Movies About Panic Attacks

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a 1999 sci-fi action film directed by the Wachowski brothers. The story follows Neo, a computer hacker who discovers that the world he knows is actually a simulated reality created by intelligent machines to keep humans in a state of enslavement. With the help of Morpheus and Trinity, Neo joins the fight against the machines to free humanity and discover the truth about the Matrix. Along the way, Neo learns to wield the superhuman powers of the Matrix to battle the machines, while the humans' only hope lies in the prophecy of the One, who will bring balance to the Matrix.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. It tells the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably imprisoned in a strange cell for 15 years without knowing his captor or the reason for his imprisonment. After his unexpected release, Dae-su embarks on a quest to discover who held him captive and why. Along the way, he must confront a number of enemies and allies, all while dealing with the psychological trauma incurred during his captivity. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and becoming one of the most acclaimed Asian films of all time.

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

Memento is a psychological thriller about a man named Leonard Shelby, who suffers from anterograde amnesia due to a head injury he sustained from an attack. He can no longer form new memories and is unable to remember anything for more than a few minutes. In order to cope with his condition, Leonard has developed a system of notes, tattoos, and Polaroid pictures to remind himself of his mission – to find and kill the man who raped and murdered his wife. Along the way, Leonard meets a variety of people who offer clues and help him piece together the mystery of his wife's death and his own identity. As the story progresses, Leonard discovers that he may be more involved in his wife's death than he originally thought. In the end, Leonard is left with more questions than answers but is still determined to find justice.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Jessie Royce Landis
Rated Approved

North by Northwest is an iconic suspense film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It follows the story of an advertising executive, Roger Thornhill, who is mistaken for a government agent and is then pursued across the United States by a group of foreign spies. Thornhill is framed for murder and must evade capture and try to clear his name. Along the way, he meets a beautiful woman who ultimately assists him in his escape. With twists and turns, the audience is entertained by the classic chase scenes and Hitchcock's unique style of direction. In the end, Thornhill manages to outwit his pursuers and expose the true villains.

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

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. Set in a decaying and morally bankrupt New York City following the Vietnam War, the film stars Robert De Niro as a lonely and mentally unstable veteran taxi driver who plunges into a violent and desperate crusade to save a teenage prostitute, played by Jodie Foster. The film received critical acclaim and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Rated R

Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 2010, tells the story of U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels and his partner, Chuck Aule, who are assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient from a mental hospital located on a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts. Along the way, Teddy begins to experience strange visions and is confronted with his own dark past. As the mystery deepens, it becomes clear that the hospital is far from what it seems and is backing up a sinister plot. Teddy must confront his own inner demons in order to uncover the truth and escape the island alive.

From Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon, Edgar Ramírez, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Ultimatum is an action-thriller film directed by Paul Greengrass and is the third installment in the Bourne film series. It stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, an amnesiac attempting to discover his true identity, and follows his search for the mastermind behind the operation that erased his memory. The plot starts with Bourne finding a file containing information about his past. This leads him to Moscow where Bourne discovers more information and is again chased by the CIA. He eventually learns that a CIA station chief named Noah Vosen is the mastermind behind the events of the previous two films and is also searching for Bourne. Meanwhile, Bourne contacts a journalist named Simon Ross to get more information about his past. However, Ross is followed by Vosen's men and Bourne is forced to save Ross from them. In a race against the clock, Bourne tracks down Vosen, who stages a showdown in New York City. In the end, Bourne is able to defeat Vosen and his men and successfully restores his memory. The film ends with Bourne finally understanding his past and his place in the world.

From Oliver Stone, starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
Rated R

JFK is a 1991 mystery thriller written and directed by Oliver Stone. The film follows the investigation of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison. The film depicts the events leading up to the assassination and its aftermath, focusing on Garrison's investigation and his belief that there was a conspiracy to kill Kennedy. The film also features flashbacks to Kennedy's assassination as well as interviews with witnesses, government officials, and historians. In the end, Garrison's investigation leads him to a different conclusion than the official findings of the Warren Commission. The film stars Kevin Costner as Jim Garrison, Kevin Bacon as Lee Harvey Oswald, and Joe Pesci as Jack Ruby.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski and based on the novel of the same name by Ira Levin. It tells the story of Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), a young wife and aspiring actress who, after moving into a new apartment with her husband Guy (John Cassavetes), becomes pregnant and suspects her unborn child is in danger. As her fears begin to take on a more sinister form, Rosemary discovers that an occult cult is using her as part of their ritualistic plot to bring the devil’s child into the world. With the help of a sympathetic doctor (Ruth Gordon), Rosemary must confront her fears and protect her baby at all costs.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Walter Matthau, Fritz Weaver, Dan O'Herlihy
Rated Approved

Fail Safe is a 1964 Cold War thriller directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Henry Fonda and Walter Matthau. The film follows American President Walter Grover and his advisors as they grapple with a potential nuclear apocalypse after a military computer system mistakenly sends out an order to a squadron of nuclear bombers. The President and his team must decide whether to recall the bombers before they reach their targets or to accept the consequences of their actions and risk full-scale nuclear war. The film's suspenseful narrative and tense atmosphere make for a gripping and thought-provoking experience.

