The Best Movies with a Psychotic Main Character

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Updated June 1, 2024 34.0K views 27 items
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Vote up the greatest films in which a main character is a completely unhinged, probably violent psychopath.
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Over 800 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies with a Psychotic Main Character

The realms of psychopathology and cinema often intersect to produce striking movies featuring twisted main characters that defy our understanding of humanity. Movies with a psychotic main character delve deep into the  motivations and obsessions of these characters, exposing the dark underbelly of human nature. At times blurring the lines between reality and delusion, these films invite audiences to question their perceptions of right and wrong. 

Movies about psychopaths unveil the multifaceted layers of their characters' mental states, inciting a desire to unravel the intricacies of their motivations and actions. Characters who deviate from society's norms challenge viewers to confront their own beliefs and morals, while exploring the intricacies of the human mind. 

One famed example of a psychopath movies is American Psycho, featuring Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street executive who moonlights as a bloodthirsty serial killer. Psycho is a classic Hitchcock masterpiece, in which motel owner Norman Bates' disturbing relationship with his mother unfolds. A third top example is Taxi Driver, where Robert De Niro's Travis Bickle spirals into darkness as he obsessively protects a young prostitute. These unforgettable titles represent just a fraction of the wider spectrum of films with psychopath characters.

Movies with a psychotic main character capture the essence of the human psyche, providing a provocative and fascinating experience for viewers. By presenting stories and characters that break free from the confines of traditional narratives, these films challenge audiences to question and explore the complexities of human behavior.