Dario Argento’s surreal Italian drama Suspiria is an all-time horror classic, combining surreal visuals, intense atmosphere, and nightmarish storytelling. Kickstarting Argento’s loosely-connected “Three Mothers Trilogy”, the film also received a 2018 remake that brought new life to the concept.
Here’s a guide to watching the Suspiria movies in order, from Argento’s classic to the modern reimagining. We also provide you with offers to stream these movies online in India.
How to watch the Suspiria movies in chronological order
Three Mothers Trilogy
- Suspiria (1977)
- Inferno (1980)
- The Mother of Tears (2007)
Remake
- Suspiria (2018)
The original Suspiria is widely regarded as a masterpiece of horror. Directed by Dario Argento, this visually stunning film is set at a prestigious ballet school in Germany. The story follows Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper), an American dancer who transfers to the academy, only to uncover a series of grisly murders and dark supernatural forces at play.
What makes Suspiria so unique is its dreamlike atmosphere, heavily stylized cinematography, and the use of vivid color, especially the striking use of red and blue lighting. The score by prog-rock band Goblin adds to the sense of unease and dread throughout the film.
Inferno is the second film in what would become known as Argento’s “Three Mothers Trilogy.” This installment focuses on the concept of three ancient witches, or “Mothers,” who rule different parts of the world. While Inferno shifts its focus away from Suspiria’s ballet school setting, it maintains the supernatural elements, mysterious deaths, and stylistic flourishes that made the first film so memorable.
Nearly three decades after Inferno, Dario Argento completed his “Three Mothers Trilogy” with The Mother of Tears. This film shifts to Rome, where the third and most powerful witch, Mater Lachrymarum, is awakened, causing chaos and death across the city. The protagonist, Sarah Mandy (Asia Argento), must confront the ancient evil to stop the witch's rampage.
In 2018, Luca Guadagnino remade the 1977 classic, yet again titled Suspiria. This Amazon Prime Video original is not so much a direct remake of the 1977 film as it is a reimagining. While it shares the basic premise of a dancer named Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson) joining a mysterious dance academy, the 2018 version is a more complex and grounded film. It delves deeper into the history of the witches and the dark rituals at the heart of the school. Tilda Swinton plays multiple roles, including Madame Blanc and the malevolent Helena Markos.
Guadagnino’s Suspiria is more subdued in its color palette than Argento’s vibrant original, but it’s no less visually striking. The film focuses more on psychological horror and has a slower pace, while also introducing themes of political unrest and personal identity. Thom Yorke of Radiohead composed the haunting score, which adds to the eerie, unsettling atmosphere.
The 2018 Suspiria is a standalone film that does not directly tie into Argento’s trilogy, instead serving as a reimagining of the original film’s concept. It can be watched on its own without prior knowledge of the earlier films, making it accessible to both new audiences and fans of the classic.
How to watch the Suspiria movies in release order
The release order of the Suspiria movies is the same as the chronological order. Our guide below shows you all the streaming platforms where you can either watch these movies on a subscription or for free. We also provide you with options to buy or rent these movies online.
