60 Best Psychological Thriller Movies of All Time, Ranked Find help us

It could be said that we go to the movies in the first place for the thrills. The desire to experience new stories put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, and live out exciting events that might otherwise never be possible. We long for escapism. But that’s not what psychological thrillers are all about. Psychological thrillers focus less on external adventure and threat and more on the interior worlds of heroes and villains whose grasp on reality is dangerously close to failing.

It can be hard to pin down which films are psychological thrillers and which are just thrillers in which the characters are motivated by their psychology, which is why we are focusing on films that are 100% thrilling and 100% rooted in psychological anxiety. From Don’t Look Now to Psycho, these are the best psychological thrillers that will provide food for thought.

60. ‘The Lost Daughter’ (2021)

Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal

Based on the 2006 novel of the same name by acclaimed author Elena Ferrante, The Lost Daughter is a moving tale of tragic motherhood following a middle-aged university teacher (Olivia Colman in an extremely deserved Oscar-nominated role) whose beach vacation takes a wild turn as she begins to confront the troubles of her arduous past.

Although it is more of a psychological drama than necessarily a thriller, The Lost Daughter also resorts to elements of the genre to tell its dark story, and that is part of what makes it such an unsettling watch at times. Mental health struggles and trauma are evident in the Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed flick, as well as an intriguing handling of such a taboo subject (even these days). One of its strongest aspects is undoubtedly the writing, including how easy it is for audiences to empathize with Colman’s on-screen counterpart despite her choices being questionable to some.

59. ‘Spellbound’ (1945)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Starring the one and only Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, this Alfred Hitchcock essential sees Dr. Anthony Edwards arriving at a Vermont mental hospital to replace an outgoing hospital director. However, when psychoanalyst Dr. Constance Peterson discovers Edwardes is an impostor, the man confesses Dr. Edwardes is dead and fears he may have killed him but cannot recall anything.

Although Spellbound is arguably not on the same level as other Hitchcock features, it is still an effort worth watching, standing out for its exploration of memory, identity, and trauma. The performances are great, and the filmmaker’s signature style is also a strong point. All in all, while Spellbound may lack the same sharp, iconic twists as some of the director’s other works, it is still a solid psychological mystery that captivates.

58. ‘The Babadook’ (2014)

Directed by Jennifer Kent

Although The Babadook also falls under the horror genre, its twisted narrative involving mental health is also very psychological. The plot centers around the recently widowed mother (Essie Davis) of six-year-old Samuel (Noah Wiseman) who falls into a deep well of paranoia when a children’s book titled “Mister Babadook” manifests in their home.

This supernatural psychological thriller surely earns a place among the most layered and complex in the genre, especially in how it meditates on the devastating consequences of loss and grief. The Babadook is a genuinely intriguing film that benefits from its strong central performances and gripping narrative. It’s difficult to remain indifferent to the story’s message about real-life tragedies, the way it perfectly taps into complex feelings, and its relatable characters.

57. ‘The Innocents’ (1961)

Directed by Jack Clayton

Directed by Jack Clayton and anchored by its eerie atmosphere and tension that unravels through the story, The Innocents is a Gothic psychological supernatural horror starring Deborah Kerr. The story, which is based on the Henry James tale “The Turn of the Screw,” follows a young governess for two children who becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted.

One of the best aspects of The Innocents is undoubtedly Deborah Kerr’s central performance — arguably her career-defining — and stunning cinematography, which evidently play a huge role in helping the story come alive. Fans of psychological thrillers are in for a treat with this one, especially if they’re keen on unnerving and captivating ghost tales that are genuinely frightening.

56. ‘Prisoners’ (2013)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve

Hugh Jackman‘s Keller faces a parent’s worst nightmare in Denis Villeneuve‘s Prisoners. When his 6-year-old daughter Anna and her friend go missing, Keller decides to take matters into his own hands after Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) is forced to release his only suspect.

Prisoners builds a sense of dread throughout, making audiences feel an overwhelming tension as the story progresses; its haunting atmosphere isn’t the movie’s only strong aspect, though. Prisoners also excels in its performances and complex characters, as well as in how its narrative delves into themes of morality, justice, and the lengths a person — especially a parent — would go in the face of trauma and adversity. At its core, this layered thriller keeps audiences engaged on every level.

55. ‘Ex Machina’ (2014)

Directed by Alex Garland

A decade later, Ex Machina still ranks among Alex Garland’s most memorable and finest works, and understandably so. With beautiful cinematography and an engaging storyline, the film follows a young programmer named Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) who embarks on a wild adventure after winning a competition to spend a week at the home of his company’s CEO. He learns that Nathan (Oscar Isaac) has selected him to partake in a groundbreaking experiment and he must evaluate the capabilities of his advanced humanoid, Ava (Alicia Vikander).

Ex Machina is an incredible science fiction film that explores several thought-provoking topics throughout, delving into the nature of AI and raising questions about its consciousness while examining the ethical implications of creating these beings. It is undoubtedly a psychological thriller in that it delves into these themes intriguingly through its believable narrative, providing food for thought and inciting audiences to question the consequences of AI tech in a potential future.

54. ‘The Skin I Live In’ (2011)

Directed by Pedro Almodóvar

The Skin I Live In is also a solid pick and undoubtedly one of the best Spanish features of recent times. Antonio Banderas plays Dr. Robert Ledgard, a disturbed plastic surgeon who keeps a woman (Elena Anaya) locked in his mansion. She is subjected to numerous surgeries as Robert attempts to perfect his synthetic skin.

Although it initially may feel more like a horror film than a psychological thriller, it is clear that, as it progresses, The Skin I Live In is definitely a part of the category. The themes this revenge essential tackles include identity, the human condition, obsession, and how far we’re willing to go for those we love. Equal parts terrifying and engaging, The Skin I Live In is a compelling psychological thriller that incites audiences to face uncomfortable questions.

53. ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999)

Directed by Anthony Minghella

Set in late 1950s New York, the renowned The Talented Mr. Ripley stars Matt Damon as the titular con artist character, illustrating the young underachiever’s trip to Italy to retrieve a rich and spoiled millionaire womanizer (Jude Law). However, when the errand fails, Ripley resorts to extreme measures.

