Netflix’s Best Psychological Thriller Movies, Ranked

Within the realm of thrillers and suspense, it could be said the psychological thriller subgenre stands as the most beloved. What makes these twisty and suspense-laden tales that toy with the mind so enticing? Perhaps the appeal lies in their ability to intellectually challenge viewers, evoke a range of emotions, and provide an adrenaline-pumping experience. Dissecting the plot, understanding the characters’ minds, and immersing oneself in a twisty plot, while anticipating the big reveal, create a thoroughly enjoyable experience appreciated by fans of this genre.

Netflix has quite an appealing collection of thrillers. For enthusiasts of movies exploring human behavior or spine-tingling thrillers, the streaming giant has no shortage of great titles. These movies will leave you feeling unsettled, in the best way, and utterly engaged in seeing how the stories they tell unwind.

18

Leave the World Behind (2023)

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Leave the World Behind sees a star-studded cast, featuring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Kevin Bacon, leading a psychological thriller underscored by powerful messages and political underpinning. Based on Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel, this film follows a family’s vacation disrupted by the sudden arrival of two mysterious individuals.

A Family Vacation Turns Intense

Sam Esmail’s Leave the World Behind prompts viewers to question unfolding events. Many unanswered questions pull them in, keeping them confused as the characters desperately seek an escape. This plot is thick, blending realism with mystery and giving viewers chills. A drama drenched in dread, the feature also has a strong cast and a strong visual direction, offering a fully immersive experience.

17

The Platform (2019)

Renowned for its unique premise and thought-provoking social commentary, the Spanish horror thriller, The Platform, stands as one of the best offerings on Netflix. Set in a vertical prison known as “The Hole,” this film follows the lives of inmates stacked on top of each other as they navigate the brutal and competitive environment, where survival demands violence and breeds desperation.

Class Disparity Turned Into a Sensational Thriller

The Platform goes beyond typical horror fare designed to instill fear. Instead, it serves as a brutal and allegorical representation of society, where those at the top exploit those beneath, perpetuating the cycle of privilege and oppression. The confined setting and the scarcity of resources create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that highlights the darker side of humanity, effectively keeping viewers on edge. It is such a remarkable psychological thriller that provokes emotions and poses thought-provoking questions for viewers to ponder well after the credits roll. The sequel, The Platform 2, is also available on Netflix.

16

TAU (2018)

TAU revolves around Julia, a young woman who awakens to find herself abducted and confined in a futuristic smart house controlled by artificial intelligence. Subjected to a series of experiments by the enigmatic inventor, she attempts to escape her high-tech prison, ultimately forming an alliance with the A.I. itself.

Sci-Fi Thrills Steeped in an Unsettling Atmosphere

The success of this psychological thriller is attributed to its intriguing premise, outstanding performances, and high production value. It combines an unsettling atmosphere with a blend of psychology and science fiction, incorporating action, suspense, and drama to create a captivating sci-fi thriller. More importantly, TAU raises important and timely questions that prompt deep reflection about the dynamic between the protagonist and the AI. Indeed, their unconventional relationship brings heart and depth to the story.

15

The Woman in the Window (2021)

Joe Wright’s psychological thriller, The Woman in the Window, revolves around the agoraphobic Dr. Fox (Amy Adams), who lives alone in her New York City apartment and loves spending her time observing others. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes convinced she witnessed a crime across the street. As she commits to uncovering the truth, her journey leads her to question her sanity and reality.

A Deeply Disturbing Slow Burn

The Woman in the Window is the kind of psychological thriller that intrigues viewers with its slow-burn and moody narrative, leaving them agitated right from the beginning, eager to unravel the mysteries. While some criticize it as a less-than-stellar adaptation of A.J. Finn’s book, many appreciate its compelling storytelling, deep exploration of the complexity of the human mind, Adams’ committed performance, and its visual style that amplifies the sense of unease.

14

Clinical (2017)

Centered around a psychiatrist, Dr. Jane, recovering from a violent attack by one of her patients, Clinical becomes more intense when she accepts another patient with a traumatic history. As she delves deep into her sessions with this troubled patient, Jane begins experiencing unsettling and increasingly intense hallucinations.

Full of Twists and Turns

Like many other psychological thrillers, Clinical succeeds in thrilling and scaring viewers through its exploration of the themes of trauma, the fragility of the human mind, and the hazy line between reality and imagination. Its combination of psychological elements, dark and moody visuals, effective pacing, suspenseful storyline, an evocative musical score, and unexpected twists maintains a sense of tension and mystery throughout, keeping viewers invested in Dr. Jane’s ordeal.

13

The Wonder (2022)

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Set in 1862 Ireland, The Wonder follows an English nurse (Florence Pugh) as she is dispatched to closely monitor a girl rumored to have survived without having eaten for days. During this demanding assignment, the nurse discovers a shocking truth about the girl’s family, compelling her to do everything in her power to save her.

