Best Psychological Horror Movies

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel by Thomas Harris. The film follows Clarice Starling, a young FBI trainee who is tasked with interviewing Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, in order to gain insight into the mind of another serial killer, Buffalo Bill. Clarice must face her own demons and the terrors of Lecter in order to unravel the identity and motives of Buffalo Bill before it's too late. The Silence of the Lambs is a suspenseful and intense ride as Clarice navigates the dangerous psychological game of cat and mouse between herself and Lecter, ultimately leading her to the truth she seeks.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a 1995 crime thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey. It tells the story of two detectives, played by Freeman and Pitt, who are tasked with finding a serial killer targeting people who have committed seven deadly sins. As the detectives investigate the crimes, they find themselves dealing with a twisted and darkly intelligent killer who has created a series of horrifying and creative murders. The film culminates in an intense and shocking finale that will leave viewers feeling disturbed long after the film has ended.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a popular 1960 horror-thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a young woman who impulsively steals $40,000 from her employer, and flees to a motel run by the peculiar Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). While there, Marion meets her untimely demise in the infamous shower scene. The film then follows Marion's sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and her lover, Sam (John Gavin), as they attempt to unravel the mystery of her disappearance. As the story progresses, the audience discovers that the motel is the residence of Norman and his domineering mother, Norma (played by Hitchcock's wife, Alma Reville). The film ends with the reveal of Norman's dark secret: he is a split personality, combining the personality of himself and his mother. Psycho was highly controversial upon its release, due to its violence and intense subject matter, and became an iconic classic in the horror genre.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Leonard Shelby, a man with anterograde amnesia, as he attempts to unravel the events that led to his wife's murder. With the help of transgressive photographs, notes, and tattoos, Leonard must piece together the details of his past to find the murderer. Along the way, he is forced to confront the complexities of his condition, but he is also aided by allies who may not have his best interests at heart. The film is told in a non-linear fashion, alternating between black-and-white scenes set in the present and color scenes set in the past. With its intricate narrative structure and powerful performances, Memento is a gripping exploration of memory and vengeance.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Rated R

The Shining is a classic psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based off of Stephen King's 1977 novel of the same name. It follows Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) as he takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Along with Jack, his wife Wendy (played by Shelley Duvall) and their young son Danny (played by Danny Lloyd) check in for the season. As the months go by, Jack slowly begins to succumb to cabin fever and the supernatural forces of the hotel, which drive him to madness and violence. His increasingly erratic behavior starts to put his family in danger as he descends further and further into a terrifying world of ghosts and gruesome visions. With suspenseful music, iconic imagery, and nuanced performances, The Shining has become a horror classic and one of the most iconic horror films of all time.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky. It follows the lives of four people from Brooklyn, New York and their struggles with drug addiction. The main characters are Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), her son Harry (Jared Leto), his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly), and his best friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). Sara is an elderly widow battling depression who relies on prescription pills to get through her days. Harry and Marion are desperately trying to make money to purchase their own apartment, but their drug use quickly spirals out of control. Tyrone is a former drug dealer who is released from jail and attempts to return to a normal life. The film follows their downward spiral as they are all dragged further into addiction and despair. As their lives unravel, the film highlights the bleak reality of drug addiction, human despair, and the consequences of broken dreams.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film adapted, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess's 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows Alex, the charismatic leader of a small group of teenage delinquents, as he and his friends embark on a night of "ultraviolence" and criminal activities. After Alex is arrested and jailed, he is chosen for a controversial new behavioural therapy designed to eliminate his criminal tendencies. The film explores the implications of government-mandated psychological manipulation and questions the morality of using psychological manipulation as a form of punishment or rehabilitation. The film is widely acclaimed, and is seen as a classic of the New Hollywood era.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is a 1976 psychological drama written by Paul Schrader and directed by Martin Scorsese. The film follows the story of Travis Bickle, a disturbed Vietnam veteran living in New York City who becomes increasingly isolated and disillusioned with society. He becomes a taxi driver to cope with his loneliness, and eventually crosses paths with a senator's daughter and an underage prostitute, triggering a violent plan of revenge. The movie is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and explores themes of alienation, urban disenchantment, and morality.