Based on Patricia Highsmith‘s 1955 novel of the same name, this haunting and thought-provoking psychological thriller is a great pick for those who enjoy intellectually stimulating movies. While it is not a masterpiece in the thriller genre, The Talented Mr. Ripley is still an intriguing, at times disturbing movie that will keep audiences intrigued, even feeling reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s work (though objectively not on the same level as the director’s filmography). Viewers who enjoy this film will probably want to watch Netflix’s gorgeous noir thriller titled Ripley.

52. ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ (2017)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

The director of the Oscar-nominated picture Poor Things, Yorgos Lanthimos has established himself as one of the most promising creatives in film. The Killing of a Sacred Deer, which centers around a charismatic surgeon (Colin Farrell) and his relationship with a teenage boy (Barry Keoghan, who is also an Oscar-nominated actor) whom he has taken under his wing, is yet another confirmation of his extraordinary skills as a filmmaker.

This absurdist psychological thriller also features horror elements, so it might be the right pick for anyone who enjoys psychological horror films, too. Although haunting and deeply unsettling at times, the disturbing The Killing of a Sacred Deer is beautifully shot and filmed, featuring witty comedic bits and amazing central performances on top of its utterly bizarre plot (as expected from the unconventional Greek director).

51. ‘Peeping Tom’ (1960)

Directed by Michael Powell

Those who enjoy a voyeuristic film are in for a treat if they decide to hit play in Michael Powell‘s film. Peeping Tom is a psychological thriller that meditates on the human mind’s behavior by following a young man named Mark (Karlheinz Böhm) who murders women and resorts to a movie camera to film their dying expressions.

Böhm’s chilling acting performance is not Peeping Tom‘s only strong aspect: While the premise is terrifying, the film is truly engaging, exploring the protagonist’s obsession with spying on others and documenting their doomed fates. Released to controversy — with Powell’s career as a director being put at stake in the U.K. — Peeping Tom, the “grandaddy of found footage horror,” has now garnered a cult following and is regarded as a true masterpiece in the genre.

50. ‘Manhunter’ (1986)

Directed by Michael Mann

The first film adaptation of Thomas Harris’s Hannibal Lecter novels, based on the novel Red Dragon, goes deeper into psychological terror than any of the others (at least until the TV show came along). Michael Mann’s Manhunter stars William Peterson as Will Graham, an FBI profiler so talented at getting into the mind of a killer that he ends up losing his own personality and drowns in the darkness.

Hannibal Lecter appears, inexplicably named “Hannibal Lecktor,” and played with a disarming casualness by Succession‘s Brian Cox, whose take on the character is more insidious and less mannered than the other actors who have taken on the role. Meanwhile, as Mann brings out the madness in his protagonist, he’s exploring the humanity of his murderer, Francis Dollarhyde, played by an impossibly frightening, and impossibly tragic Tom Noonan. Manhunter is insightful and terrifying, and in some respects, perhaps the second-best adaptation of Harris’s work to date.

49. ‘Dead Ringers’ (1988)

Directed by David Cronenberg

David Cronenberg spent the majority of his career exploring the terrors of the human body, and our unnerving psychological obsessions with our own organics. While he’s made several classic films along these lines, it is perhaps Dead Ringers that stands out as his crowning accomplishment. Jeremy Irons plays identical twins who share each other’s work, each other’s lives, and — without telling them — the same women.

Elliot is confident and domineering, Beverly is shy and sensitive, and when they begin a romantic relationship with one of their patients, played by Geneviève Bujold, the strain becomes too much to bear. Irons gives two devastating performances, with subtle, impeccable editing creating the unmistakable illusion, using old-fashioned techniques, that he’s somehow cloned himself. Dead Ringers is a technical marvel, and a sublimely weird, twisted psychological thriller.

48. ‘Primal Fear’ (1996)

Directed by Gregory Hoblit

Starring Edward Norton in one of his most memorable roles (and his feature film debut), this American legal crime thriller movie based on the 1993 novel of the same name by William Diehl is utterly intriguing, with its psychological elements elevating the story. The plot follows an altar boy accused of murdering a priest. In the meantime, the high-powered defense attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) steps into the picture and takes in the case, which reveals a lot more complicated than initially expected.

Violent and gripping, Primal Fear is a well-written and effective courtroom movie that is guaranteed to keep fans of the genre engaged. While Edward Norton’s chilling performance is undoubtedly an aspect that stands out the most in Gregory Hoblit’s must-see thriller, the 1996 movie also benefits from an entertaining premise that analyzes identity and the duality of mankind.

47. ‘Don’t Look Now’ (1973)

Directed by Nicolas Roeg

Thanks to its innovative editing style and some controversial scenes that sparked conversations among moviegoers (especially considering the standards of contemporary mainstream cinema), Don’t Look Now centers around a grieving couple, John (Donald Sutherland) and Laura Baxter (Julie Christie), who mourn the death of their young daughter in Venice. There, they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is a psychic.

Meditating on the consequences of grief and the effect of the death of a child on a couple’s relationship, this visually striking arthouse psychological thriller by Nicolas Roeg is guaranteed to astonish those who like the genre. Furthermore, part of what makes this film so remarkable is the symbolism it features and the complex and layered storyline at its center, as well as the film’s shocking twist ending. Don’t Look Now is overall a fantastic film with great performances and an intense, increasingly sinister slow-burn narrative.

46. ‘Nightcrawler’ (2014)

Directed by Dan Gilroy

Elevated by Jake Gyllenhaal’s central performance, this must-watch crime thriller explores the dark side of modern media, critiquing its exploitation of shocking and gruesome events for its own gain. The story focuses on a con man willing to go to great lengths to achieve success after muscling into the world of crime journalism — to the point where he blurs the line between observer and participant.

Nightcrawler is nothing short of incredible, especially for psychological crime thriller enjoyers. It deals with sensitive themes in a captivating way, with its incredible direction, razor-sharp, bold storytelling, and the portrayal of the complex and three-dimensional Lou Bloom being a huge standout. These elements, added to the fact that it is a highly ambiguous movie, make Nightcrawler an insightful watch that its target audience may find themselves drawn to.

