Must See Psychological Thrillers
by BigMezza827 | created - 10 Jul 2012 | updated - 18 May 2021 | PublicA list of my favourite psychological thrillers (My favourite genre) of all time, in no specific order. These are MUST watches for Psychological Thriller fans and anyone who enjoys a good movie.
The list will never be finished, I will keep adding too it, as I have not seen every single Psychological Thriller I want to watch yet.
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1. Oldboy (2003)
R | 120 min | Action, Drama, Mystery
After being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must track down his captor in five days.
Director: Park Chan-wook | Stars: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Votes: 636,074 | Gross: $0.71M
The best Korean film ever made, in my opinion. Simply a masterpiece. Although not for the faint of heart or easily disturbed.
2. Se7en (1995)
R | 127 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.
Director: David Fincher | Stars: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Votes: 1,799,587 | Gross: $100.13M
This movie was the movie that got me hooked on Psychological Thrillers. The combination of these two brilliant actors, Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, in this mind-boggling film is simply brilliant.
3. Fight Club (1999)
R | 139 min | Drama
An insomniac office worker and a devil-may-care soap maker form an underground fight club that evolves into much more.
Director: David Fincher | Stars: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Votes: 2,324,815 | Gross: $37.03M
Often considered one of the best movies of all time. Everyone should see this at least once.
4. The Usual Suspects (1995)
R | 106 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The sole survivor of a pier shoot-out tells the story of how a notorious criminal influenced the events that began with five criminals meeting in a seemingly random police lineup.
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin
Votes: 1,145,694 | Gross: $23.34M
Wasn't sure what to expect for this movie, although after watching it, I was blown away. Starts off quite slow, but the build up is worth the wait.
5. Phone Booth (2002)
R | 81 min | Crime, Thriller
Publicist Stuart Shepard finds himself trapped in a phone booth, pinned down by an extortionist's sniper rifle. Unable to leave or receive outside help, Stuart's negotiation with the caller leads to a jaw-dropping climax.
Director: Joel Schumacher | Stars: Colin Farrell, Kiefer Sutherland, Forest Whitaker, Radha Mitchell
Votes: 285,831 | Gross: $46.57M
Probably the first Psychological Thriller I ever watched, was too young to watch most of the others at the time, and didn't even know what Psychological Thrillers were. I loved it at the time, and still do to this day.
6. Saw (2004)
R | 103 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Two strangers awaken in a room with no recollection of how they got there, and soon discover they're pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer.
Director: James Wan | Stars: Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, Danny Glover, Ken Leung
Votes: 466,836 | Gross: $56.00M
Although some people consider this movie a Horror or Psychological Horror, I have no doubt in my mind that this is an amazing Psychological Thriller. Anyone who watched this movie for what it really is, should be able to tell this movie was not designed to scare the audience, it was clearly made to mess with your head, and that's exactly what it did! This movie is a must watch for everyone, simply genius plot and storyline.
7. Angel Heart (1987)
X | 113 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A private investigator is hired by a man who calls himself Louis Cyphre to track down a singer named Johnny Favorite. But the investigation takes an unexpected and somber turn.
Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet, Charlotte Rampling
Votes: 95,845 | Gross: $17.19M
Micky Rourke at his finest, a great watch, and definitely not to be forgotten.
8. The Game (1997)
R | 129 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
After a wealthy San Francisco banker is given an opportunity to participate in a mysterious game, his life is turned upside down as he begins to question if it might really be a concealed conspiracy to destroy him.
Director: David Fincher | Stars: Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger, Sean Penn, James Rebhorn
Votes: 429,532 | Gross: $48.32M
This is one of those movies where either you love it, or you hate it. Personally I loved it, and it really messes with your head. Michael Douglas at his best.
9. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
R | 102 min | Drama
The drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people are shattered when their addictions run deep..
Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Votes: 898,982 | Gross: $3.64M
Arguably the best drug-related movie of all time. Aronofsky's unique directing style captures you quickly, and you really feel the characters pain and struggle of their addictions.
