10 Movies & Shows Similar to Desperate Hours (1990)

Description: Both 'Fatal Attraction' and 'Desperate Hours' explore the consequences of a seemingly harmless encounter turning into a life-threatening situation. The themes of obsession, revenge, and the breakdown of domestic safety are prominent in both films.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards. The famous 'bunny boiler' scene has become iconic in pop culture. The original ending was changed after test audiences found it too dark.

Description: Both 'The Stepfather' and 'Desperate Hours' deal with the theme of a seemingly benign outsider infiltrating a family and revealing a dark, violent nature. The suspense and the gradual uncovering of the antagonist's true identity are central to both films.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life crimes of serial killer John List. It spawned two sequels and a 2009 remake. The original film has gained a cult following over the years.

Description: Like 'Desperate Hours', 'Misery' involves a protagonist being held captive and psychologically tortured by an unstable individual. The intense, claustrophobic atmosphere and the power dynamics between the captor and the captive are key similarities.

Fact: Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for her role as Annie Wilkes. The film is based on a novel by Stephen King. Director Rob Reiner initially hesitated to take on the project due to its dark themes.

Description: This film shares with 'Desperate Hours' the theme of a seemingly perfect living situation turning into a nightmare due to a malevolent tenant. Both movies explore the legal and emotional challenges of dealing with an unwelcome and dangerous presence in one's home.

Fact: Michael Keaton plays the antagonist, a role that was a departure from his usual comedic roles. The film was shot on location in San Francisco. It was one of the first films to address the issue of tenant rights and landlord-tenant conflicts.

Description: Similar to 'Desperate Hours' (1990), 'Cape Fear' is a psychological thriller that revolves around a family being terrorized by an outsider with a personal vendetta. Both films explore themes of home invasion, psychological manipulation, and the breakdown of safety within one's own home. The intense, suspenseful atmosphere and the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the antagonist and the family are key similarities.

Fact: 'Cape Fear' is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name. Robert De Niro's character, Max Cady, was inspired by real-life serial killer Robert Chambers. The film's score was composed by Elmer Bernstein, who also scored the original 1962 version.

Description: Similar to 'Desperate Hours', this film involves a protagonist escaping a dangerous situation only to find that the threat follows them. The themes of domestic danger, psychological manipulation, and the fight for survival are key similarities.

Fact: Julia Roberts starred in the film, which was a major box office success. The house used in the film is a popular tourist attraction. The film's plot has been compared to real-life cases of domestic abuse survivors.

Description: Like 'Desperate Hours', this film centers on a family whose lives are disrupted by an outsider with sinister intentions. The theme of trust being betrayed and the vulnerability of the family unit are central to both movies. The psychological tension and the gradual reveal of the antagonist's true motives are also similar.

Fact: Rebecca De Mornay's performance as the nanny Peyton was highly praised. The film was a box office success, grossing over $140 million worldwide. Director Curtis Hanson went on to direct 'L.A. Confidential' (1997).

Description: Both 'Unlawful Entry' and 'Desperate Hours' deal with the theme of a trusted authority figure (a cop in this case) becoming a threat to a family's safety. The psychological thriller elements and the escalation of tension are key similarities.

Fact: Kurt Russell and Ray Liotta star in the film. The movie was inspired by real-life cases of police misconduct. It was a critical and commercial success, further cementing the 'psycho cop' trope in cinema.

Description: Similar to 'Desperate Hours', 'The Crush' involves a protagonist being stalked and harassed by an obsessive individual. The themes of obsession, danger, and the invasion of personal space are central to both films.

Fact: Alicia Silverstone made her film debut in this movie. The film was originally titled 'The Crush of a Lifetime'. It was a modest box office success and has since gained a cult following.

Description: Both 'Fear' and 'Desperate Hours' involve a family being terrorized by an outsider who initially appears harmless. The escalation of violence and the psychological tension are central to both films.

Fact: Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon star in the film. The roller coaster scene was filmed on a real roller coaster in Vancouver. The film's soundtrack features songs by the band Toad the Wet Sprocket.