We Dare You to Watch the Best 25 Psychological Thrillers on Netflix Right Now

written by

updated Mar 10, 2021

psychological thriller movies — Graphic by Cristina Cianci

We love a good fashion-focused film, but when this week's movie night rolls around, we dare you to think beyond romance films and lighthearted comedies. Instead, turn to Netflix's array of psychological thrillers to add a little suspense to your evening. Butter the popcorn, sip some wine (or tea), and find someone whose arm you can grab when unexpected plot twists blow your mind (pets count, too).

Indulge in trendy films like Bird Box, suspenseful flicks such as Fractured with its sinister plot, or a harrowing modern crime drama like The Devil All the Time. They're as eerie as they are unsettling, and they'll keep you guessing until the final credits roll. Tune into what we deem the 25 best psychological thrillers on Netflix for a dose of adrenaline and intrigue.

01 of 25

Fractured (2019)

In this Netflix Original movie, one man's wife and child disappear from the hospital after a roadside accident. They are examined by multiple doctors and even go down to the basement for imaging, yet there are no records of their visit, and our protagonist is convinced the hospital is up to no good...like perhaps an illegal organ harvesting operation. Fractured stars Sam Worthington, Lily Rabe, and Stephen Tobolowsky.

Available On: Netflix

02 of 25

Bird Box (2018)

In Bird Box, if you come face to face with a mysterious force, you die. So a woman (played by Sandra Bullock) and her kids embark on a journey to find a place that offers sanctuary in this post-apocalyptic thriller. They'll canoe (blindfolded) through tumultuous rivers and through dangerous woods to seek safety.

Available On: Netflix

03 of 25

The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)

In 1980's Central America, an investigative journalist becomes embroiled in the story she's reporting when she attempts to help her father with a drug deal. Anne Hathaway stars as journalist Elena McMahon, with Ben Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Rosie Perez, and Edi Gathegi.

Available On: Netflix

04 of 25

The Occupant (2020)

Javier Gutiérrez stars as a newly unemployed advertising executive in Barcelona who becomes obsessed with the family occupying his home after he is forced to vacate. When Gutiérrez's character realizes he still has a key to his old place, what evolves is the sinister story of a man who refuses to give up the life he once had. The Spanish-language film includes English subtitles.

Available On: Netflix

05 of 25

The Perfection (2019)

Charlotte, a former music student, befriends Lizzie, who is the music academy's latest protégé. Their new relationship leads them on a suspenseful journey through rural China. The movie blends grindhouse gore with disturbingly thrilling scenes amplified by stars Allison Williams (as Charlotte) and Logan Browning's (as Lizzie) performance.

Available On: Netflix

06 of 25

The Devil All the Time (2020)

the devil all the time movie poster — Netflix

This American crime drama directed by Antonio Campos is fairly violent and not for the faint of heart. It follows a group of sinister characters in Ohio including an unholy preacher, a serial-killing couple, and a crooked sheriff. You'll see plenty of familiar faces in this film from Robert Pattinson to Tom Holland.

Available on: Netflix

07 of 25

Uncut Gems (2019)

If you're in the mood for a movie that will literally leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat, look no further than this flick from the Safdie brothers. Adam Sandler plays a jeweler always looking for his next big gambling win. While he's making the bet of a lifetime, he's balancing work, family, and running from everyone who wants a piece of his win.

Available on: Netflix

08 of 25

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

With an all-star cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Toni Collette, and Daveed Diggs, this satirical thriller/horror film is worth a watch. The story follows a fictionalized version of the art world scene in Los Angeles, where it's as violent as it is exclusive.

Available on: Netflix

09 of 25

The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)

the haunting of bly manor movie poster — Netflix

When a young American nanny is tasked with taking care of two kids whose au pair just died, all is not what it seems. Is she losing her mind or is there something supernatural going on at this English manor? From the creators of The Haunting of Hill House, this second installment in the series brings way more mind games to the screen.

Available on: Netflix

10 of 25

A Fall From Grace (2020)

A Fall From Grace movie poster — Netflix

When a kind, law-abiding woman confesses to killing her husband, a young lawyer feels like there's more to the story and sets out to get the truth. This film from Tyler Perry has an all-star cast including Phylicia Rashad and the late Cicely Tyson and has plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention.

