Best Psychological Thrillers
If you’re looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make your heart race, you’ve come to the right place. Psychological thrillers are a unique breed of film that combine the tension and mystery of a suspense movie with the emotional complexity and character development of a drama. While you can expect a certain level of gore or jump-scares from horror films, psychological thrillers rely heavily on a character’s internal struggle, giving them a more cerebral edge.
The 10 Best Psychological Thrillers of All Time
Psychological thrillers can be slow-burn or misleading, but no matter the type, they all make you ask yourself, “What would I do in that situation?” To help you find the perfect mind-bending flick, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best psychological thrillers of all time.
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Se7en (1995):
Starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow, this award-winning classic follows two detectives as they investigate a series of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. The film forces viewers to grapple with what morality looks like in an immoral world, as well as the nature of redemption. -
The Silence of the Lambs (1991):
Directed by Jonathan Demme and based on a Thomas Harris novel of the same name, The Silence of the Lambs is an unforgettable affair. If there’s anyone to thank for the lasting horror movie trope of the cannibalistic serial killer, it’s this movie. Anthony Hopkins plays the unhinged psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter, who helps the FBI catch Jame Gumb (Ted Levine) in exchange for his freedom.
3.Memento (2000):
Memento is perhaps the most praised psychological thriller of all time, written and directed by the legendary Christopher Nolan. Starring Guy Pearce, this mind-bending story follows a man who has to use post-it notes, tattoos and Polaroid photographs to retrace his steps and get revenge on the murderers of his wife.
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Oldboy (2003):
Oldboy, the story of a man who is inexplicably imprisoned in a hotel room for 15 years, remains one of the absolute best psychological thrillers ever made. This intense Korean movie is the second chapter of director Park Chan-wook’s revenge trilogy, and it centers around the themes of identity, vengeance, and moral ambiguity. -
The Machinist (2004):
Christian Bale stars in this psychological thriller, in which a man slowly unravels as he works overnight shifts in a machine shop. After months of insomnia and paranoia, our protagonist comes to understand the troubled past he shares with his co-workers. -
Donnie Darko (2001):
An irregular sci-fi-horror–thriller hybrid, Donnie Darko is the story of a troubled teen who encounters a horrifying vision and decides to use his newfound understanding to avert an impending apocalypse. Filled with symbolism and free-form experimentation, this movie will make you think hard and long. -
Shutter Island (2010):
Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island is as beautiful as it is terrifying. It follows two U.S. marshals as they investigate the disappearance of an inmate on an isolated island. As the two men get closer to the truth, all of the conspiracy theories, hallucinations and memories come alive in this all-encompassing tale of the Mind’s underlying darkness. -
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009):
If there’s any movie that proves psychological thrillers can be based on novels, this is it. Adapted from Stieg Larsson’s book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo follows a journalist and a young computer hacker as they team up to solve a family mystery. It’s filled with suspense and there’s an interesting twist at the end. -
Psycho (1960):
Perhaps the quintessential psychological thriller, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho changed the way filmmakers approach tension and violence forever. Even after decades of imitators, the movie never stops being unnerving, as it follows the release of a woman on the run after robbing a bank and then checking into the notorious Bates Hotel. -
Zodiac (2007):
Another masterful film from director David Fincher, Zodiac follows the entangled lives of those connected to the Zodiac killer, the mysterious San Francisco serial murderer. Fincher uses factual elements to explore both obsession and frustration as those closest to the case try to decipher the truth.
Must-Have Elements of a Psychological Thriller
For a movie to truly be considered a true psychological thriller, there are certain aspects that must be included. These elements can add depth, tension and dread to the story, ensuring that viewers are hooked until the very end.
Suspense and Shock Value:
Psychological thrillers will always employ tension and shocks but really great ones combine both. Some classic techniques for creating suspense include introducing a ticking clock, exploring the concept of Perception vs Reality and raising the stakes with each story twist.
Ambiguity of Good and Evil:
Psychological thrillers are all about exploring morality, and often depict good people making evil choices. This leaves the audience grappling with the persona of characters, and how far the protagonist is willing to go for the greater good.
Surprising Twists and Turns:
Audiences love a good surprise and psychological thrillers can often deliver unexpected twists that leave viewers guessing. Remember to hint at these changes throughout the story, so that when the story finally reveals its face, you can be sure your audience will be clamoring for more.
Character Exploration:
Unlike other thrillers or horror movies, psychological thrillers use exploration of a character’s psyche to unsettle the viewer. What makes us afraid? Where do we draw the line between good and evil? If a character’s morals are constantly shifting and they are capable of more than they thought they were, the result can be a gripping psychological thriller.
Psychological thrillers go beyond surface level horror, instead offering up complex character development and moral exploration. So if you’re looking for a movie that will both disturb and captivate you, these 10 classic psychological thrillers are sure to deliver. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for pulse-racing suspense or slow-burn thrills. And if you want to learn more about the elements that make a psychological thriller truly great, be sure to keep an eye out for movies that feature suspense, shock value, surprise twists, and character exploration.
