There’s an ineffable attraction to psychological thrillers as they drag audiences through a maze of twisted minds, muzzy motives, and suspense-filled atmospheres. These films unfold expertly, revealing the darker sides of human nature that keep audiences on the edge as characters go through morally ambiguous paths. Even though the genre is

unmistakably known for ushering in a maelstrom of emotions-easily bordering on fear, tension, and even dread-it proves invigorating with kernels of dark humor that allow the absurdity of situations to bring levity to the most unimaginable of moments. Such a mix of gravity and guileful wit gives psychological thrillers their characteristic twist, making them stimulating yet fun. Prime Video boasts an impressive collection of such films, from gripping and somber narratives to those laced with pointed satire.

24. Landline (2025)

A landline phone. The expecting parents of a baby boy. A masked killer. Dele Doherty’s Nigerian drama ‘Landline’ puts these three together to give us a gripping thriller into a time loop. The film follows Kola, a military man away from his pregnant wife, Shalewa, who gets an anonymous call warning him of her imminent murder. Kola must inform Shalewa about it and ensure that she survives. What if she dies? The whole episode repeats again. The question remains: For how long? Starring Gabriel Afolayan and Zainab Balogun, ‘Landline’ is a commendable drama that puts the time loop factor to effective use, exploring its uncertainty and predictability. You can watch it here.

23. The Visitor (2022)

Helmed by Justin P. Lange, The Visitor stars Finn Jones as Robert, who relocates along with his wife, played by Jessica McNamee, to her hometown after a string of personal tragedies. Robert becomes consumed by an obsession to identify his mysterious doppelganger after finding an old portrait of a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. This is a psychological thriller that unwraps a thrilling mystery that constantly makes one question reality. You can see it here.

22. Daydreamer (2007)

‘Daydreamer,’ tells the story of Clinton, a young man whose grip on reality starts to slip. After experiencing surreal visions of a seductive woman, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the ghostly apparitions. When the line between his dreams and reality becomes blurred, Claire’s quest for answers leads him down a trail of skepticism, discovery, and shocking revelations. If this Brahman Turner directorial interests you, stream the movie here

21. The Diary (2024)

Helmed by Emma Bertrán, ‘The Diary’ starts off with Vera, played by Isabella Arroyo, finding a disturbing journal in the attic of her home-a diary belonging to a murderer. Now, with paranoia surrounding her, she and her mother, Olga, played by Irene Azuela, become determined to find the diary’s origins. While indulging into the unsettling contents, Olga starts suspecting a link in the killer’s story to her own life and is compelled to confront buried truths in a desperate attempt to protect her family. Find the movie to watch here.

20. The Calendar Killer (2025)

In Adolfo J. Kolmerer’s, ‘The Calendar Killer,’ we meet Klara, played by Luise Heyer, who faces the harrowing ultimatum- kill her husband, Martin played by Friedrich Mücke, or be killed herself. The threat issues from a notorious murderer known as the Calendar Killer. Desperate and terrified, Klara calls a helpline, through which she gets in touch with Jules, played by Sabin Tambrea, who becomes her last hope. Now, Jules has to race against time in order to decipher the motives of the killer and save Klara from imminent doom. This psychological thriller plunges into fear, manipulation, and the human instinct for survival. Find the movie streaming here.

19. A Perfect Enemy (2021)

‘A Perfect Enemy’ centers around Jeremiasz Angust, a successful architect who is caught in a strange and unsettling situation. At an airport, he encounters Texel Textor, a mysterious and talkative young woman. What had started as a casual interaction spirals into tension and a manipulative game; Texel reveals dark secrets that force Jeremiasz to confront his own buried truths. With the intimacy of its setting and gripping mind games, Nadezhda Mikhalkova’s film taps into guilt, obsession, and the unpredictable nature of human connections. If you find this plot interesting, you can stream the movie here.

18. Insomnia Manica (2005)

Daston Kalili’s ‘Insomnia Manica’, a neo-noir psychological thriller, plays out on the dark, sleazy streets of downtown Los Angeles. A driven and volatile leader of a vigilante group of thieves, Iliad Labor, played by Daston Kalili, targets the wrong prize in his plan. As his plan begins to execute, Iliad will be forced to fight the blurred lines between good and evil until devastatingly shattering consequences occur. Dahlia LaNoir, played by Natalie Fiori, gives a standout performance as Iliad’s femme fatale partner whose love comes at a terribly huge cost. With a surreal soundtrack and relentless pacing combined with an unforgettable ending, Insomnia Manica pushes its characters and audience to the edge of fear, pain, and insanity. Experience this fast-paced psychological thriller here.

17. Goodnight Mommy (2022)

In Matt Sobel’s ‘Goodnight Mommy’ twin brothers Elias and Lukas arrive at their mother’s country home to find her face bandaged from cosmetic surgery. Her behavior subsequently becomes increasingly erratic, and the boys come to believe that the woman beneath the bandages is not their mother. The dark premise of this film delves into issues pertaining to identity, trust, and the bond between mother and child. The original 2014 film bearing the same name was acclaimed for its suspenseful storytelling and has been noted for its influence on the psychological thriller genre. Watch the film here.

