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Introduction: Are You Ready for a Dark and Twisted Thrill Ride?
Have you ever watched a movie so intense and gripping that you couldn’t look away even though you wanted to? Psychological horror movies like Chained can mess with your mind in ways few other genres can. But what if you’re looking for more movies that give you that same dread and suspense? If Chained left you craving more, you’re in the right place!
This article will explore 15 must-see psychological horror films to leave you questioning reality. Whether you’re into twisted plots, psychological tension, or eerie atmospheres, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat. So grab some popcorn (or maybe something to hide behind), and let’s dive into the world of dark thrillers like Chained!
What Makes Movies Like Chained So Captivating?
Psychological horror films like Chained stand out because they don’t just rely on jump scares or graphic violence. Instead, they get under your skin by exploring the darker aspects of the human mind and pushing characters to their breaking points. These films dive deep into the psychology of their characters, often leaving you questioning what’s real and imagined.
If you loved Chained for its suspense, raw emotions, and disturbing atmosphere, you’d want to check out these 15 films with similar thrills. Let’s explore some of the best psychological thrillers you must watch, like Chained!
1. The Others (2001)
Summary
Set in a gloomy mansion on a remote island, The Others follows a mother and her two children, who are sensitive to light, as they suspect their home is haunted. As they uncover dark secrets about their house, the tension mounts, and the line between the living and the dead becomes increasingly blurred.
Movie Info
- Director: Alejandro Amenábar
- Actors: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston
- Release Date: August 10, 2001
- Duration: 104 minutes
Income and Ratings: The Others was a box office success, earning over $200 million worldwide on a budget of just $17 million. On IMDb, it holds an impressive rating of 7.6/10 and an 84% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling its positive reception from critics and audiences.
Streaming Platforms: You can stream The Others on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Why You Should Watch It: If you enjoy a slow-burn thriller that keeps you guessing, The Others is a must-watch. The haunting atmosphere and psychological depth will captivate anyone who appreciates films like Chained.
2. Shutter Island (2010)
Summary
Shutter Island follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he investigates the disappearance of a patient from a mental institution located on a remote island. As he delves deeper, Daniels begins questioning his sanity and uncovering disturbing truths about the institution’s dark secrets.
Movie Info
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
- Release Date: February 19, 2010
- Duration: 138 minutes
Income and Ratings: The film grossed over $294 million worldwide, surpassing its $80 million budget. On IMDb, it holds a solid 8.2/10 rating, while Rotten Tomatoes scores it 68% fresh.
Streaming Platforms: Shutter Island is available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Why You Should Watch It: With its mind-bending plot twists and psychological depth, Shutter Island is a thrilling ride that keeps you questioning what’s real, much like Chained does. The performances, especially DiCaprio’s, are unforgettable.
3. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Summary
This iconic film tells the story of a young boy who claims to see dead people. As a child psychologist, Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) works to help him, but he soon discovers that the truth is far more disturbing than he could have imagined.
Movie Info
- Director: M. Night Shyamalan
- Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
- Release Date: August 6, 1999
- Duration: 107 minutes
Income and Ratings: The Sixth Sense was a massive success, earning over $673 million globally. The film is also well-loved by audiences and critics alike, holding an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and an 86% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Streaming Platforms: These are available on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
Why You Should Watch It: If you’re a fan of mind-twisting plots with a psychological edge, The Sixth Sense is a must-watch. Its unexpected twists and emotional depth make it a perfect companion to films like Chained.
4. Prisoners (2013)
Summary
When two young girls go missing, a desperate father takes matters into his own hands to find them. As he navigates a web of lies and secrets, the film explores the lengths a parent will go to when pushed to their limits.
Movie Info
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Actors: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis
- Release Date: September 20, 2013
- Duration: 153 minutes
Income and Ratings: Prisoners grossed $122 million globally, with an IMDb rating of 8.1/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 81%.
Streaming Platforms: Stream Prisoners on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix.
