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Psychological horror movies have the power to generate fear by playing with the viewer’s mind and focusing on the fears and beliefs of the characters. Netflix offers a wide selection of movies in this genre, ranging from classic films to the most recent releases. In this article, we have curated the 32 best psychological horror movies available on the platform. Get ready for a terrifying experience!
1. While You Sleep (2011)
Directed by Jaume Balagueró
Cesar, an enigmatic and bitter man, works as a concierge in a Barcelona apartment building. He becomes obsessed with one of the tenants and begins to manipulate her life while she sleeps. Is it real or just his imagination? This question will linger in the viewer’s mind throughout the film. Standout elements include its unsettling atmosphere and the incredible performance by Luis Tosar.
2. Jaws (1975)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
In a small coastal town, a shark threatens the safety of the beachgoers. The town’s police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter team up to catch the animal. Spielberg’s classic skillfully utilizes elements of psychological horror to keep the audience on edge. The film creates a constant sense of unease by playing with the psychology of the characters.
3. The Twisted Lines of God (2022)
Directed by Oriol Paulo
This psychological thriller revolves around Alice, a private detective who fakes madness to enter a psychiatric hospital. Her mission is to investigate the murder of an inmate who died under mysterious circumstances. Soon, the line between sanity and madness becomes blurred in her mind. Based on the book of the same name by Torcuato Luca de Tena, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4. Hannibal (2001)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a psychiatrist and serial killer, escapes from the hospital where he is held. Clarice, an FBI agent who interviewed him a decade ago, can’t get him out of her mind. When she learns of his possible whereabouts, she joins the dangerous hunt for him. This psychological horror film, a sequel to The Silence of the Lambs (1991), stands out for its chilling and gruesome scenes. It delves into the depths of the human mind and examines the causes of evil.
5. The Platform (2019)
Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
In a vertical prison with multiple levels, a platform filled with food travels through each floor. The inmates only have a few minutes to eat, so those on higher floors are well-fed while those below barely receive any food. Survival becomes a struggle, forcing the prisoners to make extreme decisions. This psychological thriller sparked intense discussions upon its release. It reflects on social inequality, human nature, selfishness, and alienation, among other topics.
6. Get Out (2017)
Directed by Jordan Peele
A young man visits his girlfriend’s parents for the first time. As the days go by, he starts experiencing strange events in their family home. He soon uncovers the true nature of the people living there. This film, which combines elements of psychological horror, constantly plays with the sense of paranoia. It also delves into themes such as racism and manipulation.
7. The Machinist (2004)
Directed by Brad Anderson
A factory worker suffers from chronic insomnia, leading to hallucinations and bizarre episodes that bring him close to madness. Soon, he becomes involved in an accident with one of his coworkers. This film takes viewers on a journey through the human psyche and maintains tension from start to finish.
8. The Call (2020)
Directed by Lee Chung-hyun
In the same house but in different times, two women are able to communicate through a phone. In 2019, Kim Seo-yeon discovers that she is being contacted by Young-sook, who lives in 1999 and claims to be abused by her mother. This South Korean film is a remake of The Caller (2011).
9. Veronica (2017)
Directed by Paco Plaza
Based on a true story, this supernatural horror film tells the story of Veronica, a young girl who experiences paranormal activities after playing with a Ouija board. She feels pursued by an unseen entity and gradually loses her sanity. The film creates an eerie atmosphere and takes the audience on a spine-chilling journey through Veronica’s mind.
10. Identity (2003)
Directed by James Mangold
A group of strangers takes refuge in a mysterious storm motel. Soon, a series of murders occur, and they realize that one of them may be the killer. This film explores themes of identity, guilt, and paranoia, creating a constant sense of tension through its psychological horror elements.
These are just the first ten movies on our list. Click here to continue reading about the remaining 22 psychological horror movies available on Netflix. Get ready for an unforgettable and terrifying journey into the human mind and the depths of fear.
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