10 Best Psychological Horror Movies of Modern Time That Will Mess with Your Mind
If you love horror movies that get inside your head, twist reality, and leave you questioning everything, psychological horror is the perfect genre for you. These 10 best modern psychological horror movies masterfully blend fear, tension, and disturbing storytelling to create a truly staying experience. Prepare for mind-bending plots, unsettling atmospheres, and psychological torment that will haunt you long after the credits roll!
Written by: Md Habibur Rahman, Arizona, US, 2/9/2025
1. Hereditary(2018)
Overview
Hereditary (2018), directed by Ari Aster, is an unsettling psychological horror film that explores grief, trauma, and the dark secrets that run through a family’s bloodline. The story follows Annie (Toni Collette) and her family as they struggle to cope with the loss of her mother, only to uncover a terrifying legacy they cannot escape. As eerie events unfold, the family is drawn into a nightmarish descent, where fate and supernatural forces intertwine in horrifying ways.
Watching Experience
The film expertly crafts an atmosphere of dread, slowly building tension through its haunting cinematography and eerie sound design. Every frame is carefully composed to heighten the feeling of unease, and the pacing allows the horror to creep in gradually rather than relying on sudden jumpscares. Hereditary thrives on psychological terror, making the audience feel trapped in the family’s unraveling nightmare.
Strengths
Toni Collette delivers an astonishing performance, capturing the raw emotion of a grieving mother teetering on the edge of sanity. The film’s storytelling is masterfully layered, rewarding attentive viewers with hidden details and foreshadowing. Its horror is deeply psychological, relying on unsettling imagery, unnerving silences, and an overwhelming sense of inescapable doom.
Weaknesses
For some, Hereditary might feel too slow in its buildup, as it prioritizes psychological horror over constant action. Additionally, its deeply disturbing themes and shocking visuals may be too intense for viewers who prefer more conventional scares.
2. The Babadook(2014)
Overview
Directed by Jennifer Kent, The Babadook (2014) is more than just a horror film—it’s an unsettling exploration of grief, trauma, and the darkness that lurks within. The story revolves around Amelia (Essie Davis), a struggling single mother, and her troubled son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman), who becomes obsessed with a sinister storybook creature called “The Babadook.” As strange occurrences escalate, Amelia begins to question whether the entity is real or a manifestation of her own emotional turmoil.
Watching Experience
The film builds tension with its oppressive atmosphere, gradually intensifying the psychological horror rather than relying on conventional scares. The cinematography creates an eerie sense of claustrophobia, mirroring Amelia’s deteriorating mental state, while the chilling sound design amplifies the growing dread. Instead of obvious jump scares, The Babadook instills fear through its unsettling imagery and psychological depth.
Strengths
Essie Davis delivers a deeply affecting performance, capturing Amelia’s exhaustion and descent into paranoia with raw intensity. The film’s layered storytelling and symbolic horror elevate it beyond standard supernatural fare, making it both an emotional and terrifying experience. Its ability to blur the line between reality and delusion ensures a lasting impact on viewers.
Weaknesses
Some may find the slow-burn approach too restrained, especially if they prefer fast-paced horror. Additionally, the film’s heavy focus on psychological themes over straightforward scares might not appeal to those looking for a more traditional haunted-house thriller.
3. Get Out(2017)
Overview
Jordan Peele’s Get Out (2017) isn’t just a horror film—it’s an unnerving psychological thriller that cleverly blends suspense, social commentary, and dark humor. The story follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, only to sense that something is disturbingly off. What starts as awkward microaggressions soon unravels into a terrifying conspiracy, making Chris question if he’ll ever leave the estate alive.
Watching Experience
From the very first scene, Get Out establishes an atmosphere of unease. The film masterfully builds tension through eerie silences, unsettling conversations, and an ever-growing sense of dread. Peele’s direction ensures that every frame, every line of dialogue, and every unsettling stare serves a purpose, keeping the audience on edge throughout.
Strengths
Daniel Kaluuya’s performance is both compelling and relatable, drawing viewers into Chris’s escalating nightmare. The film’s sharp social critique on race relations adds depth to the horror, making it more than just a suspenseful thriller. The unpredictable twists, combined with a perfectly balanced mix of psychological terror and satire, make Get Out a unique and unforgettable experience.
Weaknesses
For those expecting traditional jump scares or supernatural horror, Get Out takes a different approach, relying more on psychological dread and slow-burning tension. Some viewers might find the horror more thought-provoking than terrifying, depending on their expectations.
