The 90 Best Psychological Thriller TV Shows
- 1Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
Helmed by David Fincher, Mindhunter takes places in the early days of criminal profiling. FBI Agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench are joined by psychologist Wendy Carr as they interview imprisoned serial killers to learn more about what makes them tick. Based on a book by a former FBI Agent and featuring depictions of real life serial killers, the series has received critical acclaim for its slow burn pace and attention to detail.
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- 2Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne
The stylist and well constructed Hannibal was an instant hit with audiences and critics. The series revolves around investigator Jack Crawford's hunt for prolific serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen's indescribable relationship as criminal profiler and serial killer marks the focal point of this psycho killer series.
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- 3Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee
What if there was a serial killer that killed serial killers? Dexter was irreparably damaged at age three, causing lifelong urges he couldn't quell. To satisfy them yet remain “good", he becomes a forensic analyst for the Miami PD and moonlights as a vigilante killer. Watching Dexter struggle to hide his irregularities and connect with people on a human level marks quite a twist in the world of psychological thriller shows.
- 4Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton
An anthology miniseries consisting of two mind bending TV shows so far, The Haunting of Hill House manages to be terrifying and heart wrenching at the same time. Season one features the Crain family, who grew up in a house with paranormal activity and reunite after going on different strikingly different paths in life. Season two is actually an adaptation of Henry James's The Turn of the Screw and follows an au pair who begins to see apparitions at the manor.
- 5Daniel Kaluuya, Toby Kebbell, Rory Kinnear
Black Mirror took the world by storm when it first aired. Each episode of the British TV series functions independently and tells dystopian stories, often with a cruel ending. Sometimes the focus of the episode is politics, sometimes love, sometimes revenge - but the running theme is the double-edged sword of an increasingly digital society. Black Mirror's ability to suck the audience into their tech-obsessed worlds before twisting a knife into their hearts has made this one of the most acclaimed and influential series of the 2010s.
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- 6Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie
A pretty face can get you pretty far. You, starring Penn Badgley, may be about a deranged stalker serial killer, but audiences have simultaneously become obsessed with the character in question. Using social media to track the objects of his affection, Joe Goldberg hunts the city for prey while also being an unassuming bookstore manager.
- 7Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott
The intricate and charismatic Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Holmes and Watson. Through each episode, they unravel puzzling mysteries often pulled from the original works. The chemistry between leads as well as Cumberbatch's sharp interpretation of Holmes makes this an addicting binge watch.
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- 8Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot
Bates Motel is set in modern day and is essentially a prequel to the infamous Psycho. The series chronicles the childhood of Norman Bates, answering questions as to what made him the way he was. Through psychological manipulation, fear tactics, and an in-depth look at way-too-close familial bonds, Bates Motel makes sure audiences can't look away.
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- 9Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci
Touted as a take on Lord of the Flies, Yellowjackets is about a group of high school soccer players that crash land in the wilderness and must survive. Though the main events of the series are set in 1996, the show also follows their “current” lives in 2021.
- 10Bill Pullman, Jessica Hecht, Frances Fisher
The Sinner was so popular upon release that it was turned from a miniseries to an anthology. Detective Harry Ambrose, played by Bill Pullman, solves crimes while discerning the motivation behind each case. A whodunnit with teeth, The Sinner enchants with sharp performances and twisty narratives.
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- 11Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, Carmen Ejogo
Each season of the popular True Detective follows a new cast and new stories. The first season, and arguably the best, stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana detectives in a nonlinear narrative. The mesmerizing psychological drama has three unique seasons with their own charms.
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- 12Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton, Taissa Farmiga
Along with Black Mirror, American Horror Story is the biggest contributor to the rise of anthologies. Running the gamut of tropes, we've seen witches, cults, haunted hotels, and more. With each season taking on a different spooky narrative, the Ryan Murphy series is creepy, compelling, and a little camp.
- 13Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn, Jördis Triebel
Though Dark starts with the fairly normal premise of a child's disappearance, it evolves into a psychological thriller involving a time travel conspiracy. It serves as Netflix's first original German-language series. The underrated thriller was acclaimed by critics for its story, creativity, score, and satisfying conclusion.
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- 14Gillian Anderson, Jamie Dornan, Colin Morgan
The Fall features the cat-and-mouse game of a detective and her target. Seeing both the police and killer at work as they dance around each other is a unique perspective of the serial killer genre, as most are obsessed with finding the identity of the killer. Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan show off their magnetic chemistry in this BBC thriller.
More The Fall- #25 of 109 onThe Best British Detective Series
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- 15Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown
Serving horror, drama, 1980s aesthetics, and the power of friendship, Stranger Things has achieved immense popularity as one of Netflix's flagship shows. The series is set in Hawkins, Indiana and brings together an ensemble cast to fight the demonic forces of the “Upside Down.”
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- 16Amy Adams, Chris Messina, Patricia Clarkson
Based on the Gillian Flynn best seller, Sharp Objects takes acclaimed actress Amy Adams and puts her in one of her juiciest roles yet. Camille Preaker is a crime reporter with a lot of vices. Tasked with investigating the murder of two girls in her hometown, she learns to face the fears that come with returning to your roots. The show is dark, cinematographically appealing, and full of plot twists.
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- 17Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw
An adaptation of Luke Jennings's Villanelle series, Killing Eve was brought to life by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Featuring a breakout appearance by Jodie Comer and continued excellence from Sandra Oh, the international thriller takes place on location in several different countries in stylish, comedic, and intoxicating fashion.
