If you enjoyed the tense, psychological thriller 'Wired Shut' (2021), you're likely craving more films and shows that deliver similar suspense and gripping narratives. This article explores 10 movies and series that share themes of isolation, psychological torment, and unexpected twists, perfect for fans of this underrated gem.

Battle Royale (2000)
Description: A violent competition where students are forced to fight to the death, exploring the extremes of human behavior under pressure.
Fact: The film was controversial in Japan and initially faced censorship. It inspired numerous other works, including 'The Hunger Games.'


Saw (2004)
Description: A horror-thriller where victims are placed in deadly traps, forcing them to make impossible choices to survive.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a budget of $


The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: A psychological drama based on a real-life study where participants are subjected to extreme conditions, revealing how quickly power dynamics can corrupt.
Fact: The film closely follows the actual 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment, with many details taken directly from the original study's records. It was shot in a former mental hospital to add authenticity.


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: A brutal social experiment where employees are forced to turn on each other in a confined office space, exploring themes of survival and human nature under extreme duress.
Fact: The film was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, to take advantage of tax incentives. The script was originally written in 2007 but took nearly a decade to get produced.


Exam (2009)
Description: A psychological thriller where candidates are placed in a high-pressure situation with unclear rules, leading to tension and paranoia as they try to outsmart each other.
Fact: The entire film was shot in a single room, emphasizing the claustrophobic atmosphere. The script was written in just 10 days.


The Hunger Games (2012)
Description: A dystopian battle for survival where contestants are pitted against each other in a controlled environment, highlighting themes of oppression and resistance.
Fact: The book series sold over 100 million copies worldwide before the film adaptation. The arrow-shooting scenes were performed by a professional archer for accuracy.


The Human Race (2013)
Description: A dystopian survival film where participants are forced to run or face deadly consequences, exploring themes of desperation and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of just $60,


The Maze Runner (2014)
Description: A group of teens must navigate a deadly maze with no memory of their past, combining survival instincts with mystery and teamwork.
Fact: The film's maze was built as a practical set, spanning over 40,000 square feet. The actors underwent intense physical training to prepare for their roles.


The Purge (2013)
Description: A dystopian thriller where society allows one night of lawlessness, testing the limits of morality and survival instincts.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just 20 days. The concept was inspired by the writer's frustration with traffic, imagining a world where all crimes were legal for a day.


Escape Room (2019)
Description: A group of strangers must solve deadly puzzles to survive, blending psychological tension with physical danger in a high-stakes game.
Fact: The film's success led to a sequel, 'Escape Room: Tournament of Champions,' released in 202The production used practical effects for many of the traps to enhance realism.
