7 Movies & Shows To Watch If you Love ‘Widow’s Bay’

Widow’s Bay has captivated audiences everywhere.

Apple TV‘s newest horror-comedy is a breath of fresh air that expertly blends different genres. The series focuses on Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), the mayor of a small New England town that is cursed. As a result, crazy, unexplainable supernatural events begin to haunt the town. It’s the type of show that benefits from going in blind. Without any prior knowledge, you’ll be captivated by the never ending, jaw-dropping twists and turns.

When crafting the show, creator Katie Dippold set out to recapture the brilliant blend of humor and horror she felt while visiting a haunted house as a kid. As noted in Decider’s Widow’s Bay review, Mike Schur hired Dippold as a writer on Parks and Recreation Season 2 after reading her original Widow’s Bay pilot script. And though she knows the world of comedy, she’s also a horror enthusiast who took inspiration from Stephen King, Jaws, Halloween, Barry, and Atlanta.

If you love Widow’s Bay, you should definitely check out the above titles, along with the cast’s favorite horror movies! But if you’re craving more entertainment similar to Widow’s Bay here are seven films and TV shows that will satisfy your itch.

1. There is no denying Twin Peaks will forever be the blueprint. The series is a continuation of David Lynch’s (R.I.P.) film, and should be mandatory viewing for any showrunner developing a mystery series. The series takes place in Twin Peaks, where FBI Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) investigates the death of Laura Palmer, the homecoming queen. Similar to Widow’s Bay, the show depicts the chaos ruminating within the town as Cooper tries to solve the crime. Lynch’s artistry and world-building make for some of the best television you’ll ever watch.

3. If someone mentions The Shining, you will immediately be reminded of the brilliance of this classic horror film. Arguably the most important horrors in cinema history, Stanley Kubrick crafts one of the most atmospheric, isolated films as he adapts Stephen King’s novel about Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and Wendy Torrance (Shelley Duvall) and their stay with their son Danny at the haunted Overlook Hotel. The film’s impact on entertainment and pop culture is undeniable, and is a must-watch for horror fans. (Plus, Widow’s Bay fans are calling star Kate O’Flynn a modern day Duvall!)

4. Mike Flannigan, creator of Midnight Mass, is partly responsible for the recent boom in horror television on streaming. The show focuses on a religious island that starts to unravel from supernatural activity following the arrival of a priest (Hamish Linklater, who also stars in Widow’s Bay and spoke with Decider about his two-episode arc). Besides the horror elements, Midnight Mass explores themes of a community’s relationships with faith and the existential crises that disrupts the town’s togetherness. Flannigan’s knowledge of horror and suspense makes it worth a watch.

5. Apple TV knows how to make a good show. While Severance may not be an obvious choice for this list, its mind-bending story makes for a good companion for Widow’s Bay. The series follows Lumon Industries workers who undergo a procedure that separates their memories into work and personal, meaning when they leave work they don’t remember what happened in the office, and when they clock in they have no idea of who they are in the outside world. While it may not be conventional horror, there is no denying the chilling levels of mystery and suspense that build throughout the show. In anticipation of the third season, do yourself a favor and stream the unforgettable series.

6. Stephen King, you will always be famous. In the film adaptation of Misery, directed by the late Rob Reiner, famous author Paul Sheldon’s (James Caan) livelihood is in the hands of his number one fan, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). The film’s unique comedy can rightfully be compared to Widow’s Bay. Bates also won an Oscar for her terrifying performance and gives her iconic, unforgettable “Cockadoodie Car” monologue that perfectly encapsulates the absurd, yet chilling tone of the film. It’s a rare type of blockbuster, a grounded thriller about the danger of obsession.

7. The one that got away. Although we can celebrate the Season 2 renewal of Widow’s Bay, we must grieve HBO’s Lovecraft Country, a similarly eerie and mysterious show that was wrongfully canceled after one season. From showrunner Misha Green, Lovecraft Country follows a man in search of his father during 1950s Jim Crow America while simultaneously facing rampant racism and a world of monsters. It’s a show that brilliantly blends fantasy, history, and horror, and was one of the on-screen saviors during the days of COVID-19 lockdown that made you look forward to Sundays.

8. The Others is one of the most unique horror movies you will ever see. The film takes place during WWII and follows Grace (Nicole Kidman) and her two children who live in an isolated manor, that they believe is haunted by ghosts. However, don’t expect this film to rely on jump scares or any typical horror tropes. By the time the film ends, your jaw will be on the ground shocked at the film’s twist. Similar to Widow’s Bay, it’s the type of horror that takes advantage of isolation.

Stay tuned for more Widow’s Bay coverage from Decider.