victims to dealing with the local werewolf pack. They also have to navigate the complexities of modern relationships and technology. This blend of the supernatural and the mundane is what makes 'What We Do in the Shadows' so unique and hilarious. The humor in 'What We Do in the Shadows' is often dark and absurd, but it's always clever and well-executed. The show doesn't shy away from making fun of vampire tropes, but it also has a lot of heart. The vampires may be immortal and bloodthirsty, but they're also a family, and they care about each other (in their own twisted way). So, if you're looking for a comedy series that is both hilarious and smart, 'What We Do in the Shadows' is a perfect choice. Prepare to be bitten by its comedic charm!

6. Practical Magic (1998)

For those of you who enjoy a touch of witchcraft and sisterhood with your supernatural drama, 'Practical Magic' is a charming and whimsical film that should be on your radar. Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witch sisters, this movie blends romance, magic, and a touch of darkness into a captivating story. If you loved the strong female characters and the themes of family and belonging in 'Wednesday,' 'Practical Magic' will resonate with you. What makes 'Practical Magic' so appealing is its blend of genres. The film is a romance, a comedy, a drama, and a supernatural thriller all rolled into one. This makes it a movie that has something for everyone, and it's a film that you can watch again and again. The story follows Sally and Gillian Owens, two sisters who come from a long line of witches. They grew up in a small town where they were ostracized for their family's reputation. As adults, they have taken different paths in life, but they are brought back together by a series of events that force them to confront their past and their powers. The film explores themes of sisterhood, love, loss, and the power of female intuition. Sally and Gillian have a complicated relationship, but they are fiercely loyal to each other. They support each other through thick and thin, and they learn to rely on each other's strengths. The film also celebrates the power of female friendship and the importance of having a strong support system. The magic in 'Practical Magic' is whimsical and enchanting. The witches cast spells, brew potions, and communicate with the dead. But the magic is also used to explore deeper themes, such as the power of belief and the consequences of our actions. The film suggests that magic is a force that can be used for good or for evil, and it's up to us to choose how we use it. The film's atmosphere is also a major draw. The small town setting is charming and picturesque, but it also has a dark underbelly. The witches' house is a character in itself, a cozy and magical space filled with books, herbs, and candles. The film's visuals are stunning, creating a world that is both beautiful and mysterious. So, if you're looking for a film that is both heartwarming and enchanting, 'Practical Magic' is a perfect choice. Prepare to be spellbound by its charm!

7. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (Book)

If you were captivated by the darker, more gothic elements of 'Wednesday,' then you need to delve into the world of Anne Rice's 'Interview with the Vampire.' This iconic novel is a masterpiece of vampire literature, exploring themes of immortality, loneliness, and the struggle for identity in a dark and sensual way. This book will definitely satisfy your craving for supernatural intrigue and complex characters. What makes 'Interview with the Vampire' so compelling is its intimate and introspective narrative. The story is told from the perspective of Louis de Pointe du Lac, a vampire who is being interviewed by a young journalist. Louis recounts his life as a vampire, from his transformation in the 18th century to his centuries of wandering the world. This first-person perspective allows the reader to get inside Louis's head and experience his emotions and struggles firsthand. The novel explores the complexities of being a vampire, the allure of immortality, and the dark side of eternal life. Louis grapples with his own morality, his longing for human connection, and his horror at the violence he is forced to commit. He is a deeply flawed character, but he is also sympathetic and relatable. The novel also introduces us to Lestat de Lioncourt, Louis's maker and companion. Lestat is a charismatic and seductive vampire, but he is also cruel and unpredictable. He is a force of chaos in Louis's life, and their relationship is a complex mix of love, hate, and dependence. The world-building in 'Interview with the Vampire' is rich and detailed. Rice creates a vivid picture of the vampire underworld, with its own rules, hierarchies, and rivalries. She explores the history of vampires, their origins, and their place in human society. The novel is also steeped in gothic atmosphere, with its descriptions of decaying mansions, moonlit graveyards, and shadowy alleyways. The writing in 'Interview with the Vampire' is lush and evocative. Rice's prose is beautiful and lyrical, drawing the reader into the world of the novel. She uses language to create a sense of mood and atmosphere, and her descriptions are both sensual and haunting. So, if you're looking for a novel that is both dark and beautiful, 'Interview with the Vampire' is a perfect choice. Prepare to be seduced by its gothic charm!