4. It Follows(2014)
Overview
David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows (2014) reinvents the horror genre with a chillingly simple yet profoundly disturbing premise. The story centers on Jay (Maika Monroe), a young woman who, after an unusual sexual encounter, finds herself relentlessly pursued by a shapeshifting entity. The only way to escape is to pass the curse along—but even then, safety is never guaranteed. With its creeping dread, eerie atmosphere, and minimalist storytelling, It Follows lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Watching Experience
Unlike traditional horror films that rely on sudden jumps and gore, It Follows unsettles you through an overwhelming sense of paranoia. The cinematography masterfully uses long takes and wide shots, forcing viewers to scan every corner of the frame for the entity’s slow, deliberate approach. Paired with a pulsating, synth-heavy score by Disaster peace, the film’s atmosphere becomes suffocating, creating an unshakable sense of dread.
Strengths
Maika Monroe delivers an authentic and emotionally raw performance, grounding the film’s surreal horror in reality. The concept itself is brilliant in its simplicity, making the fear universal—there’s no escaping something that never stops hunting you. It Follows also cleverly explores themes of guilt, intimacy, and mortality, elevating it beyond a standard horror flick.
Weaknesses
For those who prefer fast-paced action or concrete explanations, the film’s deliberately ambiguous nature may feel frustrating. The slow-burn pacing, while integral to the film’s tension, might not appeal to audiences seeking immediate scares.
5. The Lodge(2019)
Overview
The Lodge (2019), directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, is a chilling psychological horror film that unravels with an unsettling sense of dread. The story follows Grace (Riley Keough), a woman with a traumatic past, who becomes trapped in a snowbound cabin with her fiancé’s two children. As eerie occurrences unfold and reality begins to blur, paranoia sets in, leaving both the characters and the audience questioning what is real and what is imagined.
Watching Experience
Rather than relying on cheap jump scares, The Lodge builds tension gradually, suffocating viewers with its cold, isolating atmosphere. The cinematography reinforces the film’s claustrophobic setting, with slow, creeping shots that mirror the protagonist’s psychological unraveling. Every sound, shadow, and silence plays a role in crafting an environment where fear thrives.
Strengths
Riley Keough delivers an outstanding performance, portraying Grace’s fragile state of mind with raw intensity. The film’s atmosphere is undeniably eerie, and its psychological depth keeps audiences engaged. Themes of grief, guilt, and religious trauma add layers to the horror, making it as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
Weaknesses
The film’s slow-burn nature may test the patience of some viewers. Its ambiguity, while effective for those who enjoy open-ended narratives, might leave others frustrated by the lack of clear answers.
6. The Night House(2020)
Overview
David Bruckner’s The Night House (2020) is a psychological horror film that intertwines grief, the supernatural, and psychological torment. The story follows Beth (Rebecca Hall), a widow struggling to cope with the sudden loss of her husband. As she isolates herself in the lakeside home he built, unsettling visions and eerie occurrences begin to unravel secrets about his past—secrets that challenge her understanding of reality.
Watching Experience
The film masterfully crafts a sense of dread, relying more on psychological tension than traditional jump scares. Through dimly lit interiors and unsettling compositions, the cinematography enhances the feeling of isolation and uncertainty. Sound design plays a key role, with silence and subtle distortions amplifying the eerie atmosphere.
Strengths
Rebecca Hall’s performance is deeply compelling, capturing both Beth’s sharp wit and her unraveling psyche with remarkable depth. The narrative delivers a blend of existential horror and emotional weight, making the fear resonate beyond the screen. Intriguing visual motifs and well-placed twists keep the mystery gripping until the very end.
Weaknesses
Some may find the film’s ambiguous nature frustrating, as it leaves certain questions open to interpretation. Its slow pacing, while effective for building tension, might not appeal to those seeking fast-paced horror thrills.
7. Smile(2022)
Overview
Smile (2022), directed by Parker Finn, is a psychological horror film that explores trauma, fear, and an inescapable curse. Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a psychiatrist, witnesses a terrifying and inexplicable event involving a patient. Soon after, she begins to experience chilling hallucinations and an overwhelming sense that something sinister is following her. As she races to uncover the truth, Rose is forced to confront both supernatural forces and the buried horrors of her own past.
Watching Experience
This film thrives on an unsettling atmosphere, using lingering shots and eerie sound design to heighten its sense of dread. The visuals are often disturbing, and the cinematography expertly plays with perception, making both Rose and the audience question what is real. The film doesn’t rely solely on jump scares—although when they come, they are genuinely terrifying—but instead builds a creeping, relentless tension.
Strengths
Sosie Bacon delivers a gripping performance, portraying Rose’s descent into fear and paranoia with raw intensity. The film cleverly taps into deeper themes of trauma and mental health, giving the horror a psychological weight beyond the supernatural. The pacing steadily escalates, ensuring that the tension never dissipates.
