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- Cam
1Cam dives headfirst into the increasingly blurred boundaries between online personas and reality. This spine-chilling thriller meticulously explores the psychological implications of sacrificing one's identity for digital validation, as the protagonist Alice encounters a sinister doppelgänger who takes over her online life. The film is an unsettling examination of obsession and the dangers of living in an era where reality is so easily manipulated. With an unforgettable climax, Cam solidifies its position as a thought-provoking and unique entry in the psychological thriller genre.
- Actors: Madeline Brewer, Patch Darragh, Melora Walters, Devin Druid, Imani Hakim
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Daniel Goldhaber
- Runtime: 94 Minutes
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- Bird Box
Bird Box skillfully leverages the fear of the unknown to create a sense of pervasive dread throughout the film. This post-apocalyptic thriller challenges its characters' mental fortitude, forcing them to confront an unseen terror that preys on their deepest fears. The film's claustrophobic atmosphere and constant sense of impending doom serve to heighten the psychological stakes of survival. Bird Box's ability to manipulate the audience's own anxieties is a testament to its effectiveness as an expertly crafted psychological thriller.
- Actors: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Susanne Bier
- Runtime: 124 Minutes
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- Netflix
Fractured deftly blurs the lines between reality and delusion, spinning a web of paranoia and suspense. This psychological thriller places the viewer squarely in the shoes of its desperate protagonist, Ray, as he embarks on a frantic quest for truth and sanity. The intricate plot and skillful narrative manipulation serve to heighten the unease and tension, creating a relentless sense of dread. Ultimately, the film's exploration of how our minds can betray us is what sets Fractured apart as a masterpiece of psychological thriller cinema.
- Actors: Sam Worthington, Lily Rabe, Stephen Tobolowsky, Lucy Capri, Adjoa Andoh
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Brad Anderson
- Runtime: 100 Minutes
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- Calibre
Calibre masterfully examines the psychological ramifications of a horrific accident that sets off a chain reaction of violence and moral decay. The film expertly builds tension through its unrelenting atmosphere, presenting viewers with complex characters that oscillate between empathy and repulsion. The stark portrayal of guilt, desperation, and the depths people will go to protect their secrets cements Calibre as an exemplary psychological thriller. As the plot unravels and the protagonists' true natures emerge, Calibre leaves audiences questioning the limits of their own morality.
- Actors: Jack Lowden, Martin McCann, Tony Curran, Kate Bracken, Cal MacAninch
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Matt Palmer
- Runtime: 101 Minutes
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- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile delves into the dual nature of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, providing a terrifying examination of charm, deceit, and the mind of a monster. The film deftly navigates the many layers of psychological manipulation at the heart of Bundy's story, taking viewers on a chilling journey into the depths of human depravity. The impeccably crafted character study showcases the chilling ease with which a psychopath can hide in plain sight, masterfully manipulating those around them. This fact-based thriller offers a uniquely chilling perspective on the psychopathic mind, making it an unmissable entry into the genre.
- Actors: Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Haley Joel Osment, Kaya Scodelario, John Malkovich
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Joe Berlinger
- Runtime: 110 Minutes
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- Tau
6Tau challenges the notion of consciousness and artificial intelligence through its gripping, psychological narrative. The film focuses on the psychological struggle between a captive woman and a sentient AI, forcing both characters into a dangerous game of manipulation and control. Tau invites viewers to question the blurred lines between humanity and machine, just as the protagonist’s own mind is pushed to the brink by her harrowing predicament. By exploring ethical dilemmas and the potential horrors of unchecked technological progress, Tau secures its place in the pantheon of great psychological thrillers.
- Actors: Maika Monroe, Ed Skrein, Gary Oldman
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Federico D'Alessandro
- Runtime: 97 Minutes
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- In the Tall Grass
In the Tall Grass ensnares viewers in a psychological labyrinth that explores the terrifying implications of losing oneself both physically and mentally. The film's unnerving premise traps its characters in an endless, disorienting field of grass, where time and space warp in inexplicable ways. This sense of helplessness is heightened by the chilling presence of a malevolent force, fueling the film's relentless tension and terror. By manipulating its audience's own sense of reality, In the Tall Grass serves as a masterclass in psychological horror.
