7 Movies to Watch After I Saw the TV Glow

7. Beyond the Black Rainbow

If you’re searching for a movie with a low-fi vibe similar to “I Saw the TV Glow,” but one that will keep your mind active long after viewing, then consider watching “Beyond the Black Rainbow.” Directed by Panos Cosmatos, this film premiered at the 2010 Whistler Film Festival and was released in the United States in 2012. Set in an alternate 1980s reality, the story revolves around a young woman named Elena who possesses strong psychic and telekinetic abilities but is under the control of a strange crystal and subjected to experiments by the enigmatic Dr. Nyle. As Elena’s situation deteriorates, she seeks a means of escape.

Although these two films, “Beyond the Black Rainbow” and “I Saw the TV Glow“, don’t share many thematic elements, a case can be made that they both explore the sensation of being confined and the longing for freedom. However, what truly sets them apart is their unique aesthetic quality, making them an intriguing addition to any film collection (and if you’re a fan of “Stranger Things“, you might find these films equally captivating as well).

I Saw the TV Glow is now streaming on Max

6. Super Dark Times

Super Dark Times

In “Super Dark Times,” although it doesn’t strictly fall under the horror genre, there’s an eerie, almost horror-like quality to certain aspects of its portrayal of teen life. This is particularly evident when one decision triggers life-changing repercussions and a downward spiral. The film’s exploration of adolescence, and more specifically, the dark path that this adolescence takes, makes it a compelling watch.

5. Mulholland Drive

A movie that might not traditionally fall under the horror genre but is still worth watching after I Saw the TV Glow, Mulholland Drive (2001) directed by David Lynch, explores the concepts of reality and perception in a captivating manner. This film, which you should watch simply because it’s an exceptional piece often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, delves into the Hollywood dream’s descent into nightmares. Despite its surreal elements, the movie holds multiple layers and meanings that could change for you with each viewing. The story revolves around Betty Elms (played by Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress who befriends a woman named Rita (Laura Harring) suffering from amnesia following a car accident. As the narrative unfolds, subtle hints and clues suggest that things might not be as they seem.

4. The Blair Witch Project

It’s hard to compile a list of movies to watch after a 1990s horror flick without including “The Blair Witch Project” from 1999. In essence, if you exclude this movie from your list, one might wonder what exactly you’re doing with your spare time! Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, “The Blair Witch Project” is a chilling supernatural horror film in the “found footage” style. The story follows three student filmmakers who venture into the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland to create a documentary about a local legend known as the Blair Witch. Unfortunately, they vanish, but their equipment and footage are discovered a year later. This recovered footage serves as what viewers experience, offering an eerie and disturbing glimpse into the trio’s unfortunate fate.

Regarding its ’90s setting aside, The Blair Witch Project’s conclusion maintains a level of ambiguity that leaves viewers questioning the sequence of events – somewhat similar to the enigmatic ending found in I Saw the TV Glow.

3. Skinamarink

Among the options on this list, Skinamarink, despite lacking direct thematic ties with I Saw the TV Glow, is an intriguing choice due to its alignment with the overall low-fi aesthetic and its recent viral fame. Given these factors, it’s worthwhile to explore this 2023 horror film, penned and helmed by Kyle Edward Ball. The narrative revolves around a brother and sister who awaken in the night to discover their father’s absence and the mysterious disappearance of household items. As they delve deeper, they uncover a malevolent presence within their home, with their reality gradually descending into madness. In essence, it’s a chilling, unsettling watch.

2. We’re All Going to the World’s Fair

2021 saw the debut of “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair,” a movie helmed by Jane Schoenbrun, who is also known for “I Saw the TV Glow” and marks the beginning of her Screen Trilogy (with “I Saw the TV Glow” being the second installment). The film focuses on Casey, a teenager who embarks on a viral social media challenge called the “World’s Fair Challenge.” This involves repeating “I want to go to the World’s Fair,” drawing blood, and smearing it on her laptop screen before watching a strobe light video. She promises viewers she’ll update if she notices any changes. As events unfold, Casey starts experiencing strange physical and psychological alterations. This chilling horror exploration of adolescence delves into the nostalgia of the past as well as the digital age’s urban legends and their potential dangers both online and offline. If you enjoyed “I Saw the TV Glow,” this movie is a must-watch, not just because it’s by Schoenbrun, but simply because it’s an excellent film.

1. Donnie Darko

Leaving this collection incomplete would be a mistake without including “Donnie Darko”. Released in 2001, this movie, written and directed by Richard Kelly, delves into the intricate labyrinth of reality and perception. In the film, a troubled teenager named Donnie narrowly avoids death in a bizarre accident only to find himself sleepwalking and encountering a strange rabbit-suited figure who prophesies the impending end of the world. As time passes, Donnie experiences increasingly odd hallucinations, guided by this enigmatic character known as Frank. The movie is thought-provoking and disquieting, leaving viewers to ponder what was actuality. Although it’s a unique experience that must be witnessed firsthand, its exploration of perception and reality makes it an intriguing counterpart to “I Saw the TV Glow”.