If you were captivated by the psychological intensity of 'The Stanford Prison Experiment' (2015), you'll love these 9 similarly gripping movies and shows. This article explores films and series that delve into power dynamics, human behavior under pressure, and unsettling psychological experiments—perfect for fans of thought-provoking drama.

Lord of the Flies (1990)
Description: A classic study of human behavior when societal structures collapse, showing how quickly civilization can devolve into savagery under pressure.
Fact: The novel by William Golding, on which the film is based, was initially rejected by 21 publishers before becoming a literary classic.


Battle Royale (2000)
Description: A dystopian scenario where individuals are forced into a deadly game, exploring themes of survival, authority, and the fragility of human morality.
Fact: The film was controversial upon release and was even debated in Japan's parliament due to its violent content.


The Wave (2008)
Description: Explores the psychological effects of authority and group dynamics in a controlled experiment setting, showing how quickly individuals can adopt extreme behaviors under pressure.
Fact: Based on a real-life experiment conducted by a high school teacher in California in


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: A brutal social experiment where employees are forced to turn on each other, examining human nature under extreme duress and the breakdown of societal norms.
Fact: The film was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, and the office building used was an actual vacant corporate space.


Exam (2009)
Description: A psychological thriller set in a single room, where candidates undergo a high-stakes test that reveals the darker aspects of human behavior under pressure.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just 19 days, with most scenes taking place in one confined location to heighten tension.


The Hunger Games (2012)
Description: A dystopian tale where individuals are forced into a deadly competition, highlighting themes of control, survival, and the manipulation of human behavior by authority figures.
Fact: Suzanne Collins, the author of the original novels, drew inspiration from reality TV and ancient Roman gladiator games.


The Maze Runner (2014)
Description: A group of individuals trapped in a controlled environment must navigate psychological and physical challenges, revealing how people react under stress and confinement.
Fact: The maze scenes were filmed in a real-life abandoned shopping mall in Louisiana, which added to the eerie atmosphere.


Compliance (2012)
Description: A harrowing depiction of how ordinary people can commit unethical acts under the influence of perceived authority, highlighting the dangers of blind obedience.
Fact: Inspired by true events, the film recreates the infamous Strip Search Prank Call scam that occurred in several fast-food restaurants in the early 2000s.


The Purge (2013)
Description: A societal experiment where all crime is legal for one night, examining how people react when moral constraints are removed.
Fact: The concept was inspired by creator James DeMonaco's frustration with traffic, imagining a world where people could release their aggression legally.
