Are you looking for the best psychological thriller movies to watch on Netflix? Netflix has over 17000 movie titles globally, making it one of the world’s most popular OTT platforms. Furthermore, Netflix keeps adding new movies from time to time, making it the first choice of users. If you are a movie lover like me who likes to try new movies from time to time? This article on the best psychological thriller movies on Netflix will be helpful for you.
Who doesn’t like to watch psychological thriller movies? Everyone loves, right? It is one of the most highly watchable movie categories of all time. Netflix is the hub of such movies. Can you believe the world one of the most famous psychological thriller movies is on Netflix? Yes, they are! From Shutter Island to Zodiac and The Davinci Code to Angels & Demons is on Netflix.
If you want to charge your mood? These psychological thriller movies are for you. We strongly believe they’re good enough to make your day wholesome.
The Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci Code is one of those movies that should be on the watchable list if you’re a fan of psychological thriller movies. It was released in 2006 and directed by Ron Howard. The stars Tom Hanks as the protagonist sharing the name Robert Langdon. Audrey Tautou, Paul Bettany, Jean Reno, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Jean-Yves Berteloot, and Jürgen Prochnow in the supporting role.
The plot revolves around a murder that happened Louvre Museum in Paris. The murderer leaves cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings. They need help cracking the code, so they enlist the help of Robert Langdon, played by Tom Hanks. He uncovers a religious mystery while solving the code. It was based on the novel The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, published in 2003.
Intrusion
Intrusion was released in 2021 and directed by Adam Salky. It was a Netflix original movie starring Freida Pinto and Logan Marshall-Green. Robert John Burke, Megan Elisabeth Kelly, Hayes Hargrove, Sarah Minnich, Brandon Root, and Clint Obenchain.
The plot revolves around a husband and wife, Henry and Meera, played by Logan Marshall-Green and Freida Pinto. The couple moves to a small town, Corrales, New Mexico. The house the couple lives in was designed by Henry. A home invasion leaves the wife (Meera) traumatized and suspicious of those around her. Watch the Intrusion with your friends and family for full enjoyment.
Bird Box
Bird Box was released in 2018 and directed by Susanne Bier. The movie stars Sandra Bullock as the protagonist sharing the name Malorie. It was based on the novel Bird Box by Josh Malerman, published in 2014.
The movie follows the story of Mallory, a mother played by Sandra Bullock, who tries to save herself and her two children from an unknown enemy who, if you see them, commit suicide. Bird Box became the most-watched film on Netflix within 28 days of its release. It is enough to tell how popular the film is with the audience.
Angels & Demons
If you’ve seen The Da Vinci Code, you should be watching Angels & Demons now because it was the sequel of it. The movie was released in 2009 and directed by Ron Howard. It was based on the novel Angels & Demons by n Dan Brown, published in 2000. Tom Hanks is the main attraction in the movie, along with Ewan McGregor and Ayelet Zurer. Stellan Skarsgård, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, David Pasquesi, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Cosimo Fusco in the supporting role.
The plot revolves around a discovery by Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, played by Tom Hanks. He finds a revival of an ancient brotherhood known as the Illuminati. To warn the Vatican, he goes to Rome. Watch the movie to know what is going to happen next. One thing we can tell for sure is that Angels & Demons is worth your precious time.
Shutter Island
There is no doubt that Shutter Island is one of Netflix’s best psychological thriller movies. It was released in 2010 and directed by Martin Scorsese. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, and Ben Kingsley in the lead role. Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Max von Sydow, Patricia Clarkson, and Jackie Earle Haley are the supporting members. It was based on the novel Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane, published in 2003.
The plot revolves around Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like insane sanatorium located on a remote, windswept island. Teddy and Chuck, played by Leonardo and Mark, come to the Ashecliffe Hospital to solve the mystery of an incredible Escape of a clever murderess. It comes to them that the woman appears to have vanished from a locked room. While the investigation gets underway, Teddy must face his worst fears if he is to make it off the island alive. Shutter Island has got an IMDB of 8.2.
The Woman in the Window
The Woman in the Window was released in 2021 and directed by Joe Wright. Julianne Moore and Gary Oldman were the leading members of the star cast, alongside Fred Hechinger, Tracy Letts, and Anthony Mackie, among a few others, as members in supporting roles. It was based on the novel The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn, published in 2018.
The plot revolves around the agoraphobic Dr. Anna Fox, played by Amy Adams. While keeping an eye on the Russell family, she sees something he shouldn’t have seen. Put a popcorn tub on your lap and a Coca-Cola bottle next to you, and enjoy.
