The 25 Best Movies Like 'Escape Room', Ranked By Fans
Photo: Escape Room / Sony Pictures Releasing

The 25 Best Movies Like 'Escape Room', Ranked By Fans

Jason Bancroft
Updated May 11, 2024 25 items
Voting Rules
Vote on the movies that fans of 'Escape Room' are sure to love.

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling cinematic journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat? If you're a fan of the heart-pounding suspense and intense psychological thrills of Escape Room, then you're in for a treat with this curated list of movies like Escape Room. These films have been handpicked for their similar themes and tones, promising to deliver the same adrenaline-fueled excitement that you love.

Picture this: a group of strangers trapped in a life-or-death situation, forced to navigate through a series of deadly challenges to survive. Sounds familiar? That's the premise of Escape Room, and it's also at the heart of movies like The Belko Experiment and Exam. These films were chosen because they feature similar themes and tones to Escape Room. As tensions rise and alliances are tested, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue, where the line between friend and foe becomes increasingly blurred.

But the excitement doesn't stop there. If you're craving more spine-tingling horror with a twist of mystery, look no further than I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House and In the Mouth of Madness. These atmospheric thrillers will transport you to eerie and unsettling worlds where reality is anything but certain. With their slow-burning narratives and haunting imagery, these films are perfect for fans of Escape Room who enjoy a more atmospheric and cerebral viewing experience.

As you explore this list of movies like Escape Room, don't forget to cast your vote for your favorites. Your voice matters, and your votes help shape the rankings, ensuring that fellow movie enthusiasts can discover the best of what the genre has to offer. And with convenient "Where to Watch" buttons below each film, streaming these pulse-pounding thrillers has never been easier. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a cinematic adventure like no other.

  • In the psychological thriller Hide and Seek, a widowed psychologist named David, played by Robert De Niro, moves to the countryside with his young daughter after a traumatic loss. However, their peaceful new life is disrupted when strange occurrences begin to happen, leading David to suspect that someone—or something—is lurking in the shadows. With its eerie vibe and shocking twists, Hide and Seek offers a tense exploration of grief, paranoia, and the darkness that resides within the human psyche.

    Similar to Escape Room, Hide and Seek features a scenario where what starts as a game quickly descends into a terrifying ordeal for the protagonist, who finds himself trapped in a game of cat and mouse with a mysterious adversary. As David unravels the chilling truth behind the strange occurrences, the film explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, resonating with the apprehension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's atmospheric cinematography and intense performances make it a gripping choice for fans of psychological horror.

  • 2
    20 VOTES

    Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy banker played by Michael Douglas, receives a mysterious birthday gift from his brother Conrad, setting off a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher. As Nicholas delves into the immersive experience promised by the game, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous journey where reality blurs with illusion, leading to unpredictable twists and turns. With its study of identity, perception, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, The Game offers a gripping tale of suspense and psychological intrigue.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Game presents a scenario where what starts as an immersive experience quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal for the protagonist. As Nicholas navigates the unpredictable challenges of the game, he finds himself trapped in a high-stakes situation where his survival instincts are put to the test. The film's suspenseful atmosphere makes it a compelling choice for fans of thrillers like Escape Room.

  • In the psychological thriller The Machinist, a factory worker named Trevor Reznik, portrayed by Christian Bale, suffers from severe insomnia and begins to experience hallucinations and paranoia. As Trevor's mental state deteriorates, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a mysterious accident at the factory, leading him down a dark and twisted path of self-discovery. With its haunting visuals and gripping performance by Bale, The Machinist offers a harrowing exploration of guilt, identity, and existential dread.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Machinist features a scenario where what begins as a seemingly mundane existence quickly unravels into a nightmarish ordeal for the protagonist, who finds himself trapped in a web of lies and delusions of his own making. As Trevor struggles to distinguish reality from illusion, the film delves into themes of psychological torment, isolation, and the search for redemption, resonating with the apprehension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's atmospheric cinematography and intense character study make it a compelling choice for fans of psychological horror.

  • 4
    15 VOTES

    In the suspenseful thriller Phone Booth, a morally compromised publicist named Stu Shepard, played by Colin Farrell, becomes trapped in a phone booth by a sniper who threatens to kill him if he hangs up. As Stu's desperate situation unfolds, secrets and lies are exposed, leading to a tense battle of wits between him and the unseen sniper. With its claustrophobic setting and psychological tension, Phone Booth keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the gripping conclusion.