8. The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Book)

For fans of the academic setting, dark secrets, and complex characters in 'Wednesday,' Donna Tartt's 'The Secret History' is a literary thriller that will keep you hooked from the first page. This novel follows a group of classics students at a New England college who become entangled in a web of lies, murder, and moral ambiguity. It's a thought-provoking and atmospheric read that will stay with you long after you finish it. What makes 'The Secret History' so captivating is its exploration of human nature and the dark side of the human psyche. The characters in the novel are all flawed and complex, and they make choices that have devastating consequences. The novel delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. The story is told from the perspective of Richard Papen, a young man from a humble background who is desperate to fit in with the elite group of classics students. He is drawn to their intelligence, their sophistication, and their air of mystery. But he soon discovers that they are hiding a dark secret, and he becomes complicit in their crimes. The novel creates a sense of unease and suspense from the very beginning. The reader knows that something terrible has happened, but the details are slowly revealed over the course of the story. This slow burn creates a sense of mounting tension and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The setting of 'The Secret History' is also a major draw. The New England college is a beautiful and isolated place, and it becomes a character in itself. The novel's descriptions of the campus, the classrooms, and the surrounding countryside are vivid and evocative. The atmosphere is both intellectual and gothic, creating a sense of foreboding. Tartt's writing style is elegant and sophisticated. Her prose is precise and evocative, and she uses language to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. The novel is filled with literary allusions and philosophical discussions, making it a rewarding read for those who appreciate intellectual fiction. So, if you're looking for a novel that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking, 'The Secret History' is a perfect choice. Prepare to be drawn into its dark and compelling world!

9. Wednesday (1964-1966)

To fully appreciate the Netflix series, sometimes you have to journey back to the beginning. Dive into the original 'Wednesday' TV series from 1964-1966! This classic sitcom provides a charmingly kooky foundation for the character we know and love today. It’s a delightful contrast to the modern series, showcasing the Addams Family's timeless appeal through a more lighthearted, albeit still wonderfully macabre, lens. What makes the original 'Wednesday' series so special is its innocent charm and its commitment to its own unique style of humor. While the Netflix series delves into darker themes and more complex storylines, the original series is a more lighthearted and comedic take on the Addams Family. It's a show that you can watch with the whole family, and it's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. The characters in the original series are just as iconic as they are in the Netflix series, but they are portrayed in a slightly different way. Carolyn Jones as Morticia Addams, John Astin as Gomez Addams, and Lisa Loring as Wednesday Addams are all legendary performances that have defined these characters for generations. Their portrayals are both hilarious and endearing, capturing the Addams Family's unique blend of macabre humor and genuine affection for one another. The series explores the Addams Family's everyday lives, their interactions with their neighbors, and their attempts to navigate the normal world. The humor is often situational, relying on the contrast between the Addams Family's bizarre lifestyle and the expectations of society. The series also celebrates the Addams Family's individuality and their refusal to conform to societal norms. They are a family that embraces their quirks and differences, and they encourage each other to be themselves. This message of acceptance and self-love is just as relevant today as it was when the series first aired. The series' black-and-white cinematography adds to its nostalgic charm. The sets and costumes are simple but effective, creating a world that is both spooky and stylish. The show's theme song is also iconic, instantly recognizable and guaranteed to get stuck in your head. So, if you're looking for a classic sitcom that is both funny and heartwarming, the original 'Wednesday' series is a must-see. It's a delightful reminder of the Addams Family's enduring appeal, and it will give you a new appreciation for the character of Wednesday Addams.

10. Wednesday Addams: The Teenage Author (Book Series)

Did you know Wednesday has her own book series? If you are interested in understanding what teenage life might be like through her unique lens, then this is for you. Dive into the Wednesday Addams: The Teenage Author book series! These books offer a peek into Wednesday's thoughts and adventures as she navigates the challenges of adolescence with her signature deadpan wit and morbid curiosity. It's a fantastic way to spend more time with your favorite gloomy girl. What makes the 'Wednesday Addams: The Teenage Author' book series so appealing is its unique perspective and its faithful portrayal of the character. The books are written in the first person from Wednesday's point of view, allowing the reader to get inside her head and experience her thoughts and emotions firsthand. This gives the reader a deeper understanding of Wednesday's character, her motivations, and her worldview. The books explore Wednesday's relationships with her family, her friends, and her classmates. They delve into her interests, her hobbies, and her passions. They also tackle important themes such as identity, belonging, and the challenges of growing up. The books are written in a style that is consistent with Wednesday's character. The writing is dry, witty, and often darkly humorous. The books are filled with Wednesday's signature deadpan observations and her unique perspective on the world. The plots of the books are engaging and well-crafted. They often involve mysteries, adventures, and supernatural elements. The books are also filled with suspense and intrigue, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. The books are a great way to spend more time with Wednesday Addams and to explore her character in more depth. They are also a fun and engaging read for anyone who enjoys stories about outcasts, mysteries, and the supernatural. So, if you're looking for a book series that will transport you to the world of Wednesday Addams, 'The Teenage Author' series is a perfect choice. Prepare to be entertained by her unique perspective and her darkly humorous take on life.

So, there you have it, guys! 10 fantastic movies, shows, and books to keep you entertained while you wait for more 'Wednesday.' From gothic comedies to supernatural dramas to classic literature, there's something on this list for every fan of the macabre. Happy watching and reading!