Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) dominated the box office upon its release in 2023 and received rave reviews from franchise fans and non-fans alike. Not only did it offer numerous Easter eggs and nods to the game series of the same name and to the YouTubers who popularized it through playthroughs, but it also capitalized on a nostalgic kind of horror.
Many recall the eerie animatronics at family entertainment centers, like Chuck E. Cheese, which is why Five Nights at Freddy’s reawakens some childhood fears. Viewers looking for more of that nostalgic horror and a terrifying twist on childhood memories can use our guide to find five movies like Five Nights at Freddy’s, available on Tubi, Peacock, and more.
Child’s Play (1988)
Like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Child’s Play takes something that’s subtly eerie and turns it into a child’s worst nightmare. In the film, Andy’s (Alex Vincent) dream comes true when his mother buys him a Good Guy doll for his birthday. However, things go south when he learns the spirit of a serial killer inhabits the doll, Chucky (Brad Dourif). As far as haunted toy stories go, Child’s Play is among the very best.
It parallels Five Nights at Freddy’s through its blend of comedy and horror. There are genuinely terrifying slasher moments, but also a hint of campiness as Child’s Play remains self-aware of its absurd premise. If you loved Five Nights at Freddy’s but are seeking something with even more dark comedy and slasher elements, you’ll love Child’s Play.
The Void (2016)
Both Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Void seem to get how terrifying it is to work the dark, isolated night shift at your job. The Void follows police officer Daniel Carter (Aaron Poole), who is working the night shift when he rushes an injured man to the hospital. He and the hospital's skeleton crew are soon terrorized by mysterious, cloaked figures who invade the hospital. The Void evokes nostalgia for ‘80s slasher movies with its practical effects while also capitalizing on the night-shift horror premise.
It’s an excellent alternative for fans of Five Nights at Freddy’s who were looking for just a few more genuine scares. The Void makes excellent use of suspense and plays out like a terrifying nightmare, with unpredictable, jarring twists. Fans of The Night Watchman (2016) and Let Us Prey (2014) will especially enjoy The Void’s night shift horror.
The Banana Splits Movie (2019)
The Banana Splits Movie gives viewers a Five Nights at Freddy’s-esque story with an extra dose of gore. The comedy horror centers on Harley Williams (Finlay Wojtak-Hissong), who gets to watch a live studio recording of his favorite show, The Banana Splits, only for the animatronics to go on a murder spree after learning of their show’s cancellation. It’s inspired by the real-life ‘60s children's show, The Banana Splits, once again turning distant childhood memories into horror.
Like Five Nights at Freddy’s, the premise is campy, but it still offers some surprisingly shocking moments of gore and violence, making it just a little scarier. Additionally, viewers can’t help but be impressed by the bold decision to turn a real-life children’s show into slasher fodder. It’s an excellent choice for viewers who love horror spins on childhood favorites, like Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023), but are seeking the same quality as Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Willy’s Wonderland (2021)
Willy’s Wonderland is another horror film with a similar premise to Five Nights at Freddy’s. In the movie, a janitor (Nicolas Cage) fights for survival against eight sentient, homicidal animatronics after agreeing to clean the entertainment center Willy’s Wonderland at night in exchange for car repairs. Willy’s Wonderland is just as fun as Five Nights at Freddy’s, with a little extra gore and the bonus of watching Cage beat up a bunch of creepy animatronics.
The film leans a little more into action than Five Nights at Freddy’s, offering well-choreographed, exciting fight scenes. It’s creepy, fun, and action-packed, making it an excellent alternative to fans of Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Banana Splits Movie who are looking for something with a bit more star power and action.
Abigail (2024)
Abigail and Five Nights at Freddy’s both feature situations where waiting out the night turns out to be much more terrifying than the characters anticipated. In the film, a group of criminals kidnap Abigail (Alisha Weir), the daughter of an underworld crime boss, only to realize too late that there’s something superhuman about the little girl and her father. It’s like Five Nights at Freddy’s but with vampires and a whole group of characters rather than one isolated night watchman.
Abigail is also way scarier than Five Nights at Freddy’s, keeping viewers on their toes with the constant jump scares and grisly, mysterious deaths of numerous characters in quick succession. The fact that a little girl is the source of horror also adds a bit more terror to the premise, though it retains some dark humor. Fans who love movies like Ready or Not (2019), in which some malevolent force hunts the characters, will love Abigail.