Zodiac
Zodiac was released in 2007 and directed by David Fincher. The movie had a strong star cast consisting of Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo in the lead role, along with Chloë Sevigny, Anthony Edwards, John Carroll Lynch, and Lee Norris in the supporting role. It was based on the non-fiction books Zodiac and Zodiac Unmasked by Robert Graysmith, published in 1986 and 2002, respectively.
The plot revolves around a zodiac killer. A serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1960s and 1970s. The killer taunted the police by sending them letters, blood-stained clothes, and ciphers sent to newspapers. You will fall in love with the movie and want to watch it again and again.
Side Effects
Side Effects was released in 2013 and directed by Steven Soderbergh. Rooney Mara in the lead role, alongside Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jude Law, Vinessa Shaw, Mamie Gummer, and Ann Dowd, among a few others, as members in supporting roles.
The story follows the life of a single woman, Emily, played by Rooney Mara. She waited four years for the release of her husband, Martin, played by Channing Tatum. Finally, her husband returned home, but she was still as bad as she had been when he was in prison. Emily sank into a deep depression. After trying several failed suicide attempts, her psychiatrist Jonathan Banks, played by Jude Law, prescribes her a series of medications. The movie got an IMDB of 7.1. Thus, making Side Effects one of the best psychological thriller movies available on Netflix.
Andhadhun
Andhadhun was released in 2018 and directed by Sriram Raghavan. The movie stars Ayushmann Khurrana as the protagonist sharing the name Akash. Tabu, Radhika Apte, Manav Vij, Anil Dhawan, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Zakir Hussain are in supporting roles.
The plot revolves around a blind piano player, Akash, played by Ayushmann Khurrana. He meets Sophie, played by Radhika Apte, accidentally in a road accident. Akash falls in love with Sophie and starts meeting her frequently. Andhadhun is one of the best psychological thriller movies with an IMDB of 8.2.
The Pale Blue Eye
There’s no doubt this is one of the most famous movies on this list, and for all the right reasons as well. The Pale Blue Eye is a movie that comes to mind when we talk of the best psychological thriller movies available on Netflix. It was released in 2022 and directed by Scott Cooper. Based on the novel The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard, published in 2003. Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Lucy Boynton, Gillian Anderson, Robert Duvall, Timothy Spall, and Charlie Tahan are cast members of the movie.
The plot revolves around veteran detective Augustus, played by Christian Bale. He investigates a string of horrible murders with the help of a young cadet, Edgar Allan Poe, played by Harry Melling. The movie was successful at the box office and on streaming platforms.
The Guilty
If The Pale Blue Eye is the most famous movie here, then The Guilty is the most underrated. It was released in 2021 and directed and produced by Antoine Fuqua. Jake Gyllenhaal and Riley Keough in the lead role, along with Ethan Hawke, Paul Dano, David Castañeda, and Peter Sarsgaard, are some of the cast members.
The story follows troubled police detective Joe, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. He was on duty working the night shift as a 911 operator. He was awaiting a court hearing over an incident take place on duty eight months ago. He receives a call from a woman, Emily, played by Riley Keough, telling him she’s been kidnapped. Watch The Guilty if you want to kick your mood.
Drishyam
Are you looking for the best psychological thrillers movies to watch? That keeps you engaged with the story and forces you to say that “this is the movie of the century,” Drishyam is one of those movies. It was released in 2015 and directed by Nishikant Kamat. The movie stars Ajay Devgan as the protagonist sharing the name Vijay. The movie also stars Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, Kamlesh Sawant, Rajat Kapoor, and Prathamesh Parab.
The plot revolves around a man, Vijay, played by Ajay Devgan, and his family. He tries everything to protect his family. It has an IMDB of 8.2, making it the best movie to watch.
Run
Run was released in 2020 and directed by Aneesh Chaganty. The movie starred Sarah Paulson in the lead role, sharing the name Daine. Kiera Allen, Sara Sohn, Tony Revolori, Pat Healy, BJ Harrison, and Onalee Ames are other cast members who played support roles in the movie.
The plot revolves around a teenage girl Chole, played by Kiera Allen. She suspected that her mother, Daina, played by Sarah Paulson. She was keeping a secret about her.
