If you enjoyed the gripping neo-western thriller The Last Victim (2022), you're likely craving more films that blend suspense, crime, and atmospheric tension. This article explores 10 movies and shows with similar themes—dark narratives, morally complex characters, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling. Whether you loved the film's gritty tone or its unpredictable twists, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: A psychological horror-thriller that delves into the mind of a brilliant but insane serial killer. The film's tension is built through intense character interactions and a chilling atmosphere.
Fact: The film is one of only three to win the 'Big Five' Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. It is based on the novel by Thomas Harris.


Se7en (1995)
Description: A dark, gruesome crime thriller about two detectives hunting a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motif. The film's bleak tone and shocking twists make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film's title is stylized as 'Se7en' to reflect the killer's obsession with the number seven. It was a critical and commercial success, cementing David Fincher's reputation as a master of suspense.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous, slow-burning thriller based on the real-life Zodiac killer case. The film focuses on the obsession and paranoia surrounding the unsolved murders, with a strong emphasis on detail and atmosphere.
Fact: The film is known for its historical accuracy, with many scenes shot on location where the actual events occurred. It features an ensemble cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A dark, suspenseful crime drama with a relentless antagonist and a focus on the moral ambiguity of its characters. The film's tension is built through sparse dialogue and a haunting atmosphere.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: A dark, psychological thriller about a father's desperate search for his missing daughter, exploring themes of morality, vengeance, and the limits of justice. The film's atmosphere is heavy with tension and dread.
Fact: The film's script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays in


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A gritty, suspenseful mystery centered around a journalist and a hacker investigating a decades-old disappearance. The film's dark tone and complex characters make it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film is based on the bestselling novel by Stieg Larsson. It was originally made in Swedish in 2009 before this English-language adaptation.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: A twisty, psychological thriller that explores the dark side of relationships and media manipulation. The film's narrative is full of surprises, and its tone is both chilling and satirical.
Fact: The film's screenplay was written by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote the novel it's based on. It was a major box office success, grossing over $369 million worldwide.


Hell or High Water (2016)
Description: A modern Western crime drama that delves into themes of economic hardship and family loyalty. The film's pacing and tension are masterfully crafted, with a strong sense of place and character-driven storytelling.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is part of Taylor Sheridan's 'frontier trilogy,' alongside Sicario and Wind River.


Sicario (2015)
Description: A tense, morally complex thriller about the war on drugs, featuring brutal violence and a shadowy, unpredictable narrative. The film's cinematography and score create an oppressive, unsettling mood.
Fact: The title 'Sicario' means 'hitman' in Spanish. The film's sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, was released in


Wind River (2017)
Description: A gripping crime thriller set in a harsh, snowy landscape, focusing on a murder investigation that uncovers deeper societal issues. The film blends intense action with emotional depth, exploring themes of justice and survival.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the U.S. It was written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, who also wrote Sicario and Hell or High Water.
