If you loved the tense, claustrophobic thriller 'Tower Block' (2012), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 gripping movies and shows that deliver the same high-stakes suspense, confined settings, and survival drama. Whether you're a fan of psychological tension or action-packed survival stories, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
Description: A gritty siege film where a small group of people must defend an isolated police station against a relentless gang. The confined space and escalating tension mirror the high-stakes survival scenario.
Fact: The film was inspired by Howard Hawks' 'Rio Bravo' and George A. Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead.' It features one of the most infamous ice cream truck scenes in cinema history.


Die Hard (1988)
Description: A classic action film set in a single location—a high-rise building—where a lone hero must outsmart and outfight a group of terrorists. The confined space and real-time tension amplify the suspense.
Fact: The film was based on the novel 'Nothing Lasts Forever,' a sequel to 'The Detective,' which was previously adapted into a Frank Sinatra movie. The Nakatomi Plaza was actually the Fox Plaza in Los Angeles.


Panic Room (2002)
Description: A psychological thriller about a mother and daughter trapped in a secure room within their home while intruders attempt to break in. The tight space and high stakes create a gripping, claustrophobic experience.
Fact: The film's set was built on a giant gimbal to allow the camera to move fluidly through the house. Jodie Foster replaced Nicole Kidman, who dropped out due to injury.


The Strangers (2008)
Description: A home invasion horror film where a couple is terrorized by masked intruders in their remote house. The confined space and psychological terror make it a chilling survival story.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, including the Manson Family murders and a series of break-ins the director experienced as a child. It was shot in just 20 days.


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: A brutal survival thriller where office workers are forced to kill each other in a locked-down corporate building. The confined space and escalating violence create a high-stakes, chaotic environment.
Fact: The film was written by James Gunn, who also directed 'Guardians of the Galaxy.' It was inspired by classic social experiment films like 'Battle Royale.'


Dredd (2012)
Description: A high-octane action thriller set in a dystopian future where law enforcement operates within a massive, crime-ridden tower block. The confined setting and relentless violence create a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D, with slow-motion sequences designed to emphasize the visual effects of the fictional drug 'Slo-Mo.' Despite its cult following, it underperformed at the box office.


Attack the Block (2011)
Description: A sci-fi horror comedy where a group of teens must defend their apartment block from alien invaders. The urban, confined setting and blend of humor and horror make it a unique survival story.
Fact: The film marked John Boyega's breakout role before he starred in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.' The aliens were designed to be pitch black to blend into the night.


The Purge (2013)
Description: A home invasion thriller set during a dystopian annual event where all crime is legal for 12 hours. The confined setting and relentless attackers create a tense, survivalist narrative.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days on a budget of $3 million. It spawned a successful franchise with multiple sequels and a TV series.


Don't Breathe (2016)
Description: A horror thriller about a group of thieves trapped in a blind man's house, where the tables quickly turn. The confined setting and relentless pursuit create a nerve-wracking experience.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence to maintain tension and realism. The house was built on a soundstage to allow for precise control of the environment.


Hush (2016)
Description: A suspenseful thriller about a deaf writer who must defend her isolated home from a masked killer. The confined setting and unique protagonist perspective heighten the tension.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a micro-budget. The director, Mike Flanagan, is known for his work on 'The Haunting of Hill House.'