From Satoshi Kon, starring Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji, Masaaki Ôkura
Rated R

Perfect Blue is a Japanese psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon. The film follows Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol who quits her band to pursue an acting career. As her world begins to change and she struggles to adapt, she finds herself haunted by terrifying visions and stalked by an obsessed fan. She begins to question her own sense of identity and reality as she is driven to the brink of insanity. As the line between fantasy and reality begin to blur, Mima must ultimately confront the terrifying truth behind her haunting visions.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a troubled teenager in the town of Middlesex. After being plagued by visions of a giant rabbit named Frank, Donnie discovers that the world may be coming to an end in 28 days. With the help of his therapist and his friends, Donnie embarks on an adventure to save the world from an unknown entity. Along the way, Donnie learns about time travel, alternate dimensions, and the power of love and acceptance. Ultimately, Donnie must make a difficult decision that could change the course of history forever.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a British live-action/animated musical drama written and directed by Alan Parker, based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album The Wall. The film follows the story of a troubled and isolated rock star, Pink, who is driven into a mental breakdown due to the death of his father, the demands of stardom, and the personal pressures of his relationships. He builds a metaphorical wall between himself and the outside world, alienating himself from his band members and his fans. His journey of self-discovery reveals a path toward redemption and harmony with himself and his world. The film uses a combination of live action, animation, and surrealistic imagery to create a unique visual experience.

From Mick Jackson, starring Karen Meagher, Reece Dinsdale, David Brierly, Rita May
Rated TV-MA

Threads is a British drama-documentary film directed by Mick Jackson and first broadcast by the BBC in 1984. The story follows Ruth Beckett, a young woman living in the English city of Sheffield, and Jimmy Kemp, a young man who works in a steel factory. As Cold War tensions mount, the two fall in love and plan to marry – but their future is threatened by the looming threat of nuclear war. The film follows them as they experience the day-to-day struggles of life, while gradually coming to terms with the fact that their world might be destroyed at any moment. The film is a powerful depiction of the effects of nuclear conflict on civilian life, with a stark, no-holds-barred approach to the subject matter. It presents a bleak, yet searingly honest, account of the human cost of nuclear war.

From Ken Russell, starring Vanessa Redgrave, Oliver Reed, Dudley Sutton, Max Adrian
Rated R

The Devils is a 1971 historical drama horror film directed by Ken Russell and based upon the 1952 book The Devils of Loudun by Aldous Huxley. The film tells the story of a sexually repressed Catholic priest in 17th century France who is accused of witchcraft and demonic possession by a sexually repressed nun. The film stars Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave. The story follows Father Urbain Grandier (Reed), a priest who is accused of witchcraft and demonic possession by Sister Jeanne des Anges (Redgrave), a sexually frustrated nun. Grandier is accused by the Cardinal Richelieu of causing the demonic possessions of the convent of Loudun. Richelieu sends Father Jean Barre (Michael Gothard) to investigate the claims. Barre soon joins forces with Sister Jeanne and her fellow nuns in a witch-hunt against Grandier. As the accusations mount and the victims of the witch-hunt increase, Grandier is eventually tortured and executed for witchcraft and sorcery. The film is a vivid depiction of demonic possession, religious hysteria, and institutional power.

From Niels Arden Oplev, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2009 Swedish-language thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson. Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, it tells the story of a disgraced journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, who is hired by a retired industrialist, Henrik Vanger, to investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet, forty years prior. Mikael is aided in his investigation by Lisbeth Salander, a rebellious and highly-skilled computer hacker. Together, they uncover a conspiracy involving murder, political corruption, and organized crime. As the mystery deepens, Mikael and Lisbeth uncover dark secrets about their own pasts that are intricately linked to the case. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a thrilling and suspenseful journey that explores the depths of human depravity and the strength of the human spirit.