    Similar to Escape Room, Phone Booth features a scenario where what begins as an ordinary day quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal for the protagonist, who finds himself trapped in a life-threatening situation. As Stu struggles to survive against an unseen adversary, the film examines themes of deception, manipulation, and the consequences of past actions, resonating with the themes found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's suspenseful atmosphere and intense narrative make it a compelling choice for fans of thrilling and suspenseful cinema.

  • 5
    15 VOTES

    In John Carpenter's iconic horror film Halloween, a masked serial killer named Michael Myers escapes from a psychiatric hospital and returns to his hometown to wreak havoc on Halloween night. As Myers stalks and terrorizes a group of teenagers, including Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, the small town of Haddonfield descends into chaos and fear. With its chilling setting and relentless suspense, Halloween remains a classic in the horror genre.

    Similar to Escape Room, Halloween depicts characters trapped in a confined space—a small town—where they must confront a relentless and seemingly unstoppable force of evil. As Laurie and her friends fight for survival against Myers, the film delves into themes of fear, survival instincts, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of unimaginable terror, resonating with the psychological tension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's iconic status and masterful suspense make it a timeless choice for fans of horror cinema.

  • 6
    14 VOTES

    In the home invasion horror film The Strangers, a young couple's romantic getaway to a secluded vacation home is interrupted by the arrival of three masked assailants. As the strangers terrorize the couple with sadistic games and psychological torture, the couple must fight for their lives against the relentless attackers. With its minimalist approach and atmosphere of dread, The Strangers delivers a chilling depiction of primal fear and the randomness of violence.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Strangers features a scenario where what begins as a fun retreat quickly turns into a nightmare for people, who find themselves trapped with no way to escape their tormentors. As the strangers toy with their victims, the film explores themes of vulnerability, helplessness, and the fragility of domestic security, resonating with the psychological tension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's realistic portrayal of terror and suspenseful pacing make it a haunting choice for fans of home invasion horror.

  • Saw
    Photo: Lionsgate
    7
    23 VOTES

    In the heart-pounding horror-thriller Saw, two men find themselves trapped in a dilapidated bathroom and forced to solve riddles and endure torment to survive. As the notorious serial killer Jigsaw orchestrates their ordeal, the characters are pushed to their limits both physically and psychologically. With its twisted puzzles and relentless suspense, Saw redefines the horror genre with its chilling examination of survival instincts and moral dilemmas.

    Saw shares thematic similarities with Escape Room as both films revolve around characters trapped in life-threatening scenarios where they must use their wits to survive. The intricate puzzles and moral quandaries presented in both narratives add layers of complexity to the storylines. Additionally, the films goes into themes of fear, survival instincts, and the darker aspects of human nature when faced with imminent danger.

  • 8
    12 VOTES

    In the supernatural thriller Devil, a group of strangers becomes trapped in an elevator, and it soon becomes apparent that one of them is the devil incarnate. As anxieties rise and suspicions mount, the characters must confront their sins and guilt while trying to identify the devil among them. With its claustrophobic setting and spiritual themes, Devil delivers a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Similar to Escape Room, Devil features characters trapped in a confined space—a malfunctioning elevator—where they must confront not only external threats but also their own inner demons. As the characters' secrets are laid bare and paranoia sets in, the film looks at themes of redemption, judgment, and the nature of evil, resonating with the psychological tension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's supernatural elements and intense suspense make it a compelling choice for fans of thrilling and thought-provoking horror.

  • Unhinged
    Photo: Unhinged
    9
    12 VOTES

    In the intense thriller Unhinged, a young woman named Rachel, played by Caren Pistorius, becomes the target of a relentless and unhinged stranger, portrayed by Russell Crowe, after a road rage incident escalates into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. As Rachel fights to protect herself and her family from the deranged stranger's wrath, she must confront her own fears and vulnerabilities in a desperate bid for survival. With its high-octane action and fear-inducing interactions, Unhinged delivers a heart-pounding thrill ride from start to finish.

    Similar to Escape Room, Unhinged features a scenario where what begins as a seemingly ordinary encounter quickly turns into a terrifying fight for survival for the protagonist, who finds herself trapped in a deadly game with a relentless adversary. As Rachel races against time to outwit the unhinged stranger and save herself and her loved ones, the film takes on themes of fear, desperation, and the primal instinct for self-preservation, resonating with the intensity found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's adrenaline-fueled pace and relentless suspense make it a gripping choice for fans of intense and visceral thrillers.

