If you loved the dark humor, twisted stakes, and psychological tension of 'Cheap Thrills' (2013), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping, morally ambiguous thrills. Whether you're a fan of high-stakes dares, psychological mind games, or desperate characters pushed to their limits, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Game (1997)
Description: A mind-bending thriller where a wealthy man is drawn into a mysterious and dangerous game that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, testing his sanity and survival instincts.
Fact: The film's intricate plot required multiple rewrites and took years to develop before going into production.


The Box (2009)
Description: A psychological horror-thriller centered around a moral dilemma where a simple decision leads to terrifying consequences, exploring themes of greed and desperation.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Richard Matheson, which was also adapted into an episode of 'The Twilight Zone.'


The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: A chilling dramatization of a real-life psychological study where participants are pushed to extremes, revealing how power and authority can corrupt human behavior.
Fact: The real Stanford Prison Experiment was originally planned to last two weeks but was terminated after just six days due to the extreme behavior of the participants.


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: A high-stakes survival thriller where ordinary people are forced into a deadly game of kill or be killed, highlighting the extremes of human behavior under pressure.
Fact: The movie was originally intended to be set in a high-rise office building in Chicago but was later filmed in Bogotá, Colombia.


Exam (2009)
Description: A tense, claustrophobic thriller that pits candidates against each other in a high-pressure test with unclear rules, leading to psychological manipulation and betrayal.
Fact: The entire film was shot in a single room over 19 days, emphasizing its minimalist and intense atmosphere.


The Human Race (2013)
Description: A brutal survival film where strangers are forced to participate in a deadly race with incomprehensible rules, pushing them to their physical and moral limits.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of just $10,000, yet it managed to create a gripping and intense experience.


13 Sins (2014)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature when faced with increasingly dangerous and morally ambiguous challenges for financial gain.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Thai movie '13: Game of Death' and was shot in New Orleans.


Escape Room (2019)
Description: A high-concept thriller where participants must solve intricate puzzles to survive a series of deadly escape rooms, revealing their deepest fears and secrets.
Fact: The movie's success led to a sequel, 'Escape Room: Tournament of Champions,' released in


The Perfect Host (2010)
Description: A darkly comedic thriller where a criminal's plan goes awry when he encounters a seemingly hospitable host with sinister intentions, leading to a twisted game of cat and mouse.
Fact: The film was shot in just 15 days, with most of the action taking place in a single location to maintain tension and focus.


Truth or Dare (2017)
Description: A horror-thriller where a seemingly innocent game turns deadly, forcing participants to confront their darkest secrets and make horrifying choices.
Fact: The movie was initially conceived as a found-footage film but was later changed to a traditional narrative style.
