Psychological Horror backdrop

Psychological Horror movies

Mind-driven fear: paranoia, hallucinations, breakdown, and unreliable perception where the threat may be internal or unclear.

Before I Wake

1. Before I Wake

Drama Fantasy Horror Thriller Psychological Horror
6.2
20161h 37min

Overview

An orphaned child's dreams—and nightmares—manifest physically as he sleeps.

Themes

Grief and coping, Fragile family bonds, Foster child dynamics, Dreams shaping reality, Memory as fear trigger, Caregiver trust under strain

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Belko Experiment

2. The Belko Experiment

Horror Thriller Survival Thriller Psychological Horror
6.2
20161h 29min

Overview

A group of eighty American workers are locked in their office and ordered by an unknown voice to participate in a twisted game.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Surveillance and control, Power dynamics in crisis, Survival under coercion, Coercive containment, Group conflict under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

10 Cloverfield Lane

3. 10 Cloverfield Lane

Thriller Science Fiction Drama Horror Survival Thriller
7.2
20161h 44min

Overview

After a catastrophic car crash, a young woman wakes up in a survivalist's underground bunker, where he claims to have saved her from an apocalyptic attack that has left the outside world uninhabitable.

Themes

Survival under captivity, Trust and betrayal, Deception and control, Confinement and autonomy, Jealousy and power dynamics, External threat and isolation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
fuboTV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

They Look Like People

4. They Look Like People

Drama Horror Mystery Psychological Horror Unreliable Perspective Mystery
5.8
20161h 20min

Overview

Suspecting that people are transforming into malevolent shape-shifters, Wyatt flees to New York City to seek out his estranged childhood friend Christian.

Themes

Isolation versus connection, Paranoia under pressure, Deception and distrust, Fear and mental illness, Control and insecurity, Unreliable perceptions, Fragile friendships under strain

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Boy

5. The Boy

Horror Mystery Thriller Psychological Horror Mindbender Mystery
6.0
20161h 38min

Overview

A young American woman takes a job as a nanny in a remote English village, soon discovering that the family's eight-year-old son is a life-sized doll that comes with a list of strict rules.

Themes

Caregiver control dynamics, Domestic space secrecy, Deception through appearances, Trauma from loss resurfacing, Rules as a tool of power, Manipulation and isolation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

He Never Died

6. He Never Died

Comedy Drama Fantasy Horror Thriller
6.3
20151h 39min

Overview

Jack is a solitary man with a mysterious past. His strange habits will soon become stranger when his past catches up with him.

Themes

Immortal burden, Bible imagery, Vampire violence, Father daughter relationship, Isolation and routine, Violence and restraint

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Regression

7. Regression

Horror Mystery Thriller Psychological Horror Investigation Mystery
5.6
20151h 46min

Overview

Minnesota, 1990. Detective Bruce Kenner investigates the case of young Angela, who accuses her father, John Gray, of an unspeakable crime. When John unexpectedly and without recollection admits guilt, renowned psychologist Dr. Raines is brought in to help him relive his memories and what they discover unmasks a horrifying nationwide mystery.

Themes

Memory manipulation, Cult paranoia, Parental blame, Ambiguous testimony, Investigative doubt, Mass hysteria

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Hidden

8. Hidden

Thriller Horror Survival Thriller Psychological Horror
6.4
20151h 23min

Overview

A family takes refuge in a fallout shelter to avoid a dangerous outbreak.

Themes

Survival under quarantine, Fragile family bonds, Military intervention and control, Spatial confinement dynamics, Protective instincts under threat, Fear and uncertainty

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Visit

9. The Visit

Horror Thriller Psychological Horror Domestic Thriller
6.3
20151h 34min

Overview

A brother and sister are sent to their grandparents' remote Pennsylvania farm for a week, where they discover that the elderly couple is involved in something deeply disturbing.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Family boundaries tested, Hidden identities, Found footage realism, Deception by caregivers, Isolation on farm

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Backtrack

10. Backtrack

Mystery Horror Thriller Psychological Horror Mindbender Mystery
5.9
20151h 30min

Overview

Troubled psychotherapist Peter Bowers is suffering from nightmares and eerie visions. When he uncovers a horrifying secret that all of his patients share, he is put on a course that takes him back to the small hometown he fled years ago. There he confronts his demons and unravels a mystery 20 years in the making.

Themes

Family secrets, Moral ambiguity, Trauma and memory, Investigative pressure, Haunted past, Guilt and accountability

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.