Summary
- Avoid spoilers by skipping official trailers that give away critical details in psychological thrillers.
- Modern films like Cassandra and The Wasp offer chilling lessons on trust and manipulation.
- Ratched's intense storyline delivers a thrilling cinema experience with outstanding performances and a gripping plot.
The best psychological thrillers feature mystery, manipulation, mind games, and, in some cases, shocking endings. All the movies and TV series included in this list come from recent years, ensuring that viewers searching for newly released content will find some excellent choices.
It’s best to avoid watching the official movie trailers since creators often reveal too much and spoil critical details. However, the trailers are included in each entry for those who can’t skip this part. Movies like The Wasp and TV series like Cassandra and Ratched will teach everyone important lessons about whom to trust and rely on.
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7 Cassandra
A Woman’s Brain Stuck Inside a Robot
Cassandra
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2025 - 2025-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Lavinia Wilson, Mina Tander, Michael Klammer, Franz Hartwig, Mary Amber Oseremen Tölle, Loredana Linglauf
- Producers
- Christian Becker
- Seasons
- 1
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
This modern psychological thriller has left viewers second-guessing their choices. It showcases the potential of artificial intelligence in the form of Cassandra, an AI maid who can activate or deactivate at her discretion. The numerous screens distributed throughout the house, allowing her to monitor everything that occurs, add a fascinating element to the story.
What appears to be paradise ultimately becomes a tragic nightmare. The storyline is compelling, but the execution could be much better, as it sometimes feels predictable. The limited series comprises six episodes and is available to stream on Netflix.
6 The Wasp
One Decision That Changes Everything
The Wasp
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- August 30, 2024
- Runtime
- 96 Minutes
- Director
- Guillem Morales
- Cast
- Naomie Harris, Natalie Dormer, Dominic Allburn, Jack Morris, Leah Mondesir-Simmonds, Rupert Holliday Evans, Sally Goodman, Jake Donald-Crookes
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Shocking twists, diabolical plots, and unexpected turns are just some comments people use to describe this must-watch psychological thriller. Two friends, Heather and Carla, join forces to commit a murder, a decision that will alter their lives forever. It’s a great watch that will reveal to viewers that whatever they believe, they are mistaken.
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Viewers suggest watching The Wasp without seeing the trailer beforehand. This is because the film’s unique plot and unexpected twists are best experienced without any prior knowledge.
5 Presumed Innocent
A Psychological Thriller Nominated For A Golden Globe
Presumed Innocent
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2024 - 2023
- Directors
- Greg Yaitanes, Anne Sewitsky
- Writers
- David E. Kelley
- Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Renate Reinsve, Peter Sarsgaard, O-T Fagbenle, Chase Infiniti, Lily Rabe, Nana Mensah, Matthew Alan, Kingston Rumi Southwick
- Seasons
- 1
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Presumed Innocent is a crime, psychological thriller that promises an engaging watch, especially for fans of Jake Gyllenhaal. Known for his roles in The Road House and Donnie Darko, Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Rusty, a lawyer falsely accused of a crime, is a testament to his acting prowess.
Presumed Innocent can be streamed on Apple TV.
This miniseries is inspired by a novel from the ’80s by Scott Turow, and it’s also a remake from 1990 starring Harrison Ford in the lead role. This 2024 version left viewers in suspense until the very last episode.
4 Leave the World Behind
A Cyberattack That Leaves People Without Access To Electronic Devices
Leave the World Behind
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 8, 2023
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha'la, Farrah Mackenzie
- Runtime
- 141 Minutes
- Director
- Sam Esmail
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
This modern psychological thriller left all watchers speechless. It's about a family vacation trip that ends up oddly. A cyberattack occurs after they arrive at the rental house, turning off electronic devices—phones, TVs, and electric cars. The family tries to get by, but the younger child is struggling because she can’t watch an episode of her favorite show, Friends.
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Tension and suspension rise when someone knocks on the door and claims to be the homeowner. The film’s ending leaves viewers pondering its meaning, adding to the intrigue. Nevertheless, Julia Roberts leads the cast, and the movie promises an exciting watch.
3 Ratched
A Nurse Tries To Save Her Psychotic Brother From The Death Penalty
Ratched
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2020 - 2020-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Sarah Paulson
- Directors
- Ryan Murphy
- Writers
- Ryan Murphy
- Seasons
- 1
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Viewers who choose to watch Ratched are in for a fantastic binge-watching experience. This psychological thriller was filmed in 2020 but failed to secure a second season. The reasons for this remain unclear, leaving fans of the show deeply disappointed. The storyline is a masterpiece; all cast members deliver golden performances, resulting in a thrilling cinema experience.
Ratched is a manipulative military nurse who believes mercy should be granted to those who suffer. In other words, she thinks those who are suffering must be killed. Meanwhile, she is determined to save her psychotic serial killer brother from the death penalty. The show is available to watch on 
Netflix.
2 Speak No Evil
A Psychological Film Nominated For The Best Thriller
Speak No Evil
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 13, 2024
- Runtime
- 110 Minutes
- Director
- James Watkins
- Cast
- James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Alix West Lefler, Aisling Franciosi
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Viewers would love to see James McAvoy in more psychological thrillers. His performance in Speak No Evil is disturbing and intimidating, which makes some scenes hard to watch. However, the film also features mystery, manipulation, and many unexpected plot twists, making it the perfect combination for a psychological thriller.
Speak No Evil is a remake of a 2022 Danish film of the same title, which is also worth watching. The plot involves two families who meet at a holiday destination in Italy. After they return home, an invitation arrives at their door, putting one of the families in danger.
1 It's What's Inside
A Game That Allows People To See What's Really Inside
It's What's Inside
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- January 19, 2024
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Brittany O'Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, David Thompson, Madison Davenport, Myhraliza Aala, Francisco Diego Garcia, Dana Millican, Aly Nordlie
- Runtime
- 105 Minutes
- Director
- Greg Jardin
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
This modern psychological thriller has an interesting storyline. A group of friends reunites, and one brings a game that has yet to be released. The game allows players to swap bodies and uncover secrets about each other’s thoughts.
The director’s narrative vision astounds viewers, with many noting that the film captures the essence of Black Mirror. Thus, it might be a fantastic choice for fans of the sci-fi TV series.
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