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Memento is an innovative exploration of memory loss through the narrative structure itself. Guy Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, who suffers from anterograde amnesia – unable to form new memories – while he searches for his wife's murderer. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Memento plays with chronology and perspective in such an inventive way that it has left an indelible mark on contemporary filmmaking.
Both having been released in 2000, Memento aligns with American Psycho in its stark depiction of human cruelty.
- Actors: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone, Stephen Tobolowsky
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
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In Fracture, Anthony Hopkins delivers a chilling performance as Ted Crawford, a man who shoots his adulterous wife and then plays a high-stakes game with the prosecutor assigned to his case. The film examines themes such as obsession, manipulation, and the pursuit of justice while keeping viewers on edge with its suspenseful plot twists. Its contribution to pop culture lies in Hopkins' portrayal of an intelligent yet sinister character reminiscent of Christian Bale's iconic role as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho.
- Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, David Strathairn, Rosamund Pike, Embeth Davidtz
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
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- The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley, directed by Anthony Minghella, is a dark drama that explores deception's depths and the pursuit of a life not earned. Matt Damon delivers a captivating performance as Tom Ripley - a con artist who manipulates his way into the lives of wealthy expatriates in Italy. Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel, this film delves into themes of identity, class envy, and amorality while offering nail-biting suspense. Its influence on pop culture can be seen in subsequent psychological thrillers that explore similar themes.
Similar to the depths of deception in American Psycho, The Talented Mr. Ripley explores themes of identity, class envy, and amorality in a psychological drama that offers suspense and nail-biting intrigue.
- Actors: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Anthony Minghella
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Nightcrawler, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Louis Bloom, delves into the murky underbelly of crime journalism in Los Angeles. This dark drama explores themes of obsession and moral ambiguity as Bloom navigates the world of nightcrawling - filming violent events late at night to sell to news stations. Gyllenhaal's chilling performance underscores the movie's critique on media ethics and its impact on societal voyeurism.
Similar to the societal critique in American Psycho, Nightcrawler explores the dark side of humanity with deadly consequences.
- Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed, Ann Cusack
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Dan Gilroy
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Gone Girl is a haunting exploration of the dissolution of marriage and the destructive power of media, directed by David Fincher. It features an unforgettable performance from Rosamund Pike as Amy Dunne, a woman who masterfully manipulates her surroundings to serve her own narrative. With Ben Affleck delivering a compelling portrayal as her husband Nick Dunne, the movie offers an intricate examination of deception, media influence, and the dark side of domesticity.
Much like Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, Amy Dunne will stop at nothing to avenge perceived wrongs.
- Actors: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Kim Dickens
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: David Fincher
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- Instinct
Instinct, directed by Jon Turteltaub and starring Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Ethan Powell - an anthropologist gone rogue - takes viewers on a journey through human nature's darkest recesses. After living among gorillas in Africa for years and subsequently being accused of murder, Powell leaves civilization behind only to be forced back when he's captured and put under psychiatrist Theo Caulder’s (Cuba Gooding Jr.) care. This thought-provoking film delves deep into themes like freedom vs control and humanity's primal instincts.
Just like Christian Bale in American Psycho, Anthony Hopkins' role in Instinct delves into the darkest recesses of human nature, exploring themes of freedom versus control and primal instincts.
- Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding, Donald Sutherland, Maura Tierney, George Dzundza
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
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- Vice
7In the realm of dark dramas, Vice stands as a grim reflection on the power structures that shape our world. Directed by Adam McKay, this biographical film delves into the life of former U.S Vice President Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) and his unchecked ascent in Washington D.C.'s political landscape. The movie paints a cynical picture of political manipulation and Machiavellian tactics, leaving viewers to contemplate the moral compromises made in pursuit of power.
Bale's portrayal of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney draws parallels to the power-hungry and morally ambiguous protagonist of American Psycho – who Bale played to perfection – exploring themes of political manipulation and the pursuit of unchecked power.
