7 psychological thrillers that will mess with your mind and keep you thinking long after

Psychological thrillers are designed to disturb, captivate, and challenge your mind. They delve into the darkest corners of human emotion—obsession, revenge, fear, and moral ambiguity—leaving viewers unsettled long after the credits roll.

From chilling body horror to mind-bending narratives, these films push boundaries and test your nerves. While The Skin I Live In remains unavailable in India, its themes of obsession and revenge have inspired many of the intense thrillers on this list. 

Here are seven must-watch psychological thrillers that will leave you thinking long after viewing.

Also Read: 7 romantic horror movies that blend passion and fear to watch on OTTs

1. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer – Amazon Prime Video

Based on Patrick Süskind’s novel, the film follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born without a body scent but gifted with an extraordinary sense of smell. Obsessed with creating the perfect perfume, he embarks on a horrifying path, murdering young women to capture their essence. Combining psychological horror with period drama, the movie explores obsession, isolation, and the extremes of human desire, supported by haunting visuals and an unsettling score.

2. Get Out – JioHotstar

Chris Washington visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to uncover a sinister, manipulative conspiracy. Get Out blends sharp social commentary on racism with suspenseful, mind-bending thrills. Its exploration of control, fear, and manipulation creates a psychological tension that is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking.

3. Goodnight Mommy (2022) – Amazon Prime Video

Twin brothers begin suspecting their mother isn’t who she appears to be after returning home from cosmetic surgery. A slow-burn thriller with eerie tension, it explores mistrust, identity, and paranoia, culminating in shocking revelations that linger long after the movie ends.

4. Us – JioHotstar

Adelaide Wilson’s family vacation turns horrifying when they are confronted by their sinister doppelgängers, the “Tethered.” This film blends horror, psychological tension, and social allegory, revealing repressed fears, desires, and societal inequalities. Its shocking twists and relentless suspense keep viewers on edge throughout.

5. Misery – Amazon Prime Video

After a car accident, author Paul Sheldon is rescued by his obsessive fan, Annie Wilkes, only to find himself imprisoned. This slow-burning thriller examines captivity, obsession, and the fragility of freedom, making it a tense and unforgettable psychological exploration.

6. Antichrist – Amazon Prime Video

A grieving couple retreats to the woods after their child’s death, only to spiral into madness, guilt, and violence. Lars von Trier crafts a disturbing, visually striking exploration of grief, sexuality, and the human psyche, blurring the line between reality and surreal horror.

Also Read: 7 must-watch horror web series on Netflix that will haunt you long after the credits roll

7. Jacob’s Ladder – Amazon Prime Video

Vietnam War veteran Jacob Singer struggles with terrifying hallucinations and fragmented memories. This film weaves psychological horror with surreal imagery, exploring trauma, grief, and the boundary between life and death, leaving viewers questioning what is real.