It could be said that we go to the movies in the first place for the thrills. The desire to experience new stories put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, and live out exciting events that might otherwise never be possible. We long for escapism. But that’s not what psychological thrillers are all about. Psychological thrillers focus less on external adventure and threat and more on the interior worlds of heroes and villains whose grasp on reality is dangerously close to failing.
It can be hard to pin down which films are psychological thrillers and which are just thrillers in which the characters are motivated by their psychology, which is why we are focusing on films that are 100% thrilling and 100% rooted in psychological anxiety. From Don’t Look Now to Psycho, these are the best psychological thrillers that will provide food for thought.
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‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)
‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)
Directed by Leigh Whannell
A rare example of a remake that genuinely revolutionizes the story of the original picture, 2020’s The Invisible Man is a masterful reconstruction of a classic horror that uses its premise to address timely themes of the effects of domestic abuse and manipulation. Elizabeth Moss stars as Cecilia, the former lover of a controlling optics engineer who reportedly committed suicide following her escape from their house. However, when a series of bizarre and unsettling occurrences leads Cecilia to deduce that Adam (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) is still alive, she sets her mind to exposing the truth and bringing down her tormentor in the process.
Enhanced by Leigh Whannell’s use of lingering shots on empty spaces, eerie sound design, and a haunting score, The Invisible Man is an innovative and strikingly effective exploration of themes of control, trauma, and spousal abuse. Furthermore, its use of the concept of invisibility as a way to explore the lingering effects such trauma has on survivors is as chilling as it is palpable. It all conspires to make the film a heart-stopping and thought-provoking experience that is a testament to the impact remakes and re-imaginings can have when executed with intelligence.
The Invisible Man (2020)
- Release Date
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February 28, 2020
- Runtime
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124 minutes
64
‘The Lost Daughter’ (2021)
‘The Lost Daughter’ (2021)
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal
Based on the 2006 novel of the same name by acclaimed author Elena Ferrante, The Lost Daughter is a moving tale of tragic motherhood following a middle-aged university teacher (Olivia Colman in an extremely deserved Oscar-nominated role) whose beach vacation takes a wild turn as she begins to confront the troubles of her arduous past.
Although it is more of a psychological drama than necessarily a thriller, The Lost Daughter also resorts to elements of the genre to tell its dark story, and that is part of what makes it such an unsettling watch at times. Mental health struggles and trauma are evident in the Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed flick, as well as an intriguing handling of such a taboo subject (even these days). One of its strongest aspects is undoubtedly the writing, including how easy it is for audiences to empathize with Colman’s on-screen counterpart despite her choices being questionable to some.
63
‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016)
‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016)
Directed by Tom Ford
A stylish yet unsettling psychological thriller that explores themes of love, revenge, and regret through a multi-layered narrative, Nocturnal Animals is a tale of violence that is as grueling as it is gorgeous. It follows art gallery owner Susan Morrow (Amy Adams) as, on the eve of the opening of a major exhibition, she receives a novel manuscript from her estranged ex-husband. As the story of violence and brutality absorbs her, Susan is forced to reckon with the turmoil and unresolved tensions of her past relationship.
Tom Ford’s past as a fashion designer is on full display, with the movie imposing itself on viewers with its stunning production design that heightens every brutal beat and chilling twist of the film. At its best, Nocturnal Animals isn’t just operating as a thriller, but as an engulfing examination of the human psyche and how one’s past actions can reverberate through time. Realized with a pulsating ability to blur Susan’s reality and the fictional world she is becoming immersed in, the film is an unforgettable, compelling, and underrated addition to the timeless genre.
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‘Klute’ (1971)
‘Klute’ (1971)
Directed by Alan J. Pakula
Armed with an arresting intelligence and two note-perfect performances from Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda, Klute is a glistening example of the gritty intensity and atmospheric might of many of the best 70s thrillers. The neo-noir gem follows a small-town detective whose investigation into a missing person case leads him to a New York City call-girl. As Klute (Sutherland) tracks the escort, he learns that her life may be in grave danger.
Bolstered by the cinematography of The Godfather DoP Gordon Willis and the hyper-realistic presentation of the story that only amplifies its innate suspense and complexity, Klute is a gripping and grimy thriller that revels in its mind games and its sharp plotting. It embeds itself in the dark and dingy underbelly of big cities, leading to an entrancing tapestry of paranoia and fear that, coupled with its central character study and its stylish direction, makes for one of the most absorbing psychological thrillers of all time.
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‘Spellbound’ (1945)
‘Spellbound’ (1945)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring the one and only Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, this Alfred Hitchcock essential sees Dr. Anthony Edwards arriving at a Vermont mental hospital to replace an outgoing hospital director. However, when psychoanalyst Dr. Constance Peterson discovers Edwardes is an impostor, the man confesses Dr. Edwardes is dead and fears he may have killed him but cannot recall anything.