Why You Should Watch It: Prisoners is a dark, emotionally intense thriller that explores moral dilemmas and psychological trauma, much like Chained. The performances and the tense atmosphere make it unforgettable.
5. Get Out (2017)
Summary
Get Out blends psychological horror with social commentary, following a black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend, only to discover that something is deeply wrong.
Movie Info
- Director: Jordan Peele
- Actors: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
- Release Date: February 24, 2017
- Duration: 104 minutes
Income and Ratings: The film made a huge impact, grossing over $255 million worldwide on a budget of just $4.5 million. It holds a 7.7/10 on IMDb and a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Streaming Platforms: These are available on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Peacock.
Why You Should Watch It
Get Out is one of the last decade’s most unique and thought-provoking horror films. It’s a great pick for Chained fans who enjoy films with psychological depth and unsettling twists.
6. The Witch (2015)
Set in 1630s New England, The Witch tells the story of a Puritan family that begins to unravel after their young child disappears. The horror builds gradually as the family becomes increasingly paranoid, suspecting that witchcraft is at play.
Movie Info:
- Director: Robert Eggers
- Actors: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
- Release Date: February 19, 2016
- Duration: 92 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film grossed $40 million worldwide, rating 6.9/10 on IMDb. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 90% fresh score, showcasing the film’s critical acclaim.
- Streaming Platforms:
- The Witch is available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- The Witch is a slow-burn psychological horror film that builds a deeply unsettling atmosphere. Its tension-filled narrative is perfect for fans of movies like Chained, who enjoy a more cerebral and atmospheric horror.
7. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a psychological thriller about Nina, a ballet dancer who is pushed to her limits while preparing for the lead role in Swan Lake. As she becomes consumed by the role, her grip on reality falters, leading to madness.
Movie Info:
- Director: Darren Aronofsky
- Actors: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
- Release Date: December 3, 2010
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film earned $329 million globally and holds a strong 8.0/10 on IMDb. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 85% fresh score.
- Streaming Platforms:
- Available on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- If you appreciate psychological horror with deep, emotional character development and surreal visuals, Black Swan perfectly matches those who loved Chained.
8. Gone Girl (2014)
When a woman goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary, her husband becomes the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets are revealed, and nothing is quite as it seems.
Movie Info:
- Director: David Fincher
- Actors: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
- Release Date: October 3, 2014
- Duration: 149 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- Gone Girl made over $369 million worldwide, holding an 8.1/10 on IMDb. It also boasts an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- Stream Gone Girl on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- With its brilliant plot twists and exploration of psychological manipulation, Gone Girl is a must-watch for fans of dark thrillers like Chained.
9. The Invitation (2015)
At a dinner party, a man suspects that his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister motives. As the night progresses, the tension builds, and the situation becomes more and more terrifying.
Movie Info:
- Director: Karyn Kusama
- Actors: Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman
- Release Date: March 25, 2016
- Duration: 100 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film earned $1.2 million globally and holds a solid 6.7/10 on IMDb. It has an 87% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- The Invitation can be streamed on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- With its slow-building tension and chilling atmosphere, The Invitation offers a psychological horror experience similar to Chained. It’s a perfect film for fans who love a good mystery with a dark twist.
10. The Babadook (2014)
In The Babadook, a widow and her son are haunted by a sinister entity that seems to come to life from a mysterious children’s book. As they both struggle with grief and fear, the terror intensifies.
Movie Info:
- Director: Jennifer Kent
- Actors: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Daniel Henshall
- Release Date: May 22, 2015
- Duration: 93 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film grossed $10 million worldwide and holds a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb, with a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- The Babadook is available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- This film is a deep dive into grief, fear, and mental illness, making it a perfect psychological horror for fans of Chained. The atmosphere and slow-burn tension make it unforgettable.
11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
This film centers on a journalist and a hacker who team up to solve the mystery of a missing woman. They uncover a world of violence and deceit as they dig deeper into the family’s dark past.
