If you enjoyed the gripping tension and psychological thrills of 'Malicious' (2023), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver similar suspense, dark twists, and intense storytelling. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or crime dramas, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Description: A chilling psychological horror-thriller featuring a brilliant but monstrous antagonist and a young FBI trainee navigating a dangerous investigation.
Fact: It is one of only three films to win the 'Big Five' Academy Awards: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay.


Se7en (1995)
Description: A grim, atmospheric crime thriller centered around a series of gruesome murders tied to the seven deadly sins, with a relentless sense of dread.
Fact: The film's opening title sequence, designed by Kyle Cooper, is considered one of the most influential in cinema history.


The Bone Collector (1999)
Description: A gritty crime thriller about a quadriplegic detective and his protege solving a series of gruesome murders, blending forensic detail with psychological tension.
Fact: The film's subway scenes were shot in an abandoned station beneath New York City's Waldorf Astoria hotel.


Insomnia (2002)
Description: A psychological crime drama set in a perpetually sunlit Alaskan town, exploring guilt, morality, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
Fact: The film is a remake of a 1997 Norwegian movie of the same name, with both versions sharing similar themes but different settings.


Mystic River (2003)
Description: A somber, character-driven crime drama about childhood trauma, betrayal, and the lingering effects of violence on a tight-knit community.
Fact: The film's climactic scene was shot in a single take to maintain the raw emotional intensity of the performances.


Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous, slow-burning crime drama based on real-life unsolved murders, focusing on obsession and the psychological toll of an endless investigation.
Fact: The film's production involved extensive research, including interviews with actual survivors and investigators from the Zodiac case.


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A mind-bending psychological thriller with a haunting atmosphere, unreliable narration, and themes of trauma and identity.
Fact: The film's production design meticulously recreated 1950s-era psychiatric institutions to enhance its unsettling tone.


Prisoners (2013)
Description: A tense, morally ambiguous thriller about a father's desperate search for his missing daughter, blending psychological depth with visceral suspense.
Fact: The film's cinematography was heavily influenced by the muted, overcast look of the Pacific Northwest, where it was shot.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A dark, psychological thriller that delves into the investigation of a decades-old disappearance, featuring a complex protagonist with a troubled past and a gritty, atmospheric tone.
Fact: The film's iconic opening sequence was created by Blur Studio and features a cover of 'Immigrant Song' by Karen O and Trent Reznor.


Gone Girl (2014)
Description: A twist-filled narrative exploring themes of deception, media manipulation, and the dark underbelly of relationships, with a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The screenplay was adapted by the author of the novel, Gillian Flynn, who also made a cameo appearance in the film as a pregnant neighbor.
