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Psychological Thrillers have a unique ability to captivate and unsettle, drawing audiences into a labyrinth of suspense, intrigue, and mind-bending twists. In this list of the 100 Greatest Psychological Thrillers of All Time, we’ve assembled the most acclaimed films in the genre, based on the highest ratings and reviews from both audiences and critics across the internet. These films dive deep into the complexities of the human psyche, often weaving a web of paranoia, deception, and intense psychological tension.
From Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful explorations of fear and obsession to David Fincher’s chilling portrayals of psychological distress, this collection of 100 films showcases the genre’s rich variety and depth. Whether you’re a casual film-goer, a film connoisseur, or somewhere in between, get ready to be enthralled by these exceptional journeys into psychological suspense and intrigue.
Disclaimer: These films are not ranked solely based on their representation of the psychological thriller genre or their status as definitive examples. Instead, they represent the highest-rated films within the psychological thriller genre.
Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.
Top10nerScore68.195 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve
WRITERS: Javier Gullón
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nicolas Bolduc
STARRING: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
Adam Bell is a history college professor. He is a somber man, largely because he is stuck in a routine, which includes a relationship with his girlfriend Mary. While watching a rental movie, he spots an actor who looks like him. These two identical men’s encounter will completely change their lives.
Enemy weaves a haunting psychological puzzle, exploring duality and identity through a suffocating, surreal atmosphere. Its nightmarish visuals and enigmatic narrative have left a lasting influence, challenging viewers and filmmakers alike with its lingering, unsettling impact.
Top10nerScore68.695 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alex Garland
WRITERS: Alex Garland
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rob Hardy
STARRING: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, Tuva Novotny, Oscar Isaac
GENRE: Science Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Cosmic Horror
A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.
Annihilation intricately blends psychological thrills with a hauntingly surreal atmosphere. Its innovative approach to sci-fi and cosmic horror creates a deeply unsettling experience, influencing the thriller genre by challenging conventional storytelling and perception.
Top10nerScore68.826 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alfred Hitchcock
WRITERS: Samson Raphaelson, Joan Harrison, Alma Reville
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Harry Stradling Sr.
STARRING: Joan Fontaine, Cary Grant, Cedric Hardwicke, Nigel Bruce
GENRE: Mystery, Romance, Psychological Thriller
Wealthy and sheltered Lina McLaidlaw falls for charming but reckless Johnnie Aysgarth, ignoring warnings about his intentions. After their marriage, Johnnie’s string of shady business ventures raises suspicions, and Lina gradually becomes convinced that he plans to kill her to claim her inheritance.
Top10nerScore68.966 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma
WRITERS: Robert J. Avrech, Brian De Palma
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Stephen H. Burum
STARRING: Craig Wasson, Melanie Griffith, Gregg Henry, Deborah Shelton
GENRE: Erotic Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
Jake, a struggling actor, is staying in his pal’s place after his girlfriend has walked out on him. The apartment happens to be equipped with a picture window and telescope, enabling him to spy on his beautiful neighbor Gloria, which leads to a baffling series of events with drastic consequences.
De Palma’s Body Double is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully intertwines voyeurism and suspense. Its stylish direction and intricate plot cement its status as a standout in the genre, influencing countless thrillers with its innovative narrative techniques.
Top10nerScore69.027 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Paul Verhoeven
WRITERS: David Birke, Harold Manning
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Stéphane Fontaine
STARRING: Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, Anne Consigny, Charles Berling
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Drama
When Michèle, the CEO of a gaming software company, is attacked in her home by an unknown assailant, she refuses to let it alter her precisely ordered life. She manages crises involving family, all the while becoming engaged in a game of cat and mouse with her stalker.
Elle captivates with its daring exploration of trauma and revenge. Paul Verhoeven’s provocative direction and Isabelle Huppert’s gripping performance forge a thrilling psychological labyrinth. The film’s audacious narrative and nuanced character study leave a lasting impact.
