Psychological Thrillers
The psychological thriller genre is one of the most intensely suspenseful, intriguing, and thrilling genres of film and literary fiction. Unlike classic mysteries, thrillers rely upon an exploration of character and the psychological state of mind of the protagonist. These stories are intense and always keep the viewer on the edge of their seat, curious to find out what will happen to the characters, how they will react to their environment, and how they will be able to solve their ordeal. Here are the top psychological thrillers that will keep you entranced:
Scream – Wes Craven
This 1996 classic horror movie is a masterpiece of suspenseful filmmaking. Starring Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, a teenage student dealing with a serial killer stalking her and her friends, the movie is a psychological thrill ride as Sidney and her friends enact a whodunnit as each leads is found to be a dead end. The film keeps you captivated from the opening scenes to the end and reveals new clues along the way.
Gone Girl – David Fincher
Gone Girl is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn, and it perfectly illustrates the psychological thriller genre. Starring Ben Affleck as Nick Dunne, who becomes a prime suspect in the case of his missing wife Amy, the movie weaves a web of lies and deception as the case unfolds. The audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster as Nick’s ordeal navigates through twists and turns with no obvious answers.
The Girl on the Train – Tate Taylor
The Girl On the Train is a psychological thriller based on the novel by Paula Hawkins. Starring Emily Blunt as Rachel Watson, it is the story of a divorced alcoholic woman who gets wrapped up in an investigation surrounding the disappearance of her ex-husband’s new girlfriend. The movie takes you on a journey as Rachel begins to piece together clues in an effort to find out what happened to Megan. The movie keeps the suspense throughout its duration and gives the audience insight into the characters’ motivations along the way.
La La Land – Damien Chazelle
This modern classic is the story of two aspiring Hollywood actors, Mia and Sebastian, and their efforts to make it in LA. The movie is a dreamy, whimsical romance, but it also delves into the psychological depths of Mia and Sebastian’s individual desires and insecurities. Throughout the movie, the audience is both dreaming with Mia and Sebastian, yet also trying to figure out their motives and questions of loyalty and trust. The ending will leave you consumed with emotion.
The Silence of the Lambs – Jonathan Demme
Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, the Silence of the Lambs is one of the most iconic psychological thrillers ever made. The film stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, an FBI agent tracking down a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. The movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as Silence of the Lambs puts on display some of the most sophisticated and complex characters in cinematic history.
Shutter Island – Martin Scorsese
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a US Marshall sent to investigate a mysterious disappearance on Shutter Island, this movie is a masterwork in suspense. It blurs the line between reality and fantasy, leaving the audience pondering what is going on until the very end. The intention of Shutter Island is to keep viewers guessing its central mysteries and to make them consider the true nature of what is actually happening.
Gone Baby Gone – Ben Affleck
Gone Baby Gone is a crime thriller based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. Ben Affleck directs and stars as Patrick Kenzie, a private investigator who is hired to find a young girl who has gone missing. As Patrick investigates the case, sinister and uncomfortable truths are revealed, causing him to question his role in helping to solve the mystery.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – Michel Gondry
This unique and creative movie follows Joel and Clementine, two people who have undergone an experimental procedure to erase each other from their memories. The movie follows the two estranged lovers as they explore the events of their past, uncovering secrets that send millions of what-ifs and how-comes spinning through the viewers’ minds. It is a truly captivating and inventive psychological tale.
Mother – Bong Joon-ho
Mother is an intriguing psychological thriller from South Korean director Bong Joon-ho. It follows Hye-ja, a single mother, who will do anything to prove her son’s innocence after he is accused of murder. The film is a clever and highly-stylized exploration of guilt, suspicion, and truth. The movie keeps viewers guessing until the very end as it reveals its dark secrets.
Memento – Christopher Nolan
Memento is an iconic psychological thriller written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Starring Guy Pearce as Leonard, an insurance investigator afflicted with anterograde amnesia, Memento is a unique and creative film told out of sequence. When Leonard sets out to investigate the murder of his wife, he begins discovering clues that lead to some unpleasant truths. The movie is highly intense and makes viewers consider the complex emotions felt by Leonard.
These are just some of the best psychological thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From classic Wes Craven horror flicks to more experimental films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the psychological thriller genre has something for everyone. No matter what you’re looking for, these movies will guarantee an exciting, suspenseful, and thought-provoking ride.