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- 18Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Josh Hartnett
Penny dreadful steps firmly into horror drama territory. Using public domain characters like Dorian Gray and Count Dracula, the show explores their origin stories using the main characters's quest as a vehicle. Penny Dreadful doesn't take itself too seriously, playing around with these famous characters while telling bloody tales.
More Penny Dreadful - 19Juno Temple, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Each season of anthology series Fargo takes inspiration from a different Coen Brothers film. The first season with Billy Bob Thornton and Allison Tolman received widespread acclaim for the way it was able to enrich an already classic movie. Various heavyweight actors have been drawn to the show including Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, Chris Rock, and Jon Hamm.
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- 20Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Patricia ArquetteIn a world where work-life balance takes on a whole new meaning, Severance explores the intriguing concept of surgically separating employees' professional and personal lives. This darkly comedic drama, which has garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, delves into the ethical implications and psychological consequences of such a procedure. Mark Scout (Adam Scott) serves as the protagonist, struggling to navigate his bifurcated existence within the enigmatic Lumon Industries. The talented ensemble cast, including Patricia Arquette and John Turturro, brings depth and nuance to their complex characters, while the show's sharp writing and thought-provoking themes keep viewers thoroughly engaged.More Severance
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- 21Christian Slater, Rami Malek, Portia Doubleday
Though Mr. Robot originally started as a feature film idea, creator Sam Esmail realized the premise was expansive enough to warrant a full series. Using experimental editing techniques like jump cuts, jumbled scenes, and random take lengths, the show is able to portray the frazzled world of hacker Elliot Alderson as he joins the world of hacktivists.
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- 22Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Dermot CrowleyIn the shadowy streets of London, a complex and compelling crime drama unfolds as a determined detective navigates the depths of humanity's darkest corners. Luther, anchored by the critically acclaimed performance of Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, delves into the intricate world of psychological crime-solving. The series has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. With its gripping narrative and exceptional ensemble cast, this gritty British series explores the blurred lines between right and wrong, challenging viewers to question their own moral compass. All the while, Luther manages to keep audiences enthralled and intrigued, leaving them eager for more.More Luther
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- 23Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John NobleFringe, a thrilling science-fiction series, delves into the mysterious world of unexplained phenomena and fringe science. With five seasons of mind-bending storytelling, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base and multiple award nominations, including Primetime Emmy Awards. Centered around the complex lives of FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his genius son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), the trio investigates peculiar cases that challenge the boundaries of reality. As they uncover the truth behind these enigmatic events, Fringe masterfully weaves together parallel universes, alternate timelines, and intriguing character arcs, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that keeps audiences enthralled throughout its run.More Fringe
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- 24
Twin Peaks
Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen AmickIn a quaint, seemingly idyllic town nestled amidst towering trees and misty mountains, lies a web of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Twin Peaks, a groundbreaking television series, masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and supernatural intrigue. With its compelling narrative and surreal visuals, the David Lynch show has garnered a cult following since its inception in the early '90s. The enigmatic Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) leads the investigation into the tragic demise of young Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), unearthing the darkness beneath the veneer of small-town innocence. A recipient of numerous accolades and critical acclaim, Twin Peaks remains an influential force in the realm of television storytelling.More Twin Peaks- Dig Deeper...The Best Twin Peaks Characters
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- 25Tim Roth, Kelli Williams, Monica RaymundIntriguing and thought-provoking, Lie to Me delves into the world of deception detection, guided by the expertise of Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth), a human lie detector. This crime-drama series, which premiered in 2009, explores the dynamics of facial expressions and body language to unveil hidden truths. The show's unique perspective on crime-solving has garnered it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. As viewers follow the Lightman Group's investigations, they are introduced to an array of complex cases, while also witnessing the personal struggles of the characters. With its well-crafted narrative and powerful performances, Lie to Me has undoubtedly left a lasting impression in its genre.More Lie to Me
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- 26James Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, Hisham Tawfiq"Red" Reddington agrees to work with the FBI, on the condition he'll only work with profiler Keen.More The Blacklist
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- 27Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Shawn AshmoreIn an enthralling game of cat and mouse, The Following takes viewers on a psychological journey through the twisted mind of a charismatic serial killer, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), and the former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), who is determined to bring him to justice. This gripping crime drama, which earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Network Television Series, delves deeply into the complex relationship between predator and prey, while exploring the chilling power of obsession and manipulation. As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into a dark world where nothing is as it seems and the line between good and evil is constantly blurred.More The Following
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- 28Simona Brown, Robert Aramayo, Tyler HowittBehind Her Eyes is a psychological thriller that deftly weaves a tale of mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The show has been lauded for its gripping narrative, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout each episode. Centered around the complex lives of Louise (Simona Brown) and her entanglement with married couple Adele (Eve Hewson) and David (Tom Bateman), the series delves into themes of trust, deception, and obsession. With a chilling atmosphere and an award-worthy performance by the ensemble cast, Behind Her Eyes delivers an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the final credits roll.More Behind Her Eyes
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- 29Naveen Andrews, Nestor Carbonell, Emilie de RavinSurvivors of a plane crash struggle for survival on a desert island.More Lost
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- 30Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin HanchardOrphan Black, a groundbreaking science fiction thriller series, masterfully unravels the complex tale of human cloning through its gripping narrative and compelling characters. Tatiana Maslany's exceptional performance in portraying multiple clones earned her an Emmy award, setting the series apart from others in the genre. With its intricate plotlines and thought-provoking themes, the show explores the boundaries of scientific ethics, identity, and humanity. Supporting characters, such as Felix (Jordan Gavaris) and Mrs. S (Maria Doyle Kennedy), provide depth to the story, while unexpected twists keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Orphan Black is a must-watch for fans of intelligent, character-driven storytelling.More Orphan Black
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