Top10nerScore69.197 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Cronenberg
WRITERS: David Cronenberg
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Irwin
STARRING: Samantha Eggar, Oliver Reed, Art Hindle, Cindy Hinds
GENRE: Psychological Horror, Body Horror, Canuxploitation, Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller
A man tries to uncover an unconventional psychologist’s therapy techniques on his institutionalized wife, while a series of brutal attacks committed by a brood of mutant children coincides with the husband’s investigation.
Top10nerScore69.266 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese
WRITERS: Wesley Strick
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Freddie Francis
STARRING: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis, Joe Don Baker
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Southern Gothic
After serving a 14-year prison sentence for rape, bibliophile Max Cady is being released and wants revenge for what he believes was a lousy defense from public defender, Sam Bowden.
Scorsese’s Cape Fear is a harrowing psychological thriller that delves into the twisted depths of vengeance and fear. With De Niro’s terrifying performance and Scorsese’s intense direction, this remake leaves an enduring legacy in the genre, blending style with unsettling menace.
Top10nerScore69.321 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Tom Ford
WRITERS: Tom Ford
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Seamus McGarvey
STARRING: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Drama
Susan Morrow receives a book manuscript from her ex-husband – a man she left 20 years earlier – asking for her opinion of his writing. As she reads, she is drawn into the fictional life of Tony Hastings, a mathematics professor whose family vacation turns violent.
Nocturnal Animals captivates with its tense, multifaceted story and Ford’s precise direction. The film’s intricate narrative and striking visuals create an eerie, immersive experience, exploring the intersections of past traumas and artistic expression, keeping audiences riveted throughout.
Top10nerScore69.465 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Dario Argento
WRITERS: Dario Argento
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vittorio Storaro
STARRING: Tony Musante, Suzy Kendall, Enrico Maria Salerno, Eva Renzi, Umberto Raho
GENRE: Giallo, Psychological Thriller
An American writer living in Rome witnesses an attempted murder that is connected to an ongoing killing spree in the city, and conducts his own investigation despite himself and his girlfriend being targeted by the killer.
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage blends Hitchcockian suspense with Italian giallo flair, crafting a chilling psychological puzzle. Dario Argento’s debut showcases his knack for stylish, nerve-wracking thrills, laying the groundwork for the giallo genre’s evolution.
Top10nerScore69.548 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Dario Argento
WRITERS: Dario Argento
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Luciano Tovoli
STARRING: Anthony Franciosa, John Saxon, Daria Nicolodi, Giuliano Gemma, Christian Borromeo
GENRE: Giallo, Psychological Thriller, Horror
American author Peter Neal visits Italy to promote his newest novel. However, a razor-wielding killer is on the loose, taunting Neal and murdering people in a gruesome fashion, just like the character in Neal’s novel. As the killings spiral out of control, Neal investigates the crimes on his own.
Tenebre expertly blends psychological thriller and giallo elements, crafting a taut narrative drenched in stylish, enigmatic violence. Dario Argento’s direction, coupled with a haunting score by Goblin, solidifies its legacy as a bold exploration of human paranoia and obsession.
Top10nerScore69.595 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brian De Palma
WRITERS: Brian De Palma
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ralf D. Bode
STARRING: Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen, Keith Gordon, Dennis Franz, David Margulies
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Erotic Thriller, Mystery, Horror
A mysterious, tall, blonde woman wearing sunglasses murders one of a psychiatrist’s patients, and now she’s after the prostitute who witnessed it.
Dressed to Kill stands as a provocative blend of psychological thriller and eroticism, skillfully capturing De Palma’s Hitchcockian homage. Its tense atmosphere, intricate narrative, and bold visual style make it a landmark in 80s cinema, influencing countless thrillers.
Top10nerScore69.622 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Mamet
WRITERS: Jonathan Katz, David Mamet
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Juan Ruiz Anchía
STARRING: Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Mike Nussbaum, Lilia Skala, J.T. Walsh
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Neo-Noir, Crime
A psychiatrist comes to the aid of a compulsive gambler and is led by a smooth-talking grifter into the shadowy but compelling world of stings, scams, and con men.
