If you were captivated by the psychological intensity and solitary confinement premise of 'Solitary' (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver similar themes of isolation, survival, and mind-bending tension. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or dystopian dramas, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Battle Royale (2000)
Description: Students are forced to fight each other to the death on an isolated island, exploring the breakdown of society and human instincts under extreme duress.
Fact: The film was highly controversial in Japan and initially faced bans in several countries due to its violent content.


Saw (2004)
Description: A psychological horror where victims are placed in deadly traps and must make brutal choices to survive, emphasizing moral dilemmas and extreme survival scenarios.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days and became one of the most profitable horror films of all time, spawning a long-running franchise.


The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: Based on a real-life psychological study, it depicts how ordinary people quickly descend into cruelty and power struggles when placed in a simulated prison environment.
Fact: The real experiment was supposed to last two weeks but was shut down after only six days due to the extreme behavior of the participants.


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: Centers around a group of employees forced into a deadly game of survival within an isolated office building, highlighting extreme psychological pressure and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The film was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, and the script was originally written in 2007 but shelved for nearly a decade.


Exam (2009)
Description: A tense, claustrophobic thriller where candidates in a high-stakes job interview must solve a puzzle under extreme psychological duress, testing their limits.
Fact: The entire film takes place in a single room, creating an intense and immersive atmosphere with minimal sets.


The Hunger Games (2012)
Description: A dystopian story where young participants are forced to fight to the death in a controlled arena, highlighting themes of oppression, survival, and rebellion.
Fact: The book series was inspired by reality TV shows and ancient Roman gladiator games, blending modern and historical influences.


The Human Race (2013)
Description: Follows a group of strangers forced to participate in a brutal race where the penalty for losing is death, exploring themes of survival and human nature under extreme conditions.
Fact: The film was made on a very low budget but gained a cult following for its raw and relentless intensity.


The Maze Runner (2014)
Description: A group of teens must navigate a deadly maze with no memory of their past, focusing on survival, teamwork, and uncovering hidden truths under oppressive conditions.
Fact: The maze in the film was a practical set built in Louisiana, standing over 40 feet tall and covering several acres.


Black Mirror (2011)
Description: Explores dystopian futures and psychological horror through isolated, high-stakes scenarios that test human morality and survival instincts.
Fact: Each episode is a standalone story, often featuring advanced technology with dark consequences. The show was inspired by 'The Twilight Zone'.


The Purge (2013)
Description: Set in a dystopian future where all crime is legal for one night, focusing on survival and moral choices in an extreme, lawless environment.
Fact: The entire film takes place over a single night, heightening the tension and urgency of the narrative.
