10 Psychological Thriller Movies That Are 10/10 But Nobody Remembers

While popular thrillers like Seven, Rear Window, and The Silence of the Lambs are often recommended, here are a few lesser-known psychological thrillers that genre enthusiasts might enjoy.

It can be hard for fans of psychological thrillers to find new movies they’ll enjoy. However, many excellent films in this genre haven’t gotten the attention they deserve, often because they were overlooked by studios or released alongside bigger blockbusters. Regardless of why, these hidden gems are definitely worth watching.

10. Ricochet (1991)

Though the trailers made it seem like a typical Denzel Washington action film, Ricochet is actually a surprisingly dark and thrilling ride. It stars Washington as Nick Styles, a former police officer now working as an Assistant District Attorney, whose life is thrown into chaos when a killer he previously helped convict seeks revenge.

Russell Mulcahy’s thriller, Ricochet, is a tense and sometimes brutal film where Nick Styles endures a series of degrading experiences as John Lithgow’s villain systematically ruins his life. However, the film is saved by solid acting and a surprising amount of dark humor, making it an enjoyable watch if you’re prepared for its intensity.

9. Tightrope (1984)

Following the success of Sudden Impact, Clint Eastwood surprised audiences with Tightrope. Unlike his popular Dirty Harry films, this movie is a steamy thriller where he plays a detective with a sex addiction investigating a series of murders targeting sex workers in New Orleans.

Clint Eastwood’s performance focuses on the flaws and weaknesses of his character – a divorced dad and police officer battling personal demons while striving to do what’s right. The film is less about action and more about exploring the character’s inner life, though it does include some exciting chases. It’s also a unique example of Eastwood venturing into the horror genre.

8. Death Sentence (2007)

This thriller, directed by James Wan (known for films like Saw and The Conjuring), is somewhat overlooked in his filmography. Based on a sequel to the novel Death Wish (1974), it features Kevin Bacon as a father who, after learning his son’s killer went free, decides to take the law into his own hands, with devastating results.

Unlike most vigilante stories that portray heroes as tough and capable, James Wan’s Death Sentence focuses on how truly awful it would be to take the law into your own hands. The main character’s actions don’t lead to triumph, but instead create a terrible and unending nightmare, culminating in a heartbreakingly unresolved ending. The film also features some impressively staged action sequences, like a long and exciting car chase through the city.

7. Body Double (1984)

Brian De Palma directed many great thrillers, and while Raising Cain is one of them, Body Double is arguably his most overlooked film. It caused quite a stir when it came out due to a particularly graphic murder scene. The story follows a struggling actor, played by Craig Wasson, who thinks he saw a woman get murdered while he was secretly watching her.

Inspired by Hitchcock’s Rear Window, the 1984 film Body Double is a prime example of director Brian De Palma at his best. While the story isn’t very logical and the main character is somewhat unlikeable, the film’s stunning visuals, music, and overall style more than make up for it. It also has a gritty, edgy feel that wouldn’t be accepted in modern filmmaking.

6. Bound (1996)

Before directing The Matrix, the Wachowskis made Bound to demonstrate their skills as filmmakers. This low-budget, visually striking neo-noir thriller follows two lovers – Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon – whose scheme to steal from a gangster quickly spirals out of control.

When Bound came out in 1996, its central lesbian romance sparked a lot of conversation, and the two main actresses had a believable connection. While it’s often been eclipsed by the directors’ later film, The Matrix, Bound remains a visually striking and well-acted movie, especially considering its small budget, and it maintains a consistently engaging pace.

5. Running Scared (2006)

Despite sharing a title with an older movie, Running Scared showcases what many consider to be Paul Walker’s strongest performance. The film follows a low-level criminal who finds himself in a terrifying situation as he tries to retrieve a stolen gun connected to the murder of dishonest police officers.

This movie feels like a gritty, twisted fairy tale. The main character runs into disturbing takes on familiar villains – for example, a sleazy character plays the role of the Mad Hatter. Running Scared is incredibly intense, packed with strong language, dark humor, and constant, graphic violence that doesn’t ease up until the credits roll.

4. Rolling Thunder (1977)

Quentin Tarantino considers Rolling Thunder a standout film, calling it one of the greatest revenge thrillers focused on compelling characters. The movie centers around a Vietnam prisoner of war who endures years of captivity and torture, only to come home and be victimized again – this time by a home invasion where his wife and child are killed and he suffers a severe hand injury.

The film follows a man on a violent quest for revenge, aided by a friend portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones. While Rolling Thunder features strong action sequences and memorable dialogue, it’s William Devane’s performance that truly stands out. He convincingly portrays a character numbed by trauma, adding a deep sense of sadness to the story.

3. The Exorcist III (1990)

Most of the Exorcist sequels haven’t been very good, including the recent 2023 attempt. While The Exorcist III faced interference from producers who demanded extra exorcism scenes, it’s still a fantastic thriller thanks to strong performances by George C. Scott and Brad Dourif.

This follow-up film boasts a truly memorable jump scare – fans will remember it! – and several unsettling scenes. However, much of the horror comes from the conversations between the detective and the killer, where the killer chillingly explains his motives and enjoys detailing his crimes. These discussions are particularly disturbing.

2. Point Blank (1967)

Point Blank is a film based on the novel The Hunter, and tells the story of a thief (played by Lee Marvin) seeking revenge on a friend who betrayed him. Many consider it the most successful movie adaptation of the Parker novels. What sets it apart is its innovative, fragmented style, which creates a dreamlike atmosphere despite the fairly straightforward plot.

Some viewers interpret the film Point Blank as a story unfolding after the main character, Marvin, dies in the beginning, with everything that follows being a vision of his final moments. While the film leaves this open to interpretation, it’s generally agreed that Point Blank is a stylish and hard-hitting crime thriller that hasn’t received the recognition it deserves in recent years.

1. Infinity Pool (2023)

Infinity Pool is a film that generated a lot of excitement when it came out, and it still deserves a wider audience. It stars Alexander Skarsgård as a man whose life spirals into chaos after he meets Mia Goth and her group of friends. They lead him on a wild, reckless journey filled with indulgence, violence, and bizarre cloning technology.

Infinity Pool follows a timid man attempting to become more outgoing, but he falls in with a group determined to push his emotional limits. The film is a disturbing and intensely violent blend of science fiction, horror, and thriller elements. However, if you can handle strong content, it’s a surprisingly rewarding experience.

2026-02-15 17:10