45. ‘Shock Corridor’ (1963)

Directed by Samuel Fuller

As a filmmaker, Samuel Fuller reveled in pushing narrative boundaries, and in his absolutely electric thriller that ranks high among the best psychological movies, Shock Corridor, he practically burst through them. Peter Breck plays Johnny Barrett, a journalist obsessed with winning the Pulitzer Prize, who embarks on a daring scheme to catch a headline. He will go undercover in a mental institution, live amongst the inmates, and get to the bottom of an unsolved murder.

It’s the kind of idea that sounds clever on paper, but puts Barrett in a harrowing position. Without backup, without a confidante, without any chance of respite or escape, he’s plunged into an environment of abuse, paranoia, and delusion, and repeatedly falls under the spell of his fellow inmates. Whether he solves the murder becomes a secondary concern; he’s trapped in a never-ending battle for his own sanity. Outstanding performances, disturbing writing, and daring imagery keep Shock Corridor shocking over 60 years later.

44. ‘The Machinist’ (2004)

Directed by Brad Anderson

Brad Anderson’s The Machinist deals with themes of identity and redemption by focusing on an industrial worker who hasn’t slept in a year. Reznik begins to question his sanity as he descends into a nightmare, as his insomnia has taken a severe toll on his weight and mental health. As always, Christian Bale — who fully transformed into his role as Trevor Reznik by shedding 60lbs while surviving on a diet of an apple and black coffee a day — delivers a note-perfect performance.

Because of the sensitive themes it tackles, the highly disturbing The Machinist is not everyone’s cup of tea (and sometimes even a difficult watch). However, Brad Anderson’s film is certainly a solid effort in the psychological thriller genre, making for an intense watch throughout. It is considered one of 2004’s best and gained a cult status.

43. ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Directed by Stanley Kubrick in his last directorial effort, Eyes Wide Shut is an erotic thriller film starring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise. The story follows a Manhattan doctor who embarks on a bizarre, night-long odyssey after his wife’s admission of unfulfilled longing and sexual fantasies about a man she met. Things take a wild turn when Bill discovers an underground sexual group and attends one of their meetings.

Kubrick’s final opus and captivating outlook on obsession, lust, and desire turned out to be a captivating and visually stunning film, with the set design, costumes, and cinematography taking center stage. Psychologically, Eyes Wide Shut is a complex and unsettling exploration of desire, jealousy, trust, and identity with an eerie and dreamlike atmosphere that keeps audiences on their toes.

42. ‘The Night of the Hunter’ (1955)

Directed by Charles Laughton

Starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish, among other talents, The Night of the Hunter follows a self-proclaimed preacher who marries a gullible widow whose young children are on the fence to tell him where their real dad hid the $10,000 he’d stolen in a robbery.

For Southern Gothic enthusiasts, The Night of the Hunter may be a great pick, especially as it stands as a dark and atmospheric watch that captures the eerie elements of the genre. Set along the Ohio River in West Virginia during the Great Depression, the visually striking psychological thriller is an artistic and memorable entry that creeps under the viewers’ skin and lingers long after the credits roll.

41. ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ (1990)

Directed by Adrian Lyne

Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) is a mild-mannered postal worker, recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a bloody tour in the Vietnam War. His family is no longer with him, his son died years ago, and he’s just barely putting the pieces of his life together with his new girlfriend… when he sees a tentacle on the subway and mysterious men with blurry faces, viewers are left wondering if it his PTSD affecting him or something far, far more sinister.

The repulsion that Jacob, played by an impressively vulnerable Tim Robbins, has for his present visions and his ugly past permeates into the grimy cityscapes around him. They represent a Hell of his mind’s own making, and by watching his story we are trapped in Hell with him. Jacob’s Ladder is a surreal and captivating vision of the psychological thriller genre; it should come as no surprise that it was a direct influence on the Silent Hill franchise.

40. ‘The Game’ (1997)

Directed by David Fincher

David Fincher’s The Game is a mystery thriller that centers around a wealthy banker (Michael Douglas) from San Francisco who is allowed to participate in a mysterious game. In the meantime, his life is turned upside-down as he begins to question whether it’s actually a secret plot to destroy him.

While it didn’t perform so well at the box office, The Game was very well received by critics and cemented itself as a cult classic, earning a cult following among the filmmaker’s fans through the years. Like some other films in the director’s body of work, Fincher’s psychological thriller is filled with compelling twists and turns, taking audiences on an incredible ride in the genre while examining loss of control and satirizing greed.

39. ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Featuring Bruce Willis in one of his most memorable dramatic performances, M. Night Shyamalan‘s The Sixth Sense centers around child psychologist Malcolm Crowe who, after starting treating a young boy named Cole (a fantastic child performance by Haley Joel Osment), discovers that he encounters dead people. After he is convinced to help them, Cole also lends Malcolm a helping hand when it comes to reconciling with his wife.

Rightfully nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, The Sixth Sense was understandably the second highest-grossing movie of 1999. It’s not for no reason that it endures a timeless feature this day, standing tall as one of the best psychological thrillers ever made (and certainly one of, if not the best Night Shyamalan feature). The Sixth Sense is unsettling and provides food for thought, making for an intense viewing experience with an unforgettable ending.

38. ‘Funny Games’ (1997)

Directed by Michael Haneke

Michael Haneke’s Funny Games is an Austrian psychological thriller that follows Goerg (Ulrich Mühe) and his wife Anna (Susanne Lothar) after they arrive at their lakeside holiday home with their son Georgie (Stefan Clapczynski). After encountering two seemingly innocent young men, Paul (Arno Frisch) and Peter (Frank Giering), the two slowly begin to terrorize the family, holding them hostage and forcing them to participate in sadistic games.

On top of being a disturbing psychological thriller, Funny Games also does an incredibly believable job at portraying violence, dehumanizing its characters with the chilling performances and Haneke’s astounding direction also being culprits of why it is such a great picture. Furthermore, the movie sends out a valuable commentary about the nature of violence and critiques its consumption in media. What’s more, some even argue that Funny Games has some interesting queer undertones.

