10 Movies & Shows Similar to The Girl on the Train (2014)

Description: This crime drama shares with 'The Girl on the Train' a moody, rain-soaked atmosphere and focus on psychological trauma. Both feature complex female protagonists and explore how personal demons affect professional investigations. The pacing similarly builds tension through character development.

Fact: Based on the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen'. The first two seasons cover a single murder case. Was canceled twice before getting a proper finale.

Description: Like 'The Girl on the Train', this British crime drama focuses on how a traumatic event affects a small community. Both feature strong female characters dealing with personal trauma while involved in criminal investigations. The coastal settings create similar atmospheric tension.

Fact: Launched Jodie Whittaker's career before she became Doctor Who. The killer's identity was kept secret from most cast members during filming. Inspired international remakes including 'Gracepoint' in the US.

Description: Similar to 'The Girl on the Train', 'Gone Girl' is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of unreliable narrators, marital discord, and dark secrets. Both films feature female protagonists with complex psychological profiles and explore the impact of media on personal lives. The storytelling style is suspenseful and keeps the audience guessing until the end.

Fact: Based on Gillian Flynn's best-selling novel, who also wrote the screenplay. Rosamund Pike's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination. The film's twist is one of the most discussed in modern cinema.

Description: While more male-focused, this anthology series shares with 'The Girl on the Train' a nonlinear narrative structure and exploration of psychological trauma. Both use flashbacks to reveal character backstories gradually. The first season's occult elements create similar unsettling tension.

Fact: Each season features a completely new cast and story. Matthew McConaughey's performance revived his career. The six-minute tracking shot in episode 4 took seven takes to perfect.

Description: While more focused on the criminal justice system, this series shares with 'The Girl on the Train' themes of memory unreliability and the consequences of alcohol-fueled decisions. Both protagonists wake up to find themselves involved in crimes they can't fully remember.

Fact: Originally developed with James Gandolfini in the lead. Inspired by the British series 'Criminal Justice'. Riz Ahmed became the first Muslim and first Asian to win an Emmy for acting.

Description: Like 'The Girl on the Train', 'Sharp Objects' focuses on a troubled female protagonist dealing with alcoholism and repressed trauma. Both stories involve murder investigations that force the protagonist to confront their own demons. The atmospheric tension and psychological depth are key similarities.

Fact: Based on Gillian Flynn's debut novel. Amy Adams stars and also serves as executive producer. The series features a haunting soundtrack by The Acid.

Description: This series shares with 'The Girl on the Train' a focus on female perspectives, domestic drama, and underlying violence in seemingly perfect lives. Both explore themes of memory, perception, and the facades people maintain. The coastal settings contribute to a similar melancholic atmosphere.

Fact: Won 8 Emmy Awards in its first season. Features an all-star female cast including Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. Originally planned as a miniseries but expanded due to popularity.

Description: Similar to 'The Girl on the Train', this psychological thriller involves a woman uncovering dark truths about her partner. Both stories play with audience perceptions and feature wealthy, privileged settings that contrast with the dark events unfolding. The tension builds through gradual revelation of secrets.

Fact: Based on Jean Hanff Korelitz's novel 'You Should Have Known'. Features Hugh Grant's first major TV role. The finale was HBO's most-watched episode since 'Big Little Lies'.

Description: Based on Stephen King's novel, this series shares with 'The Girl on the Train' themes of unreliable perception and supernatural-tinged mystery. Both involve investigations where the protagonist's grip on reality is questioned. The slow-burn tension and focus on grief are similar.

Fact: Originally planned as a film adaptation. Features Ben Mendelsohn's first major TV role since 'Bloodline'. The series blends crime procedural with supernatural horror elements.

Description: This anthology series resembles 'The Girl on the Train' in its exploration of repressed memories and sudden violent outbursts. Both feature protagonists who don't fully understand their own actions, with mysteries that unravel through psychological investigation rather than typical detective work.

Fact: Based on Petra Hammesfahr's novel. Bill Pullman's detective character appears across all seasons. The first season was USA Network's most-watched new series in years.