If you enjoyed the intense psychological thriller 'Unhinged' (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver similar suspense, tension, and unpredictable twists. Whether you're a fan of psychological horror or edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

The Wages of Fear (1953)
Description: A high-tension drama about desperate men transporting nitroglycerin through treacherous terrain, where every bump could mean death. The film's nail-biting suspense and existential dread are palpable.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its intense portrayal of corporate exploitation. It was later remade as 'Sorcerer' in 1977 by William Friedkin.


Duel (1971)
Description: A minimalist yet intense thriller about a man being stalked by a mysterious truck driver on a desolate highway. The film's focus on vehicular menace and psychological terror makes it a standout.
Fact: Steven Spielberg's first full-length feature film, shot in just 13 days. The truck was chosen for its menacing appearance, with no visible driver to heighten the fear.


Cape Fear (1991)
Description: A psychological thriller centered around relentless pursuit and revenge, where an ex-convict terrorizes a family with calculated brutality. The film's tension and moral ambiguity mirror the themes of justice and vengeance.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1962 movie of the same name. Robert De Niro's character's tattoos were inspired by real-life convicts and took hours to apply each day.


Falling Down (1993)
Description: A tense thriller that explores the unraveling of a man pushed to his limits, leading to violent outbursts and a descent into chaos. The film captures the raw intensity of a protagonist who feels wronged by society.
Fact: The film was initially titled 'A Bad Day' and was inspired by real-life incidents of urban frustration. The protagonist's iconic baseball bat scene was improvised on set.


Breakdown (1997)
Description: A gripping tale of a man searching for his kidnapped wife in a remote area, facing off against ruthless criminals. The film's relentless pace and themes of desperation and survival are central to its appeal.
Fact: Kurt Russell performed most of his own stunts, including the dangerous truck chase scenes. The film's setting was inspired by real-life highway abduction cases.


The Game (1997)
Description: A psychological thriller where a wealthy man is drawn into a mysterious game that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The film's twists and mounting paranoia keep viewers on edge.
Fact: The production team went to great lengths to keep the plot twists secret, even from some crew members. The film's ending was reshot multiple times to perfect its impact.


Joy Ride (2001)
Description: A high-stakes road thriller where a group of friends becomes the target of a sadistic trucker's wrath. The film's relentless tension and cat-and-mouse chase dynamics create a gripping narrative.
Fact: The film was originally titled 'Roadkill' but was changed to avoid confusion with another movie. The trucker's voice was provided by a well-known radio personality to add authenticity.


The Machinist (2004)
Description: A psychological drama about an insomniac factory worker whose life spirals into paranoia and delusion. The film's haunting atmosphere and unreliable narrator make it a compelling watch.
Fact: Christian Bale lost over 60 pounds for the role, a drastic physical transformation that shocked audiences. The film's twist ending was kept under wraps until its release.


Collateral (2004)
Description: A night-long thriller about a cab driver forced to chauffeur a hitman on his deadly assignments. The film's tight pacing and moral dilemmas create a gripping narrative.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely at night, using digital cameras to capture the unique Los Angeles atmosphere. Tom Cruise's character was originally written as much older, but he lobbied for the role.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: A bleak, suspenseful crime thriller where a hunter stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and becomes the target of a relentless hitman. The film's unflinching violence and moral ambiguity are key elements.
Fact: The coin toss scene was improvised by Javier Bardem, adding to the chilling unpredictability of his character. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
