As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that “Psycho” by Alfred Hitchcock is undeniably one of the most impactful films I’ve ever encountered. The mastery with which Hitchcock manipulates audience expectations and subverts conventional narrative structures is simply breathtaking. The iconic shower scene, a moment that has left an indelible mark on popular culture, serves as a chilling reminder of the terrifying potential that lies within the human psyche.
Thrillers are frequently compared to horror movies, although they have a different focus. Unlike horror films that delve into supernatural beings like demons and spirits, thrillers concentrate on generating tension and suspense, rather than outright frightening viewers. A subcategory within the thriller genre that is particularly popular is psychological thrillers.
In these stories, we delve into a character’s frequently fragmented mind and its influence on their experiences within the world. Frequently, there is an untrustworthy storyteller at the narrative core, and common themes include mental health issues, criminal activities, and ethical dilemmas. For instance, the main character could be compelled by their own fixation to persist in a case well beyond what others would consider reasonable, eventually losing their own mental stability as a result.
The Looper team took several aspects into account when listing the top psychological thrillers ever made. We examined Rotten Tomatoes scores to see which movies were highly praised by both critics and viewers, while also drawing upon our personal knowledge of the genre. If you’re searching for your next captivating experience, these 13 psychological thrillers are an excellent starting point if you want to join in on the excitement surrounding them.
13. Get Out
In terms of first-time feature film directing, Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” stands out as exceptionally powerful. Before its release, Peele was primarily recognized for his work on the sketch comedy show “Key & Peele.” However, this movie showcased his impressive skill in creating psychological thrillers and horror films. The story revolves around a Black man named Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), who visits the family of his white girlfriend for the first time. As their visit progresses, he becomes increasingly aware that they harbor hidden intentions regarding inviting Black people into their home.
- Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
- Director: Jordan Peele
- Year: 2017
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
12. Oldboy
In many psychological thrillers, revenge is a recurring theme, making us ponder how far one should go in pursuit of vengeance without losing sight of reason. However, few movies delve as profoundly into this subject as the 2003 film “Oldboy.” It provides an uncompromising portrayal of the futility of revenge and how it can lead to more suffering. The protagonist Oh Dae-su (played by Choi Min-sik) spends 15 years in captivity, honing his fighting skills so he can avenge his imprisonment. By the film’s end, he comes to understand the depths of degradation he has sunk to. “Oldboy” raises the question of how one can continue living after experiencing immense suffering. In American cinema, it is rare to find a thriller that goes as deep as “Oldboy.” Even the 2013 remake of the film toned down some aspects. The original “Oldboy” pushes the boundaries of the genre by presenting a more realistic hero who is not an embodiment of pure good but rather a flawed character grappling with the heinous acts he has committed.
- Starring: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Year: 2003
- Runtime: 120 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
11. M
To understand modern psychological thrillers, it’s critical to go back to a film that influenced numerous others that followed in its wake — 1931’s “M.” The unsettling German film details the hunt for a serial killer targeting children, making it an early example of the procedural police story. However, “M” innovated numerous filmmaking techniques many likely take for granted these days, such as darker visuals that went on to influence film noir. But at its core, it’s an engaging psychological study of a killer who knows he shouldn’t kill, and how society responds to such evils. Plus, “M” raises intriguing philosophical questions people continue to grapple with to this day. Are evil individuals random outliers, or does society create such perversion? Modern serial killer media all owes a debt to “M,” which continues to stand head and shoulders above many others of its ilk.
