Psychologically Disturbing Movies

Updated May 1, 2024

Ever viewed these Psychologically Disturbing Movies? We promise you'll find some new films. Here are 18 of the top ones.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

★★★★

3.4 out of 4 stars

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

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that follows FBI cadet Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she attempts to catch a serial killer, known as "Buffalo Bill", by enlisting the help of a notorious psychopath, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). As Clarice closes in on the killer, she must battle her own inner demons and Lecter's psychological games, in order to save the lives of future victims. As the suspense builds, the audience is taken on a journey of horror, suspense, and a twisted look into the mind of a murderer. The film is an adaptation of the novel by Thomas Harris and won five Academy Awards in 1991, including Best Picture.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

★★★★

3.3 out of 4 stars

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

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans. It follows four characters—Sara Goldfarb, her son, Harry, his girlfriend Marion, and his best friend Tyrone—as they each succumb to their addictions while desperately trying to attain their respective dreams. Sara, a widow, turns to diet pills in a desperate attempt to fit in a red dress she wore years ago in order to appear on a television game show. Harry, a drug addict, and his girlfriend, Marion, strive to fund their own habit by dealing drugs, while Tyrone, addicted to heroin, struggles to stay clean. As their addictions worsen, their lives spiral out of control and the consequences of their actions become increasingly devastating.

Deliverance (1972)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

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 starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox. Set in the Georgia wilderness, the film tells the story of four men who embark on a canoeing trip down the Cahulawassee River. Along their journey, they are confronted with danger and terror when they are attacked by two violent mountain men. In an effort to survive, the men must rely on their wits and skills to escape the assailants and make it back to civilization alive.

13 Assassins (2010)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Takashi Miike, starring Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Ikki Sawamura
Rated R

13 Assassins is a 2010 period action drama directed by Takashi Miike and starring Kōji Yakusho. Set in 1844 Japan, the film follows a group of thirteen master samurai who are assigned the task of assassinating an evil lord, who is about to ascend the throne and plunge the country into chaos and despair. The samurai must battle their way through a hundred and fifty of the lord's elite guards in order to reach their target. In the end, they succeed, sacrificing their lives and restoring peace to the nation. Along the way, the audience is treated to stunning visuals, intense fight scenes, and a powerful story of loyalty, honor and courage.