37. ‘Us’ (2019)

Directed by Jordan Peele

Directed by Get Out director Jordan Peele and starring Lupita N’Yongo and Winston Duke in the lead roles, Us follows the Wilson family on vacation to Santa Cruz where they are confronted with four strangers who break into Adelaide’s childhood home. The plot takes a wild turn when the two find out that the family outside their house looks exactly like them.

Like some other flicks on this list, Us raises questions about identity and duality, shocking audiences with its jaw-dropping twists — especially towards its ending — and also tackling the romanticized concept of the American Dream and how the success of some is often built on the exploitation of others. Some of the strongest aspects are Peele’s unique vision and the eerie atmosphere built from its stunning cinematography.

36. ‘Misery’ (1991)

Directed by Rob Reiner

This oftentimes overlooked movie based on the Stephen King novel of the same name stars the superbly talented Kathy Bates and delivers a showstopping central performance. Misery follows an author, played by James Caan, who is held captive by an obsessive fan who forces him to rewrite the finale of his novel series.

What’s so spooky about Misery is how such a scenario actually happening is not that hard to picture. Perfect for crime fans who are also into the psychological thriller genre, Rob Reiner‘s essential movie is guaranteed to keep audiences invested and probably haunt them in their sleep, thanks to Bates’ genuinely convincing performance as the mentally unstable protagonist (she got widespread attention from critics and ultimately won her a very much deserved Academy Award for Best Actress). Despite its lack of jumpscares, the nightmarish Misery is a scary, scary film about abuse, obsession, and isolation.

35. ‘Blue Velvet’ (1986)

Directed by David Lynch

David Lynch‘s visually stunning Blue Velvet also earns a spot on this list, as it is surely an intense psychological thriller (it even influenced the horror genre, too). The neo-noir mystery flick centers around a young man who, after the discovery of a severed human ear in a field, becomes obsessed with the investigation related to a mysterious nightclub singer and the criminals who kidnapped her child.

Even though it was a bit controversial when it was released due to its graphic content, which includes sex and violence, Lynch received his second nod for Best Director thanks to his amazing efforts in the unforgettable Blue Velvet. Sending out messages about corruption in small towns, this challenging and stimulating psychological thriller endures one of Lynch’s best works to date. Like in other films by the director, readers can expect beautiful, surrealist imagery that is haunting and dreamy in equal measure.

34. ‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)

Directed by Richard Kelly

Donnie Darko is one of the many early 2000s movies that have garnered a massive cult following. While this is mostly thanks to its mind-boggling narrative, it also features great performances. The Jake Gyllenhaal-led Richard Kelly feature follows the titular character, an emotionally troubled teenager who escapes a bizarre accident by sleepwalking. He then begins having visions of a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume who causes panic by informing him that the world will end in just over 28 days, tasking Donnie with a special mission.

Among the best movies about alternate universes, Donnie Darko also deals with subjects of time travel and sacrifice, among other deeper themes of self-destruction and loneliness. Its philosophical topics and the way they are executed, in addition to its meticulous attention to detail, make this Kelly film a must-see in the psychological thriller genre.

33. ‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island is a highly beloved, fan-favorite film in the psychological thriller genre, and a very successful one at that (it grossed $295 million worldwide). Although not one of the filmmaker’s best features, it benefits greatly from Leonardo DiCaprio‘s astounding central performance, as expected. The story centers around Deputy U.S. Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels as he investigates a psychiatric facility on Shutter Island after one of the patients goes missing.

It’s not for no reason that Shutter Island is often seen in “top movies of the 2010s” lists; it really was that affecting. Its twist ending is one of the most memorable aspects of this Martin Scorsese epic that gives audiences the heebie-jeebies for its unsettling atmosphere. While not a scary movie per se, Shutter Island is a well-crafted psychological thriller that meditates on illusion versus reality, guilt, grief, and conspiracy theories.

32. ‘Insomnia’ (1997)

Directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg

In Erik Skjoldbjærg’s directorial debut (which inspired the Christopher Nolan 2002 film of the same name starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams), a police detective investigates a murder in a town located above the Arctic Circle. The mission, however, goes downhill when the sleep-deprived central character (Stellan Skarsgård) mistakingly shoots his partner and tries to cover it up.

Fans of Nordic noir films probably want to give Insomnia a try, as it is a genuinely smart crime and psychological thriller that fully absorbs audiences in its premise. And while Nolan’s rendition of this dark and twisted tale is also worth checking, many argue that, while both are at the top of their game, the original is an ever better film, as it is more compelling and frightening. It’s also worth noting that Skargard’s performance in this film is nothing short of brilliant, elevating it to higher levels.

31. ‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

This Christopher Nolan essential, based on the 1995 novel by Christopher Priest, immerses viewers who dare to witness an anxiety-inducing game of cat and mouse through an utterly captivating narrative about how obsession destroys the artist. The Prestige depicts two rival stage magicians in Victorian London, perfectly played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, who feud over a perfect teleportation trick.

This engrossing battle of wits earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography, and deservedly so. Still, although The Prestige‘s visuals are quite striking, the aspect that stands out the most are the powerful performances by a talented ensemble cast and Nolan’s intelligently written screenplay. Audiences on the lookout for the best psychological thriller movies should check out The Prestige essentially because it is mind-blowing but accessible and comprehensible.

30. ‘Rebecca’ (1940)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Some would argue that Rebecca is not Alfred Hitchcock’s best, which is subjectively true. However, when it comes to the psychological thriller genre, the 1940 film is one of the many classics and ranks high among others in the category (it received an impressive eleven nominations at the 13th Academy Awards). The film stars Joan Fontaine as a self-conscious woman who struggles to adjust to her new role as an aristocrat’s (Laurence Olivier) wife, which turns out to be rather complicated upon finding that his ex-wife’s spirit is at every corner.

