The 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- 1Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
Horror has a name, and it's The Silence of the Lambs. Anthony Hopkins redefined psychopathy as the bone-chewing, manipulative Hannibal Lecter, who is sought by a young, ambitious FBI agent portrayed by Jodie Foster in this Academy Award-winning thriller. The palpable tension between Hopkins and Foster will keep you on tenterhooks until the last frame.
- 2Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
Enveloped in darkness, Seven unravels a grim tale of sin and punishment. The dynamic duo of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman shines as two detectives, who race against time to solve a series of ghastly murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. With an unforgettable twist ending, this David Fincher-directed masterpiece will leave you seeking absolution.
More Seven
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- 3Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
If nerve-rattling suspense is your cup of tea, look no further than Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Jack Nicholson turns the creepiness up to eleven as a writer slowly driven to madness in an isolated hotel. With eerie visuals and a spine-chilling score, this adaptation of Stephen King's novel remains the gold standard for psychological horror.
- 4James Caan, Kathy Bates, Frances Sternhagen
Misery traps you in the clutches of a fan-crazed nightmare, where Kathy Bates delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the obsessed admirer of a novelist played by James Caan. Adapted from the Stephen King classic, this chilling tale of obsession will make you think twice before accepting hospitality from a stranger.
More Misery - 5Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
When an unsuspecting adult meets a child with an uncanny ability to communicate with the deceased, the result is The Sixth Sense. M. Night Shyamalan's directorial debut catapulted him to success with a story that continues to send shivers down the spine. And let's not forget – "I see dead people" has become a pop culture staple.
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- 6Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
It's a mind-bending journey on Shutter Island as Leonardo DiCaprio's character navigates an insane asylum, causing the audience to question the blurred lines of reality and illusion. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, this psychological thriller keeps you guessing until the end.
More Shutter Island- #11 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
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- 7Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
The Usual Suspects weaves an intricate web of deception and crime, ruthlessly spun by the enigmatic character of Keyser Söze. With a star-studded ensemble cast and an Oscar-winning screenplay, this Brian Singer-directed film has rightfully earned its place in the annals of classic crime dramas.
More The Usual Suspects- #328 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 8Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
Fight Club is a cinematic punch to the gut that features an electrifying cast, led by Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, as the story navigates the world of underground fighting and the fractured psyche of the narrator. This cult classic, helmed by David Fincher, has sparked innumerable debates and fueled our deepest desires for anarchy.
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- 9Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
Alfred Hitchcock's seminal slasher film, Psycho, continues to leave an indelible mark on filmmaking and popular culture. Anthony Perkins takes on the persona of the unassuming-yet-unhinged Norman Bates in a chilling performance that stunned audiences worldwide. With innovative techniques and an unforgettable shower scene, the "Master of suspense" maintains his iron grip on the horror genre to this day.
More Psycho- #331 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #7 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- #85 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- 10Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
A thrilling addition to the suspense genre, Gone Girl will have you questioning innocence and guilt throughout its entire runtime. David Fincher's twisty adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel features a powerhouse performance by Rosamund Pike, supported by Ben Affleck. Gone Girl will leave you wondering who the true victim of this tale is.
More Gone Girl- #170 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
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- 11Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis
A harrowing quest for answers takes center stage in Prisoners. An incredible ensemble led by Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal drives this nail-biting thriller as a desperate father searches for his missing daughter. Director Denis Villeneuve's intricate storytelling hooks you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat against a backdrop of gut-wrenching tension.
More Prisoners- Dig Deeper...15 Captivating Movies Like 'Prisoners'
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- 12Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Ed Norton
Unraveling the labyrinth of truth and deceit is the task at hand in Primal Fear. Richard Gere guides the audience through this thrilling courtroom drama alongside a breakout performance by Edward Norton. Law, religion, and corruption collide in this acclaimed thriller as secrets unravel and the game of cat and mouse intensifies.
More Primal Fear- #186 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
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- 13Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah
The Bone Collector, a mind-bending 1999 thriller, fleshes out an intense cat-and-mouse chase framed around a serial killer's morbid fascination with bones. It combines forensic mystery with heart-stopping suspense, creating a spine-chilling labyrinth where death lurks around every corner.
More The Bone Collector- #30 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
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- 14Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
A thrilling, cerebral rollercoaster ride, Inception is the brainchild of visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan. This complex narrative delves into the depths of the human mind alongside an all-star cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio and Marion Cotillard. The film's striking visuals and enigmatic finale continue to leave audiences asking, "Is this the real world?"
More Inception- #321 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 15Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron
A masterful blend of horror and drama, The Devil's Advocate shines a light on the complicated world of law and moral ambiguity. Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves trade endless barbs as an unstoppable duo, leading this engaging puzzle that leaves viewers questioning their own perceptions of good and evil.