Mamet’s House of Games is a gripping exploration of deceit and manipulation. With its razor-sharp dialogue and compelling narrative, the film keeps audiences on edge. Lindsay Crouse delivers a remarkable performance, making it a notable entry in the genre.
Top10nerScore69.754 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alfred Hitchcock
WRITERS: Alfred Hitchcock, Eliot Stannard
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gaetano di Ventimiglia, Hal Young
STARRING: Ivor Novello, June Tripp, Marie Ault, Malcolm Keen, Arthur Chesney
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
A mysterious serial killer brutally murders young blond women by stalking them in the night fog. One foggy, sinister night, a young man who claims his name is Jonathan Drew arrives at the guest house run by the Bunting family and rents a room.
The Lodger stands as one of cinema’s earliest psychological thrillers, expertly blending suspense and atmospheric tension. Hitchcock’s debut shines with its innovative use of shadows, creating a chilling exploration of paranoia and identity that set a precedent for future thrillers.
Top10nerScore69.776 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Oliver Hirschbiegel
WRITERS: Christoph Darnstädt, Don Bohlinger
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rainer Klausmann
STARRING: Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, Oliver Stokowski, Wotan Wilke Möhring
GENRE: Prison Film, Psychological Thriller, Drama
Based on the infamous “Stanford Prison Experiment” conducted in 1971. A makeshift prison is set up in a research lab, complete with cells, bars and surveillance cameras. For two weeks 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards…
The Experiment dives into the dark recesses of human nature, presenting a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully explores the thin line between order and chaos. Its intense narrative and chilling performances create a harrowing examination of power dynamics and identity.
Top10nerScore69.839 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jordan Peele
WRITERS: Jordan Peele
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mike Gioulakis
STARRING: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Slasher
Husband and wife Gabe and Adelaide Wilson take their kids to their beach house expecting to unplug and unwind with friends. But as night descends, their serenity turns to tension and chaos when some shocking visitors arrive uninvited.
Top10nerScore70.073 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Brad Anderson
WRITERS: Scott Kosar
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Xavi Giménez
STARRING: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, Michael Ironside, Larry Gilliard Jr.
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
Trevor, an insomniac lathe operator, experiences unusual occurrences at work and home. A strange man follows him everywhere, but no one else seems to notice him.
An unsettling psychological thriller, The Machinist captivates with its haunting portrayal of a man unraveling under the weight of his own mind. Christian Bale’s harrowing transformation and Brad Anderson’s taut direction craft a chilling exploration of guilt and paranoia.
Top10nerScore70.691 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Gregory Hoblit
WRITERS: Ann Biderman, Steve Shagan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Chapman
STARRING: Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Andre Braugher
GENRE: Legal Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
An arrogant, high-powered attorney takes on the case of a poor altar boy found running away from the scene of the grisly murder of the bishop who has taken him in. The case gets a lot more complex when the accused reveals that there may or may not have been a third person in the room.
Primal Fear captivates with its intense exploration of guilt and deception. Richard Gere and Edward Norton shine in their roles, creating a gripping narrative full of suspense and surprise. The film masterfully keeps audiences on edge, making it a standout in the thriller genre.
Top10nerScore70.908 / 100
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DIRECTOR: M. Night Shyamalan
WRITERS: M. Night Shyamalan
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Eduardo Serra
STARRING: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright, Spencer Treat Clark, Charlayne Woodard
GENRE: Mystery, Superhero, Psychological Thriller, Low Fantasy
An ordinary man makes an extraordinary discovery when a train accident leaves his fellow passengers dead — and him unscathed. The answer to this mystery could lie with the mysterious Elijah Price, a man who suffers from a disease that renders his bones as fragile as glass.
Unbreakable reinvents the superhero genre with Shyamalan’s gripping psychological edge. The film’s meticulous tension and Willis’s subtle performance delve deep into identity and vulnerability, offering a profound exploration of ordinary heroism and existential dread.
Top10nerScore70.924 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Gerald Kargl
WRITERS: Gerald Kargl, Zbigniew Rybczyński
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Zbigniew Rybczyński
STARRING: Erwin Leder, Robert Hunger-Bühler
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Psychological Horror, Home Invasion, Crime
A troubled man gets released from prison and starts taking out his sadistic fantasies on an unsuspecting family living in a secluded house.
