If you were captivated by the tense, digital-age thriller 'Profile' (2018), you're likely craving more films that blend suspense, deception, and the dangers of online interactions. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share similar themes of cyber manipulation, psychological drama, and high-stakes cat-and-mouse games. Whether you're drawn to true crime, espionage, or modern thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Social Network (2010)
Description: Delves into the complexities of digital identity and the psychological impact of social media, mirroring themes of manipulation and personal reinvention.
Fact: The screenplay was written in just two weeks. The film's dialogue is known for its rapid-fire, overlapping style.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A dark mystery thriller that involves hacking, investigative journalism, and personal vendettas, reflecting themes of digital sleuthing and revenge.
Fact: The film is an American adaptation of the Swedish novel by Stieg Larsson. The title character's look became iconic, influencing fashion and pop culture.


Catfish (2010)
Description: Explores the theme of online deception and the blurred lines between reality and fiction in digital relationships, much like the psychological manipulation seen in the reference.
Fact: The documentary was initially intended to be a short film but expanded due to the unfolding events. It popularized the term 'catfishing' in internet culture.


Black Mirror (2011)
Description: An anthology series that critiques the dark side of technology and its impact on human behavior, often focusing on themes of identity and manipulation.
Fact: Each episode is a standalone story, allowing for diverse narratives and settings. The show's title refers to the black screens of devices when they are turned off.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores media manipulation, public perception, and the complexities of personal identity, much like the themes of deceit and control.
Fact: The film's twist was kept highly secretive, with audiences encouraged to avoid spoilers. It was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous award nominations.


The Circle (2017)
Description: Examines the ethical dilemmas and psychological effects of pervasive surveillance and data privacy, akin to the themes of digital voyeurism and control.
Fact: The film is based on a novel of the same name by Dave Eggers. It was shot in California and Georgia, with many scenes filmed at the actual tech company campuses.


Nerve (2016)
Description: A thriller that explores the consequences of online dares and the addictive nature of social media validation, paralleling the risks of digital obsession.
Fact: The film's title refers to a fictional online game that dares players to complete increasingly dangerous challenges. It was inspired by real-life internet phenomena.


Unfriended (2014)
Description: A horror-thriller that unfolds entirely on a computer screen, highlighting the dangers of online anonymity and cyberbullying, similar to the dark side of digital interactions.
Fact: The film was shot in real-time to maintain the authenticity of the screen-based narrative. It was one of the first mainstream films to use this format.


You (2018)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the dangers of obsessive love and stalking in the digital age, highlighting the ease of online surveillance.
Fact: The series is based on a novel by Caroline Kepnes. It was originally developed for Showtime before moving to Netflix for its second season.


Searching (2018)
Description: Uses a screen-based narrative to tell a suspenseful story about a father searching for his missing daughter, emphasizing the role of technology in modern mysteries.
Fact: The film was shot over 13 days but took two years to edit due to its unique visual style. It was the first mainstream thriller to feature an Asian-American lead.
