If you're a fan of the intense psychic thrills of Scanners II: The New Order (1991), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver similar mind-bending action, telepathic intrigue, and sci-fi horror. Whether you loved the explosive psychic battles or the dark conspiracy elements, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Carrie (1976)
Description: A horror classic about a bullied teenager with telekinetic powers, culminating in a violent and cathartic outburst, exploring themes of repression and revenge.
Fact: The iconic prom scene was filmed using a combination of practical effects and slow-motion cinematography.


The Fury (1978)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores telekinetic powers and government conspiracies, featuring intense psychic battles and a dark, suspenseful tone.
Fact: The film's special effects were groundbreaking for its time, particularly the explosive climax involving telekinetic powers.


The Brood (1979)
Description: A psychological horror film exploring themes of repressed rage and bodily transformation, with a focus on grotesque physical manifestations of trauma.
Fact: The film was inspired by director David Cronenberg's own experiences with divorce and custody battles.


Scanners (1981)
Description: A sci-fi horror film about individuals with powerful psychic abilities, featuring explosive psychic confrontations and a conspiracy-driven plot.
Fact: The film's infamous head explosion scene was achieved using practical effects and remains one of the most memorable moments in horror cinema.


The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: A psychological thriller about a man who gains precognitive abilities after a coma, delving into moral dilemmas and the consequences of knowing the future.
Fact: Another adaptation of a Stephen King novel, the film was directed by David Cronenberg.


Videodrome (1983)
Description: A surreal body horror film that delves into the intersection of technology, media, and human consciousness, featuring grotesque transformations and mind control.
Fact: The film's practical effects, including the iconic 'Videodrome tumor,' were created by special effects artist Rick Baker.


Firestarter (1984)
Description: Centers on a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities pursued by a secretive government agency, blending sci-fi and horror with themes of exploitation and control.
Fact: Based on a Stephen King novel, the film features a memorable score by Tangerine Dream.


The Hidden (1987)
Description: A sci-fi action thriller about an alien entity that possesses humans, leading to violent outbursts and a cat-and-mouse chase with law enforcement.
Fact: The film blends elements of horror and police procedural, creating a unique hybrid genre experience.


Akira (1988)
Description: A cyberpunk anime featuring psychic powers, government experiments, and societal collapse, with visceral body horror and a dystopian aesthetic.
Fact: The film's animation was so detailed that it required over 160,000 individual cels, setting a new standard for anime.


Chronicle (2012)
Description: A found-footage sci-fi film about teenagers who develop telekinetic abilities, exploring the dark side of power and adolescent angst.
Fact: The film was shot on a modest budget but became a surprise box office hit, praised for its innovative use of the found-footage format.