In the Tall Grass
In the Tall Grass was released in 2019 and directed by Vincenzo Natali. Patrick Wilson is in the lead, sharing the name Ross. Laysla De Oliveira, Avery Whitted, Will Buie Jr., Harrison Gilbertson, Rachel Wilson, and Tiffany Helm. It was based on the novel The Tall Grass by Stephen King and Joe Hill, published in 2012.
The plot revolves around a six-month pregnant woman, Becky, played by Laysla De Oliveira, and Cal, played by Avery Whitted. Both make their way to a field of Tall Grass when they hear something (a boy’s cry). They started feeling that something was not right. Something horrible is waiting for them in the tall grass. If you’re a fan of Stephen King’s work, The Tall Grass is the movie for you to watch.
Get Out
Get Out was released in 2019 and written, co-produced, and directed by Jordan Peele. Daniel Kaluuya is the protagonist of the movie, sharing the name Chris. Allison Williams, LaKeith Stanfield, Lil Rel Howery, Catherine Keener, Caleb Landry Jones, and Bradley Whitford are other cast members who starred in the movie.
The plot revolves around a young man, Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya, who goes to her girlfriend Rose’s home, played by Allison Williams, to meet her family. He learns a terrible truth about his girlfriend and her family that could affect his life. It is one of the best psychological thriller movies, with an IMDB of 7.7.
Split
Are you frustrated with the endless categories of psychological thriller movies on Netflix? Look no further Split is the answer of all. It was released in 2016 and directed by written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan. James McAvoy in the lead role, sharing the name Kevin along with Anya Taylor-Joy, and Betty Buckley.
The plot revolves around a man, Kevin, played by James McAvoy. Kevin has a disease of dissociative identity disorder. Kidnaps three teenage girls and imprisons them in an isolated underground facility. Definitely, you’ll love this movie, especially the story, and the acting part is mindblowing.
The Little Things
The Little Things was released in 2021 and directed, written, and co-produced by John Lee Hancock. The movie had a strong star cast of Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, and Natalie Morales. Olivia Washington, Sofia Vassilieva, Jason James Richter, Sheila Houlahan, Frederick Koehler, and Chris Bauer.
The Plot follows the story of two detectives, Deke and Jim, played by Denzel Washington and Rami Malek. The group investigates a series of murders, which leads them to a strange individual they believe may be the culprit. Watch The Little Things on Netflix to find out the next string to the investigation.
Fractured
Fractured is one of the best psychological thriller movies available on Netflix, which opened to good reviews and a successful box office collection. It was released in 2019 and directed by Brad Anderson. The movie star Sam Worthington in the lead, sharing the name Ray. Lily Rabe, Lucy Capri, Adjoa Andoh, Lauren Cochrane, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Chris Sigurdson.
The plot revolves around the disappearance of his wife and injured daughter from the hospital emergency room. A man, Ray, played by Sam Worthington, believes the hospital is hiding something from him. Where are his wife and daughter? What happened to them in an emergency room? Watch Fractured on Netflix to get all your answers.
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Escape Room 2
Escape Room 2 was released in 2020 and directed by Adam Robite. It was a sequel to the 2019 Escape Room. The movie star Taylor Russell in the lead, sharing the name Zoey. Isabelle Fuhrman, Holland Roden, Indya Moore, Deborah Ann Woll, Logan Miller, Tanya van Graan, and Carlito Olivero. The film was a critical hit at the box office.
Several people are trapped in a deadly escape room, and they are trying to survive. They soon realized that they had to work together if they were to survive. The story of the movie may not seem so unique, but there are such twists in it that you cannot even guess.
Game Over
The upcoming psychological movie on the list is the Indian-origin Game Over, directed by Ashwin Saravanan. The film starred Taapsee Pannu as the protagonist, alongside Sanchana Natarajan, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, Ramya Subramanian, Pavan MalParvathi Thotra, Anish Kuruvilla, and Soori. It was released in 2019 and considered a box office hit.
The plot revolves around a game developer Swapna, played by Taapsee Pannu, who suffers from PTSD and lives alone with her housemaid. Things get complicated when a serial killer breaks into the house, forcing her to play a twisted game. That decides whether she survives or not.
Arrival
Arrival was released in 2016 and directed by Denis Villeneuve. The movie was based on the 1998 short story “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang. The movie star Jeremy Renner in the lead role, sharing the name Ian. Forest Whitaker, Amy Adams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma, Abigail Pniowsky, Mark O’Brien, and Jadyn Malone.