Available on: Netflix

11 of 25

1922 (2017)

When a film is based on a Stephen King novel, you know it's going to be suspenseful. This film is a horror drama which chronicles a man who is convinced he's being haunted by his late wife after he murdered her. Don't watch if you have a fear of rats because, well, there's a lot of them in this film.

Available on: Netflix

12 of 25

You (2018)

Sometimes you're just in the mood for a show over a movie. If you still want something high-octane, we'd have to suggest You. This series follows a psychopathic man played by Penn Badgley who has a habit of obsessing over his love interests to disastrous and violent results.

Available on: Netflix

13 of 25

Mindhunter (2017)

For psychological thriller fans, this series has it all. Directed by David Fincher (who also directed Gone Girl and Zodiac) and based on true events, Mindhunter follows two FBI agents who use groundbreaking behavioral analysis to hunt the nation's most dangerous serial killers.

Available on: Netflix

14 of 25

The Paramedic (2020)

In this psychological thriller from Spain, a man suffers a terrible accident and everything in his life begins to fall apart. As he starts to believe that his wife is being unfaithful, he takes revenge on everyone who has wronged him.

Available on; Netflix

15 of 25

Calibre (2018)

In this Netflix original film, a hunting trip to a remote Scottish village goes terribly wrong for two life-long friends. Originally debuting at the Edinburgh Film Festival, this film is a great watch for some Scottish highland imagery and plenty of suspenseful moments.

Available on: Netflix

16 of 25

Secret Obsession (2019)

When a woman (Brenda Song) wakes up with no memory after a tragic accident, she has to put together the pieces of her old life. Luckily (or is it unluckily?), a man claiming to be her husband is by her bedside to help her.

Available on: Netflix

17 of 25

Marcella (2016)

This film follows London police officer, Marcella, as she returns to the murder squad after a 12-year hiatus where she focused on her family. When she's reassigned to one of her old cases, she is conflicted with her own struggles while trying to hunt down a dangerous killer.

Available on: Netflix

18 of 25

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

In the Shadow of the Moon movie poster — Netflix

This movie blends thriller with science fiction as a Philadelphia detective tries to hunt down a female serial killer who mysteriously reappears every nine years. Blending suspense with a heavy dose of trippy elements, this film is perfect for a science fiction lover.

Available on: Netflix

19 of 25

How It Ends (2019)

Another one for science fiction fans, How It Ends chronicles a strange apocalypse where misinformation is running rampant. One man and his father-in-law must travel across the country to save his expecting wife.

Available on: Netflix

20 of 25

In the Tall Grass (2019)

In the Tall Grass Movie Poster — Netflix

If you're into a mix of horror and psychological thrillers, this film is for you. Based on a Stephen King novel, When a brother and sister hear the cries of a child in tall grass, they go in to find him, only to become lost themselves. With a supernatural force ever-present, they must find their way out.

Available on: Netflix

21 of 25

Dangerous Lies (2020)

This one's for any Riverdale fans. Camilla Mendes stars as a newly unemployed waitress who takes a job as a caretaker to a wealthy older man. When he dies unexpectedly and leaves his inheritance to her, a whole web of lies, deceit, and murder unravels.

Available on: Netflix

22 of 25

Fatal Affair (2020)

If you like your psychological thrillers a little bit soapy, this one's for you. Fatal Affair tells the story of an extramarital affair gone wrong. When a lawyer tries to mend her marriage after a brief fling with an old friend, she realizes that her lover might be more dangerous than she thought.

Available on: Netflix

23 of 25

Red Dot (2021)

If you're in the mood for a suspenseful film in a wintry setting, this one's for you. Red Dot is a Swedish thriller that follows a struggling couple who decides to travel to the north of the country for a ski hike, but once they arrive, things quickly turn sour (and scary).

Available on: Netflix

24 of 25

Rebirth (2016)

A twisted and unsettling film, Rebirth chronicles a man who attends a new-age self-actualization seminar that his friend created. It's darker than it seems as psychodrama, seduction, and violence are all in store.

Available on: Netflix

25 of 25

Small Crimes (2017)

When a disgraced former cop is released from prison for attempting to murder a District Attorney, he finds a lot more than he bargained for on the outside. Facing a vengeful DA, crooked sheriff, and a mafia boss, he must find a way to survive.

Available on: Netflix