  • 10
    12 VOTES

    In the supernatural horror film The Ring, a journalist named Rachel Keller, played by Naomi Watts, investigates a cursed videotape that is said to kill anyone who watches it within seven days. As Rachel delves deeper into the mystery surrounding the tape, she uncovers a dark secret that puts her own life and the lives of her loved ones at risk. With its eerie and creeping sense of dread, The Ring offers a terrifying journey into the heart of supernatural terror.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Ring features a scenario where what begins as a simple experience quickly becomes a harrowing descent into madness for the protagonist, who finds herself trapped in a deadly race against time to uncover the truth. As Rachel confronts the malevolent spirit behind the tape and its insidious influence, the film explores themes of guilt, grief, and the consequences of curiosity, resonating with the apprehension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's iconic imagery and haunting storytelling make it a classic choice for fans of supernatural horror.

  • Hard Candy
    Photo: Hard Candy
    11
    20 VOTES

    In the chilling thriller Hard Candy, a cunning teenage girl named Hayley Stark, portrayed by Elliot Page, turns the tables on a suspected sexual predator, Jeff Kohlver, played by Patrick Wilson. As the plot unfolds, Hayley's initially innocent facade gives way to darker intentions, leading to a tense game of cat-and-mouse between predator and prey. With its examination of manipulation, power dynamics, and moral ambiguity, Hard Candy delivers a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Similar to Escape Room, Hard Candy features a scenario where what begins as a seemingly ordinary encounter quickly escalates into a terrifying game of survival for the characters involved. As Hayley takes control of the situation and turns the tables on Jeff, the film delves into themes of power, deception, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, resonating with the tense vibe found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's intense atmosphere and suspenseful narrative make it a compelling choice for fans of thrilling and psychologically engaging cinema.

  • The Cabin in the Woods
    Photo: Lionsgate

    In the horror-comedy The Cabin in the Woods, a group of college friends embarks on a weekend getaway to a remote cabin in the woods, only to find themselves ensnared in a diabolical plot orchestrated by mysterious forces. As they uncover the true nature of their surroundings, the friends must fight for survival against a series of nightmarish creatures and twisted traps. With its clever deconstruction of horror tropes and subversion of audience expectations, The Cabin in the Woods delivers a wild and unpredictable ride through the horror genre.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Cabin in the Woods features a scenario where what begins as a fun retreat quickly turns into a terrifying nightmare for the characters involved, who find themselves trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by unseen puppet masters. As the friends navigate through the horrors of the cabin, the film explores themes of manipulation, sacrifice, and the nature of storytelling, resonating with the psychological tension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's inventive premise and genre-bending twists make it a refreshing and entertaining choice for horror fans.

  • The Hunt
    Photo: The Hunt
    13
    11 VOTES

    The Hunt follows a group of individuals who find themselves being hunted down in a deadly game orchestrated by unknown assailants. As the hunted struggle to survive against their ruthless pursuers, the film's themes include survival, paranoia, and the consequences of unchecked power. With its tense atmosphere and relentless pursuit, The Hunt delivers a thrilling narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Hunt presents a scenario where what starts as a recreational activity quickly spirals into a terrifying fight for survival. As the characters become unwitting participants in a deadly game, they must rely on their instincts and resourcefulness to outwit their hunters and escape their dire predicament. The film's exploration of fear, suspense, and the human instinct for survival resonates with the themes found in Escape Room, making it a compelling choice for fans of intense and suspenseful thrillers.

  • Exam
    Photo: Exam / Bedlam Productions
    14
    19 VOTES

    In the psychological thriller Exam, a group of individuals competes for a coveted job position in a high-stakes examination. As they navigate through a series of complex puzzles and challenges, the darker aspects of human nature begin to reveal themselves. With its claustrophobic setting and intense psychological dynamics, Exam keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Exam shares similarities with Escape Room as both films involve characters trapped in a confined space, where they must navigate through a series of challenges. The competitive and high-stakes nature of the situations in both films adds an extra layer of suspense, keeping audiences engaged throughout. Additionally, both films go into the psychological aspects of survival and human behavior under extreme pressure.

