Perhaps the genre I’ve immersed myself in the most over the years is psychological thrillers. I appreciate how these films skillfully maintain suspense, weaving intricate plot twists and a sense of bewilderment that keeps me captivated. This list comprises the movies that have lingered in my thoughts, leaving a lasting impression.

Shutter island

The story is set in 1954 and follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule as they investigate the disappearance of a prisoner from a mental institution located on Shutter Island. As the investigation unfolds, Teddy becomes immersed in the mysterious and disturbing events on the island. I will say no more about this film, you absolutaly have to watch it yourself. It is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever seen ( and Leonardo di Caprio is in it).

Secret window

This movie is based on a novella written by Stephen King, so you’ll allready know it wil be a quality thriller. We follow a succesful author, named Rainey (played by Johnny Depp), who retreats in a remote cabin after a hard devorce. But then, he is being disrupted by a stranger who states that Rainey is guilty of plagairism. As Rainey delves into the allegations, unsettling truths emerge, adding layers of suspense and mystery to the plot.

The machinist

Continuing with the theme of famous actors, Christian Bale takes on the role of the protagonist in this film. It is about a machinist, named Reznik, grappling with severe insomnia. As Reznik’s mental and physical condition worsens, he becomes involved in a mysterious workplace accident and a series of confusing post-it notes. The film skillfully blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

split

Even though it leans a bit towards horror, I still think Split also fits very good in this list. The film revolves around Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man struggeling with dissociative identity disorder (DID), who has 23 distinct personalities. When Kevin abducts three teenage girls, the narrative intensifies as the girls navigate the different personas inhabiting their captor. Notably, the psychological elements are pronounced throughout the movie, contributing to its depth and intensity.

Fractured

With this movie, you find yourself constantly questioning what to believe. A father’s world is abruptly upended when his daughter and wife mysteriously disappear in a hospital. In his desperate search for answers, the plot unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing, blurring the lines between reality and mystery.

These are five of my favorite psychological thrillers. If you have additional recommendations that fit well with this list, please share them below. Don’t forget to explore my other movie suggestions for a diverse range of genres!