Angst offers a chilling dive into the depths of psychological torment. Its raw portrayal of a killer’s psyche and relentless tension make it a standout in the thriller genre, showcasing intense, atmospheric filmmaking and unsettling, immersive storytelling.
Top10nerScore71.041 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Yorgos Lanthimos
WRITERS: Efthymis Filippou, Yorgos Lanthimos
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thimios Bakatakis
STARRING: Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Nicole Kidman, Raffey Cassidy, Sunny Suljic
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Tragedy
Dr. Steven Murphy is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who presides over a spotless household with his wife and two children. Lurking at the margins of his idyllic suburban existence is Martin, a fatherless teen who insinuates himself into the doctor’s life in gradually unsettling ways.
Top10nerScore71.450 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Claude Chabrol
WRITERS: Claude Chabrol
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jean Rabier
STARRING: Stéphane Audran, Jean Yanne
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Crime
An unlikely friendship between a dour, working class butcher and a repressed schoolteacher coincides with a grisly series of Ripper-type murders in a provincial French town.
The Butcher is a chilling dive into the dark recesses of the human psyche, where the idyllic French countryside becomes the backdrop for a tense psychological thriller. Its slow-burn narrative and meticulous character study unravel the unsettling bond between predator and prey.
Top10nerScore71.452 / 100
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DIRECTOR: James Ward Byrkit
WRITERS: James Ward Byrkit
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nic Sadler
STARRING: Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon, Lauren Maher, Alex Manugian, Elizabeth Gracen, Hugo Armstrong, Lorene Scafaria
GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Science Fiction, Chamber Film
Eight friends get together for dinner while a comet is passing overhead. After a power blackout across the neighborhood strange events start occurring. Venturing out to investigate why a particular house has lights, the friends experience a troubling chain of reality bending events.
Coherence is a mind-bending psychological thriller that expertly blurs the line between reality and paranoia. Its minimalist approach intensifies the creeping dread, unraveling a story where every choice fractures reality, challenging the viewer’s perception at every turn.
Top10nerScore71.645 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Fritz Lang
WRITERS: Nunnally Johnson
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Milton Krasner
STARRING: Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Raymond Massey, Dan Duryea
GENRE: Film noir, Psychological Thriller, Crime
Gotham College professor Wanley and his friends become obsessed with the portrait of a woman in the window next to the men’s club. Wanley happens to meet the woman while admiring her portrait, and ends up in her apartment for talk and a bit of champagne.
The Woman in the Window excels in suspense with its intricate plot and masterful psychological tension. Fritz Lang’s direction weaves a chilling narrative of paranoia and obsession, creating a gripping experience that immerses viewers in a web of intrigue and uncertainty.
Top10nerScore71.764 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Alan J. Pakula
WRITERS: David Giler, Lorenzo Semple Jr.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gordon Willis
STARRING: Warren Beatty, Paula Prentiss, William Daniels, Hume Cronyn, Walter McGinn
GENRE: Political Thriller, New Hollywood, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
An ambitious reporter, investigating a senator’s assassination, realizes witnesses to the shooting are systematically dying and discovers a multi-million dollar corporation which serves as a front for the recruitment of political assassins.
The Parallax View delves into paranoia and conspiracy with razor-sharp precision. Its chilling exploration of political manipulation and personal dread is amplified by Alan J. Pakula’s taut direction and Warren Beatty’s brooding performance. A compelling, nerve-wracking classic.
Top10nerScore71.801 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Lynne Ramsay
WRITERS: Lynne Ramsay
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Thomas Townend
STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov, Judith Roberts, John Doman
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Crime, Psychological Thriller
A traumatised veteran, unafraid of violence, tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, his nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what may be his death trip or his awakening.
Lynne Ramsay’s You Were Never Really Here is a searing psychological thriller, blending visceral tension with haunting introspection. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a raw, evocative performance, driving a story that explores trauma with unflinching intensity and artistry.
