Classic horror movies full of death and horror always give us goosebumps and make our hearts beat faster.
But the truth is, sometimes a real mind-blowing movie is the highest form of escapism, making us think as we pull the covers closer to our faces. We are left wide-eyed at the deceit and suspense in these films, and we are horrified by the dark and twisted stories.
We love films that are not afraid to explore the mysteries and dark corners of the human mind. For this list of the best psychological thrillers of all time, we’ve rounded up entertaining feature films that do the remarkable feat of turning what’s inside into breathtaking cinematography. You can easily explore this genre by subscribing to a streaming service, or taking the less costly route and opting for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that have such options such as Cox cable.
Much of the drama and dynamics of a psychological thriller comes from what goes on in the minds of the characters as they deal with things like paranoia, trauma, delusions, prejudice, addiction, and abuse.
Without much further ado, let us get into our top picks for best psychological thrillers to watch this weekend:
1. Memento (2000)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film tells the story of a man with short-term amnesia who is on a mission to find his wife’s killer. The film’s unique storytelling style, in which the scenes unfold in reverse chronological order, creates an immersive and captivating experience.
2. Shutter Island (2010)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film follows two US marshals who investigate the disappearance of a patient from a psychiatric ward on Shutter Island. As they delve deeper into the case, they begin to question the truth and their own sanity.
3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
This is a film directed by Jonathan Demme, it is about an FBI agent tasked with tracking down a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. The film offers tense psychological games between a police officer and the infamous cannibal psychiatrist Dr. Robbie. Hannibal Lecter.
4. Psycho (1960)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film is considered a classic of the psychological thriller genre. It follows Marion Crane as she steals money from her employer and goes on the run, ending up at the Bates Motel where she meets the infamous Norman Bates.
5. Gone Girl (2014)
It is a film directed by David Fincher and based on the best-selling book by Gillian Flynn. It follows the disappearance of Amy Dunn and the subsequent investigation, which focuses on her husband, Nick Dunn. The film is a twisted tale of deceit, obsession and manipulation that will keep you on your toes until the very end.
6. Black Swan (2010)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film is about a ballerina who is assigned the lead role in Swan Lake. As she becomes more and more immersed in the role, she begins to hallucinate and engages in a psychological battle with herself.
7. The Girl on the Train (2016)
Directed by Tate Taylor, this film is based on the best-selling book by Paula Hawkins. It follows a divorced woman who becomes obsessed with the seemingly perfect couple she sees every day from her commuter train, only to find herself trapped in a dangerous and deadly web of deceit.
8. The Prestige (2006)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film follows two rival wizards in late 19th century London who will stop at nothing to uncover each other’s secrets and become the greatest wizard of all time. With twists and turns around every corner, The Prestige is a gripping exploration of the obsession and struggle people go through to achieve their goals.
9. Parasite (2019)
Witty, terrifying, tragic, suspenseful, erotic, gritty and obsessively hilariously entertaining crime thriller. Bong Joon Ho explores the internationally pressing issue of classism. After a stunning, well-deserved top prize at the SAG Awards, Parasite became the first foreign language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
10. The Bababdook (2014)
Kent gets a lot of things right about the film, starting with the precarious emotional state that Amelia and Samuel are in from the start. In some ways, Samuel’s behavior and even his very existence is a complete insult to Amelia and the memory of her late husband. You can see her asking the question every parent asks at some point: “How did I give birth to this creature?”
The introduction of Babadook into this fragile dynamic creates an almost unbearable tension. Kent knows that silence and shadows often work much better than the startle response, and the atmosphere of unease in the home is very palpable.
The film teeters on the fine line between psychological and supernatural horror for most of its length, leaving viewers to wonder if the Babadook is real or a fantasy of the crumbling ghosts of this mother and son. As they descend into an almost co-dependent psychosis in the second half of the film, the story takes on a tragic undertone that is just as powerful as its more frightening elements.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best psychological thrillers to watch. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or just looking for a mind-bending movie experience, these films are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
