Within the realm ofthrillersand suspense, it could be said the psychological thriller subgenre stands as the most beloved. What makes these twisty and suspense-laden tales that toy with the mind so enticing? Perhaps the appeal lies in their ability to intellectually challenge viewers, evoke a range of emotions, and provide an adrenaline-pumping experience. Dissecting the plot, understanding the characters' minds, and immersing oneself in a twisty plot, while anticipating the big reveal, create a thoroughly enjoyable experience appreciated by fans of this genre.
Netflixhas quite an appealingcollection of thrillers.For enthusiasts of movies exploring human behavior or spine-tingling thrillers, the streaming giant has no shortage of great titles. These movies will leave you feeling unsettled, in the best way, and utterly engaged in seeing how the stories they tell unwind.
18Leave the World Behind (2023)
Leave the World Behind
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Leave the World Behindsees a star-studded cast, featuring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Kevin Bacon, leading a psychological thriller underscored by powerful messages and political underpinning. Based on Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel, this film follows a family’s vacation disrupted by the sudden arrival of two mysterious individuals.
A Family Vacation Turns Intense
Sam Esmail’sLeave the World Behindprompts viewers to question unfolding events. Many unanswered questions pull them in, keeping them confused as the characters desperately seek an escape. This plot is thick, blending realism with mystery and giving viewers chills. Adrama drenched in dread, the feature also has a strong cast and a strong visual direction, offering a fully immersive experience.
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17The Platform (2019)
The Platform
Renowned for its unique premise and thought-provoking social commentary, the Spanish horror thriller,The Platform, stands as one of the best offerings on Netflix. Set in a vertical prison known as “The Hole,” this film follows the lives of inmates stacked on top of each other as they navigate the brutal and competitive environment, where survival demands violence and breeds desperation.
Class Disparity Turned Into a Sensational Thriller
The Platformgoes beyond typical horror fare designed to instill fear. Instead,it serves as a brutal and allegorical representation of society, where those at the top exploit those beneath, perpetuating the cycle of privilege and oppression. The confined setting and the scarcity of resources create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that highlights the darker side of humanity, effectively keeping viewers on edge. It is such a remarkable psychological thriller that provokes emotions and poses thought-provoking questions for viewers to ponder well after the credits roll.The sequel,The Platform 2, is also available on Netflix.
16TAU (2018)
TAUrevolves around Julia, a young woman who awakens to find herself abducted and confined in a futuristic smart housecontrolled by artificial intelligence. Subjected to a series of experiments by the enigmatic inventor, she attempts to escape her high-tech prison, ultimately forming an alliance with the A.I. itself.
Sci-Fi Thrills Steeped in an Unsettling Atmosphere
The success of this psychological thriller is attributed to its intriguing premise, outstanding performances, and high production value. Itcombines an unsettling atmosphere with a blend of psychology and science fiction, incorporating action, suspense, and dramato create a captivating sci-fi thriller. More importantly,TAUraises important and timely questions that prompt deep reflection about the dynamic between the protagonist and the AI. Indeed, their unconventional relationship brings heart and depth to the story.
15The Woman in the Window (2021)
The Woman in the Window
An agoraphobic woman living alone in New York begins spying on her new neighbors, only to witness a disturbing act of violence. Starring Amy Adams and Gary Oldman.
Joe Wright’s psychological thriller,The Woman in the Window, revolves around the agoraphobic Dr. Fox (Amy Adams), who lives alone in her New York City apartment and loves spending her time observing others. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes convinced she witnessed a crime across the street. As she commits to uncovering the truth, her journey leads her to question her sanity and reality.
A Deeply Disturbing Slow Burn
The Woman in the Windowisthe kind of psychological thriller that intrigues viewers with its slow-burn and moody narrative, leaving them agitated right from the beginning, eager to unravel the mysteries. While some criticize it as a less-than-stellar adaptation of A.J. Finn’s book, many appreciate its compelling storytelling, deep exploration of the complexity of the human mind, Adams’ committed performance, and its visual style that amplifies the sense of unease.
14Clinical (2017)
Clinical: Clinical is a psychological horror film exploring the tumultuous life of a psychiatrist attempting to rebuild her life after a traumatic attack. She becomes engrossed in aiding a new patient, only to uncover his disturbing past, leading to an unraveling of her reality.
Centered around a psychiatrist, Dr. Jane, recovering from a violent attack by one of her patients,Clinicalbecomes more intense when she accepts another patient with a traumatic history. As she delves deep into her sessions with this troubled patient, Jane begins experiencing unsettling andincreasingly intense hallucinations.
