8 Most Shocking Psychological Thriller Movies of the 21st Century

The use of psychological tension and terror in movies began with authors like Edgar Allan Poe and was later masterfully brought to life on screen by Alfred Hitchcock in films such as Psycho and Vertigo. This technique has since become common in many acclaimed movies, including The Sixth Sense, The Shining, The Silence of the Lambs, Taxi Driver, and Fight Club. This list, however, focuses on psychological thrillers released after the year 2000, specifically those known for being particularly disturbing. These films stick with you—whether because of shocking plot twists, difficult themes, or the unsettling feeling of seeing yourself reflected in the characters—long after you’ve finished watching them.





