If you were captivated by the chilling true-crime drama 'Deadly Influence: The Social Media Murders (2024),' you're likely craving more gripping stories that explore the dark side of digital obsession. This article highlights 10 similar movies and shows that delve into the dangers of social media, cybercrime, and online manipulation, perfect for fans of suspenseful, real-life-inspired thrillers.

The Girl Next Door (2007)
Description: A harrowing tale of abuse and manipulation, showing how social dynamics can lead to extreme cruelty, often exacerbated by bystander inaction.
Fact: The film is based on the infamous 1965 murder of Sylvia Likens. It was shot in just 18 days on a minimal budget.


Trust (2010)
Description: Delves into the dangers of online predators and the emotional toll on victims and their families, highlighting the vulnerabilities of young internet users.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life cases of online grooming. It features a haunting score by composer Rob Simonsen.


Catfish (2010)
Description: Explores the dark side of online relationships and deception, focusing on how people can create false identities to manipulate others.
Fact: The documentary was initially intended to be a short film but expanded due to the unexpected twists in the story. It popularized the term 'catfishing' in mainstream culture.


Cyberbully (2011)
Description: Examines the psychological impact of online harassment and the extreme consequences it can have on individuals, especially teenagers.
Fact: The film was produced in collaboration with anti-bullying organizations to raise awareness. It was initially released as a TV movie but gained a significant following.


The Imposter (2012)
Description: A gripping documentary about identity theft and manipulation, showing how easily people can be deceived by those with malicious intent.
Fact: The film blends documentary footage with dramatic reenactments, creating a unique storytelling style. The real-life imposter, Frédéric Bourdin, participated in the making of the film.


Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)
Description: A documentary that reveals how corporations and governments exploit personal data shared online, often without users' full understanding.
Fact: The film features interviews with tech experts and whistleblowers. It was partially crowdfunded by supporters concerned about digital privacy.


Friend Request (2016)
Description: A supernatural horror film that explores the dangers of social media obsession and the blurred lines between online and real-life consequences.
Fact: The film's antagonist was inspired by urban legends about cursed social media profiles. It was shot in South Africa and Germany.


Unfriended (2014)
Description: A horror film that unfolds in real-time on a computer screen, showcasing the terrifying consequences of cyberbullying and online anonymity.
Fact: The movie was shot using actual screen-recording software to maintain authenticity. It was one of the first mainstream films to use the 'screenlife' format.


Searching (2018)
Description: A mystery thriller that takes place entirely on digital screens, exploring how technology can both help and hinder investigations into disappearances.
Fact: The film was one of the first mainstream movies to use the 'screenlife' format. It was shot in just 13 days but took over two years to edit.


Profile (2018)
Description: A thriller that unfolds entirely on a computer screen, depicting the dangers of online radicalization and manipulation.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life experiences of a journalist who infiltrated ISIS recruitment networks. It won the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival.
