If you loved the gripping psychological thriller 'I, Anna (2012),' you're probably craving more films that blend mystery, suspense, and deep character studies. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share similar themes of crime, psychological tension, and noir-style storytelling. Whether you're drawn to the atmospheric cinematography, complex protagonists, or dark twists, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: Sharing 'I, Anna's' focus on a female protagonist navigating a dangerous criminal world, this classic thriller similarly explores psychological depth and the dynamics between investigator and subject. Both films feature strong, complex female leads in dark narratives.
Fact: It's one of only three films to win all five major Academy Awards. Anthony Hopkins appears for only 16 minutes but won Best Actor. Jodie Foster initially turned down the role, then changed her mind after Michelle Pfeiffer dropped out.


Se7en (1995)
Description: Like 'I, Anna', 'Se7en' presents a grim, atmospheric crime story where the psychological toll on investigators is as important as the case itself. Both films feature morally ambiguous endings and explore the darkness within human nature.
Fact: The famous 'What's in the box?' line was improvised. Brad Pitt took a pay cut to ensure the film's dark ending remained. The opening title sequence was created by Kyle Cooper and became highly influential in film design.


Insomnia (2002)
Description: Similar to 'I, Anna' in its portrayal of a detective's psychological unraveling, 'Insomnia' explores moral ambiguity and guilt through its protagonist. Both films use their atmospheric settings (Alaska and London respectively) as reflections of their characters' mental states.
Fact: This was Christopher Nolan's first studio film. Al Pacino based his character's insomnia on his own experiences with jet lag. The film is a remake of a 1997 Norwegian movie of the same name.


Mystic River (2003)
Description: Similar to 'I, Anna' in its exploration of how violence reverberates through lives and communities, 'Mystic River' combines crime elements with deep character studies. Both films feature haunting performances and a somber, reflective tone.
Fact: Sean Penn and Tim Robbins both won Oscars for their performances. Clint Eastwood composed the film's score himself. The novel's author Dennis Lehane makes a cameo as a car salesman.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: Like 'I, Anna', 'Zodiac' presents a meticulous, character-driven approach to crime storytelling. Both films focus on how criminal cases affect those investigating them, with a strong emphasis on psychological realism and atmospheric tension.
Fact: Robert Downey Jr. insisted on wearing his character's actual wardrobe from the 1970s. The film used the real San Francisco Chronicle newsroom where the Zodiac letters arrived. Director David Fincher shot approximately 250 takes of the basement scene.


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: Like 'I, Anna', this psychological thriller plays with perception and reality, featuring a protagonist whose mental state becomes increasingly unstable during an investigation. Both films employ noir elements and unreliable narration to create suspense.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio suggested Martin Scorsese direct the film. The hurricane scenes used real rain and wind machines simultaneously. The film's ending was deliberately ambiguous, leading to much debate among viewers.


The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Description: This Argentine film shares with 'I, Anna' a sophisticated blend of crime procedural and character drama, exploring how past traumas shape present lives. Both feature protagonists haunted by unsolved cases and utilize flashbacks to unravel mysteries.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The famous stadium chase scene was filmed with a specially designed camera rig. Director Juan José Campanella initially wanted to make the film in the 1990s but couldn't secure funding.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: Sharing 'I, Anna's' moody aesthetic and exploration of moral ambiguity, 'Prisoners' examines how ordinary people react to extreme circumstances. Both films feature protagonists pushed to their psychological limits while dealing with criminal investigations.
Fact: Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal both took significant pay cuts to make the film. The script was on Hollywood's 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays for years. Director Denis Villeneuve used natural light whenever possible to enhance realism.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: Like 'I, Anna', this film combines crime investigation with complex character studies, particularly focusing on damaged yet resilient women. Both movies share a bleak, atmospheric tone and explore themes of violence against women and societal alienation.
Fact: Rooney Mara underwent extensive physical transformations for her role. The film's opening credits sequence was highly praised for its innovative design. Daniel Craig performed many of his own stunts despite being in the middle of James Bond filming.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: Similar to 'I, Anna' in its psychological depth and exploration of flawed characters, 'Gone Girl' delves into themes of deception, identity, and the dark undercurrents of relationships. Both films feature strong female leads and a noir-inspired narrative that keeps the audience guessing.
Fact: Rosamund Pike's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination. The film's twist was kept secret even from some crew members during filming. Author Gillian Flynn also wrote the screenplay, ensuring fidelity to her novel.
