If you enjoyed the psychological thriller 'Spinning Man' (2018) and its gripping blend of mystery and suspense, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat, offering the same intense atmosphere and mind-bending twists. Whether you're a fan of unreliable narrators or dark, enigmatic plots, these recommendations are sure to captivate you.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: A masterclass in psychological horror and crime investigation, featuring a brilliant but terrifying antagonist and a young FBI trainee navigating a dangerous mind game.
Fact: The film is one of only three to win the 'Big Five' Oscars (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay). Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter appears for only 16 minutes but left an indelible mark on cinema.


Insomnia (2002)
Description: A psychological thriller set in a perpetually sunlit Alaskan town, focusing on a detective's moral descent and guilt-ridden psyche amidst a murder investigation.
Fact: The film is a remake of a Norwegian movie of the same name. The constant daylight was achieved by shooting during Alaska's summer months, where the sun barely sets.


Mystic River (2003)
Description: A somber and emotionally charged crime drama delving into the lingering effects of childhood trauma and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
Fact: Sean Penn and Tim Robbins both won Oscars for their performances. The film's climactic scene was shot in a single take to maintain the raw emotional intensity.


The Lovely Bones (2009)
Description: A haunting blend of crime and fantasy, exploring grief, loss, and the afterlife through the eyes of a murdered young girl, with a dreamlike visual style.
Fact: Saoirse Ronan was only 13 during filming but carried the emotional weight of the story effortlessly. The film's ethereal 'in-between' world was created using a mix of practical effects and CGI.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulously crafted crime thriller based on real events, focusing on the obsession and paranoia surrounding an unsolved case, with a slow-burning narrative.
Fact: The film's attention to detail was so precise that it used actual police reports and letters from the Zodiac killer. Robert Downey Jr. ad-libbed many of his lines, adding to his character's eccentricity.


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A psychological mystery with a labyrinthine plot, unreliable narration, and a haunting exploration of guilt and mental instability, set in an eerie asylum.
Fact: The film's twist ending was kept under wraps, and even the crew was given different scripts to prevent leaks. The movie's stormy weather was mostly real, captured during an actual hurricane.


The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Description: A gripping crime drama intertwined with a poignant love story, exploring themes of justice, memory, and unresolved trauma over decades.
Fact: The film's famous stadium chase scene was shot in one continuous take, lasting over five minutes. It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, a first for Argentina.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: A dark and intense crime drama exploring the lengths a person will go to for justice, with a morally ambiguous protagonist and a haunting atmosphere.
Fact: Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal both took significant pay cuts to star in the film. The movie was shot in chronological order to help the actors maintain emotional continuity.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A gritty mystery thriller with a strong focus on investigative journalism, dark secrets, and a protagonist with a troubled past, creating a tense and unsettling tone.
Fact: Rooney Mara underwent extensive physical transformations, including piercings and haircuts, to fully embody her character. The film's opening title sequence was created by the same team behind 'Se7en's iconic intro.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: A psychological thriller that delves into themes of deception, manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships, with a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on edge.
Fact: The film's twist was so well-guarded that even some of the cast members were kept in the dark until the scenes were shot. The movie's iconic 'cool girl' monologue was improvised by Rosamund Pike.
