If you enjoyed the dark, twisted thrills of The Badger Game (2014), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its themes of deception, psychological tension, and high-stakes manipulation. Whether you're a fan of crime dramas or psychological thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Strangers (2008)
Description: A home invasion horror film that thrives on suspense and the terror of the unknown, with masked assailants tormenting their victims for seemingly no reason.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life break-ins and the Manson Family murders. The director wanted to create a sense of realism by using minimal music and natural lighting.


The Collector (2009)
Description: A tense and gruesome thriller that pits a burglar against a sadistic killer in a deadly game of cat and mouse, filled with traps and psychological torment.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a prequel to another horror franchise but was developed into a standalone story. The villain's mask was designed to be both terrifying and practical for the actor to wear.


The Sacrament (2013)
Description: A found-footage horror film that delves into the dangers of cult mentality and blind faith, with a documentary-style approach that heightens the sense of realism and dread.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life Jonestown massacre. The director is known for his work in the horror genre, often blending fictional narratives with documentary techniques.


Cheap Thrills (2013)
Description: A brutal and darkly humorous exploration of desperation and moral decay, as characters are pushed to their limits by increasingly extreme dares for money.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of people performing dangerous stunts for money. It won the Audience Award at the 2013 SXSW Film Festival.


Creep (2014)
Description: A found-footage horror film that plays with audience expectations and builds tension through unsettling character interactions and psychological manipulation.
Fact: The film was shot in just eight days with a minimal crew. The lead actor also co-wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from real-life creepy encounters and internet horror stories.


The One I Love (2014)
Description: A surreal and psychological exploration of relationships, identity, and deception, wrapped in a mysterious and unsettling premise that keeps viewers guessing.
Fact: The film's twist was kept secret from the audience and even the actors during production to preserve the element of surprise. It was initially conceived as a short film before being expanded into a feature.


Coherence (2013)
Description: A mind-bending sci-fi thriller that delves into paranoia and existential dread, with a group of friends facing inexplicable phenomena during a dinner party.
Fact: The film was shot in just five nights with a budget of only $50,


The Gift (2015)
Description: A suspenseful thriller that explores themes of revenge, secrets, and psychological manipulation, with a narrative that gradually unravels the dark past of its characters.
Fact: The film marks Joel Edgerton's directorial debut. The story was partly inspired by real-life experiences of bullying and the long-term effects it can have on individuals.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A psychological thriller with a disturbing moral dilemma at its core, featuring a slow-burning tension and an unsettling atmosphere that challenges the viewer's sense of justice and retribution.
Fact: The film's screenplay was inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy 'Iphigenia in Aulis' by Euripides. The director intentionally used flat, emotionless dialogue to create an eerie and detached tone.


The Perfect Host (2010)
Description: A darkly comedic thriller that subverts expectations, featuring a charismatic yet dangerous host who turns the tables on his unsuspecting guest in increasingly twisted ways.
Fact: The film was shot in just 13 days. The director originally envisioned the story as a stage play before adapting it into a screenplay.