The plot revolves around gigantic spaceships that touch down in 12 locations around the world. Linguistics professor Dr. Louise Banks, played by Amy Adams, lead a team of eight investigators on a mission to communicate with extraterrestrials.
The Stranger
The Stranger was released in 2022 and written and directed by Thomas M. Wright. It was based on the non-fictional book The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe’s Killer by Kate Kyriacou, published in 2015. Joel Edgerton is in the lead role, along with Sean Harris, Jada Alberts, Andreas Sobik, Steve Mouzakis, Matthew Sunderland, and Anni Finsterer.
The plot revolves around a man, Henry, played by Sean Harris, suspected in case of abduction and murder of a young teen. They used Mr. Big’s strategy to elicit a confession while continuing to search for evidence. To know the further story, you will have to watch The Stranger on Netflix.
Unknown
Unknown is an upcoming psychological movie on the list directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. It was based on the french novel Out of My Head by Didier Van Cauwelaert, published in 2011. The movie star Liam Neeson is in the lead role, sharing the name Martin. Diane Kruger, January Jones, Helen Wiebensohn, Bruno Ganz, Frank Langella, Olivier Schneider, and Sebastian Koch.
The plot revolves around a man, Dr. Martin, played by Liam Neeson, who got seriously injured in a car accident. After he awakens finds his world in utter chaos. His wife, Elizabeth, played by January Jones, doesn’t recognize him.
Karthik Calling Karthik
Karthik Calling Karthik was released in 2010 and directed by Vijay Lalwani. It was an Indian psychological thriller movie starring Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone, sharing the name Karthik and Shonali. Shefali Shah, Ram Kapoor, Vipin Sharma, Vivan Bhatena, Brijendra Kala, and Tarana Raja. It was one of the most popular movies of that time period.
The plot revolves around an introvert, Karthik, played by Farhan Akhtar. A guy who faces setbacks throughout his life. One day he gets a phone call from a stranger who promises to change his life for good. With an IMDB of 7.1, it is definitely worth watching a movie.
Searching
Searching was released in 2018 and directed by Aneesh Chaganty. The movie star John Cho in the lead role, sharing the name David Kim. Michelle La, Debra Messing, Sylvia Minassian, Sara Sohn, Thomas Barbusca, Connor McRaith, and Alex Jayne Go.
The plot revolves around a father, David Kim, played by John Cho, whose daughter is missing. He went to the police station and asked them to find his daughter. But the investigation leads nowhere. David decides to search for his daughter on his own.
Case 39
Case 39 was released in 2020 and starred Renée Zellweger, Jodelle Ferland, Bradley Cooper, and Ian McShane in the lead roles. Other cast members included Adrian Lester, Kerry O’Malley, Callum Keith Rennie, Cynthia Stevenson, Alexander Conti, and Philip Cabrita.
The plot revolves around a social worker, Emily, played by Renée Zellweger, who believes she has seen it all — until she meets 10-year-old Lilith, played by Jodelle Ferland, and her cruel parents. Watch Case 39 with your friends and family.
The Vanished
The Vanished was released in 2020 and written and directed by Peter Facinelli. Thomas Jane is in the lead, along with Anne Heche, Jason Patric, and Peter Facinelli. Aleksei Archer, Lily Anne Harrison, Sadie Heim, Kristopher Wente, Kk Heim, and Alex Haydon.
A family vacation turns into a horrible nightmare when the couple discovers that her young daughter has vanished without a clue. Their desperate search leads to an unexpected revelation as they stop at nothing to find her. It is one of those psychological thriller movies that deserve your full attention.
The Platform
Those who like dystopian thrillers are sure to enjoy this one. The Platform was released in 2019 and directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. The movie starred Iván Massagué, Antonia San Juan, Zorion Eguileor, Emilio Buale Coka, and Alexandra Masangkay in supportive roles. The movie won the People’s Choice Award for Midnight Madness at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
This film revolves around a vertical self-management center, which is referred to as “The Pit.” The prisoners are kept in The Pit. Inmates in the upper cell are fed, while those in the lower are kept hungry.
The Call
The Call was released in 2020 and directed by Lee Chung-hyun. The movie stars Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo in the lead roles, sharing the name Seo-Yen and Oh Young-Sook. Lee El, Kim Min-ha, Kim Sung-ryung, Um Chae-young, Park Ho-san, and Lee Dong-hwi.
The plot revolves around a young girl, Seo-Yeon, played by Park Shin-hye, who lost her cell phone while traveling to visit her sick mother. She finds a decades-old cordless phone in her childhood home. To know the further story, you have to watch Call on Netflix.
