If you enjoyed the dark, psychological thrills of 'I Am Not a Serial Killer' (2016), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that share its eerie atmosphere, twisted characters, and unsettling suspense. Whether you're drawn to psychological horror, small-town mysteries, or morally ambiguous protagonists, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Description: A raw and unsettling portrayal of a serial killer's daily life, focusing on the banality of evil and psychological realism.
Fact: The film was based on the real-life crimes of Henry Lee Lucas. It was shot on a very low budget and took years to secure a release due to its graphic content.


American Psycho (2000)
Description: Explores the duality of a seemingly normal individual with a hidden violent side, blending psychological horror with dark humor.
Fact: The film's infamous business card scene was improvised by the actors. It was initially banned in several countries due to its extreme violence.


The Machinist (2004)
Description: A psychological thriller about a man suffering from severe insomnia and guilt, leading to a fractured sense of reality.
Fact: Christian Bale lost 63 pounds for the role, eating only an apple and a can of tuna daily. The film's budget was so low that some crew members worked for free.


The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: Examines the psychological effects of power and authority, showing how ordinary people can descend into cruelty.
Fact: The film is based on the infamous 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment. Many of the actors stayed in character even when cameras weren't rolling.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous and atmospheric thriller about the hunt for the elusive Zodiac Killer, blending true crime with psychological tension.
Fact: The film's production was delayed due to the director's insistence on historical accuracy. Many scenes were shot at the actual locations of the Zodiac crimes.


Peacock (2010)
Description: A psychological thriller about a man with dissociative identity disorder, exploring themes of identity and hidden darkness.
Fact: The film was shot in just 24 days. It was originally intended to be a much larger production but was scaled down due to budget constraints.


We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Description: A harrowing exploration of nature vs. nurture, focusing on a mother's relationship with her sociopathic son.
Fact: The film uses a non-linear narrative to build tension. The red color motif throughout symbolizes danger and unease.


Nightcrawler (2014)
Description: A dark character study of an ambitious but morally ambiguous man who thrives in the underbelly of crime journalism.
Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost 20 pounds to play the gaunt, obsessive Lou Bloom. The film's title refers to the nocturnal nature of the protagonist's work.


The House That Jack Built (2018)
Description: Delves into the mind of a meticulous and narcissistic killer, blending art-house aesthetics with extreme violence.
Fact: The film was met with walkouts during its premiere at Cannes. It features a controversial scene involving a duckling that sparked debates among audiences.


The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
Description: A slow-burn thriller about a teenager uncovering his father's possible double life as a notorious serial killer.
Fact: The film is loosely inspired by the BTK Killer. It was praised for its atmospheric tension and realistic portrayal of suburban life.
