tense backdrop

Movies with tense vibe

281. Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving
Horror Mystery Slasher Horror Whodunit
6.2
20231h 46minUnited States
Director: Eli Roth

Overview

After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts - the birthplace of the holiday. Picking off residents one by one, what begins as random revenge killings are soon revealed to be part of a larger, sinister holiday plan.

Themes

Trust in authority, Surveillance and exposure, Disguise and deception, Revenge-driven violence, Holiday consumerism, Mob psychology

Available on

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

282. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Science Fiction Action Dystopian Sci-Fi Epic Action
6.6
20232h 37minGermany, United States
Director: Francis Lawrence

Overview

64 years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem, Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12.

Themes

Survival under pressure, Class inequality through governance, Oppression through spectacle, Power via mentorship, Rebellion as consequence, Loyalty tested by betrayal

Available on

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

283. Dream Scenario

Dream Scenario
Comedy Fantasy Dark Comedy Supernatural Fantasy
6.8
20231h 42minUnited States
Director: Kristoffer Borgli

Overview

Hapless family man Paul Matthews finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom.

Themes

Media sensationalism, Cancel culture backlash, Dreams as advertising space, Fame vs passivity, Satire of scientific prestige, Shared subconsciousness

Available on

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

284. The Marvels

The Marvels
Science Fiction Adventure Action Superhero Action Space Sci-Fi
5.5
20231h 45minUnited States
Director: Nia DaCosta

Overview

When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, Carol's powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol's estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe.

Themes

"movie: the marvels. genres: science fiction, Adventure, Action, Science fiction, Adventure, Action main themes: hero, Superhero, Space travel, Hero, Superhero, Space travel full keywords list: hero, Superhero, Space travel, Based on comic, Sequel, Teenage girl, Aftercreditsstinger, Duringcreditsstinger, Marvel cinematic universe (mcu), Woman director, Space adventure, Absurd, Foreboding. concept analysis: the film explores themes of interconnectedness and the importance of collaboration in overcoming adversity. it highlights the personal growth of its characters as they learn to embrace their identities and work together for a greater cause."

Available on

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

285. Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla Minus One
Science Fiction Horror Action Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Monster Horror
7.7
20232h 4minJapan
Director: Takashi Yamazaki

Overview

In postwar Japan, Godzilla brings new devastation to an already scorched landscape. With no military intervention or government help in sight, the survivors must join together in the face of despair and fight back against an unrelenting horror.

Themes

Found family, Survivor guilt, Collective sacrifice, Government inaction, Postwar resilience, Duty versus action, Nuclear-age threat

Available on

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

286. How to Have Sex

How to Have Sex
Drama Coming-of-Age Drama
6.4
20231h 31minUnited Kingdom, Greece
Director: Molly Manning Walker

Overview

Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday—drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.

Themes

Coming of age pressures, Female friendship under strain, Sexual assault consequences, Consent and agency, Generation z expectations, Hookup culture

Available on

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

287. Nuovo Olimpo

Nuovo Olimpo
Romance Drama Passionate Romance Coming-of-Age Drama
7.2
20231h 52minItaly
Director: Ferzan Özpetek

Overview

In 1970s Rome, a casual encounter between Enea and Pietro at a movie theater turns into an unforgettable romance — until destiny pulls them apart.

Themes

Memory as legacy, Forbidden gay romance, Identity and coming out, Art and life tension, Private desire in public spaces, Secrecy and longing across decades

Available on

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

288. The Holdovers

The Holdovers
Comedy Drama Workplace Comedy Family Drama
7.9
20232h 13minUnited States
Director: Alexander Payne

Overview

A curmudgeonly instructor at a New England prep school is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually, he forms an unlikely bond with one of them — a damaged, brainy troublemaker — and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam.

Themes

Grief and loss, Power dynamics in education, Donor expectations, Mentorship flaws, Discipline vs empathy, War's impact on families

Available on

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

289. Priscilla

Priscilla
Drama Romance Music Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.5
20231h 53minItaly, United States
Director: Sofia Coppola

Overview

When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend.

Themes

Pursuit of independence, Power imbalance in romance, Fame and isolation, Dependence and control, Abusive relationship dynamics, Gilded cage

Available on

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

290. Fingernails

Fingernails
Romance Science Fiction Drama Passionate Romance Relationship Drama
5.8
20231h 53minUnited Kingdom, United States
Director: Christos Nikou

Overview

Anna and Ryan have found true love together. It's been proven by a controversial test. There's just one problem: Anna still isn't sure. Then she meets Amir.

Themes

"movie: fingernails. genres: romance, Science fiction, Drama, Romance, Science fiction, Drama main themes: love triangle, Romance, Scientific experiment, Love triangle, Romance, Scientific experiment full keywords list: love triangle, Romance, Scientific experiment. concept analysis: the film explores the complexities of love and the impact of societal pressures on personal relationships. it raises questions about the validity of love as measured by external tests and the emotional consequences of such evaluations."

Available on

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