If you're a fan of psychological thrillers like The Attic Expeditions (2001), you'll love this curated list of 10 similar movies and shows that delve into the depths of the human mind. Whether it's eerie atmospheres, twisted narratives, or mind-bending twists, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive in and discover your next obsession!

The Ninth Configuration (1980)
Description: A darkly comedic and psychological drama set in a remote asylum, exploring themes of faith, madness, and redemption.
Fact: The film was originally titled 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Killer Kane' and was based on a novel by the same author. It features a mix of surreal humor and intense philosophical debates.


Jacob's Ladder (1990)
Description: A psychological horror film that plays with perception and reality, featuring disturbing hallucinations and a narrative that keeps the audience questioning what is real.
Fact: The film's depiction of hellish visions was inspired by the paintings of Francis Bacon. It was originally intended to be a much larger-budget production but was scaled down for a more intimate feel.


The Cell (2000)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the human mind, featuring surreal and nightmarish visuals that blur the line between reality and illusion.
Fact: The film's elaborate costumes and sets were inspired by the works of artists like Damien Hirst and Odd Nerdrum. It was one of the first films to use extensive digital effects to create its dreamlike sequences.


Session 9 (2001)
Description: A horror film set in an abandoned asylum, exploring themes of mental illness and the supernatural, with a slow-building tension and eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The movie was filmed in the real-life Danvers State Hospital, which was known for its dark history. Much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors to create a more naturalistic feel.


Identity (2003)
Description: A mystery thriller that revolves around multiple personalities and a twist-filled narrative, creating a sense of paranoia and uncertainty.
Fact: The film's script was inspired by Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None.' It was shot in just 30 days, with a tight schedule to maintain its suspenseful pace.


Gothika (2003)
Description: A supernatural thriller set in a mental institution, where a psychiatrist begins to experience terrifying visions that challenge her understanding of reality.
Fact: The film's title is a play on the word 'Gothic,' reflecting its dark and eerie tone. It was one of the first films to be produced under the Dark Castle Entertainment banner.


The Machinist (2004)
Description: A psychological drama focusing on a man suffering from severe insomnia and guilt, leading to a fragmented and unreliable perception of reality.
Fact: Christian Bale lost over 60 pounds for the role, drastically altering his appearance. The film's muted color palette was intentionally chosen to reflect the protagonist's mental state.


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A neo-noir psychological thriller set in a mental institution, with a protagonist whose grip on reality becomes increasingly unreliable.
Fact: The film's haunting score was composed by Robbie Robertson, marking his first foray into film scoring. The asylum scenes were shot in an actual former psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts.


The Ward (2010)
Description: A psychological horror film set in a mental institution, where a young woman must uncover the truth behind her confinement and the mysterious occurrences around her.
Fact: This marked John Carpenter's return to directing after a decade-long hiatus. The film was shot in an abandoned hospital in Oregon, adding to its eerie atmosphere.


Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
Description: A gothic psychological thriller set in a mental asylum, where the lines between sanity and madness are blurred, and nothing is as it seems.
Fact: The film is loosely based on a short story by Edgar Allan Poe. The asylum's elaborate set design was inspired by 19th-century psychiatric hospitals.