16. The Lie (2018)

Helmed by Veena Sud, ‘The Lie’ is a thriller and a remake of the 2015 German film titled We Monsters. The story concerns divorced parents Jay and Rebecca whose teenage daughter, Kayla, admits to impulsively killing her best friend Britney. In a last-ditch effort to save their daughter from serving time in prison, Jay and Rebecca create a complicated web of lies, which thrusts them into some really dark corners where morality seems to lose all meaning. As the lies stack up, the couple is pressed hard by Britney’s father, Sam, and the law, bringing to the surface the mad aftermath of their choice. The movie explores aspects of desperate parenting and how far a person may go in saving loved ones. You can stream the movie here.

15. Blame (2018)

Quinn Shephard’s ‘Blame’ is a thrilling, psychological drama that explores adolescent complexities and the mind. The film follows Abigail Grey, played by Shephard, a high school outcast who returns after a stint in a psychiatric ward. Following her involvement in a school production of The Crucible, a controversial relationship with her drama teacher, Jeremy Woods, played by Chris Messina, sparks jealousy in her classmate Melissa, played by Nadia Alexander, thus setting off a chain of vengeful events. Strong performances and a thoughtful narrative mark Shephard’s directorial debut, making ‘Blame’ a remarkable film that deeply resonates with its portrayal of youthful vulnerability and consequences because of unbridled emotions. You can see it here.

14. The Girl Who Killed Her Parents (2021)

This 2013 Mauricio Eça directorial is a Brazilian psychological thriller based on the real-life murders of Manfred and Marísia von Richthofen in 2002 by their daughter Suzane von Richthofen. The film tells the events prior to the crime from Suzane’s point of view, detailing her complex relationships with her parents and her boyfriend Daniel Cravinhos. Interestingly, this movie was produced alongside its companion piece, ‘The Boy Who Killed My Parents,’ which told the same story from Daniel’s perspective. Both films delve into the manipulative and twisted relationships that built up to the famous crime. You can see this taut thriller here.

13. Altered Minds (2013)

‘Altered Minds’ by Michael Z. Wechsler is a psychological thriller that deals with family secrets and the dark, twisted aspects of human psychology. The movie focuses on Dr. Nathaniel Shellner, played by Judd Hirsch, a Nobel Prize winner in psychiatry, celebrated internationally for his work with trauma victims. As Nathaniel reaches his last days, his adopted son, Tommy, played by Ryan O’Nan, faces him with very disturbing accusations: that Nathaniel had used his children as test subjects in unethical psychological experiments. This revelation unleashes long-dormant tensions and mysteries within the family. Watch the riveting tale here.

12. The Quiet (2006)

Jamie Babbit’s ‘The Quiet’ focuses on Dot, a deaf-mute teenager played by Camilla Belle, who, following her father’s death, goes to live with her godparents- Paul, played by Martin Donovan, and Olivia Deer, played by Edie Falco-along with their daughter, Nina, played by Elisha Cuthbert. As Dot becomes embroiled in the inner mechanisms of the family, she discovers a number of disturbing secrets, among them the abusive relationship that exists between Paul and Nina. The movie deals with themes of silence, complicity, and the masks worn in suburban life. You can watch the film here if you like.

11. Beast (2017)

27-year-old Moll (Jessie Buckley) meets the mysteriously attractive Pascal (Johnny Flynn), who has a dark past and is even accused of a heinous crime. Meanwhile, Moll too has demons of her own, and Pascal seems to be her escape from her controlling family. On the other hand, the community is shaken to its core due to a string of rape/murders of young girls. How these two plots connect is showcased in a mind-bending manner in Michael Pearce’s ‘Beast.’ How two unhinged souls treat each other is portrayed using themes of family, deceit, and trauma, all of which serve as elements in a rare drama that is inspired by the true story of serial killer Edward John Louis Paisnel, AKA the Beast of Jersey. You can watch the movie here.

10. Pacific Heights (1 990)

In ‘Pacific Heights’, Drake and Patty buy a Victorian in San Francisco, with the hope of renting part of it to cover their mortgage. Things start to go downhill when they rent to Carter Hayes, a tenant who knows how to use the law to his advantage and make the couple’s lives miserable. John Schlesinger directed this film that explores trust, deception, and the perils of homeownership. Based on true events, this psychological thriller so accurately depicts how one wrong decision can turn out to be a complete disaster. See where you can stream the movie here.

9. You Were Never Really Here (2018)

Lynne Ramsay’s ‘You Were Never Really Here’ is a modern-day ‘Taxi Driver’, a psychological thriller. It trails Joe, a traumatized veteran who saves trafficked girls. When a job to save a politician’s daughter unravels, Joe faces his demons amid escalating violence. Adapted from Jonathan Ames’ novella of the same name, the narrative highlights trauma and redemption. Ramsay’s direction and Phoenix’s performance gained critical acclaim, with both winning awards in the Cannes Film Festival. The movie is available here.