- Actors: Patrick Wilson, Laysla De Oliveira, Avery Whitted, Will Buie, Harrison Gilbertson
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Vincenzo Natali
- Runtime: 90 Minutes
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- The Woman in the Window
The Woman in the Window centers its tale of psychological suspense on a protagonist whose fragile mental state leaves her questioning her own sanity. This Hitchcockian thriller impeccably weaves themes of isolation, paranoia, and unreliable memories to create a disorienting labyrinth of intrigue and deception. The film's dizzying twists and turns keep viewers guessing until the very end, displaying the devastating mental toll that trauma and deception can inflict. The Woman in the Window cement its place as a compelling addition to the pantheon of psychological thrillers.
- Actors: Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, Anthony Mackie, Fred Hechinger, Wyatt Russell
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: Joe Wright
- Runtime: 100 Minutes
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- The Guilty
The Guilty skillfully employs a confined setting and real-time narrative to create a tension-filled atmosphere packed with psychological intrigue. The film's minimalist approach ramps up the intensity by compelling viewers to fill in the gaps through their own imagination, heightening the visceral sense of dread. As the protagonist attempts to resolve a harrowing emergency call, the layers of his own psyche are unravelled, exposing unsettling truths about his motivations and emotional state. This taut Danish thriller proves that less is often more in the world of psychological thrillers, leaving an indelible mark on its viewer's minds.
- Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke, Riley Keough, Paul Dano, Peter Sarsgaard
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
- Runtime: 91 Minutes
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- The Devil All the Time
The Devil All the Time unravels a twisted multi-generational tale of violence, obsession, and religious fanaticism, ensnaring viewers in a chilling exploration of human depravity. The film's richly drawn characters collide in a vicious dance of manipulation, power, and psychological turmoil, showcasing the cyclical nature of violence perpetrated within a small, rural community. The relentless intensity and harrowing themes generate an atmosphere of suffocating dread as each character confronts their inner demons, leaving viewers pondering the darkness of the human soul. This Southern Gothic thriller stands out in the genre with its gripping narrative and complex psychological underpinnings.
- Actors: Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, Sebastian Stan, Bill Skarsgård, Harry Melling
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: Antonio Campos
- Runtime: 138 Minutes
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- Intrusion
Intrusion thrusts its characters into a nightmare of paranoia, deception, and hidden agendas as they grapple with a home invasion that leaves them questioning everything they once believed. The constant undercurrent of suspicion and doubt keeps viewers on edge, examining both the characters' and their own instincts in an attempt to unravel the truth. As the plot unravels, the film vividly showcases how the mind can succumb to fear and mistrust, creating a suffocating atmosphere of psychological terror. Intrusion is a striking example of how the psychological thriller genre can deftly manipulate the boundaries between perception and reality.
- Actors: Logan Marshall-Green, Freida Pinto, Robert John Burke, Sarah Minnich, Mark Sivertsen
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: Adam Salky
- Runtime: 92 Minutes
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- Rebecca
12Rebecca, an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's classic novel, delivers a sumptuous Gothic romance enveloped in a shroud of psychological suspense. The film unravels a tale of obsession, jealousy, and the suffocating grip of the past, as the newly married protagonist is haunted by the specter of her husband's deceased wife. By delving into the crippling insecurities and crippling emotional manipulation at play, Rebecca crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and unease. This beautifully rendered psychological thriller enchants and terrifies in equal measure, proving its lasting appeal within the genre.
- Actors: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas, Keeley Hawes, Sam Riley
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: Ben Wheatley
- Runtime: 121 Minutes
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Emily the Criminal presents a fascinating character study of a young woman descending into a life of crime, as she grapples with her own identity and moral compass. This psychological thriller expertly examines the consequences of desperation and the lengths one may go to survive when faced with few options. By dissecting themes of self-preservation and the corruption of innocence, Emily the Criminal offers a thought-provoking exploration of the darker side of human nature. This captivating film stands out within the genre, providing an engaging and insightful glimpse into the dynamics of criminality and the human psyche.
