If you were captivated by the psychological intensity of 'The Stanford Prison Experiment' (2024), you're likely eager to explore similar films and shows that delve into human behavior under pressure. This article highlights 10 gripping titles that share themes of power dynamics, psychological manipulation, and moral dilemmas, offering a thrilling watch for fans of the genre.

Lord of the Flies (1990)
Description: A group of boys stranded on an island descend into savagery, illustrating the fragility of civilization and the inherent brutality of human nature.
Fact: Based on William Golding's 1954 novel, which was initially rejected by multiple publishers. The 1990 film was a remake of the 1963 British adaptation.


Battle Royale (2000)
Description: A violent social experiment where students are forced to fight to the death, exploring the extremes of human behavior under dire circumstances.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its graphic violence. It is based on a controversial Japanese novel of the same name.


The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: A dramatization of the infamous psychological study that examines the effects of perceived power and situational roles on human behavior.
Fact: The real-life experiment was originally planned to last two weeks but was shut down after only six days due to the extreme behavior of participants.


The Wave (2008)
Description: Explores the psychological effects of authority and group dynamics in a controlled experiment setting, showing how quickly individuals can adopt oppressive behaviors.
Fact: Based on a real-life experiment conducted by a high school teacher in California in


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: A brutal social experiment where employees are forced to turn on each other, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the breakdown of social order under pressure.
Fact: The film was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, and features a mix of American and Colombian actors. It was originally conceived as a spec script titled 'The Belko Project.'


Exam (2009)
Description: A psychological thriller set in a single room where candidates undergo a high-stakes test, revealing the dark side of human nature under pressure.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just 19 days. The script was written in only two weeks and was inspired by the writer's own experiences with job interviews.


The Hunger Games (2012)
Description: A dystopian tale where individuals are forced into a deadly competition, examining themes of control, survival, and the psychological toll of oppression.
Fact: The book series was inspired by reality TV shows and ancient Roman gladiator games. The film's bow-and-arrow training scenes were performed by Jennifer Lawrence herself.


The Maze Runner (2014)
Description: A group of young people are placed in a controlled, dangerous environment to test their survival instincts and cooperation, mirroring the themes of psychological and physical trials.
Fact: The film is based on the first book of James Dashner's young adult dystopian trilogy. The maze set was built in Louisiana and took months to construct.


Compliance (2012)
Description: A harrowing depiction of how ordinary people can be manipulated into committing unethical acts under perceived authority, highlighting the power of psychological coercion.
Fact: Inspired by true events involving a series of strip search prank calls in the United States. The film sparked controversy for its disturbing content.


The Purge (2013)
Description: A societal experiment where all crime is legal for one night, examining how people react when laws and morals are suspended.
Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $3 million but grossed over $89 million worldwide. The concept was inspired by economic inequality and societal tensions.
