If you were captivated by the psychological tension and unsettling atmosphere of 'Funny Games' (1997), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its dark themes, home-invasion terror, and mind-bending storytelling. Whether you're a fan of psychological horror or enjoy films that challenge the viewer, this list will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Them (2006)
Description: A French horror film that focuses on the terror of being hunted by unseen assailants. The film's use of suspense and its exploration of the vulnerability of its protagonists align with the psychological horror elements of the reference.
Fact: The film was shot in Romania to take advantage of its eerie, desolate landscapes. The title 'Them' was chosen to emphasize the anonymity and otherness of the attackers.


The Strangers (2008)
Description: A home invasion thriller that explores the randomness of violence and the terror of being targeted by strangers for no apparent reason. The film's minimalist approach and psychological tension create a sense of dread similar to the unsettling atmosphere of the reference.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, including the Manson Family murders and a series of break-ins in the director's neighborhood. The killers' masks were chosen to be as ordinary and unsettling as possible.


The Collector (2009)
Description: A home invasion horror film that combines elements of a heist gone wrong with a sadistic killer's game. The film's cat-and-mouse dynamics and its exploration of helplessness mirror the psychological terror of the reference.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a prequel to a different horror franchise. The director, Marcus Dunstan, is known for his work on the 'Saw' series.


The Last House on the Left (2009)
Description: A remake of the 1972 classic, this film examines the cycle of violence and revenge. Its graphic depiction of brutality and the moral ambiguity of its characters echo the unsettling nature of the reference.
Fact: The film's director, Dennis Iliadis, aimed to balance extreme violence with emotional depth. The movie was shot in South Africa to achieve its remote, foreboding setting.


Inside (2007)
Description: A French extreme horror film that focuses on the relentless pursuit of a pregnant woman by a mysterious assailant. The film's unrelenting tension and graphic violence align with the visceral impact of the reference.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its extreme content. The lead actress, Alysson Paradis, is the sister of French singer Vanessa Paradis.


Eden Lake (2008)
Description: A brutal and unflinching look at the escalation of violence, where a couple's peaceful retreat turns into a nightmare. The film's raw portrayal of human cruelty and the breakdown of civility mirrors the disturbing themes of the reference.
Fact: The film's director, James Watkins, wanted to create a realistic and terrifying portrayal of youth violence. The movie was shot in a single location to heighten the sense of isolation and helplessness.


I Saw the Devil (2010)
Description: A South Korean thriller that delves into the themes of revenge and the blurred lines between hunter and hunted. The film's intense violence and its moral ambiguity align with the disturbing nature of the reference.
Fact: The film was initially banned in South Korea for its extreme violence but was later released with cuts. The lead actor, Choi Min-sik, is a renowned figure in Korean cinema.


The Purge (2013)
Description: A dystopian thriller that delves into the societal acceptance of violence and the moral decay that follows. The film's exploration of sanctioned brutality and the breakdown of social order resonates with the themes of the reference.
Fact: The concept of the Purge was inspired by the idea of catharsis through violence, a theme explored in various cultures. The film's low budget forced the creators to focus on tension and atmosphere rather than elaborate set pieces.


The House That Jack Built (2018)
Description: A psychological horror film that follows a serial killer's meticulous and artistic approach to murder. The film's dark humor and its exploration of the killer's psyche resonate with the unsettling tone of the reference.
Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence and was met with walkouts at its Cannes premiere. The director, Lars von Trier, is known for his provocative and boundary-pushing films.


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores the themes of guilt, punishment, and the supernatural. The film's cold, clinical tone and its exploration of moral dilemmas resonate with the unsettling atmosphere of the reference.
Fact: The film's title is a reference to the Greek myth of Iphigenia. The director, Yorgos Lanthimos, is known for his unique and often surreal storytelling style.