Suspenseful and dramatic, Rebecca is another psychological thriller that audiences mustn’t miss — somehow, it was the only Hitchcock to win Best Picture. Thanks to its creepy atmosphere and memorable storyline based on the 1938 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurie, which has been adapted to the big screen multiple times since, this 1940 black-and-white movie is a carefully crafted, must-watch examination of jealousy that deals with themes of betrayal and love.

29. ‘Gaslight’ (1944)

Directed by George Cukor

George Cukor’s Gaslight isn’t just a psychological thriller, it’s synonymous with manipulation and horror — this film’s very title has entered the popular lexicon to describe a form of psychological abuse. Ingrid Bergman stars as a young opera singer who meets the love of her life, a handsome older gentleman played by Charles Boyer. But no sooner are they married and move into the London townhouse does the relationship devolve into a nightmare. Our heroine, it seems, is losing her mind. Or is she?

Gaslight is a remake of a 1940 British thriller, which was almost lost to history after MGM bought the remake rights and tried to destroy the original negatives. And while the classic psychological thriller may have twists that seem telegraphed today, now that viewers all know what “gaslighting” is, the bleak and angry heart of the film still pumps. Bergman’s Oscar-winning performance, as a woman pushed to the brink of her mental endurance, is vulnerable and raw, trapped and clawing, captivatingly genuine, and Boyer’s twisted villainy will always be the stuff of goosebumps.

28. ‘Caché’ (2005)

Directed by Michael Haneke

Georges (Daniel Auteuil) and Anne (Juliette Binoche) are an unremarkable, upper-class French couple, who discover, to their horror, that they are being watched. Every day a video arrives on their doorstep, with footage of the front of their house. No threats, no message, just one person’s clear obsession with observing them. What the two decide to do with this information says a lot about them. Without any clue, they decide to dig into the past on their own, and what they find is the wretched refuse of a life filled with mistakes.

Michael Haneke’s Caché is elusive and mysterious, and the only solution it provides, in the end, is so subtle it’s easy to miss the first time around. But it’s a fabulous and paranoid puzzle of a film – easily among Michael Haneke’s best movies – and one that speaks to anyone with the capacity for guilt and shame.

27. ‘Get Out’ (2017)

Directed by Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele’s Get Out is easily one of the most innovative movies in the horror and psychological thriller genres of recent times (while it learns towards horror more, it is debatable that Get Out also deserves a spot in the category). The plot centers around Chris’ — a young African-American played by the Oscar-nominated Daniel Kaluuya — trip alongside his white girlfriend. The two decide to stay with her parents for the weekend. However, his increasing uneasiness about their reception of him reaches a boiling point.

Unnerving, unsettling, and downright disturbing, Get Out is an uncomfortable experience through and through; the 2017 movie sends poignant messages about race and racism and stays engraved in viewers’ memories long after the credits roll. Peele’s efforts were deservedly recognized, and he made Oscars history by being the first Black writer to win Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

26. ‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

Directed by David Fincher

David Fincher’s Gone Girl plays like a lurid airplane novel, but hiding beneath the salacious storyline and the borderline campy violence is one of the filmmaker’s most bitterly observant motion pictures. Ben Affleck stars as a teacher, Nick, who’s married to Amy (the Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike) who famously inspired a series of children’s books. It’s not a happy marriage, so when Amy goes suddenly missing under suspicious circumstances, the media blitz quickly turns on Nick and makes him the prime suspect.

Where Gone Girl goes from there would be a crime to reveal, but let’s just say there’s more to the story, and Fincher and screenwriter Gillian Flynn, adapting her best-selling novel, have bigger ideas beyond mere murders and mysteries. The absorbing psychological thriller Gone Girl explodes the idea of marriage, of living in public, of being perceived as an object or an icon. Rosamund Pike is next-level fantastic in a multifaceted role — one of the smartest villains of all time — at once harrowing and hilarious and tragic, and Affleck gives one of his finest performances as a man endlessly manipulated.

25. ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ (1962)

Directed by Robert Aldrich

In the bizarre and grotesque What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, filmmaker Robert Aldrich exposes what appears to be a deep-seated loathing for the entertainment industry and the toll it takes on young performers. The film tells the story “Baby” Jane Hudson, a child star of the 1920s whose career eventually took a back seat to her sister, who was the superior actor. A tragic accident left Blanche paralyzed, and Jane blamed for the tragedy, begrudgingly accepting the role as her sister’s unwilling caretaker.

Blanche (Joan Crawford) lives upstairs at the mercy of Jane, played by Bette Davis in one of her best movies. The abuse she suffers is shocking, and the decay of Jane’s psyche is repulsive, but both Crawford and Davis are wholly committed to making this bizarre, mutually destructive life seem plausible. These, the movie argues, are the larger-than-life consequences of living larger than life, and the gruesome fate that befalls these sisters plays out as though it was ripped from particularly salacious headlines. Riveting performances and prurient dread await you in the Aldrich movie.

24. ‘Black Swan’ (2010)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

It’s not for no reason that Natalie Portman took home the Best Actress award for her role in Darren Aronofsky‘s multilayered character study of a struggling artist. Black Swan tells the story of a perfectionistic ballerina on the verge of stardom who is pushed to the breaking point by her artistic director and rival. As such, she begins to slowly descend into a nightmare.

While the lead acting is possibly the best asset of Aronofsky’s intense thriller, Black Swan also features impeccable, masterful direction from the filmmaker. On top of illustrating the troubled psyche of an overworked ballerina, this Oscar-winning feature highlights obsession and sheds light on the terrible pressures at all levels that ballerinas face in the industry. Furthermore, Black Swan also explores sexuality and repression through the experiences of its naive and insecure protagonist.

23. ‘The Shining’ (1980)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Kubrick’s well-known Jack Nicholson feature is a highly referenced one in pop culture all these years later, with some cinephiles memorizing every line in the movie, including, of course, “Here’s Johnny!”. The intense Kubrick classic adapted from Stephen King‘s 1977 novel of the same name centers around Nicholson’s writer and recovering alcoholic, Jack Torrance, who accepts a new position as the off-season caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. Everything starts to crumble when he sees his sanity deteriorate under the influence of the hotel and the residents, consequently putting his family in danger.

