Psychological thriller films are like catnip to horror fans because they excel at making viewers feel anxious as a taut mystery unfolds. Some slink into your head, making you question your reality, while others are more content to leave you questions.
One thing they share in common is a gripping and often fast-paced storyline that is guaranteed to keep you glued to your seat. Luckily for Netflix subscribers, many great psychological thrillers are currently available to stream.
Woman of the Hour (2023)
Anna Kendrick's directorial debut was incredibly well-received thanks to its excellent performances and powerful direction. The film is about an aspiring young actress who crosses paths with a dangerous serial killer on an episode of the 1970s reality show The Dating Game.
It is based on the real story of Rodney Alcala, who appeared on the series in 1978 before he was arrested a year later for the murders of multiple women. Kendrick also stars in the film alongside Daniel Zavatto, Nicolette Robinson, and Tony Hale.
Trap (2024)
The latest movie from M. Night Shyamalan isn't quite his traditional twisty affair. However, Trap is still a highly entertaining watch featuring a charismatic performance from star Josh Hartnett, who plays a serial killer called "The Butcher." But while he might be a murderer in secret, Cooper is a pretty regular dad the rest of the time.
The movie starts with him taking his daughter to a concert for her favorite performer, Lady Raven (played by Shyamalan's daughter Saleka). Not long after the concert starts, Cooper learns that the entire thing has been rigged as a trap to hunt down the notorious murderer, and he must find a way to escape without being caught.
The Killer (2023)
When it comes to psychological thrillers, you know you will be in good hands when David Fincher is behind the camera. The esteemed director helmed this 2023 film starring Michael Fassbender as a professional hitman who gets tangled up in a conspiracy after one of his hits goes sideways.
Also, if you needed more reason to watch this movie, the score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the duo who also scored Challengers, The Social Network, Gone Girl, and more.
Cam (2018)
Cam is one of my favorite films on Netflix, and it's a shame that it doesn't get more notice. This 2018 horror film is about a camgirl who gets her identity stolen in a genuinely harrowing experience.
Alice has worked hard to grow her follower count on the online website she streams, but she still can't crack the number one spot. She competes with the other girls, many of whom post more revealing content. When her account is hacked and seemingly stolen, Alice might go on a journey to unmask this person before they do something unspeakable.
Watcher (2022)
Watcher is a very Hitchcockian psychological thriller starring Maika Monroe, a former actress who agrees to relocate to Bucharest with her husband. Unfortunately for Julia, she spends most of her days alone in their new apartment because she doesn't know the language or have a job yet.
She starts to notice a man watching her from across the way, but her husband isn't so sure, even when they learn about a serial killer attacking women in the area. It's a spellbinding movie from director Chloe Okuno. Despite this being her feature directorial debut, Watcher feels very confident and assured.
Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)
Based on the novel of the same name by Jessica Knoll, Luckiest Girl Alive is a darkly compelling mystery thriller movie featuring the best performance of Mila Kunis' career. In it, Kunis plays a respected magazine editor named Ani, who is invited to return to her high school as part of a documentary about a school shooting she survived while attending.
On the verge of marrying her fiancé, Ani is apprehensive about returning. However, it soon becomes apparent that Ani's past still affects her as we skip back and forth between her past and present and learn what happened to her as a teen.