- Starring: Peter Lorre, Otto Wernicke, Gustaf Gründgens
- Director: Fritz Lang
- Year: 1931
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Rating: Not Rated
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
10. Rear Window
“Rear Window” has been parodied in everything from “The Simpsons” to “Rocko’s Modern Life,” but at the time it came out, its twist was a genuine revelation. You likely know the set up where L.B. Jefferies (James Stewart) gets into voyeurism by spying on his neighbors following an injury that leaves him stuck in his apartment all day. He then grows to believe his neighbor has murdered his wife, offering subtle and entertaining commentary on the darker side of human nature and our propensity for believing the worst in others. It’s a masterclass in filmmaking, taking a claustrophobic environment and using an impeccable score from Franz Waxman to generate suspense. Jefferies may be at the center of the action, but “Rear Window” makes excellent use of Grace Kelly’s talents as his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont. It’s arguably the best Grace Kelly movie and performance in her storied career, — Lisa would normally be the object of any man’s affection, yet she’s repeatedly pushed away as Jefferies goes deeper into his paranoia.
- Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Year: 1954
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
9. Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue” is a chilling anime that delves into brutal murders and complex themes, making it one of the scariest you could watch. The protagonist, Mima (played by Junko Iwao), leaves her girl group to pursue acting, only to find herself stalked. As she grapples with reality, viewers may feel just as confused. Over two decades later, this anime remains strikingly relevant, particularly in its exploration of how the internet blurs lines between fan and idol interaction. The practices of doxxing and overanalyzing celebrity behavior, common on platforms like TikTok and Twitter today, underscore the timeless lessons it offers. Moreover, the animation style is captivating, using surrealism to make viewers feel as if they’re losing their grip on reality alongside Mima.
- Starring: Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Yōsuke Akimoto
- Director: Satoshi Kon
- Year: 1997
- Runtime: 81 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
8. The Conversation
In our modern times, it seems as if the concept of personal privacy has become a thing of the past. With smartphones being widely used and Alexa devices commonly placed in living rooms, people can activate them at any moment. Moreover, influencers often record others without their permission to share on social media for popularity. Given this reality, watching a film like “The Conversation” becomes increasingly relevant. The story revolves around Harry Caul, a man who values privacy deeply, yet he conducts surveillance for his clients. During one assignment, he believes he has heard a plot for a murder. Tormented by past mistakes, Harry goes beyond the scope of his work to gather more information and overanalyze everything until he reaches a poignant ending where he learns there’s a bug in his apartment, plunging him into further turmoil. This gripping tale serves as a chilling reminder that privacy is essential for everyone, yet so many unwittingly invite audio-recording devices into their homes and share every detail of their lives on public platforms.
- Starring: Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Harrison Ford
- Director: Francis Ford Coppola
- Year: 1974
- Runtime: 113 minutes
- Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
7. Zodiac
In some instances, life can produce horrors more subtle yet unsettling than fictional works penned by screenwriters. One such example is the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer responsible for five murders in Northern California during the late 1960s. Unlike any movie adaptation, David Fincher’s 2007 film “Zodiac” manages to convey the enduring enigma of this elusive murderer. It graphically depicts the killings and delves into Robert Graysmith’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) relentless pursuit to apprehend him, at the expense of his personal life. As the film progresses, it offers a tentative resolution that remains elusive in real life. Despite moments where it seems Robert is close to solving the case, fresh evidence surfaces, raising more questions than answers. The Zodiac’s taunting letters and ciphers further intensify the unease, hinting at a madness that delights in torment before striking. To this day, the Zodiac remains one of the most intriguing true crime cases in American history due to its confounding nature, keeping those who scrutinize it closely guessing.
- Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo
- Director: David Fincher
- Year: 2007
- Runtime: 157 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
6. Taxi Driver
In the film “Taxi Driver,” the character of Travis Bickle, portrayed by Robert de Niro, embodies a profound sense of loneliness that permeates every scene. This theme is a central part of the movie, as Travis, despite his service in the Vietnam War and employment as a taxi driver, feels disconnected and without purpose. He encounters the darkest corners of New York City, observing humanity’s degradation, and finds himself fantasizing about violence, with the line between reality and imagination becoming increasingly indistinct.
