Movies Like Rent-A-Pal for Psychological Chills

Description: A psychological horror film that follows a man who becomes increasingly paranoid and unstable after moving into an apartment with a dark history, exploring themes of identity and alienation.

Fact: Roman Polanski stars in the film as well as directs it, making it one of the few times he acted in his own movies. The claustrophobic atmosphere was achieved by shooting in a real Parisian apartment building.

Description: A chilling thriller about obsession and the lengths one man will go to understand his partner's sudden disappearance, featuring a calm yet terrifying antagonist.

Fact: The film's original Dutch title translates to 'The Golden Egg,' a reference to a key plot element. Its ending is considered one of the most shocking in cinema history.

Description: This dark comedy explores themes of loneliness and obsession, with a protagonist who forms an unhealthy attachment to a customer, blurring the lines between friendship and fixation.

Fact: Jim Carrey took a significant pay cut to star in this film, as he wanted to break away from his comedic persona. The movie was initially met with mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following.

Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a socially isolated individual who becomes dangerously obsessed with a family whose photos he develops, highlighting themes of voyeurism and misplaced affection.

Fact: Robin Williams' performance in this film marked a dramatic departure from his usual comedic roles. The movie's sterile, fluorescent-lit visual style enhances its unsettling atmosphere.

Description: A psychological thriller about a man suffering from severe insomnia and guilt, whose reality begins to unravel, mirroring themes of isolation and mental deterioration.

Fact: Christian Bale lost an extreme amount of weight for the role, dropping to 120 pounds. The film's bleak, washed-out color palette was intentionally chosen to reflect the protagonist's mental state.

Description: A harrowing exploration of motherhood and the nature of evil, this psychological drama examines the fraught relationship between a mother and her sociopathic son.

Fact: The film uses a non-linear narrative to piece together the events leading to its shocking climax. The color red is prominently featured throughout as a visual motif for guilt and violence.

Description: A horror film that uses a supernatural entity as a metaphor for grief and mental illness, focusing on a mother and son whose relationship is strained by unresolved trauma.

Fact: The Babadook became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon after Netflix accidentally categorized it as LGBTQ cinema. The creature's design was inspired by early 20th-century silent film monsters.

Description: This found-footage horror film centers on a bizarre and increasingly unsettling relationship between two men, one of whom harbors dark, manipulative intentions, echoing themes of trust and deception.

Fact: The entire film was shot in just eight days. The lead actor also wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from real-life unsettling encounters.

Description: A sequel that continues to explore the twisted dynamics of its protagonist's relationships, this time with a female documentarian, further delving into themes of manipulation and psychological games.

Fact: The film was shot in only 14 days, maintaining the raw, improvised feel of the original. It expands on the lore of the first movie while introducing new layers to the antagonist's character.

Description: This psychological thriller revolves around a seemingly benign acquaintance who gradually reveals a darker, more vengeful side, exploring themes of past trauma and retribution.

Fact: The film marks Joel Edgerton's directorial debut. It was inspired by real-life experiences of subtle, lingering threats from people from the past.