8. Holland (2025)

In Mimi Cave’s ‘Holland,’ Nicole Kidman plays devoted teacher/loving wife Nancy Vandergroot, who leads the so-called perfect life with her husband and son in the beautiful town of Holland in Michigan. However, her suspicion of her husband’s infidelity sends her into a rabbit hole of secrets from where there seemingly was no return. Her perfect world starts falling apart as if they are little parts of a toy model, like the one her husband has made. Featuring Matthew Macfadyen, Gael García Bernal, and Jude Hill, ‘Holland’ is an intriguing, visually rich drama about the unsettling illusion of “perfect life.” You can watch it here.

7. Saltburn (2023)

Saltburn, by Emerald Fennell, is a provocative and dark exploration of obsession and privilege. It tells the story of Oliver Quick, a working-class student at Oxford, who becomes infatuated with his aristocratic classmate Felix Catton. When invited to spend the summer at Felix’s sprawling family estate, Saltburn, Oliver finds himself ensnared in a web of desire, deceit, and class tension. Brilliant performances all round, expertly guided by Fennell’s masterful hand, make for a thrilling and stylish tale that will leave you in awe. If this interests you, catch the movie here.

6. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)

‘Karthik Calling Karthik’ is a plot-twisting thriller that tells the story of Karthik Narayan, played by Farhan Akhtar, an introverted and underconfident man. His monotonous life takes a U-turn when he begins receiving mysterious calls from himself, thereby guiding him through life. He becomes confident and successful and wins his colleague Shonali Mukherjee’s, played by Deepika Padukone, heart. The situation escalates after the actual identity of those calls is revealed, and the consequences that follow are unanticipated. The Vijay Lalwani directorial is gripping and tight throughout with a plot twist that will leave your jaw dropped. Have a look here.

5. Blink Twice (2024)

Helmed by Zoë Kravitz, ‘Blink Twice’ unfolds its events on a private island solely owned by a billionaire tech mogul named Slater King. The moment guests comprising his friends reach the island, it is party time. However, as the “vacation” progresses, some guests realize they are unable to remember stuff. Soon, one of the women discovers a horrifying truth, culminating in a bloody battle of the sexes “laced with venom.” Starring Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Alia Shawkat, and Christian Slater, ‘Blink Twice’ is a thoroughly savage and entertaining psychological thriller that smartly balances the posh and the pang. You can see it here.

4. The Handmaiden (2016)

Helmed by Park Chan-wook, ‘The Handmaiden’ is a sumptuous and intricately crafted psychological thriller inspired by the Sarah Waters novel ‘Fingersmith.’ Set during Japanese-occupied Korea in the 1930s, the film follows Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a pickpocket hired to pose as the handmaiden to Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee), a wealthy heiress, as part of a con concocted by a swindler posing as a count. What starts as a devious plot soon spirals into a tale of forbidden romance, betrayal, and layered deception. With Park’s masterful direction, gorgeous cinematography, and powerhouse performances, ‘The Handmaiden’ is an aesthetically beautiful and emotionally charged exploration of love, desire, and the dynamics of control. You can stream it here.

3. American Psycho (2000)

Christian Bale’s chilling performance as the psychotic investment banker Patrick Bateman in Mary Harron’s ‘American Psycho’ is considered to be one of the greatest film performances ever. Bateman maintains a double life as a serial killer (by night). As maintainable as it seems, Bateman’s bloodlust slowly makes its way into his daily life, be it due to his paranoia, the perpetual increase in his violent behavioral patterns, or hatred toward his peers. While continuing his bloody spree, a private investigator tries to track him down by gathering evidence from one of the Bateman’s victims. Based on the 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, ‘American Psycho’ is a must-watch psychological thriller which is equal parts engrossing, gory, twisted, dark, humorous, and unhinged. It can be streamed here.

2. Donnie Darko (2001)

From director Richard Kelly, ‘Donnie Darko’ features a young Jake Gyllenhaal in the title role of a teenager whose visions of the end of the world, prophesied by a man-sized rabbit, take on the form of a series of strange events. As Donnie searches for an explanation of reality amidst the events, the film keeps us guessing as to what’s real and what isn’t until the revelation of a shocking fact-check toward the end. ‘Donnie Darko’ is one of those films that prides itself on not making any sense, and quite rightly so. It can be streamed right here.

1. Memento (2000)

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Memento’ is one of the landmark psychological thrillers that revolutionized non-linear storytelling. The film follows Leonard Shelby, a man suffering from short-term memory loss, as he tries to piece together clues to find his wife’s killer. Told in two interweaving timelines, one moving forward and the other in reverse, the narrative mirrors Leonard’s fractured perception, pulling the audience into his disoriented mind. Based on a short story by Jonathan Nolan, ‘Memento’ is a masterclass in suspense, with each twist and revelation challenging what viewers believe they know. Pearce gives a riveting performance, supported by Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano, whose characters add depth to the mystery. Nolan’s meticulous direction and innovative structure create something that needs to be watched closely, thoroughly rewarding multiple replays. The movie is more than just a puzzle; it deals with aspects like memory, identity, and how true perception can be. With its brisk pace and intellectual depth, Memento remains one of those films that keeps audiences guessing until the very last frame. Watch this powerful tale here. Read More: Best Psychological Thriller Movies on Max