10. Black Swan (2010)
R | 108 min | Drama, Thriller
Nina is a talented but unstable ballerina on the verge of stardom. Pushed to the breaking point by her artistic director and a seductive rival, Nina's grip on reality slips, plunging her into a waking nightmare.
Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
Votes: 825,036 | Gross: $106.95M
Often when first looked at by people who are not familiar with Aronofsky, people assume this is a girly drama-ballet movie. That is definitely not the case! Natalie Portmans performance in this was simply brilliant. Definitely one of the top movies of 2010.
11. Pi (1998)
R | 84 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
A paranoid mathematician searches for a key number that will unlock the universal patterns found in nature.
Director: Darren Aronofsky | Stars: Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman, Pamela Hart
Votes: 186,478 | Gross: $3.22M
My last Aronofsky film for this list. Truly brings out Aronofskys unique directing style, and shows what an amazing movie a director can make with such a low budget.
12. Memento (2000)
R | 113 min | Mystery, Thriller
A man with short-term memory loss attempts to track down his wife's murderer.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Votes: 1,323,229 | Gross: $25.54M
The best Psychological Thriller Nolan made in my opinion, and one of the most genius movie plots ever, without a doubt. A definite favourite for all of the die-hard mystery fans.
13. The Machinist (2004)
R | 101 min | Drama, Thriller
An industrial worker who hasn't slept in a year begins to doubt his own sanity.
Director: Brad Anderson | Stars: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian
Votes: 415,650 | Gross: $1.08M
Confusing, Dark and Ominous, everything you want in a good Psychological Thriller. You never know what is real in this movie, and that's one of the best bits about it.
14. Shutter Island (2010)
R | 138 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, two US marshals, are sent to an asylum on a remote island in order to investigate the disappearance of a patient, where Teddy uncovers a shocking truth about the place.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Votes: 1,457,320 | Gross: $128.01M
DiCaprio doesn't always come off as the kind of guy you would usually expect to see starring in a Psychological Thriller, but he definitely proves he can in this movie. This is definitely one of those movies you want to rewatch, it still astounds me how Scorcese can fit such a complicated story into 2 hours of film.
15. Insomnia (2002)
R | 118 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Two Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Martin Donovan
Votes: 319,225 | Gross: $67.36M
Robin Williams and Al Pacino, really the last guys you expect to see starring in a Psychological Thriller, and they amazed me in this movie. Definitely not one of the best Psychological Thrillers, but still a good movie worth a watch.
16. Gone Baby Gone (2007)
R | 114 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Two Boston area detectives investigate a little girl's kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally.
Director: Ben Affleck | Stars: Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan
Votes: 292,998 | Gross: $20.30M
Ben Affleck really proved he can direct a great movie with this one. A must watch with an ending unlike any other Psychological Thrillers.
17. Zodiac (2007)
R | 157 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Between 1968 and 1983, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree.
Director: David Fincher | Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards
Votes: 598,551 | Gross: $33.08M
One of my favourite serial killer movies. You really do get sucked right into the mystery theme of this movie, and want to know who the serial killer really is.
18. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
R | 113 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Evan Treborn suffers blackouts during significant events of his life. As he grows up, he finds a way to remember these lost memories and a supernatural way to alter his life by reading his journal.
Directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber | Stars: Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Elden Henson
Votes: 521,275 | Gross: $57.94M
A great captivating movie with quite a few shocking scenes you weren't expecting. Kutcher shows that he isn't just some cheesy guy who can only play the funny guy or the stoner.
19. Donnie Darko (2001)
R | 113 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
Director: Richard Kelly | Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Votes: 850,279 | Gross: $1.48M
My all time favourite Gyllenhaal movie, very trippy and confusing. This is a rewatcher for sure, and definitely not one to be missed out on.
20. American Psycho (2000)
R | 102 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
A wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.
Director: Mary Harron | Stars: Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Bill Sage
Votes: 715,910 | Gross: $15.07M
A great riveting story that will not displease. Christian Bale pulls off another great performance, and really sucks you into the demented, and psycho lifestyle of Patrick Bateman.
21. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
R | 118 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A young F.B.I. cadet must receive the help of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to help catch another serial killer, a madman who skins his victims.
Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine
Votes: 1,548,637 | Gross: $130.74M
Another amazing serial killer Psychological Thriller, with a great plot that is unlike any other serial killer movies you will see.
22. Funny Games (2007)
R | 111 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Two psychopathic young men take a family hostage in their cabin.
Director: Michael Haneke | Stars: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet
Votes: 103,856 | Gross: $1.29M
I picked the US version over the original, because English is my first language. And although I don't mind subtitles and enjoy lots of foreign films, in the end it's easier to enjoy a movie without subtitles. Besides that, this is an amazing movie. Michael Haneke truly knows how to control his audiences mind through ought this movie.
23. The Prestige (2006)
PG-13 | 130 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
After a tragic accident, two stage magicians in 1890s London engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Votes: 1,441,572 | Gross: $53.09M
A classic story of two magicians in a battle of the wits, each played by a brilliant actor. Christopher Nolan never seems to displease with his movies, a must watch.
24. Panic Room (2002)
R | 112 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A divorced woman and her diabetic daughter take refuge in their newly-purchased house's safe room when three men break-in, searching for a missing fortune.
Director: David Fincher | Stars: Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam
Votes: 296,974 | Gross: $96.40M
A very suspenseful move to say the least, with great performances from the leading actors. I've always loved moves with very simple plots that only take place in one room or house, it really puts and emphasis on what is happening with the characters. It could have been done a lot better in my opinion, the ending was a bit of a let down, but nonetheless a good film.
25. The Experiment (2001)
R | 120 min | Drama, Thriller
For two weeks, 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards in a prison. The "prisoners" have to follow seemingly mild rules, and the "guards" are told to retain order without using physical violence.
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel | Stars: Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, Oliver Stokowski, Wotan Wilke Möhring
Votes: 96,103 | Gross: $0.14M
A German movie based off the real Stanford prison experiments that doesn't disappoint. I'd say this was almost as good as the Netflix adaption of the Stanford prison experiments. It was suspenseful the whole way through, and I really enjoyed the ending. This one is a must watch for anyone who enjoys prison thrillers.
26. Gone Girl (2014)
R | 149 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.
Director: David Fincher | Stars: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Votes: 1,067,673 | Gross: $167.77M
One of the best Psychological Thrillers of recent times, Fincher never ceases to amaze. This crazy story will take you on twists and turns you never saw coming.
27. The Gift (VI) (2015)
R | 108 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
A married couple, Simon and Robyn, run into Gordo, an old classmate. Things take a turn when Gordo begins to drop in unannounced at their house and inundates them with mysterious gifts.
Director: Joel Edgerton | Stars: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton, Allison Tolman
Votes: 172,154 | Gross: $43.77M
A movie that seems to be lighthearted at the beginning takes on a ominous vibe that leads to a crazy ending you would never see coming.
28. The Invitation (I) (2015)
Not Rated | 100 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
When a man accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, the unsettling past reopens old wounds and creates new tensions.
Director: Karyn Kusama | Stars: Logan Marshall-Green, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Michiel Huisman, Tammy Blanchard
Votes: 119,116 | Gross: $0.23M
29. Get Out (I) (2017)
R | 104 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A young African-American visits his white girlfriend's parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.
Director: Jordan Peele | Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener
Votes: 697,190 | Gross: $176.04M
30. Mystic River (2003)
R | 138 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The tragic murder of a 19-year-old girl reunites three childhood friends still living in Boston--the victim's gangster father, a detective, and the disturbed man they both suspect of killing her.
Director: Clint Eastwood | Stars: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Emmy Rossum
Votes: 485,943 | Gross: $90.14M
31. Midsommar (2019)
R | 148 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
A couple travels to Northern Europe to visit a rural hometown's fabled Swedish mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.
Director: Ari Aster | Stars: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Vilhelm Blomgren, William Jackson Harper
Votes: 403,553 | Gross: $27.33M
32. Coherence (2013)
Not Rated | 89 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Strange things begin to happen when a group of friends gather for a dinner party on an evening when a comet is passing overhead.
Director: James Ward Byrkit | Stars: Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon, Elizabeth Gracen
Votes: 146,108 | Gross: $0.07M
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