  • Identity
    Photo: Identity
    15
    17 VOTES

    Directed by James Mangold, Identity follows a group of strangers who become stranded at a remote motel during a storm, only to realize that they are being hunted by a mysterious killer. As the night progresses, the characters' dark secrets and hidden connections are gradually revealed, leading to a shocking twist that challenges perceptions of reality and identity. With its blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue, Identity keeps viewers guessing until the gripping conclusion.

    Similar to Escape Room, Identity features characters trapped in a confined space—a remote motel—where they must confront their inner demons and fight for survival against a common threat. The film's intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, mirrors the suspenseful elements found in Escape Room, as the characters struggle to unravel the mystery of their predicament before it's too late. Additionally, the film's exploration of identity, guilt, and the nature of reality adds depth to its thrilling narrative, making it a compelling choice for fans of psychological horror.

  • In Would You Rather, desperate individuals are lured into a sadistic game where they must choose between horrific options to win a large sum of money. As the dilemmas become increasingly deadly, the contestants are forced to confront their deepest fears and morals. With its suspenseful premise and morally ambiguous characters, Would You Rather delivers a chilling exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances.

    Would You Rather shares thematic similarities with Escape Room, as both films involve characters being thrust into a terrifying game where their choices have life-or-death consequences. The claustrophobic atmosphere heightens the sense of dread in both narratives. Additionally, the films look into the darker aspects of human behavior when individuals are pushed to their limits in survival scenarios.

    26 votes
  • Cube
    Photo: Cube
    17
    16 VOTES

    Directed by Vincenzo Natali, Cube follows seven strangers who wake up in a maze of deadly traps with no memory of how they got there. As they struggle to navigate the labyrinthine structure, anxieties rise, and alliances form and crumble, revealing the darker aspects of human nature. With its chilling investigation of survival and paranoia, Cube keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the gripping conclusion.

    Similar to Escape Room, Cube features characters trapped in a confined space where they must rely on their wits to survive the deadly traps set before them. The film's claustrophobic atmosphere and intense psychological dynamics mirror the suspenseful elements found in Escape Room, making it a compelling choice for fans of thrilling and suspenseful narratives.

  • 18
    14 VOTES

    In the supernatural thriller The Others, a devoutly religious woman named Grace, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, cares for her two photosensitive children in a remote estate during World War II. However, their isolated existence is disrupted by a series of eerie occurrences that suggest the presence of malevolent spirits haunting their home. With its atmospheric setting and spine-tingling suspense, The Others offers a chilling exploration of grief, guilt, and the thin veil between the living and the dead.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Others features a scenario where what starts as a peaceful existence quickly descends into a terrifying ordeal for the protagonist, who finds herself trapped in a house haunted by vengeful spirits. As Grace grapples with the supernatural forces at play, the film explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the search for truth, resonating with the psychological tension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's haunting mansion and twist-filled narrative make it a captivating choice for fans of supernatural horror.

  • I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House
    Photo: I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House

    In the atmospheric horror film I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, a live-in nurse named Lily, portrayed by Ruth Wilson, becomes convinced that the house she's caring for is haunted by a malevolent presence. As Lily delves deeper into the mysteries of the house, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to consume her sanity and soul. With its creepiness, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House offers a haunting exploration of loneliness, mortality, and the supernatural.

    Similar to Escape Room, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House features a scenario where what begins as a routine experience quickly turns into a terrifying descent into madness for the protagonist, who finds herself trapped in a house with sinister forces beyond her comprehension. As Lily grapples with the horrors lurking in the shadows, the film delves into themes of isolation, paranoia, and the fear of the unknown, resonating with the thrills found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's haunting imagery and subtle scares make it a captivating choice for fans of atmospheric horror.

  • In the horror film In the Mouth of Madness, an insurance investigator named John Trent, played by Sam Neill, is hired to locate a missing horror author whose works seem to have a strange influence on reality. As Trent delves deeper into the author's mysterious disappearance, he finds himself drawn into a nightmarish world where fiction and reality blur, leading to horrifying consequences. With its mind-bending plot and Lovecraftian themes, In the Mouth of Madness offers a chilling exploration of the power of storytelling and the fragility of perception.

    Similar to Escape Room, In the Mouth of Madness features a scenario where what begins as a routine experience quickly descends into a terrifying descent into madness for the protagonist, who finds himself trapped in a world where the lines between reality and fiction are dangerously blurred. As Trent struggles to unravel the author's twisted reality, the film explores themes of existential horror, paranoia, and the power of belief, resonating with those found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's surreal atmosphere and unpredictable narrative make it a captivating choice for fans of psychological horror.

