If you enjoyed the gripping suspense and dark twists of The Hangman (2024), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that deliver similar thrills, from psychological mind games to high-stakes crime dramas. Whether you're a fan of intense storytelling or love a good mystery, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Game (1997)
Description: A psychological thriller that revolves around a wealthy man drawn into a mysterious and dangerous game that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, creating a tense and unpredictable atmosphere.
Fact: The film's intricate plot required multiple rewrites to maintain suspense and keep the audience guessing until the very end. It was initially met with mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following.


Saw (2004)
Description: A horror-thriller that traps its characters in deadly games orchestrated by a sadistic mastermind, focusing on psychological torment and moral dilemmas under extreme pressure.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a shoestring budget, yet it became a massive commercial success and spawned a long-running franchise. The iconic puppet, Billy, was inspired by ventriloquist dummies.


House of 9 (2005)
Description: Nine strangers are imprisoned in a house and forced to compete in a deadly game, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and survival under extreme conditions.
Fact: The film was shot in Luxembourg and features an international cast. Its confined setting and psychological tension draw comparisons to classic survival thrillers.


The Tournament (2009)
Description: A high-octane action thriller where assassins are forced to compete in a deadly tournament, blending intense violence with a game-like structure and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film features a diverse cast of international actors and was praised for its inventive action sequences. It was shot in multiple locations, including the UK and South Africa, to create a global feel.


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: A brutal social experiment forces office workers to turn on each other in a fight for survival, blending workplace satire with extreme violence and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The script was written by James Gunn, known for his work on 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' but this film explores a much darker and more violent tone. The movie was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, to keep production costs low.


Exam (2009)
Description: A claustrophobic thriller where candidates in a high-stakes job interview are subjected to a bizarre and increasingly sinister test, exploring themes of paranoia and human behavior under stress.
Fact: The entire film takes place in a single room, creating an intense and immersive experience. It was shot in just 12 days with a minimal budget, relying heavily on dialogue and psychological tension.


The Human Race (2013)
Description: A group of strangers wake up in a deadly race where the rules are unclear, and survival depends on outrunning both the competition and an unseen threat, creating relentless tension.
Fact: The film was made on an extremely low budget, with many of the actors also helping behind the scenes. Its minimalist approach focuses on raw survival instincts and the brutality of human nature.


13 Sins (2014)
Description: A man is drawn into a sinister game where completing increasingly dangerous tasks promises financial reward, delving into themes of desperation and the lengths people will go for money.
Fact: The film is a remake of the Thai movie '13: Game of Death' and updates the story for an American audience. It features a mix of dark humor and gruesome violence, keeping viewers on edge.


Escape Room (2019)
Description: A group of strangers must solve a series of deadly puzzles to survive, blending high-stakes tension with cleverly designed traps that challenge both intellect and survival instincts.
Fact: The film's production team built elaborate, life-sized sets for each puzzle room to enhance realism. It was originally conceived as a standalone film but later expanded into a franchise due to its success.


Truth or Dare (2018)
Description: A supernatural horror where a simple game turns deadly, forcing participants to confront their darkest secrets or face fatal consequences, blending teen drama with horror elements.
Fact: The film's creepy smiling faces were achieved through a combination of practical effects and CGI. It was part of a wave of horror films produced by Blumhouse, known for their low-budget, high-concept approach.