The Girl on the Train
The Girl on the Train was released in 2021 and directed by Ribhu Dasgupta. It was based on the novel 12 Vintage Anime To Watch in 2023 by Paula Hawkins’, published in 2015. The movie stars Parineeti Chopra, Avinash Tiwary, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Kirti Kulhari in the lead roles. Sammy Jonas Heaney, Ishita Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vatsal Sheth, Tota Roy Chowdhury, and Sharik Khan.
The plot revolves around a woman, Nusrat, played by Aditi Rao Hydari, who is chased by someone in the forest, and Mira, played by Parineeti Chopra, standing at the railway station. Suddenly there is a flashback where Meera meets her husband, Dr. Shekhar, played by Avinash Tiwari, at the place where they fell in love first time. The Girl on the Train was directly released on Netflix and was one of the best movies to watch.
Awe!
Awe was released in 2018 and written and directed by Prasanth Varma. The movie stars Kajal Aggarwal, Nithya Menen, Regina Cassandra, Eesha Rebba, Srinivas Avasarala, Priyadarshi Pullikonda, and Murali Sharma in the lead roles. Eesha Rebba, Ravi Teja, Devadarshini, Rohini Molleti, and Pragathi.
The plot deals with psychological issues and social problems, such as sexual abuse, drug abuse, and child abuse. It is one of the best Indian Telegu-language psychological thriller movies on Netflix. Also, it won an award for Best Special Effects and Best Make-up at the 66th National Film Awards. You won’t be disappointed with this movie. As it has everything you need.
Sightless
Sightless was released in 2020 and written and directed by Cooper Karl. It was based on the short film Sightless, released in 2017. The movie stars Madelaine Petsch and Alexander Koch in the lead roles, sharing the name Ellen and Clayton. Deniz Akdeniz, Karolina Protsenko, December Ensminger, Lee Jones, Devon Graye, and Matthew Yang King.
The plot revolves around a young woman, Ellen, played by Madelaine Petsch, who was left blind due to a vicious attack. She hasn’t given up and has to fight to survive her new reality.
The Intruder
Another mindblowing psychological thriller movie on the list is The Intruder by Deon Taylor. It was released in 2019 and written by David Loughery. The movie stars Michael Ealy and Meagan Good in the lead roles, sharing the name Scott and Annie.
The plot revolves around a couple, Scott and Annie, played by Michael Ealy and Meagan Good, who buy their dream home from a mysterious widower named Charlie, played by Dennis Quaid. Their happy buy spree soon turns into a nightmare when Charlie becomes strangely attached to the house. Frequently start showing up and interfering with their day-to-day lives. You can definitely relate to this movie. Watch The Intruder on Netflix.
You Should Have Left
You Should Have Left released in 2020 and written and directed by David Koepp. It was based on the book You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlmann., published in 2017. The movie star Kevin Bacon in the lead, sharing the name Stetler. Amanda Seyfried, Avery Essex, Eli Powers, Joshua C Jackson, Geoff Bell, and Lowri Ann Richards in the supporting role.
The plot revolves around a couple, Stetler and Susanna, played by Kevin Bacon and Amanda Seyfried, who take their daughter on a trip to the Welsh countryside. A series of terrifying events happen to them that indicate something is not quite right.
The Stepfather
Nelson McCormick’s The Stepfather is the best psychological thriller film, according to us. It was a remake of the 1987 movie The Stepfather. The movie stars Dylan Walsh, Sela Ward, Penn Badgley, Amber Heard, and Jon Tenney in the lead. Paige Turco, Sherry Stringfield, Nancy Linehan Charles, Marcuis Harris, Deirdre Lovejoy, and Skyler Samuels. Based on the crime of mass murder done by John List.
The plot revolves around a man, Michael, played by Penn Badgley, who returns home from military school. Soon he found that his mother, Susan, played by Sela Ward, has a new man, played by Dylan Walsh, in her life.
The Perfection
The Perfection was released in 2018 and directed by Richard Shepard. The movie stars Allison Williams, Logan Browning, and Steven Weber in the lead. Alaina Huffman, Molly Grace, Milah Thompson, Winnie Hung, Graeme Duffy, and Eileen Tian.
The plot revolves around a musical prodigy, Charlotte, played by Allison Williams, who returns to her prestigious music school to find her star student Lizzie, played by Logan Browning. Watch The Perfection on Netflix with the company of your friends and family.
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