If you're a fan of the psychological thriller 'The Fantasist' (1986), you'll love this curated list of 10 similar movies and shows that delve into dark fantasies, obsession, and chilling suspense. Whether you're drawn to its eerie atmosphere or twisted narrative, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Sixth Sense (1999)
Description: A supernatural psychological thriller that masterfully plays with the audience's perceptions, featuring a protagonist who communicates with the dead and a twist ending that changes everything.
Fact: The famous line 'I see dead people' was improvised by Haley Joel Osment. The film's twist ending was so well-guarded that even the crew didn't know about it until the final cut.


The Cell (2000)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the human mind, featuring surreal and visually striking dreamscapes that blur the line between reality and fantasy.
Fact: The film's costume design was inspired by the works of Alexander McQueen and featured elaborate, avant-garde outfits. It was one of the first films to use extensive CGI to create its dream sequences.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic psychological horror film that relies on atmosphere and suspense, with a twist ending that recontextualizes the entire story and leaves the audience questioning what they've just seen.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in natural light to maintain its eerie, period-appropriate atmosphere. Nicole Kidman's character was inspired by classic gothic heroines like those in 'Rebecca' and 'The Innocents.'


Donnie Darko (2001)
Description: A cult classic that blends psychological thriller elements with science fiction, featuring a protagonist who experiences bizarre visions and a narrative that challenges the viewer's understanding of time and reality.
Fact: The film's iconic rabbit mask was made from a real human skull. The director's cut includes additional scenes that clarify the film's complex time-travel plot.


Identity (2003)
Description: A psychological thriller that unfolds in a secluded motel, where the characters' identities and realities are constantly in flux, leading to a shocking revelation about their true nature.
Fact: The film's narrative structure was inspired by Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None.' All the motel scenes were shot on a single set built in a warehouse.


The Machinist (2004)
Description: A dark and unsettling psychological drama that follows a man's descent into paranoia and guilt, with a narrative that keeps the audience questioning what is real and what is imagined.
Fact: Christian Bale lost 63 pounds for the role, reducing his weight to 120 pounds. The film's color palette was deliberately muted to reflect the protagonist's mental state.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: A dark and intricate tale of rivalry and obsession, where the line between illusion and reality is constantly blurred, and the narrative itself is structured like a magic trick.
Fact: The film's title refers to the third act of a magic trick: the prestige is the final reveal. David Bowie made a rare acting appearance as Nikola Tesla in the film.


Black Swan (2010)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores the duality of human nature and the blurred lines between reality and hallucination, set against the backdrop of a high-pressure artistic environment.
Fact: Natalie Portman trained in ballet for over a year to prepare for the role. The film's intense and claustrophobic atmosphere was achieved through handheld camera work and tight framing.


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A gripping psychological mystery that plays with perception and memory, set in an isolated and eerie location that heightens the sense of paranoia and unreality.
Fact: The film was shot in several real-life locations, including the former Medfield State Hospital in Massachusetts. The twist ending was kept secret from the cast and crew during filming.


Inception (2010)
Description: A mind-bending exploration of dreams within dreams, where the boundaries of reality are constantly questioned, and the narrative structure is as intricate as the psychological themes it explores.
Fact: The spinning top at the end of the film was not CGI but a practical effect. The hallway fight scene was achieved by building a rotating set, allowing the actors to perform the sequence in real time.
