If you were captivated by the gripping mystery and intense storytelling of The Night of the 12th (2022), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly thrilling movies and shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you loved the dark atmosphere, the investigative drama, or the psychological depth, these recommendations will satisfy your craving for more suspenseful narratives.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: A psychological thriller that masterfully blends crime investigation with chilling character studies, particularly of its infamous antagonist.
Fact: It is one of only three films to win the 'Big Five' Academy Awards. The character Hannibal Lecter only appears for about 16 minutes of screen time.


Se7en (1995)
Description: A grim and stylish crime thriller centered around two detectives hunting a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motif.
Fact: The film's dark, rainy aesthetic was achieved by adding black dye to the water used in rain machines. The ending was so shocking that the studio considered changing it.


Insomnia (2002)
Description: A psychological crime thriller set in a land of perpetual daylight, following a detective whose own guilt and sleeplessness blur the lines of the investigation.
Fact: The film is a remake of a Norwegian movie of the same name. Its unique setting in Alaska allowed for the exploration of the psychological effects of constant daylight.


Mystic River (2003)
Description: A tragic crime drama that examines the ripple effects of violence and trauma on a tight-knit community over decades.
Fact: The film's script was adapted from Dennis Lehane's novel in just six weeks. Many scenes were shot in the actual Boston neighborhoods where the story is set.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous and haunting exploration of an unsolved serial killer case, focusing on the obsession and frustration of those trying to crack it.
Fact: The film is based on real-life investigations and includes painstakingly recreated crime scenes. Director David Fincher insisted on using period-accurate technology and locations.


Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Description: A morally complex crime drama about the search for a missing child, exploring themes of justice, corruption, and personal ethics.
Fact: The film's realistic dialogue and setting were achieved by casting many non-professional actors from Boston. It was based on a novel by Dennis Lehane.


The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Description: A complex crime drama that intertwines a cold case investigation with themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Its famous single-take chase scene was filmed in a custom-built stadium set.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: A gripping crime thriller that delves into the psychological toll of a child abduction case, featuring a relentless pursuit of justice and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film's cinematography uses a muted color palette to enhance its bleak and tense atmosphere. It was shot during an unusually harsh winter to amplify the story's chilling tone.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A dark and intense mystery involving a journalist and a hacker uncovering a decades-old disappearance tied to a wealthy family's secrets.
Fact: The film's opening title sequence, set to a cover of 'Immigrant Song,' became iconic. It was shot in Sweden during winter to maintain authenticity with the novel's setting.


Wind River (2017)
Description: A bleak and atmospheric crime thriller set in a harsh, snowy landscape, focusing on an investigation into a young woman's murder.
Fact: The film sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. It was inspired by real events but is a fictional story.