From Doug Liman, starring Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Identity is a 2002 action-thriller film directed by Doug Liman and based on Robert Ludlum's novel of the same name. It stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, an amnesiac who discovers that he is an expert assassin. Bourne is on the run from the Central Intelligence Agency, who are trying to find out why he's lost his memory. As he attempts to uncover the truth, he finds himself in a world of danger as he is pursued by unknown forces. He must use his skills and resourcefulness to survive as he slowly pieces together his identity.

From Alan J. Pakula, starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam
Rated PG

All the President's Men is a 1976 American political thriller directed by Alan J. Pakula, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. The film is based on the 1974 non-fiction book by Woodward and Bernstein, All the President's Men, which chronicles the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. The story follows Woodward and Bernstein as they investigate the 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex and the subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration. Through dogged determination, they uncover a host of criminal activities perpetrated by the Nixon administration, culminating in the President's resignation. The film also features Jason Robards, Jack Warden and Martin Balsam in supporting roles. All the President's Men was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Jason Robards, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction.

From John Frankenheimer, starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury
Rated PG-13

The Manchurian Candidate is a 1962 Cold War-era psychological thriller film directed by John Frankenheimer. The film follows the story of Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra), an American soldier who was captured and brainwashed during the Korean War to become a sleeper agent for a Communist conspiracy. Upon his return to the United States, Marco is haunted by recurring nightmares and begins to question his true identity and reality. With the help of fellow soldier Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey), Marco works to uncover the truth and put a stop to the conspiracy. Along the way, Marco discovers that Shaw's mother, Senator Eleanor Iselin (Angela Lansbury), is a political power broker with a sinister agenda. In the end, Marco is forced to choose between patriotism and morality as he attempts to put a stop to his former captors' plans.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest
Rated PG

The Conversation is a 1974 American mystery thriller film written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film follows surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) as he is hired to record a couple's private conversation, only to discover that he may be inadvertently involved in a murder plot. As Harry is dragged further into the mystery, his paranoia begins to consume him and he begins to question his own moral values. The film is a psychological thriller that explores themes of trust, morality, and the power of technology.

From John Frankenheimer, starring Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Fredric March, Ava Gardner
Rated Approved

Seven Days in May is a 1964 political-thriller film directed by John Frankenheimer. The film follows the story of US Air Force Brigadier General James Mattoon Scott (portrayed by Burt Lancaster) and his suspicion that a military coup is being planned by his superior, General James Holden (portrayed by Kirk Douglas). The two must work together to prevent the coup from taking place. The film also stars Ava Gardner and Fredric March in supporting roles. The story is set in the context of the Cold War and the increasing tensions between the US and Russia, as well as a looming nuclear threat. The film serves as a warning of the dangers of power and politics and the fragility of democracy. It explores themes such as patriotism, loyalty, and courage in the face of danger.

From David Fincher, starring Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger, Sean Penn, James Rebhorn
Rated R

The Game is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher. It stars Michael Douglas as Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy, but cold and distant, investment banker. After his brother, Conrad, gives him a "game" as an early birthday present, Nicholas soon discovers that this is no ordinary game. He is thrust into a complex web of mind games and real-life dangers, as he is challenged to survive the increasingly sinister levels of the game. As Nicholas attempts to unravel the mystery of the game, he begins to realize the magnitude of his own emotional detachment from the world around him.

From Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Joan Allen, Brian Cox
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Supremacy is a 2004 action thriller directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a former CIA operative with amnesia on the run from government assassins. After being framed for a botched CIA operation in Moscow, he goes on the run with Marie, his girlfriend, and is forced to confront the past he can’t remember. As he begins to uncover hidden truths about his identity and past, Bourne must race against time to clear his name and save Marie from a ruthless assassin. With a story full of action, suspense, and intrigue, The Bourne Supremacy is an exciting thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

From Jordan Peele, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener
Rated R

Get Out is a 2017 horror film directed by Jordan Peele. It follows the story of a young African-American man, Chris, who visits his white girlfriend's family estate for the weekend. While there, he finds himself in an increasingly dangerous situation as he discovers the family's sinister secret. With the help of his best friend, Chris must confront the family and uncover the truth, while also trying to survive and make it out alive. The film is a critical and commercial success, and is praised for its insightful commentary on race, identity, and modern American society.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow
Rated PG-13

Minority Report is a 2002 science fiction action film directed by Steven Spielberg. It is based on the 1956 short story of the same name by Philip K. Dick. The film stars Tom Cruise as John Anderton, a Washington D.C. detective in the year 2054. Anderton works for a special police department that uses psychics to predict future crimes. When he is accused of a murder he has yet to commit, he must go on the run to discover the truth and clear his name. Along the way, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a powerful technology company and its connection to the PreCrime system. With the help of a mysterious woman, Anderton must find a way to prove his innocence and save the future of the PreCrime program.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott, Eddie Firestone, Lou Frizzell
Rated PG

Duel is a 1971 psychological thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Richard Matheson. The film stars Dennis Weaver as David Mann, a middle-aged businessman who is terrorized by an unseen truck driver while driving on a deserted stretch of highway in California. As he attempts to evade the driver's menacing and relentless pursuit, Mann begins to unravel mentally as his paranoia and fear escalate. Ultimately, he must confront his pursuer in an explosive final showdown. The film was well-received by critics, who praised Spielberg’s directing and Matheson’s screenplay. Duel was Spielberg’s first feature-length film and helped launch his career as one of Hollywood’s most successful directors.

From John Frankenheimer, starring Rock Hudson, Frank Campanella, John Randolph, Frances Reid
Rated R

Seconds is a psychological thriller directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Rock Hudson. The film follows the story of Arthur Hamilton (Hudson), a middle-aged banker who is unsatisfied with his life. After being approached by a mysterious organization, he is offered the opportunity to have a second chance at life by being given a new identity, a new face, and a new life in California. At first, Arthur is content with his new life, but soon he discovers that his new identity comes with a dark secret and that his new friends are not as trustworthy as they first appeared to be. As his new life spirals out of control, Arthur is faced with the consequences of his choices and must make a final decision that will shape the rest of his life.

From Alex Proyas, starring Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt
Rated R

Dark City (1998) is a science-fiction film directed by Alex Proyas. The film follows John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), a man suffering from amnesia who discovers he may be a murderer. After being arrested, Murdoch escapes and is pursued by a group of sinister, shape-shifting aliens known as the Strangers. As he attempts to piece together the mystery of his past, Murdoch discovers that the Strangers control a hidden dimension known as Dark City, where they manipulate humans by stealing their memories and personalities. With the help of two scientists, Murdoch takes on the Strangers in a battle to save the human race from their sinister plans.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Todd Field, Sydney Pollack
Rated R

Eyes Wide Shut is a psychological drama/mystery film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a married couple. The couple, Bill and Alice Harford, attend a Christmas party, where Alice reveals to Bill her previous fantasies of having an affair. Unsettled by the revelation, Bill embarks on a night-long exploration of sexual and moral discovery, during which he infiltrates a secretive cult and potentially dangerous sexual ritual. As his journey becomes increasingly surreal, Bill must confront his own inner demons and the truth of his marriage. The film explores themes of fidelity, marriage, infidelity, power, and mortality.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin
Rated R

Total Recall, directed by Paul Verhoeven and released in 1990, is an action-packed sci-fi adventure set in 2084. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who begins to suspect that he is a secret agent after experiencing a vivid dream. With the help of a modern-day travel agency, Quaid takes a "virtual vacation" to Mars, and discovers that he is actually a secret agent with false memories that were implanted. With the help of Melina (Sharon Stone), a mysterious rebel from Mars, Quaid must uncover the conspiracy and save humanity from the repressive government. Along the way, he battles genetically engineered mutants, mutant creatures, and the powerful leader of the Mars colony, Cohaagen (Ronny Cox).

From John McTiernan, starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill
Rated PG

The Hunt for Red October is an American action thriller film directed by John McTiernan and based on Tom Clancy's 1984 novel of the same name. The film stars Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, and Scott Glenn, and follows a rogue Soviet Navy captain who wishes to defect to the United States with his officers and the revolutionary new Soviet ballistic-missile submarine Red October. CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Baldwin) must find a way to prevent the submarine from being used against the U.S. while trying to gain the trust of the captain, Marko Ramius (Connery). The Hunt for Red October is a well-crafted suspenseful action movie with a stellar cast, intense submarine battles, and thrilling twists and turns.