The Shining‘s impact on the thriller and horror genres (especially the latter, as seen in the subsequent horror films that explored the same themes) is undeniable, and for that reason, it deserves a spot on this list. Kubrick’s movie is a well-crafted observation of fears, anxieties, and the psyche of mentally unstable protagonists, making for a harrowing on-the-edge-of-your-seat experience.

22. ‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)

Directed by David Lynch

David Lynch tells stories on the edge of reason, usually leaning in the other direction. Blue Velvet, Eraserhead, Lost Highway, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me are all must-see films for enthusiasts of the psychological thriller genre, but his masterpiece may very well be Mulholland Drive. Naomi Watts stars as a young and idealistic ingénue who moves to Hollywood and quickly takes up with an amnesiac, played by Laura Harring, who may be on the run from murderers. Together they navigate the twisted world of behind-the-scenes studio conspiracies, the underground dream world of independent theater, and, most shockingly, a revelation that will destroy them.

Whether or not it’s his best film, Mulholland Drive is perhaps Lynch’s most successful thriller (and one of the best thrillers of the 21st century) because the new finale wraps everything up satisfactorily, while still never quite explaining what the nightmare behind the diner really was. It provides the thrills we seek, the depth we crave, and the inexplicable mysteries we couldn’t possibly solve without ruining the mystique.

21. ‘Cure’ (1997)

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cure may very well be the most hypnotic psychological thriller ever made, and quite literally. Cure tells the story of a detective, played by Kōji Yakusho, tasked with solving an impossible series of murders. In each case, a person is murdered, and the murderer is found nearby, with no memory of what happened or why. The only connection between them is a mysterious drifter named Mamiya (Masato Hagiwara) who doesn’t even know who he is or where he is.

What he does know, and what both Mamiya and Kurosawa employ all too well, are the techniques of hypnosis. Mamiya lulls everyone in his path into a psychologically pliable state, under which they are impressionable enough to do almost anything. Kurosawa lets the technique play out for the audience as well, giving Cure a unique sense of cinematic thrall. Its horrors are tranquil. Its evils are under the skin and deep inside you. Although Cure has an infamously divisive ending, Kurosawa’s film is one of the very finest films of its kind and one of the pinnacles of the psychological horror genre.

20. ‘American Psycho’ (2000)

Directed by Mary Harron

American Psycho is, on the surface, a serial killer story. Christian Bale plays Patrick Bateman, a handsome yuppie in the 1980s who works in finance, takes excellent care of his body, and lives a life of absurd luxury. He’s also homicidal, and throughout the film, murders co-workers, sex workers, and even tries to feed a cat into an ATM.

But Mary Harron’s film isn’t a mere saga of violence and brutality; it is a bitter and incisive comedy, in which the horrors committed by Bateman are balanced by the absurdity of his fragile ego. The horrors of American Psycho are clear and threatening, but the real nightmare is the possibility that even Bateman’s most violent, powerful fantasies are nothing more than immature macho fantasy — or worse, that the world exists explicitly to cater to macho fantasies and enables the worst and most pathetic brand of toxic masculinity. American Psycho (one of the best movies of the 2000s) is a gripping psychological thriller and a bitter indictment of the mentalities that feed into the so-called “American Dream.”

19. ‘Blow Out’ (1981)

Directed by Brian De Palma

Like many other Brian De Palma movies, this 1981 psychological thriller explores the human psyche in an intense and utterly compelling manner that will have audiences hooked from the start. This tale is about a sound recordist who accidentally records the evidence that proves that a car accident was actually a murder and finds himself in dangerous waters.

What is so great about the beautifully shot and stylish Blow Out is how it offers viewers a political drama and a serial killer movie at once, building tension like no other. While it surprisingly tanked when it came out 40 years ago (perhaps because audiences found the ending too anguishing), it remains arguably De Palma’s best feature to date. Travolta gave one of his best performances in what is one of the most important films of his career.

18. ‘Rope’ (1948)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Featuring a signature cameo from the beloved filmmaker, Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller Rope marks the first of his technicolor films and the second of his “limited setting” movies. The story focuses on two pseudo-intellectual New York men (John Dall and Farley Granger) who, after strangling a former classmate to death in what they think is a perfect murder, decide to host a dinner party. The original play was said to be inspired by the real-life murder of 14-year-old Bo​​​​​​​bby Franks in 1924 by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb.

Although perhaps not as popular as other Hitchcock movies, Rope is far from a bad film. Its intense and haunting premise about intellectual vanity and pretentiousness keeps audiences invested, and the creepy tension between the characters just makes it all the more enjoyable. Fans of crime thrillers with psychological elements will certainly enjoy this slightly underrated Alfred Hitchcock movie, and it ranks high among the best of Jimmy Stewart’s collabs with the filmmaker.

17. ‘Repulsion’ (1965)

Directed by Roman Polanski

The almost threadbare simplicity of Repulsion may be jarring. The intense movie about paranoia stars Catherine Deneuve as Carol, a young woman living with her sister Helen, who is repulsed by her sister’s boyfriend, her own would-be suitors, and menial elements of her life that would, under usual circumstances, be minor annoyances. When Helen suddenly leaves town for a romantic getaway Carol is left to her own devices and finds herself suddenly mired in her anxieties, phobias, and, gradually, hallucinations.

The majority of Repulsion is just Catherine Deneuve fraying her nerves in an apartment, and yet that only makes her descent into psychotropic horror seem universal. Devoid of contrivance and narrative trickery, Repulsion highlights the subconscious associations Carol has, revealing a web of unchecked, undiagnosed trauma that has finally been given an opportunity to fester, free from seemingly unwelcome distractions of other people.

16. ‘The Vanishing’ (1988)

Directed by George Sluizer

George Sluizer’s absorbing Dutch thriller Spoorloos (aka The Vanishing) tells the story of a young couple on a road trip. In the middle of a rest stop, Saskia (Johanna ter Steege) excuses herself to get drinks. Hours later, she has not returned, and Rex (Gene Vervoets) cannot find her. Years later, the mystery is still unsolved. Rex remains obsessed with solving the mystery of her disappearance and will do anything for the answer.

