So, you’ve exhausted Netflix’s true crime selection. You’ve indulged in enough horror. The logical next step is delving into the streaming platform’s extensive library of psychological thrillers. To assist you in navigating Netflix’s vast array of shows and movies in this genre, we’ve curated a selection of our favorites that we believe you’ll thoroughly enjoy. From captivating performances by Florence Pugh to timeless Stephen King adaptations, these 10 psychological thrillers are guaranteed to keep you engaged until your next genre exploration.
Tau:
Julia, a street-smart young woman, earns a living by pilfering from shady nightclubs. One fateful night, she is abducted from her home and awakens to find a luminous implant embedded in the back of her neck in a confinement cell. Discovering she is trapped in the smart house of a cruel scientist, Julia realizes she is to be his experimental subject. In a bid for freedom, Julia must earn the trust of Tau, the sophisticated AI system governing the house, to liberate herself and her captors.
The Platform:
In a vertical prison known as ‘The Pit’, a newly arrived inmate becomes ensnared within its labyrinthine levels. These levels symbolize a hierarchical class and wealth system, where the privileged atop are deemed superior to those relegated to the depths below. With inmates provided food once a day, each floor’s residents have a mere two minutes to consume their ration. However, the upper echelons greedily overindulge, leaving those lower down to suffer starvation as the leftovers descend. Witnessing the stark injustices firsthand, Goreng, the newcomer, resolves to overhaul the system.
Bird Box:
Sandra Bullock takes the lead as Malorie, a woman who, five years after a mysterious force compels people to commit suicide, sets out on a perilous journey with her two children in search of sanctuary. However, to evade the lethal entity, Malorie and her kids must navigate the hazardous route blindfolded, as even a glimpse of the ominous presence could result in fatal consequences.
Leave the World Behind
The apocalyptic psychological thriller “Leave the World Behind” premiered on Netflix in 2023, adapted from Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel. Featuring a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la, and Kevin Bacon, the film follows their struggle to navigate a sinister cyberattack that disrupts all communication and technology, while also prompting mysterious animal migrations. Notably, former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama served as executive producers for the film.
Dangerous Lies:
Camila Mendes takes on the character of Katie, a recently married young woman who takes on a caregiving position for Leonard, an elderly affluent man. However, when Leonard meets his demise, Katie unexpectedly inherits his wealth, only to become entangled in a complex web of deception, falsehoods, homicide, and a daring diamond theft…
The Woman in the Window:
Adapted from A. J. Finn’s bestselling 2018 novel, “The Girl in the Window” centers on Anna Fox, a child psychologist gripped by agoraphobia and dependent on alcohol and prescription drugs. Her secluded world takes a disturbing turn when she observes a new couple across the street through her window, only to witness a shocking crime unfold in their home. However, when authorities dismiss her account, Anna grapples with the unsettling possibility that her medications may be distorting her reality…
Secret Obsession:
In this thriller, Brenda Song portrays Jennifer, a young woman who awakens in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there or of her past life. When a man claiming to be her husband, Russell, appears at her side, she accepts his identity and goes home with him. However, Jennifer soon discovers that “Russell” is not who he claims to be, putting her in grave peril.
Spiderhead:
Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller portray two inmates incarcerated in a lavish, high-tech prison, opting to participate in drug trials to shorten their sentences. Overseen by a “brilliant visionary,” the facility subjects inmates to experiments involving research chemicals and hallucinogens.
Gerald’s Game:
Adapted from Stephen King’s 1992 novel, “Gerald’s Game” delves into the story of a married couple, Jessie and Gerald Burlingame, aiming to revive their relationship’s spark. Opting for a getaway to a secluded Alabama house, they anticipate a romantic weekend. However, tragedy strikes when Gerald passes away unexpectedly, leaving Jessie handcuffed to the bed. As she grapples with inner struggles and confronts a looming threat, she must devise a plan to break free and survive.
The Wonder:
In the film, Florence Pugh portrays Lib Wright, an English nurse called to a small village in the Irish Midlands in 1862, post the Great Famine. Her attention is drawn to Anna O’Donnell, an 11-year-old girl reportedly surviving without food for months. While crowds flock to witness the purported miracle, Lib harbors a hidden agenda for her presence in the remote town.
Netflix offers a treasure trove of gripping psychological thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From mind-bending plots to unforgettable performances, these films and series are sure to captivate and intrigue viewers seeking an adrenaline rush from the comfort of their own home. Whether you’re a fan of twists and turns or prefer slow-burning tension, there’s something for everyone in Netflix’s selection of top-notch psychological thrillers. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be taken on a thrilling ride through the depths of human psyche. Happy watching!