- Actors: Aubrey Plaza, Theo Rossi, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Jonathan Avigdori, Kim Yarbrough
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: John Patton Ford
- Runtime: 97 Minutes
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- His House
- Netflix
His House delves into the harrowing subject of refugee trauma, expertly weaving psychological horror and social commentary into a chilling narrative. The film's exploration of grief, guilt, and the struggle to reconcile with one's past creates an unyielding atmosphere of dread and tension. With a backdrop of real-world horrors, His House presents a fresh take on the psychological thriller, as personal demons manifest in terrifying ways that challenge the limits of human resolve. This unique and poignant film solidifies its place in the genre with its compelling story and haunting themes.
- Actors: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith, Cornell John, Emily Taaffe
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: Remi Weekes
- Runtime: 93 Minutes
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- The Weekend Away
The Weekend Away expertly exploits the anxieties of traveling abroad, plunging viewers into a nerve-wracking tale of friendship, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth. This taut thriller sees the protagonist thrown into a foreign environment, where language barriers, cultural differences, and mounting paranoia exacerbate her already fragile mental state. By delving into the psychological fear of isolation and the vulnerability that accompanies it, The Weekend Away captures the very essence of what makes psychological thrillers so unnerving. This gripping film leaves a lasting impression on audiences with its relentless tension and unexpected twists.
- Actors: Leighton Meester, Christina Wolfe, Ziyad Bakri, Luke Norris, Amar Bukvic
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Kim Farrant
- Runtime: 90 Minutes
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- I'm Thinking of Ending Things
I'm Thinking of Ending Things plunges viewers into the depths of existential despair, crafting a surreal and disorienting experience that subverts traditional narrative conventions. Director Charlie Kaufman expertly manipulates time, space, and perspective, as the film explores themes of loneliness, regret, and the fickle nature of memory. This complex psychological thriller forces audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie at the heart of the human condition, leaving them pondering their own relationship with reality and identity. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is a haunting and enigmatic entry in the genre that lingers long after viewing.
- Actors: Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Toni Collette, David Thewlis, Guy Boyd
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: Charlie Kaufman
- Runtime: 134 Minutes
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- I Care a Lot
I Care a Lot exposes the dark underbelly of the elder care system, weaving a thrilling tale of deception, greed, and the corrupting influence of power. This razor-sharp psychological thriller challenges viewers to navigate the murky moral waters inhabited by its morally ambiguous characters, whose ruthless pursuits of wealth and status come at a great cost. By examining the insidious nature of manipulation, both within the system and interpersonal relationships, I Care a Lot provides an unflinching reflection on the predatory instincts that lie dormant within the human psyche. This fiercely entertaining film is an electrifying addition to the psychological thriller genre.
- Actors: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, Dianne Wiest, Chris Messina
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: J Blakeson
- Runtime: 118 Minutes
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- Spiderhead
Spiderhead meticulously explores the ethical dilemmas and psychological implications of scientific experimentation, as characters are placed in an inescapable trial of mind-altering drugs, love, and morality. The film dissects the concept of free will and the fine line between humanity and mere chemical reactions, leading audiences on a philosophical journey through the darkest recesses of their own psyche. As characters grapple with their constructed realities and the true nature of their emotions, Spiderhead transcends the boundaries of the psychological thriller genre, engaging viewers with its thought-provoking themes and compelling narrative.
- Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Tess Haubrich, Charles Parnell
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
- Runtime: 107
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- Hypnotic
19Hypnotic lures viewers into a disorientating world of mind manipulation and altered perception, as its protagonist becomes entangled in a sinister web of psychological control. The film explores the vulnerability of the human mind when placed under the spell of a skilled hypnotist, whose dark intentions threaten the very fabric of reality. By highlighting the ethereal nature of memory and the susceptibility to suggestion, Hypnotic presents a unique perspective within the psychological thriller genre. This mind-bending film keeps audiences enthralled with its evocative themes and mesmerizing narrative.
- Actors: Kate Siegel, Jason O'Mara, Dulé Hill, Lucie Guest, Jaime M. Callica
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: Matt Angel, Suzanne Coote
- Runtime: 89 Minutes
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COLLECTION10 LISTS
Psycho ThrillersAll about mindbending movies, shows, anime, games, etc. that climb into your head, poke around your brain, and leave you asking, "WTF did I just see?"
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9 MORE LISTS
Psycho Thrillers
All about mindbending movies, shows, anime, games, etc. that climb into your head, poke around your brain, and leave you asking, "WTF did I just see?"
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