If you loved the psychological tension and gripping atmosphere of Insomnia (1997), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its themes of moral ambiguity, suspense, and haunting narratives. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers or character-driven dramas, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Jacob's Ladder (1990)
Description: A chilling psychological horror film that blurs the line between reality and nightmare, focusing on trauma and existential dread.
Fact: The film's disturbing visual effects and unsettling atmosphere have influenced many later horror and thriller movies.


The Game (1997)
Description: A suspenseful thriller that plays with reality and perception, as the protagonist is drawn into a mysterious and dangerous game.
Fact: The film's intricate plot required multiple rewrites and careful planning to ensure the twists remained surprising yet believable.


Fight Club (1999)
Description: A mind-bending exploration of identity, consumerism, and mental instability, wrapped in a visually striking and subversive narrative.
Fact: The film's twist ending was so carefully guarded that even the actors were not given the full script until filming began.


The Sixth Sense (1999)
Description: A haunting psychological thriller that plays with perception and the supernatural, culminating in a shocking twist that redefines the entire story.
Fact: The film's iconic line 'I see dead people' was improvised by the young actor during filming.


Memento (2000)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores memory and identity through a non-linear narrative, creating a disorienting and suspenseful experience.
Fact: The film's unique structure was inspired by a short story written by the director's brother. It was shot in reverse chronological order to match the protagonist's perspective.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic psychological horror film that relies on tension, atmosphere, and a twist ending to explore themes of isolation and the supernatural.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on a single location, using natural light to enhance its eerie and claustrophobic feel.


Donnie Darko (2001)
Description: A surreal and thought-provoking blend of psychological thriller and sci-fi, exploring themes of time, destiny, and mental illness.
Fact: The film's cult following grew significantly after its release on DVD, leading to multiple director's cuts and extended versions.


The Machinist (2004)
Description: A dark and atmospheric psychological drama that delves into themes of guilt, paranoia, and the blurred line between reality and hallucination.
Fact: The lead actor lost a significant amount of weight for the role, which became a major talking point about the film's intense dedication to realism.


Black Swan (2010)
Description: A psychological horror-drama that delves into obsession, perfectionism, and the disintegration of reality, with intense and surreal visuals.
Fact: The lead actress trained for months in ballet to prepare for the role, and many of the dance sequences were performed without a body double.


Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A gripping psychological thriller set in an isolated mental institution, filled with twists and a haunting exploration of the human mind.
Fact: The film's setting was inspired by real-life institutions, and its eerie atmosphere was enhanced by meticulous production design.
