If you were captivated by the intense survival thriller 'Extremities' (1986), you'll love these 10 gripping movies and shows that explore similar themes of resilience, revenge, and psychological tension. This article is perfect for fans of high-stakes drama and powerful performances.

Death Wish (1974)
Description: A classic vigilante film about a man who takes the law into his own hands after his family is attacked, sparking a city-wide crime wave.
Fact: The film was controversial upon release for its graphic violence and perceived glorification of vigilantism, sparking debates about crime and justice.


The Accused (1988)
Description: A harrowing legal drama that explores themes of sexual violence and the pursuit of justice, focusing on a woman's fight to hold her attackers accountable.
Fact: The film is based on a real-life case where a woman was gang-raped on a pool table in a bar. It was one of the first mainstream films to depict a rape scene in such a raw and unflinching manner.


Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)
Description: A psychological thriller about a woman who fakes her own death to escape an abusive marriage, only to be hunted down by her vengeful husband.
Fact: The film's iconic scene where the protagonist rearranges the cans in the cupboard to signal her escape was improvised by the actress.


Thelma & Louise (1991)
Description: A road movie that transforms into a feminist manifesto, following two women on the run after a violent encounter, exploring themes of freedom and defiance.
Fact: The film's iconic ending, where the duo drive off a cliff, was originally scripted to have them escape to Mexico, but the director felt the tragic ending was more powerful.


Enough (2002)
Description: A survival thriller about a woman who takes self-defense into her own hands to escape her abusive husband, showcasing themes of empowerment and revenge.
Fact: The film's fight scenes were choreographed to reflect the protagonist's transformation from victim to fighter, emphasizing her raw and untrained combat style.


Hard Candy (2005)
Description: A tense psychological thriller that subverts expectations, focusing on a young girl who turns the tables on a suspected predator in a brutal game of cat and mouse.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a minimal budget, relying heavily on the intense performances of its two lead actors.


The Brave One (2007)
Description: A gritty revenge drama about a woman who turns to vigilantism after a brutal attack leaves her traumatized, exploring themes of justice and retribution.
Fact: The film was originally titled 'I Walk Alone' but was changed to avoid confusion with a 1948 film of the same name.


The Invisible Man (2020)
Description: A modern horror-thriller that explores gaslighting and psychological abuse, as a woman fights to prove she's being stalked by an unseen assailant.
Fact: The film's innovative use of empty space and camera angles to suggest the presence of the invisible antagonist was praised for its creativity.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A dark and gripping mystery-thriller about a hacker and a journalist uncovering a web of corruption and violence, with a strong focus on revenge and survival.
Fact: The film's iconic opening title sequence, set to a cover of 'Immigrant Song' by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, was widely praised for its striking visuals.


Promising Young Woman (2020)
Description: A bold and stylish revenge thriller that tackles themes of sexual assault and justice, following a woman who seeks retribution for her best friend's trauma.
Fact: The film's use of bright, candy-colored visuals contrasts sharply with its dark subject matter, creating a unique and unsettling tone.