  • 21
    19 VOTES

    Directed by Michael Haneke, Funny Games is a chilling thriller that follows a lakeside vacation home terrorized by two deeply disturbed young men. As the family becomes hostages to the sadistic games of their captors, the film examines themes of violence, manipulation, and the nature of spectatorship. With its tense atmosphere and unsettling portrayal of psychological torment, Funny Games leaves a lasting impact on viewers.

    Similar to Escape Room, Funny Games portrays a scenario where what begins as an innocent encounter quickly escalates into a nightmarish game of survival. The film's exploration of fear, violence, and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion resonates with the themes found in Escape Room, making it a compelling choice for fans of psychological horror.

  • Bug
    Photo: Bug
    22
    18 VOTES

    Bug

    In Bug, a psychological horror film directed by William Friedkin, a lonely waitress named Agnes becomes entangled in a paranoid delusion with a mysterious drifter named Peter. As their shared delusion spirals out of control, they retreat into a world of conspiracy theories and escalating paranoia. With its claustrophobic atmosphere and unsettling portrayal of psychological unraveling, Bug offers a chilling investigation of obsession, isolation, and the thin line between reality and madness.

    Similar to Escape Room, Bug depicts characters trapped in a confined space not physically but psychologically, as they become ensnared in their own delusions and paranoia. As Agnes and Peter descend deeper into their shared psychosis, the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, echoing the phobias found in Escape Room. The film's disturbing atmosphere and examination of mental unraveling make it a compelling choice for fans of psychological horror.

  • Ouija
    Photo: Ouija
    23
    12 VOTES

    In the supernatural horror film Ouija, a group of friends unwittingly awaken a malevolent spirit when they use a Ouija board to communicate with the dead. As the spirit's sinister influence grows stronger, the friends must race against time to uncover the truth behind its dark past before it consumes them all. With its spine-tingling scares and eeriness, Ouija delivers a haunting tale of supernatural terror.

    Similar to Escape Room, Ouija features a scenario where what begins as a harmless game quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal for the characters involved, who find themselves trapped in a deadly confrontation with forces beyond their control. As the friends confront the malevolent spirit and its deadly intentions, the film examines themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of meddling with the supernatural, resonating with the ideas found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's suspenseful pacing and atmospheric dread make it a chilling choice for fans of supernatural horror.

  • Nerve
    Photo: Nerve
    24
    5 VOTES

    In the techno-thriller Nerve, a high school senior named Vee, portrayed by Emma Roberts, becomes immersed in an online game of truth or dare where players are challenged to perform increasingly risky tasks for money and fame. As Vee's participation in the game escalates, she finds herself drawn into a dangerous world of adrenaline-fueled stunts and sinister manipulation. With its timely exploration of social media obsession and voyeurism, Nerve delivers a pulse-pounding ride through the dark side of online culture.

    Similar to Escape Room, Nerve features a scenario where what begins as a harmless game quickly spirals into a terrifying ordeal for the protagonist, who finds herself trapped in a dangerous game with life-threatening consequences. As Vee navigates the treacherous challenges of Nerve, the film explores themes of peer pressure, identity, and the allure of fame, resonating with the intensity found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's fast-paced action and suspenseful narrative make it a thrilling choice for fans of techno-thrillers.

  • The Belko Experiment
    Photo: The Belko Experiment

    In the brutal horror-thriller The Belko Experiment, employees of a corporate office building in Colombia are suddenly locked inside and forced to participate in a deadly social experiment. As tensions escalate and alliances are formed and betrayed, the employees must confront their darkest impulses in a desperate bid for survival. With its relentless violence and provocative premise, The Belko Experiment offers a harrowing exploration of human nature and the dehumanizing effects of corporate culture.

    Similar to Escape Room, The Belko Experiment features a scenario where what begins as a typical experience quickly turns into a horrifying ordeal for the people trapped in the building, who must navigate a series of deadly challenges orchestrated by an unseen authority. As the office descends into chaos, the film explores themes of power, morality, and the brutality of survival, resonating with the psychological tension found in Escape Room. Additionally, the film's intense action and moral ambiguity make it a gripping choice for fans of visceral horror.