Introduction
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, chances are you loved M. Night Shyamalan’s 2016 hit movie, Split. The film, which stars James McAvoy as a man with 23 different personalities, garnered critical acclaim for its gripping plot and outstanding performances. If you’re looking for more movies like Split to satisfy your craving for suspense and intrigue, you’re in luck. Here are some recommendations for the best psychological thrillers to watch in 2023.
1. Us (2019)
Jordan Peele’s follow-up to his acclaimed debut film, Get Out, is a terrifying tale of a family who is confronted by their own doppelgängers. The movie features a standout performance by Lupita Nyong’o and is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. The Girl on the Train (2016)
Based on the best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train is a gripping thriller about a woman who becomes entangled in a missing person’s investigation. Emily Blunt delivers a powerful performance as the troubled protagonist, and the film’s intricate plot will keep you guessing until the very end.
3. Shutter Island (2010)
Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island is a haunting mystery set on a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a U.S. Marshal investigating the disappearance of a patient from a mental institution, but the more he digs, the more unsettling the truth becomes.
4. Black Swan (2010)
Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller, Black Swan, stars Natalie Portman as a ballerina who becomes consumed by her obsession with perfection. The film is a thrilling exploration of the darker side of ambition and features stunning cinematography and an unforgettable score.
5. The Machinist (2004)
Christian Bale delivers a stunning performance as a machinist who hasn’t slept in a year in this haunting psychological thriller. As he becomes increasingly delusional, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, leading to a shocking conclusion.
6. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
This classic thriller stars Jodie Foster as a young FBI agent who is tasked with interviewing a notorious serial killer, played by Anthony Hopkins. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and has become a cultural touchstone for the genre.
7. Memento (2000)
Christopher Nolan’s breakout film, Memento, is a mind-bending thriller about a man with short-term memory loss who is trying to solve his wife’s murder. The film’s unique structure, which presents the story in reverse chronological order, keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
8. Donnie Darko (2001)
Richard Kelly’s cult classic, Donnie Darko, is a surreal and haunting film about a troubled teenager who begins to have visions of a giant rabbit. The movie is a potent mix of sci-fi, horror, and drama, and features a standout performance by Jake Gyllenhaal.
9. The Sixth Sense (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan’s breakthrough film, The Sixth Sense, is a masterful ghost story that stars Bruce Willis as a child psychologist trying to help a young boy who sees dead people. The film’s twist ending is one of the most famous in cinema history.
10. Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher’s Fight Club is a dark and subversive thriller about a man who becomes involved in an underground fight club. The film is a scathing critique of modern consumer culture and features a career-defining performance by Brad Pitt.
Conclusion
If you loved Split, there are plenty of other psychological thrillers out there that are sure to satisfy your appetite for suspense and intrigue. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic like The Silence of the Lambs or a modern masterpiece like Us, these movies are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a wild ride.