Although Spellbound is arguably not on the same level as other Hitchcock features, it is still an effort worth watching, standing out for its exploration of memory, identity, and trauma. The performances are great, and the filmmaker’s signature style is also a strong point. All in all, while Spellbound may lack the same sharp, iconic twists as some of the director’s other works, it is still a solid psychological mystery that captivates.
Spellbound
- Release Date
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November 8, 1945
- Runtime
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111 minutes
Cast
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Gregory Peck
John Ballantine
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Ingrid Bergman
Dr. Constance Petersen
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Leo G. Carroll
Dr. Murchison
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Michael Chekhov
Dr. Alexander Brulov
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‘The Babadook’ (2014)
‘The Babadook’ (2014)
Directed by Jennifer Kent
Although The Babadook also falls under the horror genre, its twisted narrative involving mental health is also very psychological. The plot centers around the recently widowed mother (Essie Davis) of six-year-old Samuel (Noah Wiseman) who falls into a deep well of paranoia when a children’s book titled “Mister Babadook” manifests in their home.
This supernatural psychological thriller surely earns a place among the most layered and complex in the genre, especially in how it meditates on the devastating consequences of loss and grief. The Babadook is a genuinely intriguing film that benefits from its strong central performances and gripping narrative. It’s difficult to remain indifferent to the story’s message about real-life tragedies, the way it perfectly taps into complex feelings, and its relatable characters.
59
‘The Innocents’ (1961)
‘The Innocents’ (1961)
Directed by Jack Clayton
Directed by Jack Clayton and anchored by its eerie atmosphere and tension that unravels through the story, The Innocents is a Gothic psychological supernatural horror starring Deborah Kerr. The story, which is based on the Henry James tale “The Turn of the Screw,” follows a young governess for two children who becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted.
One of the best aspects of The Innocents is undoubtedly Deborah Kerr’s central performance — arguably her career-defining — and stunning cinematography, which evidently play a huge role in helping the story come alive. Fans of psychological thrillers are in for a treat with this one, especially if they’re keen on unnerving and captivating ghost tales that are genuinely frightening.
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‘Prisoners’ (2013)
‘Prisoners’ (2013)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Hugh Jackman‘s Keller faces a parent’s worst nightmare in Denis Villeneuve‘s Prisoners. When his 6-year-old daughter Anna and her friend go missing, Keller decides to take matters into his own hands after Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) is forced to release his only suspect.
Prisoners builds a sense of dread throughout, making audiences feel an overwhelming tension as the story progresses; its haunting atmosphere isn’t the movie’s only strong aspect, though. Prisoners also excels in its performances and complex characters, as well as in how its narrative delves into themes of morality, justice, and the lengths a person — especially a parent — would go in the face of trauma and adversity. At its core, this layered thriller keeps audiences engaged on every level.
Prisoners
- Release Date
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September 20, 2013
- Runtime
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153 minutes
57
‘Ex Machina’ (2014)
‘Ex Machina’ (2014)
Directed by Alex Garland
A decade later, Ex Machina still ranks among Alex Garland’s most memorable and finest works, and understandably so. With beautiful cinematography and an engaging storyline, the film follows a young programmer named Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) who embarks on a wild adventure after winning a competition to spend a week at the home of his company’s CEO. He learns that Nathan (Oscar Isaac) has selected him to partake in a groundbreaking experiment and he must evaluate the capabilities of his advanced humanoid, Ava (Alicia Vikander).
Ex Machina is an incredible science fiction film that explores several thought-provoking topics throughout, delving into the nature of AI and raising questions about its consciousness while examining the ethical implications of creating these beings. It is undoubtedly a psychological thriller in that it delves into these themes intriguingly through its believable narrative, providing food for thought and inciting audiences to question the consequences of AI tech in a potential future.
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‘The Skin I Live In’ (2011)
‘The Skin I Live In’ (2011)
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
The Skin I Live In is also a solid pick and undoubtedly one of the best Spanish features of recent times. Antonio Banderas plays Dr. Robert Ledgard, a disturbed plastic surgeon who keeps a woman (Elena Anaya) locked in his mansion. She is subjected to numerous surgeries as Robert attempts to perfect his synthetic skin.
Although it initially may feel more like a horror film than a psychological thriller, it is clear that, as it progresses, The Skin I Live In is definitely a part of the category. The themes this revenge essential tackles include identity, the human condition, obsession, and how far we’re willing to go for those we love. Equal parts terrifying and engaging, The Skin I Live In is a compelling psychological thriller that incites audiences to face uncomfortable questions.
