If you were captivated by the dark allure of The Burnt Orange Heresy (2020), a gripping thriller about art, deception, and obsession, you'll love these 10 similarly intense films and shows. This article curates a list of titles that share its themes of moral ambiguity, psychological tension, and high-stakes drama—perfect for fans craving more twisted tales.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores themes of deception, identity, and obsession, featuring a protagonist who manipulates his way into high society.
Fact: The film is based on Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel of the same name, and it was shot in various locations across Italy, including Rome, Venice, and the island of Ischia.
Watch Now 
The Machinist (2004)
Description: A psychological drama centered around guilt, insomnia, and a protagonist whose grip on reality is increasingly tenuous.
Fact: Christian Bale famously lost 63 pounds for the role, reducing his weight to a dangerously low 120 pounds.
Watch Now 
Zodiac (2007)
Description: A meticulous crime thriller based on real events, focusing on the hunt for a serial killer and the psychological toll it takes on those involved.
Fact: Director David Fincher insisted on using as much real-life detail as possible, including recreating the original Zodiac killer's letters and ciphers.
Watch Now 
Shutter Island (2010)
Description: A psychological mystery that plays with perception and reality, set in an eerie asylum with a haunting atmosphere and a twist-filled narrative.
Fact: The film's setting was inspired by real-life locations, including the former Medfield State Hospital in Massachusetts.
Watch Now 
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Description: A crime drama with a strong emotional core, blending mystery, romance, and the lingering effects of unresolved trauma.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and its plot is partially inspired by a real-life criminal case in Argentina.
Watch Now 
Prisoners (2013)
Description: A tense and morally complex thriller that examines the lengths a parent will go to for their child, filled with suspense and psychological depth.
Fact: The film's script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood for several years before being made.
Watch Now 
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: A gripping mystery with intense psychological elements, focusing on crime, investigation, and the dark underbelly of society.
Fact: The original Swedish title translates to 'Men Who Hate Women,' which reflects the novel's central theme of misogyny and violence against women.
Watch Now 
Gone Girl (2014)
Description: A dark and twisty narrative that delves into manipulation, media influence, and the complexities of relationships, with a strong focus on psychological tension.
Fact: The film's screenplay was written by Gillian Flynn, who also authored the bestselling novel on which the movie is based.
Watch Now 
Nightcrawler (2014)
Description: A chilling exploration of ambition and moral decay, centered around a man who becomes entangled in the seedy world of crime journalism.
Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost 20 pounds for the role to embody the gaunt, obsessive look of his character, Louis Bloom.
Watch Now 
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
Description: A neo-noir psychological thriller that intertwines a story within a story, exploring themes of revenge, regret, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.
Fact: The film marks Tom Ford's second directorial effort after 'A Single Man,' and it won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Watch Now 
