The psychological thriller genre is notorious for its ability to craft an unsettling atmosphere, often going into the most complex and darkest aspects of the human psyche. From unreliable narrators to illustrations of psychological deterioration, these films have a knack for getting under the audience’s skin. In this article, we’ll take a look back at some of the scariest psychological thrillers of all time, ranking them from least to most scary.
The list commences with “Black Swan” (2010), a critically acclaimed psychological thriller that explores the mental state of a ballerina on the verge of stardom. Despite being less traditionally scary than other entries on this list, “Black Swan” is guaranteed to leave a strong imprint on audiences, thanks to its body horror components and realistic themes. The film’s nightmarish elements and exploration of the protagonist’s psyche as a struggling artist make it a chilling and haunting viewing experience.
Next is “Zodiac” (2007), a gripping narrative that cements its place as one of the best psychological thrillers of recent times. Based on the nonfiction books by Robert Graysmith, the film centers around an amateur detective’s obsession with tracking down the Zodiac killer, an unknown individual who terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While it may not be scary in a traditional horror film way, “Zodiac” features plenty of disturbing elements, thanks to the fact that it is based on a real-life story.
The list continues with “Get Out” (2017), a social commentary that satirizes racial injustices and explores the deep-seated fears of racism and Black exploitation. The film follows a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s parents for the weekend, only to discover a sinister plot to steal their bodies. Powerfully acted and quite disturbing throughout, “Get Out” is an unforgettable viewing experience that builds up psychological tension, a sense of dread, and paranoia.
A Still From Jordan Peele’s Get Out (Photo: Get Out)
“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), is a groundbreaking entry in the psychological thriller genre. The film follows a young F.B.I. detective as she accepts the help of a cannibal killer to catch another serial killer. Thanks to the unnerving performances and Jonathan Demme’s direction, “The Silence of the Lambs” is a masterful blend of crime, horror, and drama that has become one of the most influential films of all time.
The rest of the list includes “Misery” (1990), a classic psychological thriller that follows a famous author who is rescued from a car crash by a fan only to realize that she is a deranged and manipulative individual. “Psycho” (1960), a trailblazing film that has become synonymous with the psychological thriller genre. “Se7en” (1995), a crime thriller that follows two detectives as they hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. “The Shining” (1980), a slow-burning narrative that follows a family who is haunted by supernatural occurrences in an isolated hotel. And finally, “Hereditary” (2018), a cult classic that has garnered attention for its shocking and jaw-dropping moments and expertly crafted tension and suspense.
The psychological thriller genre has a way of getting under our skin, often exploring the darkest aspects of the human psyche. From unreliable narrators to illustrations of psychological deterioration, these films have a knack for creating an unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a fan of traditional horror or psychological suspense, there’s something on this list for everyone.