A Thought Provoking Thriller

The Wonder shines through its historical backdrop and deliberate pacing, keeping viewers in suspense about the truth surrounding the young girl. Despite its two-hour duration, this film never loses momentum, thanks to Pugh’s remarkable performance, an original and unpredictable storyline, and a score that enhances its overall impact. Spotlighting issues of abuse, trauma, and the extreme influence of faith, the psychological thriller delves into disturbing and thought-provoking territory.

12

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

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Adapted from Louis Bayard’s novel of the same name, The Pale Blue Eye follows a world-weary detective, Landor, who arrives at West Point Academy in 1830 to investigate the mysterious death of a young cadet. Unable to get enough information, he enlists the help of a solitary cadet, and together, they realize they may have a killer on the loose.

Tracking Down a Killer in the 1800s

While the beginning of The Pale Blue Eye may start slow, those patient enough to wait for the tension to build are rewarded with a solid detective and serial killer thriller. This psychological thriller manages to maintain an air of mystery from the beginning, growing even more intense towards the end. The mesmerizing presence of Christian Bale as the grief-stricken detective haunted by his past is another captivating aspect of this gothic and macabre movie that cuts deep.

11

The Weekend Away (2022)

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Set against the backdrop of an exotic holiday vacation in Croatia, this psychological thriller follows two friends, Beth and Kate, as they embark on their annual weekend trip. However, what starts as a fun vacation takes a dark turn when Beth wakes to find Kate murdered and becomes a prime suspect in her friend’s death. Now, she must dig deep to resolve the mystery and clear her name.

Wrongly Accused of a Friend’s Death

The Weekend Away is guaranteed to keep many invested in Beth’s journey to uncover the truth behind her friend’s death. With its intriguing story and a plethora of old-fashioned plot twists, the film keeps viewers guessing about the eventual outcome of events. Leighton Meester’s outstanding performance as a weary and vulnerable new mother further enhances the film’s appeal.

10

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

In the Shadow of the Moon is the perfect pick for anyone who enjoys films that combine crime-solving elements with sci-fi twists and is intrigued by time-travel narratives. Directed by Jim Mickle, this film revolves around a Philadelphia police officer obsessed with a series of bizarre murders that happen at nine-year intervals. As he delves into this investigation, he learns a shocking truth.

A Deadly Discovery While Traveling Through Time

The unique combination of genres and intriguing premise make In the Shadow of the Moon an ideal choice for fans of well-crafted and distinctive tales. The film excels in delivering its exceptional premise, featuring a tactfully written screenplay that brilliantly weaves mystery, drama, crime, and sci-fi. Specifically, the twists and turns in the film will entertain anyone.

9

Fractured (2019)

Fractured follows a man named Ray, who, after an accident, becomes convinced that his wife and his daughter have gone missing, only for the hospital to deny their existence altogether. As Ray becomes increasingly desperate to find his family, he becomes ensnared in a web of conspiracies and uncertainties.

A Chilling Mystery Told Through an Unreliable Narrator

Several elements come together to make Fractured such a well-executed psychological thriller. Twists and turns, suspense and mystery, an unreliable narrator, and an anxiety-riddled atmosphere keep the movie engaging and mysterious. As Ray navigates the hospital’s eerie corridors, the movie maintains an air of mystery and chilling sterility. Sam Worthington’s convincing performance of Ray, a character ravaged by confusion and desperation, helps to sell this film overall.

8

The Devil All the Time (2020)

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Weaving multiple storylines and characters, The Devil All the Time, based on Donald Ray Pallock’s novel of the same name, explores the themes of faith, violence, and the dark side of humanity. Tom Holland plays Arvin, the main character determined to shield his stepsister from the troubled environment of his upbringing.

A Meticulously Crafted Thriller Drawing on a History of Trauma

As a psychological thriller, this film excels in many areas. It takes time to develop characters by delving into their psychological motivations and the past traumas that shape their present actions. Moreover, the unnerving post-war setting provides a backdrop that echoes moral decay and isolation. All these come together to create a rich and layered cinematic experience. Of course, the cast delivers compelling performances, with notable portrayals from Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson, enhancing its effectiveness.

7

Fair Play (2023)

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Directed by Chloe Damont, the erotic psychological thriller Fair Play unfolds in the ruthless realm of hedge funds. It follows Emily and Luke, Phoebe Dynevor, and Alden Ehrenreich, whose blissful relationship plunges into an intense power tussle when the former is promoted over the latter.

A Shocking Fight for Power

Fair Play builds suspense gradually, skillfully utilizing elements of paranoia, uncertainty, and betrayal that culminate in an explosive ending. It serves as a stark yet captivating depiction of how dark relationships can get as two beautiful and intelligent characters succumb to the pitfalls of corporate greed and competition. Dynevor and Ehrenreich deliver exceptional performances that heighten the film’s overall intensity. Tautly paced and uncomfortably relatable, Fair Play will have many hooked.