It’s easy to understand Rex’s obsession. It’s less clear what Saskia’s kidnapper, Raymond (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu), has done with her, let alone why. The Vanishing flits back and forth between cat and mouse, teasing the answers and unveiling everyday villainy. It’s absolutely captivating how matter-of-fact the grotesque imagination and humdrum rehearsals of a terrible crime can be, and by the end of Sluizer’s film, we too are dying to know the solution to this insidious puzzle. And like Rex, we may very well regret that we asked. If you’re looking for films about missing persons, check this out. However, whatever you do, see the original instead!

15. ‘M’ (1931)

Directed by Fritz Lang

This German mystery thriller by groundbreaking director Fitz Lang starring Peter Lorre in his first film role follows a psychopathic serial killer whose targets are children, illustrating the manhunt of his character in 1930s Berlin. However, when the police’s quest starts to adversely affect the local organized crime scene, the community takes matters into their own hands and attempts to find the murderer.

Lang’s first sound film is not disappointing in the slightest — M is a genuinely intriguing and ahead-of-its-time character study that analyzes a changing community and a well-crafted psychological thriller to keep audiences invested. Its expertly written narrative, as expected from the filmmaker, is what makes M such a great film noir. However, the incredible performances are also worth noting.

14. ‘Rear Window’ (1954)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

No catalog of great thrillers — psychological or otherwise — would be complete without Alfred Hitchcock, whose films transformed and frequently exemplified the genre. Rear Window was inspired by a real love affair and stars James Stewart as a thrill-seeking photographer, now trapped in his apartment, and going a little stir-crazy after breaking his legs in an accident. So, he amuses himself by spying on his neighbors, but this is an obsession that infuriates his girlfriend (Grace Kelly), and which may go too far, since he’s pretty sure he just saw one of his neighbors murder his wife.

Hitchcock films this whole movie from the interior of Stewart’s apartment, creating a claustrophobic environment, and transforming everyone into voyeurs. By only witnessing what the hero sees, viewers don’t even think about questioning his interpretation of the crime. So, whenever any of the other characters point out just how thin the actual evidence is (and it’s thin indeed), audiences are forced to either deny logic and fall into the hero’s paranoid mentality or admit begrudgingly that they may have been cleverly tricked.

13. ‘Les Diaboliques’ (1955)

Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot

Henri-Georges Clouzot’s ingenious and sultry thriller Les Diaboliques stars Véra Clouzot as the long-suffering wife of an abusive husband (Paul Merisse). She’s so isolated that her only friend is her husband’s mistress (Simone Signoret), because she’s the only other person who understands just what a monster he is. What a twisted and unexpected situation in which to find oneself; it’s exactly the sort of pressure cooker relationship that seems likely to lead to murder.

The allure of Les Diaboliques (also regarded as one of the best French horror movies of all time) goes well beyond its twisty plot. Clouzot and Signoret are iconic as dual femme fatales, one sensitive and guilt-ridden, the other unflappable and icy, thrown together into increasingly bizarre circumstances and thinking out all of their unthinkable choices. Les Diaboliques sinks you into a pool of suspense and suspicion, and forces you to drown in it.

12. ‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

Directed by Satoshi Kon

Japanese animator Satoshi Kon’s too-short directorial career comprised only four feature films before his death, all of them brilliant, The psychotropic and inventive thriller Perfect Blue was his debut, and it remains a watershed for the genre, cleverly foreshadowing techno horror, cracking open the perils of modern celebrity culture, and the dangers of losing oneself in their work. Perfect Blue showcases the flaws of fame by telling the story of a teen music icon, Mima Kirigoe (Junko Iwao), who decides to give up her extremely popular band and pursue a career in acting.

Energized, creative, influential, and genuinely frightening, Perfect Blue made a mark on the thriller genre and turned Kon into a filmmaker’s filmmaker, with directors like Darren Aronofsky and Christopher Nolan both taking direct inspiration from his distinctive imagery and storytelling style. It is a must-see meditation on how obsession destroys the artist.

11. ‘The Conversation’ (1974)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

In the early 1970s, between making The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, Francis Ford Coppola directed one of the best psychological thrillers ever made. The Conversation stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert who records a conversation between two young lovers, and examines and re-examines the audio obsessively, thinking he may have uncovered a murderous plot.

Inspired by Michael Antonioni’s similar Blow-Up — about a photographer who keeps enhancing an image, thinking it’s evidence in a murder — Coppola’s film adds governmental paranoia into the mix, and highlights the lonely existence of a man who knows just how little privacy there is in the modern world, specifically because he’s so good at invading it. It’s a profound character piece, featuring one of the most nuanced performances of Hackman’s career, and a smart and unexpected thriller about how little we know, no matter how much we hear.

10. ‘Memento’ (2000)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan’s second and breakthrough feature stars Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a man with anterograde amnesia, who cannot make new memories. As a result, every few minutes he has to reorient himself, and ask where he is and what he is doing. Placing that man in the middle of a murder mystery is an ingenious bit of plotting. Editing the film around his point of view — i.e. telling the story in reverse order scene-by-scene so the audience is constantly re-orienting themselves too — is beyond brilliant.

Told in reverse chronological order, Memento‘s storytelling is undeniably part of the film’s appeal. It’s a tragic drama of cycles and reversals, of betrayal and futility. The unique psychological state of the hero propels the film in unusual directions, but the story would hold up if told in chronological order, a canny bit of screenwriting that Nolan presents impeccably.

9. ‘Se7en’ (1995)

Directed by David Fincher

Because this list can not get enough Fincher, Se7en is also worth mentioning as one of the best psychological thrillers of all time (and arguably the filmmaker’s second-best film). With a well-crafted plot, it centers around two detectives, played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, who embark on a journey to find a — you guessed it — serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives.

In addition to the stellar performances from both leads, the cleverly crafted Se7en truly benefits from the innovative, dark, and engaging narrative — despite being sick, twisted, and psychologically manipulative, it is impossible to look away from it. Plus, the way it manages to send chills down the audience’s spine without actually showcasing anything is impressive, so it is no wonder that the film’s appeal has endured throughout the years.

8. ‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Directed by Park Chan-wook

Imagine it: You’re kidnapped, you’re placed in a motel with nothing but a TV for company and dumplings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’re never allowed outside, you never have anybody to talk to, and you never know why you’ve been imprisoned. And 15 years later you’re inexplicably freed and told you have to solve the mystery of why you were punished.

Park Chan-wook’s incredible film has one hell of a set-up, simultaneously specific and soaked in the unknown. Featuring dynamic action, jaw-dropping plotting, and the climax is one for the ages, Oldboy is an utterly enjoyable psychological thriller. The remake, directed by Spike Lee, comes across like a pale imitation, right down to the comparatively happy, Hollywoodized finale. The original is a classic. Stick to it.

7. ‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Directed by David Fincher

Part of Fight Club‘s appeal lies in its unforgettable plot twist and how it incites the viewer into questioning things, especially aspects related to current society. Despite being the textbook “film bro” film, there is no way to deny how much of a masterwork this psychological thriller is. It tells the story of an insomniac office worker (Edward Norton) who forms a bond with a soap maker (Pitt), which later originates in an underground fight club.

Fincher’s 1999 psychological film — which turns 25 this year — provides an intriguing social commentary on capitalism, vandalism, crime, and mental health, while also exploring the idea of masculinity and its erosion within modern society, especially with an angst-ridden, unrealized, and repressed man at its center. It is undoubtedly an entertaining watch with a few twists and turns to keep audiences invested.

6. ‘Vertigo’ (1958)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Widely regarded as one of the best movies of all time (at least, according to the British Film Institute Sight and Sound Poll), Alfred Hitchock’s Vertigo is one of the filmmaker’s masterpieces. Starring Kim Novak and James Stewart, the story centers around a former San Francisco police officer who juggles wrestling with his own demons and becoming obsessed with a beautiful woman he has been hired to trail.

With stunning visuals and masterful direction (as expected, given the great mind behind it), Vertigo is assuredly a psychological thriller unlike any other. Its incredible performances bring it to other levels, while its score is haunting and unforgettable. Vertigo also notably introduced a revolutionary camera shot that influenced the genre. What makes Hitchcock’s movie so appealing, though, is the unique vision that it provides audiences, often tackling male desire, manipulation, and the objectification of women.

5. ‘Zodiac’ (2007)

Directed by David Fincher

Featuring two Oscar-worthy performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr., this 2007 film is based on the books by Robert Graysmith, two non-fiction books outlining the story of the killer. It is set between 1968 and 1983, centering around an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree.

David Fincher has proven to be quite the master of the neo-noir, psychological thriller genre, and the dialogue-driven Zodiac proves that once more. Blending the crime and mystery genres, this captivating but anxiety-inducing movie is among the most terrifying, especially given that it is a true story and, like in other serial killer films, real people did fall victim to terrible circumstances. It delves deep into the minds of the characters and makes it easy for audiences to be invested in the story, which is why it is ultimately so gut-wrenching.

4. ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Directed by the iconic Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver was naturally the inspiration behind major films, including the Joaquin Phoenix-led Joker. Featuring a remarkable score and an iconic screenplay, Scorsese’s movie stars the iconic Robert De Niro in the lead role and follows a mentally unstable veteran as he makes his way through the streets of New York City at night, where he works as a taxi driver.

Dealing with isolation and loneliness in the middle of crowds and handling themes of violence, The Best Picture nominee Taxi Driver is an intriguing depiction of a personal descent into a nightmare with an incredible, moody atmosphere. There is no doubt that Scorsese’s movie is an essential psychological thriller that provides audiences with a cold and desolate portrayal of a filthy society.

3. ‘Parasite’ (2019)

Directed by Bong Joon-ho

Parasite was the first foreign language film ever to win Best Picture across 92 years of Oscar history, and it is not difficult to grasp why. With a near-flawless 99% Tomatometer score, Bong Joon-ho‘s movie tells the story of two polar opposite families: The Kims and the Parks. The struggling Kims scheme to have a job with the Parks and succeed. However, when the wealthy family goes on a camping trip and the Kims take over the house, an unexpected series of increasingly distressing events take place.

Despite only being released in 2019, Parasite is hands down one of the best psychological thrillers ever made. It is an all-around extremely well-executed movie, with note-perfect lighting and just the right pacing. Plus, its characters are believable and three-dimensional, elevating its critique of the distribution of wealth in the world and class to even higher grounds.

2. ‘Psycho’ (1960)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Like other classics mentioned on this list, Pyscho is essential viewing to anyone who loves psychological dramas. Blending horror, mystery, and thriller genres, it follows a secretary (Janet Leigh) who extorts $40,000 from her employer’s client and goes on the run, only to check into a remote motel run by a sinister young man (Anthony Perkins) under the control of his mother.

While its shocking plot twist, amazing acting performances, and incredible cinematography make Alfred Hitchcock’s signature film a must-see classic, it is its message about identities, voyeurism, and isolation that make it such a thought-provoking watch that many find themselves reaching toward time and time again. Pyscho is a gripping film in a league of its own, and its masterfully crafted suspense and tense atmosphere stick with audiences long after the credits roll.

1. ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Directed by Jonathan Demme

With one of the most suspenseful screenplays to ever grace the big screen, Jonathan Demme‘s bone-chilling The Silence of the Lambs benefits from Anthony Hopkins‘s extraordinary, Oscar-winning performance as a cannibal killer who aids a young F.B.I. cadet (Jodie Foster) catch another serial killer who skins his victims.

Based on the best-selling 1988 novel of the same name by Thomas Harris, the Oscar-winning thriller movie The Silence of the Lambs is an essential psychological thriller for many reasons — one of them being the way it carefully analyses and studies the psyche of its compelling characters. Demme’s movie — still terrifying more than 30 years later — explores identity and transformation in a captivating manner, all while featuring some memorable quotes and a shocking, at times even hard-to-watch narrative that will keep audiences invested.

NEXT: The Best Thrillers of All Time, Ranked