Full of Twists and Turns
Like many other psychological thrillers,Clinicalsucceeds in thrilling and scaring viewers through itsexploration of the themes of trauma, the fragility of the human mind, and the hazy line between reality and imagination. Its combination of psychological elements, dark and moody visuals, effective pacing, suspenseful storyline, an evocative musical score, and unexpected twists maintains a sense of tension and mystery throughout, keeping viewers invested in Dr. Jane’s ordeal.
13The Wonder (2022)
The Wonder
Set in 1862 Ireland,The Wonderfollows an English nurse (Florence Pugh) as she is dispatched to closely monitor a girl rumored to have survived without having eaten for days. During this demanding assignment, the nurse discovers a shocking truth about the girl’s family, compelling her to do everything in her power to save her.
A Thought Provoking Thriller
The Wonder shines through its historical backdrop and deliberate pacing, keeping viewers in suspenseabout the truth surrounding the young girl. Despite its two-hour duration, this film never loses momentum, thanks toPugh’s remarkable performance, an original and unpredictable storyline, and a score that enhances its overall impact. Spotlighting issues of abuse, trauma, and the extreme influence of faith, the psychological thriller delves into disturbing and thought-provoking territory.
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12The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
The Pale Blue Eye
Follows a veteran detective who investigates the murders, helped by a detail-oriented young cadet who will later become a world famous author, Edgar Allan Poe. Starring Christian Bale.
Adapted from Louis Bayard’s novel of the same name,The Pale Blue Eyefollows a world-weary detective, Landor, who arrives at West Point Academy in 1830 to investigate the mysterious death of a young cadet. Unable to get enough information, he enlists the help of a solitary cadet, and together, they realize they may have a killer on the loose.
Tracking Down a Killer in the 1800s
While the beginning ofThe Pale Blue Eyemay start slow, those patient enough to wait for the tension to build arerewarded with a solid detective and serial killer thriller. This psychological thriller manages to maintain an air of mystery from the beginning, growing even more intense towards the end. The mesmerizing presence of Christian Bale as the grief-stricken detective haunted by his past is another captivating aspect of thisgothic and macabre moviethat cuts deep.
11The Weekend Away (2022)
The Weekend Away
Set against the backdrop of an exotic holiday vacation in Croatia, this psychological thriller follows two friends, Beth and Kate, as they embark on their annual weekend trip. However, what starts as a fun vacation takes a dark turn when Beth wakes to find Kate murdered and becomes a prime suspect in her friend’s death. Now, she must dig deep to resolve the mystery and clear her name.
Wrongly Accused of a Friend’s Death
The Weekend Awayis guaranteed to keep many invested in Beth’s journey to uncover the truth behind her friend’s death.With its intriguing story and a plethora of old-fashioned plot twists, the film keeps viewers guessing about the eventual outcome of events.Leighton Meester’s outstanding performanceas a weary and vulnerable new mother further enhances the film’s appeal.
10In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
In the Shadow of the Moon
In the Shadow of the Moonis the perfect pick for anyone who enjoys films that combine crime-solving elements with sci-fi twists and is intrigued by time-travel narratives. Directed by Jim Mickle, this film revolves around a Philadelphia police officer obsessed with a series of bizarre murders that happen at nine-year intervals. As he delves into this investigation, he learns a shocking truth.
A Deadly Discovery While Traveling Through Time
The unique combination of genres and intriguing premise makeIn the Shadow of the Moonan ideal choice for fans of well-crafted and distinctive tales.The film excels in delivering its exceptional premise, featuring a tactfully written screenplay that brilliantly weaves mystery, drama, crime, and sci-fi. Specifically, the twists and turns in the film will entertain anyone.
9Fractured (2019)
After his wife and injured daughter disappear from the emergency room, a man becomes convinced the hospital is hiding something.
Fracturedfollows a man named Ray, who, after an accident, becomes convinced that his wife and his daughter have gone missing, only for the hospital to deny their existence altogether. As Ray becomes increasingly desperate to find his family, he becomes ensnared in a web of conspiracies and uncertainties.
A Chilling Mystery Told Through an Unreliable Narrator
Several elements come together to makeFracturedsuch a well-executed psychological thriller.Twists and turns, suspense and mystery, an unreliable narrator, and an anxiety-riddled atmosphere keep the movie engaging and mysterious.As Ray navigates the hospital’s eerie corridors, the movie maintains an air of mystery and chilling sterility. Sam Worthington’s convincing performance of Ray, a character ravaged by confusion and desperation, helps to sell this film overall.