Weaknesses
While effective in delivering scares, the film follows some familiar horror tropes, making certain story beats feel predictable. Additionally, its focus on trauma as horror may not sit well with all viewers, as it delves into deeply unsettling emotional territory.
8. The Killing of a Sacred Dear(2017)
Overview
Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) is an eerie psychological thriller that delves into guilt, retribution, and the inescapability of fate. The film follows Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell), a successful surgeon whose seemingly perfect life unravels when he befriends a peculiar teenage boy named Martin (Barry Keoghan). As Martin’s presence becomes increasingly sinister, Steven is forced to make a horrifying choice that threatens to destroy his family.
Watching Experience
From its very first moments, the film establishes an unsettling tone. The cold, clinical cinematography paired with an unnerving score intensifies the atmosphere, creating a deep sense of unease. Dialogue is delivered with an unusual, almost robotic cadence, stripping conversations of warmth and making every interaction feel ominous. The tension builds gradually, creeping under the skin as the story unfolds with an almost nightmarish logic.
Strengths
Barry Keoghan’s performance is haunting, his unsettling presence adding to the film’s eerie unpredictability. Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman, as Steven’s wife, deliver performances that feel deliberately detached, amplifying the film’s surreal and unnerving atmosphere. The script’s slow-burn approach ensures that dread mounts with each passing scene, leading to an unforgettable climax.
Weaknesses
The film’s cold, calculated style may not appeal to everyone. Its intentionally stilted dialogue and ambiguous narrative leave much open to interpretation, which can be frustrating for those seeking clear resolutions. Additionally, the story unfolds at a deliberate pace, which might test the patience of some viewers.
9. The Sixth Sense(1999)
Overview
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense (1999) is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the supernatural. The film follows child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) as he attempts to help a troubled young boy, Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who harbors a terrifying secret—he can see and communicate with the dead. As their sessions unfold, chilling revelations come to light, culminating in one of cinema’s most famous twists.
Watching Experience
From the outset, The Sixth Sense grips you with its eerie atmosphere, using muted colors and shadowy lighting to create an unsettling sense of isolation. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build through whispered confessions, quiet suspense, and moments of profound sadness. Every scene is meticulously crafted, leading audiences deeper into a mystery where nothing is quite as it seems.
Strengths
Haley Joel Osment delivers an unforgettable performance, capturing the fear and vulnerability of a child burdened with a terrifying ability. Bruce Willis plays against type, bringing subtlety and emotional depth to his role as a psychologist struggling with his own personal demons. James Newton Howard’s haunting score heightens the film’s emotional weight, adding to its chilling yet poignant atmosphere. And, of course, Shyamalan’s storytelling ensures that every moment builds toward a conclusion that reshapes the entire narrative in retrospect.
Weaknesses
For some viewers, the film’s slow-burn approach may feel too subdued, as it prioritizes atmosphere and character over action. Additionally, those already familiar with the twist may find the impact slightly diminished upon rewatch. However, the emotional depth of the story still holds up, making repeat viewings rewarding in different ways.
10. The Saint Maud(2019)
Overview
Saint Maud (2019), directed by Rose Glass, is a psychological horror film that intricately weaves religious fanaticism, psychological torment, and loneliness into a deeply unsettling experience. The story follows Maud (Morfydd Clark), a pious yet troubled nurse who becomes fixated on saving the soul of her terminally ill patient, Amanda (Jennifer Ehle). As Maud’s devotion spirals into disturbing extremes, the line between divine enlightenment and madness blurs in terrifying ways.
Atmosphere & Cinematic Style
From the first frame, Saint Maud engulfs you in an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere. The film’s muted color palette and dimly lit interiors reflect Maud’s isolation, while the lingering camerawork keeps viewers trapped in her perspective. Silence is used masterfully, punctuated by eerie whispers and disquieting sounds that build an ever-present sense of dread.
What Works Well
Morfydd Clark’s performance is mesmerizing, making Maud both sympathetic and terrifying as she teeters on the edge of delusion. The film’s slow, psychological unraveling is gripping, offering moments of quiet horror that are far more unsettling than any jump scare. Glass’s direction is precise, crafting a horror experience that feels both intimate and cosmic in scope. As Maud’s faith intensifies, reality bends, leading to a final sequence that is as shocking as it is inevitable.
Potential Drawbacks
For those expecting a more conventional horror approach, the film’s deliberate pacing and lack of traditional scares may seem too restrained. Its ambiguity, while one of its greatest strengths, might leave some viewers craving more explicit explanations. However, for those who appreciate psychological horror driven by character and atmosphere, Saint Maud delivers in full.