Films sharing characteristics with Jeepers Creepers typically feature a relentless, supernatural antagonist with a defined hunting period and ritualistic behavior. These movies often blend elements of horror and thriller, employing suspense, jump scares, and creature feature aesthetics to generate fear. Examples include films like Pumpkinhead, which focuses on revenge-driven supernatural terror, and The Collector, which depicts a masked assailant tormenting victims in elaborate traps.
The enduring appeal of this subgenre stems from the primal fear of being hunted by an unstoppable force. Exploring themes of vulnerability and survival against overwhelming odds taps into deep-seated anxieties. Furthermore, the cyclical nature of the antagonist often introduces a sense of dread and anticipation, adding another layer to the narrative. Historically, these narratives trace back to folkloric tales of monstrous beings preying on humans, illustrating a timeless fascination with the macabre and the unknown.