Escape rooms have become a popular form of entertainment, where participants are locked in themed rooms and must solve puzzles to escape. This trend has inspired a wave of thrilling films that capture the essence of these high-stakes games. Here's a curated list of 10 movies that not only delve into the psychological and physical challenges of escape rooms but also offer a rollercoaster of suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. These films are perfect for those who love a good puzzle, a gripping storyline, and the adrenaline rush of trying to beat the clock.

Cube (1997)
Description: While not strictly an escape room, "Cube" features a group of strangers trapped in a maze of deadly, booby-trapped rooms. It's a classic in the genre, focusing on survival and the human psyche under pressure.
Fact: The film was made on a very low budget, with many of the sets being built from scratch.


Saw (2004)
Description: Two men wake up in a room with no memory of how they got there, forced to play a deadly game. While not an escape room in the traditional sense, it's about solving puzzles to survive, making it a spiritual cousin to escape room thrillers.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days, and its low budget contributed to its gritty, raw feel.


Exam (2009)
Description: Eight candidates for a highly desirable corporate job are locked in a room and given a final test. The rules are simple: they must not spoil their paper, touch the invigilator, or leave the room. It's a psychological thriller with escape room elements.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, which adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere.


The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Description: Although more of a meta-horror film, it includes elements of an escape room scenario where characters must solve puzzles to survive. It's a clever twist on the horror genre, blending humor with suspense.
Fact: The film was co-written by Joss Whedon, known for his work on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The Avengers."


The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)
Description: Two men kidnap a young woman and hold her in a soundproof room, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. This film plays with the dynamics of power and control, much like an escape room scenario.
Fact: The film was shot in just 12 days, with most of the action taking place in one location.


Unknown (2011)
Description: After a car crash, Dr. Martin Harris wakes up to find his identity stolen. His quest to reclaim his life involves solving a series of puzzles and navigating through a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Fact: The film was based on the French novel "Out of My Head" by Didier Van Cauwelaert.


The Invitation (2015)
Description: A dinner party turns into a psychological game of survival when the host reveals a mysterious game with life-or-death consequences. The film plays with the idea of an escape room scenario within a social setting.
Fact: The film was shot in a real house, which adds to the realism of the setting.


Escape Room (2019)
Description: Six strangers find themselves in a mysterious escape room where they must solve a series of deadly puzzles to survive. The film captures the essence of escape room games with its intense, claustrophobic atmosphere and clever puzzles.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life escape room experiences, and some of the puzzles were designed by actual escape room creators.


The Maze (2010)
Description: A group of friends enter an escape room for fun, only to discover that the game is real, and their lives are at stake. This film explores the psychological horror of being trapped and the desperation to escape.
Fact: The film was shot in a real escape room in Los Angeles, adding authenticity to the setting.


The Killing Room (2009)
Description: Four volunteers sign up for what they believe is a psychological study, only to find themselves in a deadly game of survival. This film explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the will to live.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life psychological experiments like the Stanford prison experiment.