Movie Info:
- Director: David Fincher
- Actors: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer
- Release Date: December 21, 2011
- Duration: 158 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film earned $232 million globally and holds an 8.1/10 on IMDb, with an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is available on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- With its dark subject matter and intense atmosphere, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a must-see for anyone who enjoys Chained. It’s a thrilling psychological mystery with plenty of twists and turns.
12. The Others (2001)
The Others is a ghost story with a psychological twist, following a mother and her two children who live in a dark, eerie mansion. As they start experiencing strange occurrences, they uncover unsettling truths.
Movie Info:
- Director: Alejandro Amenábar
- Actors: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston
- Release Date: August 10, 2001
- Duration: 104 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The Others grossed $200 million worldwide and holds a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb and 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- Stream The Others on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- The Others is a must-watch for fans of films like Chained. It combines psychological horror with a haunting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
13. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby follows a young woman who believes that her neighbors are part of a satanic cult that wants to use her Baby for dark rituals. The psychological tension in this film is unparalleled.
Movie Info:
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Actors: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
- Release Date: June 12, 1968
- Duration: 137 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film earned $33 million worldwide and holds an 8.0/10 rating on IMDb, with a 96% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- Available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- With its disturbing atmosphere and psychological complexity, Rosemary’s Baby is a classic for anyone who loves films like Chained.
14. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary follows a family as they begin to unravel after the death of their secretive grandmother. As strange events start, they uncover dark family secrets and disturbing truths.
Movie Info:
- Director: Ari Aster
- Actors: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro
- Release Date: June 8, 2018
- Duration: 127 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film earned $79 million globally and holds an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb with an 89% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- Stream Hereditary on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- With its unsettling atmosphere and shocking plot, Hereditary is a psychological horror masterpiece that keeps you on the edge of your seat, similar to Chained.
15. Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar follows a couple who travels to Sweden to attend a rural village’s midsummer festival, only to find themselves caught up in disturbing rituals.
Movie Info:
- Director: Ari Aster
- Actors: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, Will Poulter
- Release Date: July 3, 2019
- Duration: 148 minutes
- Income and Ratings:
- The film grossed $47 million and holds a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb, with an 83% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Streaming Platforms:
- Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
- Why You Should Watch It:
- If you enjoyed Chained’s unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension, Midsommar offers an equally disturbing, slow-burn horror experience.
FAQ Section
1. What are psychological horror films like Chained known for?
Psychological horror films like Chained are known for their suspense, disturbing atmosphere, and exploration of the human mind. They focus on tension and fear rather than jump scares.
2. Are the movies on this list similar to Chained?
Yes! Each film listed here shares similarities with Chained, whether it’s in the psychological tension, dark themes, or twisted plots that keep viewers hooked.
3. Where can I watch these films?
Many of the films mentioned, including The Others, Shutter Island, and Get Out, are available on streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Summary Table
| Movie | Director | Release Date | IMDb Rating | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Others | Alejandro Amenábar | 2001 | 7.6/10 | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu |
| Shutter Island | Martin Scorsese | 2010 | 8.2/10 | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu |
| The Sixth Sense | M. Night Shyamalan | 1999 | 8.1/10 | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ |
| Prisoners | Denis Villeneuve | 2013 | 8.1/10 | Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix |
| Get Out | Jordan Peele | 2017 | 7.7/10 | Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock |
| The Witch | Robert Eggers | 2016 | 6.9/10 | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu |
| Black Swan | Darren Aronofsky | 2010 | 8.0/10 | Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+ |
| Gone Girl | David Fincher | 2014 | 8.1/10 | Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix |
| The Invitation | Karyn Kusama | 2016 | 6.7/10 | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu |
| The Babadook | Jennifer Kent | 2015 | 6.8/10 | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | David Fincher | 2011 | 8.1/10 | Amazon |
With these 15 films like Chained, you’ll have plenty of psychological horror to keep you on the edge of your seat! Whether you’re into dark thrillers, twisted plots, or disturbing psychological tension, these films are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for suspense. Enjoy!
