7 psychological horror thrillers that disturb the mind long after the movie ends

Not all horror films rely on sudden jump scares or terrifying creatures lurking in dark corners. Some of the most disturbing movies work quietly, creeping into your thoughts and refusing to let go long after the screen fades to black. 

Psychological horror thrillers tap into deep human fears—guilt, paranoia, grief, obsession and identity—by blurring the boundary between reality and delusion. Instead of startling you, they build an unsettling atmosphere that slowly tightens its grip, making it hard to relax or even fall asleep.

If you enjoy horror that unsettles the mind rather than just shocking the senses, these psychological thrillers are guaranteed to haunt you.

Also Read: 7 dark and disturbing psychological thrillers that will haunt you long after they end

Get Out – JioHotstar

Jordan Peele’s Get Out begins as an uncomfortable social visit and gradually transforms into a deeply disturbing psychological nightmare. Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) travels with his girlfriend Rose Armitage to meet her family at their isolated countryside home. Although her parents appear polite and welcoming, Chris quickly senses that something is wrong. The strange behaviour of the household staff, Georgina and Walter, and the suffocatingly pleasant atmosphere create growing unease. As the weekend unfolds, Chris uncovers a horrifying truth hidden behind smiles and casual conversations. The film uses subtle tension, manipulation and loss of agency to explore themes of identity and control, making its horror feel disturbingly real.

Us – YouTube

In Us, director Jordan Peele again blends psychological terror with symbolism. Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong’o) goes on a seaside vacation with her husband Gabe and their children, hoping for a relaxing break. That peace is shattered when silent strangers appear outside their holiday home at night. Adelaide soon realises these intruders are their exact doubles, led by a chilling figure named Red. As the family fights to survive, the story unfolds into a disturbing exploration of childhood trauma, suppressed guilt and the darker versions of ourselves we refuse to confront. The film’s horror lies not just in violence, but in the terrifying idea of facing one’s own reflection.

Phobia – ZEE5

This Indian psychological thriller centres on Mehak (Radhika Apte), a young artist who develops severe agoraphobia after a traumatic incident. Trapped indoors by fear, she moves into a new apartment, hoping for safety and isolation. Instead, she begins experiencing unsettling visions, eerie sounds and an overwhelming sense of dread. As Mehak spends more time alone, her fragile mental state deteriorates, and the line between reality and imagination blurs. Rather than relying on scares, Phobia builds tension through silence, isolation and emotional trauma, making the protagonist’s mind the most terrifying space of all.

The Lighthouse – Amazon Prime Video

Set on a remote, storm-battered island, The Lighthouse follows two men assigned to maintain a lighthouse in near-total isolation. Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe), the older keeper, rules with strange rituals and rigid authority, while Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson), a troubled younger man, is burdened with relentless physical labour. As weeks pass, loneliness, alcohol and power struggles begin to erode Winslow’s sanity. He experiences disturbing visions of mermaids, shadows and hallucinations that may or may not be real. Wake’s unsettling behaviour and cryptic tales only deepen the madness. The film creates terror through claustrophobia, guilt and psychological breakdown rather than conventional scares.

404: Error Not Found – YouTube

Set in a medical college hostel, 404: Error Not Found explores fear through logic and disbelief. Abhimanyu (Rajvvir Aroraa), a rational medical student, moves into Room 404—a space other students avoid due to its dark history. Soon, he begins experiencing strange visions linked to Gaurav, a former student who allegedly died under mysterious circumstances. As Abhimanyu investigates, his scientific beliefs clash with what he sees and hears. The film thrives on ambiguity, forcing viewers to question whether the horrors are supernatural or psychological, creating an eerie atmosphere that lingers.

Saint Maud – Amazon Prime Video

Saint Maud is a deeply unsettling exploration of faith, loneliness and obsession. Maud (Morfydd Clark) is a devout young nurse assigned to care for Amanda, a terminally ill former dancer who is openly cynical and dismissive of religion. Maud becomes convinced that God has chosen her to save Amanda’s soul. As her sense of purpose intensifies, her guilt and isolation twist into delusion. The film blurs the boundary between divine calling and mental illness, leading to disturbing decisions and a finale that is both shocking and haunting.

Also Read: 7 must-watch horror shows that deliver spine-chilling thrills and sleepless nights

Smile – Amazon Prime Video

Smile uses psychological fear to explore trauma and grief. Dr Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a therapist, witnesses a patient’s horrific suicide, marked by an unsettling smile. Soon, Rose begins seeing terrifying visions of people smiling eerily at her, accompanied by warped reality and paranoia. As she searches for answers, her personal relationships deteriorate, and she realises she may be trapped in a cycle of trauma that feeds on fear. The film’s horror feels personal and relentless, making it difficult to shake even after it ends.