If you enjoyed the tense, survivalist thriller 'Knuckleball' (2018), you're likely craving more films that deliver the same gripping suspense and isolated danger. This article highlights 10 movies and shows with similar themes of survival, psychological tension, and unexpected twists, perfect for fans of the genre. Dive in to discover your next adrenaline-pumping watch!

The Shining (1980)
Description: A psychological horror film that explores isolation and the breakdown of sanity, featuring intense suspense and a slow-building sense of dread.
Fact: The iconic 'Here's Johnny!' line was improvised by Jack Nicholson. The film was initially met with mixed reviews but has since become a classic.


The Thing (1982)
Description: A sci-fi horror film that focuses on paranoia and distrust among a group isolated in a remote location, with a shape-shifting alien threat.
Fact: The practical effects were groundbreaking for the time. The film was a box office flop initially but gained a cult following.


Misery (1990)
Description: A thriller that delves into themes of obsession and captivity, with a claustrophobic setting and a relentless antagonist.
Fact: Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for her role as Annie Wilkes. The film is based on a Stephen King novel.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film with a twist ending, focusing on isolation, supernatural elements, and a mother's protective instincts.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on location in Spain. It was a box office hit and received critical acclaim.


The Descent (2005)
Description: A survival horror film set in a claustrophobic cave system, exploring themes of fear, trust, and the unknown.
Fact: The all-female cast was a deliberate choice to subvert traditional horror tropes. The UK ending differs significantly from the US version.


The Strangers (2008)
Description: A horror film that plays on the fear of the unknown and the vulnerability of being targeted by random, masked intruders.
Fact: Inspired by true events, including the Manson Family murders. The film was made on a modest budget but was a commercial success.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that uses a monster as a metaphor for grief and mental illness, with a slow-building sense of dread.
Fact: The Babadook became an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon. The film was praised for its exploration of maternal mental health.


Don't Breathe (2016)
Description: A thriller that turns the tables on home invaders, with a blind but highly dangerous antagonist and a focus on survival.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence, which is rare for horror movies. It was a critical and commercial success, spawning a sequel.


A Quiet Place (2018)
Description: A horror-thriller that relies on silence and sound design to create tension, with a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Fact: The film uses sign language extensively. It was a critical and commercial success, leading to a sequel.


Hush (2016)
Description: A home invasion thriller that emphasizes silence and survival, with a protagonist who must outsmart a relentless attacker.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days. The protagonist is deaf, adding a unique layer to the suspense.