6

Gerald’s Game (2017)

Based on Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same name and masterfully directed by Mike Flanagan, Gerald’s Game portrays the harrowing ordeal of a woman left in distress after her husband unexpectedly dies while she is handcuffed to the bed during an intimate moment. Confronted with the horrifying reality of her situation, she must overcome her inner demons to survive.

One of Mike Flanagan’s Best

If you appreciate psychological horror films that delve into the disturbing aspects of the human mind and feature strong character development, Gerald’s Game is certainly worth your time. Merging psychological horror elements with a survival narrative, the film offers a gripping, jarring, and thoughtful experience that feels all too real. Carla Gugino’s compelling performance adds another layer of excellence to the film. The movie remains one of the more underappreciated works by Mike Flanagan, and is perfect to watch alongside his best works, like Netflix’s Midnight Mass.

5

Oldboy (2003)

After a night of heavy drinking, businessman Oh Dae-su finds himself confined to a small room. Kept there for fifteen years, Dae-su tries to piece together what he had done to deserve such treatment. When he is finally freed without explanation, he begins a quest to find out who was behind his long imprisonment. As he gets closer to the truth, he also begins to suspect that his abductor is still targeting him as a series of bizarre events happen around him.

The Darkest Tale of Revenge

Director Park Chan-wook brought South Korea to the global stage with Oldboy; while the country was already at the forefront of many international cinema fans, it was hard to avoid the push and praise for the Revenge Thriller in the 2000s. This is one mystery best to go into blind, but the intensity of events throughout is as chilling as it is stunning; people still talk about the hammer fight scene decades after its release. Oldboy is a masterpiece of mystery, suspense, and psychological terror; it is a must-watch cinema. While also on Netflix, the American remake should be avoided.

4

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)

Former boxer turned drug runner Bradley Thomas pushes forth, despite the dangers of his profession, to take care of his pregnant wife. Yet, a botched drug deal soon sees him imprisoned. It is here that Bradley is offered a deal: to protect his wife, he must kill another prisoner stored in a high-security facility that only houses the most brutal criminals. To reach his target, Bradley must brutally fight his way and create as much chaos as possible to be placed in the same prison.

A Brutal Trip into the Penal System

Vince Vaughn gives a fantastic performance in Brawl in Cell Block 99, albeit vastly out of character. Vaughn, as Bradley Thomas, dives deep into the prison system and looks to continually cause violence wherever he goes, throwing his own life away to save another. This one is certainly at the more sensational end of the thriller; the violence is hard to stomach, yet it explores the depths of cruelty people will go to when pushed. Features like this have led some to call S. Craig Zahler the best crime director of his generation.

3

It’s What’s Inside (2024)

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A group of friends gathers for a pre-wedding party, joined by an estranged friend, Forbes, who is known for turning any get-together into a chaotic event. At this get-together, Forbes brings an experimental device that allows them to change bodies—posing a guessing game where they must figure out who got into whom. The night slowly turns from fun to horrific as people begin to make poor choices using each other’s bodies.

Hiding in Another’s Skin

With elements of comedy and horror, It’s What’s Inside does a wonderful job of tapping into psychological thrillers, as a group of friends are faced with betrayal and violence hiding in each other’s skin. The movie offers a unique premise with an eccentric cast that leaves viewers wondering what they would do in a similar situation. It’s What’s Inside also manages to stay comedic while not becoming too indulgent or losing its sharp edge, which makes it so engrossing.

2

Emilia Pérez (2024)

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Lawyer Rita Mora Castro is thrust into the spotlight after defending a prominent media mogul in a high-profile murder case involving his wife. Her win leads to her getting a call from a drug kingpin, Juan “Manitas” Del Monte, who is looking to undergo gender-affirming surgery, eventually becoming the titular Emilia Pérez. The transformation brings plenty of struggles as Emilia tries to reconcile with the past by starting up a charitable organization and dealing with disappointment from her family and the kidnapping of Emilia’s new partner, Jessi.

One of the Most Talked About Films of 2024

The recipient of world-breaking applause at the Cannes Film Festival for nine minutes, Emilia Pérez, would go on to critical acclaim and become a front-runner at various award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards. Excelling by utilizing “trans identity as an allegory for social change,” Emilia Pérez offers audiences a profoundly engaging narrative backed by phenomenal performances.

1

Take Shelter (2011)

Curtis LaForche is a young father living in a rural area, living the dream of owning his land and having a loving family. However, Curtis begins to get visions of the world’s end, becoming increasingly paranoid and building a fallout shelter to protect his family. These actions, combined with severe paranoia and hallucinations, begin to isolate him from everyone, leading to pushback against his extreme measures.

Madness or a Deadly Premonition?

Not only does Take Shelter offer Michael Shannon at his best, but the psychological thriller wonderfully blurs the lines between fiction and reality to create an engrossing mystery. This one will keep viewers disoriented and confused about whether the events happening to Curtis are real or a decline into madness, with enough of the bizarre omens feeling plausible as the family man becomes more paranoid. A highly emotional exploration of mental illness, Take Shelter will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.