If you enjoyed the psychological thriller 'Brainwashing Stacey' (2016) and are looking for similar mind-bending movies or shows, you're in the right place. This article explores 10 gripping titles that share themes of manipulation, suspense, and psychological intrigue, perfect for fans of dark, thought-provoking storytelling.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Description: A Cold War-era thriller about brainwashing and political manipulation, where a soldier is programmed to be an unwitting assassin.
Fact: The film was pulled from circulation after JFK's assassination due to its controversial themes. Angela Lansbury played against type as the manipulative mother.


A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Description: A dystopian tale that examines free will and psychological conditioning, where the protagonist undergoes forced behavioral modification.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its violent content. The slang used by the characters is a mix of Russian and Cockney rhyming slang.


They Live (1988)
Description: A sci-fi allegory about subliminal control and mass media manipulation, where the protagonist discovers the hidden truth behind societal norms.
Fact: The famous alley fight scene took nearly three weeks to film. The film's iconic sunglasses were custom-made for the production.


The Truman Show (1998)
Description: Explores themes of manipulation and control, where the protagonist's life is orchestrated without his knowledge, creating a false reality.
Fact: The film's concept was inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone. Jim Carrey's performance was initially met with skepticism due to his comedic background.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: Revolutionary in its depiction of a simulated reality controlled by machines, questioning the nature of existence and free will.
Fact: The bullet-dodging effect was achieved using a technique called 'bullet time,' which involved multiple cameras. The film's script was initially considered too complex for mainstream audiences.


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Description: A poignant look at memory and identity, where technology is used to erase painful memories, altering perception of reality.
Fact: The film's nonlinear narrative was inspired by the structure of human memory. The title comes from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard.'


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A psychological thriller that plays with perception and reality, as the protagonist uncovers disturbing truths about his own mind.
Fact: The film's twist ending was kept secret during production. The lighthouse scenes were shot in an actual decommissioned asylum.


Inception (2010)
Description: A mind-bending exploration of dreams within dreams, where reality is malleable and the subconscious can be infiltrated and manipulated.
Fact: The spinning top at the end was left ambiguous intentionally. The hallway fight scene was achieved using a rotating set and practical effects.


Black Mirror (2011)
Description: Delves into dystopian futures and the dark side of technology, often showcasing how individuals are manipulated or controlled by external forces.
Fact: The show's title refers to the dark, reflective screens of devices when they're turned off. Each episode is a standalone story with its own cast and setting.


Get Out (2017)
Description: A psychological thriller that examines themes of mind control and societal manipulation, blending horror with social commentary.
Fact: The film was shot in just 23 days. It was Jordan Peele's directorial debut, originally conceived as a comedy before evolving into a horror film.