- Starring: Robert de Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Year: 1976
- Runtime: 114 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
5. Vertigo
In terms of filmmaking, “Vertigo” stands out due to its groundbreaking camera work and unconventional storyline, making it highly influential. Often regarded as Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece and one of the greatest psychological thrillers, the movie delves into themes like obsession and toxic masculinity. James Stewart, deviating from his usual roles, plays a police officer who develops a fear of heights while on duty, later taking up private investigation to follow his client’s wife, Madeleine (played by Kim Novak). As the story unfolds, she becomes an obsession for him, leading him to extreme measures in an attempt to uncover the truth about her peculiar behavior. Whether intentional or not, “Vertigo” could be interpreted as a reflection of Hitchcock’s personal views on women, taking into account his relationships with actresses like Tippi Hedren and the way he treated them after they rejected him. Apart from this context, “Vertigo” continues to captivate audiences — a gripping, complex narrative that explores how love can lead one down a dark, twisted path towards madness.
- Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Tom Helmore
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Year: 1958
- Runtime: 128 minutes
- Rating: PG
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
4. Parasite
Watching “Parasite” again offers numerous benefits, like noticing subtle aspects that highlight the stark divide between the rich and poor classes. This movie is difficult to classify into one genre because it seamlessly blends elements of comedy, horror, and psychological thriller. However, it primarily falls under the thriller category, where the term “parasite” takes on different meanings depending on perspective.
- Starring: Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Song Kang-ho
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Year: 2019
- Runtime: 132 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
3. The Silence of the Lambs
The enduring impact of the movie “The Silence of the Lambs” is due in large part to the exceptional character portrayals by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. The narrative revolves around Clarice Starling (Foster), as she pursues the apprehension of the serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). To catch him, she must delve into the mind of another killer – the cannibalistic Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins). While there’s a fair share of grisly scenes and tension, it’s the intricate dialogue and mental jousting between Clarice and Hannibal that truly sets this film apart. The character of Clarice resonates with any woman working in a male-dominated profession, while Hannibal provides an original portrayal of a murderer – he is articulate, intelligent, and deceptive. Unlike other films, “The Silence of the Lambs” doesn’t just offer a superficial analysis of its characters; instead, it invites us to explore their deepest thoughts and emotions. Watching this movie feels like being questioned by Hannibal Lecter himself, as it leaves an unsettling impression on you.
- Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Year: 1991
- Runtime: 118 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
2. Psycho
In simpler terms, “Psycho” is undeniably one of the most influential films ever produced. The story revolves around Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh), who steals money from her employer and seeks refuge at the Bates Motel. However, this seemingly ordinary motel hides unimaginable terrors.
- Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Year: 1960
- Runtime: 109 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
1. Mulholland Drive
David Lynch’s movies typically resist conventional explanations, as they are deliberately constructed to allow viewers to draw their own conclusions. This ambiguity is particularly noticeable in his masterpiece, “Mulholland Drive.” Beyond being considered Lynch’s best film, it may also be the greatest psychological thriller ever made. A simple summary doesn’t fully capture the film’s complexity, as it revolves around Betty Elms (played by Naomi Watts), a young woman with aspirations of success in Hollywood who meets Rita (Laura Harring), a woman suffering from amnesia. As other narratives intertwine with theirs, it becomes unclear how much of the story is a dream, reflecting the reality that Hollywood can be as much a factory of nightmares as it is a source of dreams. Unlike any other film on this list, “Mulholland Drive” adheres to dream logic and relies heavily on symbolism rather than concrete facts. Viewers are effectively made detectives in attempting to decipher the mystery, questioning whether there is an underlying truth in the universe or if we’re all just along for the chaotic journey. Ultimately, it raises the question of whether the universe is worth untangling or if we’re simply passengers on a tumultuous ride.
- Starring: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux
- Director: David Lynch
- Year: 2001
- Runtime: 146 minutes
- Rating: R
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
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2024-10-30 14:30