More The Devil's Advocate- #485 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 16Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow
Terrifying audiences for decades, The Exorcist has earned its reputation and place as a pioneer in horror films. With a groundbreaking portrayal of demonic possession by Linda Blair and an unforgettable performance by Max von Sydow, this movie reels you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Director William Friedkin left an everlasting impact on the world of horror.
- 17James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley
M. Night Shyamalan's Split introduced audiences to a chilling new antagonist: a man with no less than 23 different personalities, masterfully portrayed by James McAvoy. This thrilling psychological horror film truly showcases McAvoy's acting prowess while also serving as an unanticipated continuation of the director's film universe.
More Split- #48 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
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- 18Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
Steeped in gritty realism, No Country for Old Men pits hunter against hunted in a brutal West Texas landscape. The Coen Brothers' adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel showcases stellar performances by Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem. This Best Picture-winner is a chilling meditation on violence and the unstoppable march of fate.
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- 19Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey
A gripping tale of obsession and fear, Zodiac follows the elusive trail of a notorious serial killer. With a cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, director David Fincher delves into the murky depths of crime, unearthing a bone-chilling story that leaves a mark on both the characters and the audience.
More Zodiac- #499 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 20Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange
A tale of vengeance, Cape Fear pits a vengeful ex-convict (Robert De Niro) against the lawyer who put him behind bars (Nick Nolte), resulting in a pulse-pounding showdown. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this nail-biting thriller will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
More Cape Fear - 21Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward
As a wrongly-accused fugitive, Harrison Ford breathlessly navigates danger in The Fugitive. This thrilling ride of suspense and pursuit, featuring an Oscar-winning performance by Tommy Lee Jones, keeps audiences engaged while rooting for the protagonist's ultimate vindication.
More The Fugitive - 22Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto
American Psycho offers a razor-sharp portrayal of the insanity lurking beneath society's polished facade. With a haunting performance by Christian Bale as the depraved Patrick Bateman, this darkly satirical thriller will leave you questioning the true nature of the people around you.
More American Psycho- #639 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 23Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
In the bleak world of Mystic River, a tragic crime forever alters a close-knit group of friends. Clint Eastwood's brilliant direction and powerful performances by Sean Penn and Tim Robbins make this Academy Award-winning drama all the more profound as it explores themes of guilt, vengeance, and the consequences of inescapable pasts.
More Mystic River- #93 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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- 24Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris
Abandon hope and embrace anarchy in 28 Days Later, as a deadly virus ravages society and leaves humanity reeling from the rapid collapse. Directed by Danny Boyle, this intense and visceral take on the zombie apocalypse will leave you breathless and questioning the darkest depths of human nature.
More 28 Days Later- #476 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 25Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman
Revel in the hauntingly dark flavors of Hannibal, where Anthony Hopkins reprises his iconic role as the insatiable cannibal. Julianne Moore steps into Jodie Foster's shoes, as the twisted relationship between predator and prey continues to evolve. Director Ridley Scott maintains the essence of terror, while leading the audience through a world of sinister delights.
More Hannibal- #393 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 26Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt
A mind-bending exploration of causality, chaos, and time travel, Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys offers a mesmerizing ride through reality. Bruce Willis stars as a time-traveling convict, while Brad Pitt delivers an electrifying, Golden Globe-winning performance. This cult classic remains an influential force in sci-fi cinema.
More 12 Monkeys- Dig Deeper...Behind-The-Scenes Stories From '12 Monkeys'
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- 27John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet
In Identity, a deadly game of whodunit ensues as ten strangers find themselves trapped together during a violent storm. Directed by James Mangold, this psychological thriller features an ensemble cast, including John Cusack and Ray Liotta, and will leave you guessing until the end.
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- 28Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Eric Stoltz
What if you could change the past and alter your own history? The Butterfly Effect explores this intriguing premise, with Ashton Kutcher's character dealing with the unexpected and disastrous consequences of meddling with fate. This mind-bending psychological thriller pushes the boundaries of reality and leaves viewers pondering, "What if?"
More The Butterfly Effect- #444 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 29Anthony Hopkins, Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes
Serial killers lurk in the shadows of Red Dragon, another chilling installment in the Hannibal Lecter saga. Featuring Edward Norton and Ralph Fiennes alongside Anthony Hopkins, this suspenseful film directed by Brett Ratner will have fans of the series utterly captivated, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of a twisted madman.
More Red Dragon- #529 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 30Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter
John Carpenter's The Thing is a thrilling tale of isolation, paranoia, and shape-shifting aliens. Set in a remote Antarctic research station, the tension ratchets up as the crew confronts an extraterrestrial threat. With groundbreaking special effects and a sense of unrelenting dread, this cult classic continues to terrorize audiences today.
