If you loved the dark, psychological thrills of 'Madhouse' (1981), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 gripping movies and shows that share its eerie atmosphere, twisted narratives, and unsettling suspense. Whether you're a fan of psychological horror or twisted family dramas, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Psycho (1960)
Description: A groundbreaking horror film that explores themes of mental instability and identity, with a shocking twist and masterful suspense.
Fact: The famous shower scene was shot over seven days and features 77 different camera angles. It was one of the first films to show a toilet flushing on screen.


Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Description: A psychological horror film that focuses on paranoia, distrust, and the supernatural, with a pervasive sense of dread and an unsettling ending.
Fact: The film's apartment building, The Dakota, is a real location in New York City and is also where John Lennon was later assassinated. Mia Farrow's pixie haircut in the film became a major fashion trend.


Don't Look Now (1973)
Description: A haunting psychological thriller that blends grief, premonitions, and the supernatural, with a chilling atmosphere and a shocking climax.
Fact: The film's editing style, particularly the juxtaposition of scenes, was highly innovative for its time. The famous sex scene was so realistic that rumors persisted for years that it was not simulated.


Carrie (1976)
Description: A horror film that combines psychological trauma with supernatural powers, focusing on themes of bullying, repression, and revenge.
Fact: The infamous prom scene used over 400 gallons of fake blood. Sissy Spacek suggested using her own menstrual blood for the opening shower scene, but the idea was rejected.


The Tenant (1976)
Description: A surreal and claustrophobic horror film that explores themes of identity, paranoia, and the blurring of reality, with a deeply unsettling tone.
Fact: Roman Polanski starred in the film himself, adding a layer of personal intensity to the role. The apartment building used in the film is the same one where Polanski lived in Paris.


The Omen (1976)
Description: A supernatural horror film that delves into themes of prophecy, evil, and the antichrist, with a foreboding atmosphere and shocking deaths.
Fact: The film's composer, Jerry Goldsmith, won an Oscar for his chilling score. Several eerie accidents occurred during filming, leading some to believe the production was cursed.


The Amityville Horror (1979)
Description: A supernatural horror film based on alleged true events, featuring a haunted house, family trauma, and escalating terror.
Fact: The real-life Lutz family claimed to experience paranormal activity in the house, though many have debunked their story. The film's iconic 'red room' was inspired by the family's claims.


The Changeling (1980)
Description: A ghost story that explores grief, the supernatural, and unresolved past traumas, with a slow-building sense of dread and eerie visuals.
Fact: The film's séance scene was so realistic that it reportedly caused some crew members to leave the set. The movie's haunted house was a real mansion in Vancouver.


The Shining (1980)
Description: A psychological horror film that delves into themes of isolation, madness, and supernatural forces, featuring a slow-building tension and eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The iconic 'Here's Johnny!' line was improvised by Jack Nicholson. The film's hedge maze was created specifically for the movie and became one of its most memorable scenes.


Videodrome (1983)
Description: A body horror film that delves into themes of media manipulation, reality distortion, and psychological disintegration, with surreal and grotesque imagery.
Fact: The film's special effects, including the 'living TV,' were groundbreaking for their time. David Cronenberg initially wanted to shoot the film in black and white to emphasize its gritty tone.