From John Boorman, starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox
Rated R

Deliverance is a 1972 American thriller film directed by John Boorman and based on the 1970 novel of the same name by James Dickey. It stars Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox as four men who set out on a river-rafting trip in the rural Georgia wilderness, only to be confronted by a pair of vicious mountain men. The film was a critical and box office success, earning three Academy Award nominations and becoming a classic of the 1970s. The story follows the four men as they embark on a weekend canoe trip down a remote area of the Cahulawassee River, only to find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations. The men are forced to face their own insecurities and push their physical and mental limits in order to survive the ordeal.

From Alex Garland, starring Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Sonoya Mizuno
Rated R

Ex Machina follows programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) as he is invited to the home of the eccentric CEO of his company, Nathan (Oscar Isaac). Nathan has created a new android, Ava (Alicia Vikander), and tasks Caleb with testing her artificial intelligence to determine whether or not it is truly conscious. As the experiment progresses, Caleb begins to develop feelings for Ava and becomes increasingly suspicious of Nathan’s motives. As their interactions become more intense, a violent power struggle between the three ensues, leading to a shocking conclusion.

From Roman Polanski, starring Catherine Deneuve, Ian Hendry, John Fraser, Yvonne Furneaux
Rated Not Rated

Repulsion is a 1965 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski. The film follows the story of a young woman named Carol, played by Catherine Deneuve, whose life begins to unravel as she descends into a state of psychosis. As she struggles with feelings of fear, isolation, and repulsion, her behavior and the events around her become increasingly strange and nightmarish. With the help of her sister and her landlord, Carol must battle her inner demons before they take control of her life completely.

From Mary Harron, starring Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Bill Sage
Rated R

American Psycho is a 2000 black comedy drama film directed by Mary Harron, based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. The film follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy, materialistic Wall Street investment banker living in 1980s Manhattan. Despite his outward perfection, Patrick is an unstable and psychopathic individual, harboring a dark side that he keeps hidden from everyone around him. As Patrick's inner demons take hold of him, he begins to commit a series of horrific murders while maintaining his perfect facade. As the horror escalates and the bodies pile up, Patrick's mental state begins to unravel. In the end, he is forced to confront his own inner darkness and the consequences of his actions.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet, Marisa Paredes
Rated R

The Skin I Live In is a psychological thriller by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. The film follows the story of Robert Ledgard, a plastic surgeon who has been experimenting with synthetic skin in order to help victims of burns, and his obsession with a mysterious woman. He has, unbeknownst to others, been holding her against her will in his home. The story follows Robert as he attempts to unravel the mystery of the woman’s identity and his own twisted motivations. The film is a dark exploration of revenge, identity, and obsession.

From Robin Hardy, starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Diane Cilento, Britt Ekland
Rated R

The Wicker Man is a 1973 British horror film directed by Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Shaffer. The movie stars Edward Woodward as Sgt. Neil Howie, a devout Christian police officer who is sent to a remote island off the coast of Scotland to investigate a missing person case. Upon his arrival, he discovers that the island is ruled by a pagan cult who practice bizarre rituals and strange beliefs. As he delves deeper into the islanders' secrets, Howie finds himself in a battle between his religious beliefs and their practice of the ancient pagan religion. As he continues to investigate, Howie soon finds out that the missing person case he came to investigate may have more sinister implications than he originally thought. With the help of the island's mysterious May Queen, played by Britt Ekland, Howie discovers the dark truth about the island and its inhabitants, and is forced to make a choice between his faith and the islanders' pagan beliefs.

From Wes Craven, starring Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich
Rated R

From Directors: Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde, starring Benoît Poelvoorde, Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert, Nelly Pappaert, Hector Pappaert
Rated NC-17

From Dario Argento, starring Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé
Rated R

From Patty Jenkins, starring Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen
Rated R

From Eiichi Yamamoto, starring Aiko Nagayama, Chinatsu Nakayama, Masaya Takahashi, Masakane Yonekura
Rated Unrated