- Actors: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Alison Pill
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Adam McKay
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Prisoners, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a riveting crime drama that delves into the unsettling realms of desperation and obsession. Starring Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, a frantic father who takes matters into his own hands after his daughter's disappearance, and Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki who navigates through the labyrinthine investigation. This film uncovers themes such as morality in times of crisis and parental instinct versus law enforcement procedures.
Similar to the exploration of desperation and obsession in American Psycho, Prisoners delves into the unsettling realms of crime and morality.
- Actors: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
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Shutter Island is an unsettling journey into the human mind that takes viewers along for a thrilling ride with U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio). As he investigates a disappearance at Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island, reality becomes more elusive than ever before. Martin Scorsese masterfully weaves together themes such as trauma, deception, and sanity versus insanity in this dark drama that has left an indelible mark on cinematic storytelling.
Similar to American Psycho, Shutter Island navigates the complexities of the human mind in a psychological thriller filled with deception.
- Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
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10Hannibal stands as one of cinema's most chilling dark dramas thanks to its unforgettable titular character - Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). This Ridley Scott-directed sequel to The Silence of the Lambs continues the unnerving tale of former forensic psychiatrist turned cannibalistic serial killer, Lecter. As he enjoys freedom in Italy, FBI agent Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore) reenters the fray to capture him. Hannibal explores themes of vengeance, obsession, and the blurred lines between good and evil, propelling the horror-thriller genre into uncharted territories.
Hannibal Lecter and American Psycho's Patrick Bateman are certainly cut from the same maniacal cloth.
- Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Frankie R. Faison
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
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Nocturnal Animals is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of revenge, regret, and remorse. Directed by Tom Ford, it tells the story of Susan Morrow (Amy Adams), who receives a novel manuscript from her ex-husband that recounts a disturbingly violent tale mirroring their past relationship. As she delves deeper into the narrative, reality blurs with fiction in this intense neo-noir thriller which leaves its audience pondering about love lost and vengeance sought.
Fans of films based on dark novels should love both Nocturnal Animals and American Psycho as they explore the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
- Actors: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Tom Ford
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Gone Baby Gone is a gripping exploration into morality's gray areas set against Boston's gritty underbelly. Directed by Ben Affleck, it chronicles private investigator Patrick Kenzie's (Casey Affleck) search for a missing girl amidst corruption and deceitful characters. The film probes deep into themes like parental responsibility and ethical dilemmas while delivering an emotionally charged narrative that challenges viewer's perceptions about right and wrong.
It shares thematic similarities with American Psycho by delving into moral ambiguity, ethical dilemmas, and a gripping exploration of societal norms set against a gritty backdrop
- Actors: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, John Ashton
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Ben Affleck
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, based on Stieg Larsson’s bestseller, delivers a chilling Nordic noir drama brimming with suspense and mystery. Rooney Mara embodies Lisbeth Salander – a genius computer hacker navigating her traumatic past while aiding journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) in investigating a wealthy family's dark secrets. The film's exploration of misogyny and corruption, combined with its intense character study, has made it a significant contribution to the thriller genre.
Delving into dark secrets and intense character studies based on books, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo offers a chilling Nordic noir drama, reminiscent of the thriller aspects found in American Psycho.
- Actors: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven Berkoff
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: David Fincher
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Phone Booth an urban thriller directed by Joel Schumacher that turns an ordinary phone booth into a claustrophobic stage of terror. The film centers on Stu Shepard (Colin Farrell), a slick PR man who becomes the target of a sniper after answering a public telephone. As the tension escalates, it delves into themes of guilt and redemption, redefining the perception of confinement within the cinematic landscape.
The intense psychological pressure and confinement experienced by Colin Farrell's character resonate with the claustrophobic tension present in American Psycho.
- Actors: Colin Farrell, Kiefer Sutherland, Forest Whitaker, Radha Mitchell, Katie Holmes
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Joel Schumacher
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- The Voices
The Voices, directed by Marjane Satrapi, is an unconventional fusion of dark comedy and psychological horror that keeps audiences on their toes. The plot revolves around Jerry (Ryan Reynolds), a seemingly ordinary man who hears voices from his pets urging him towards a path of murder and madness. This film explores themes such as mental illness and loneliness, creating an unsettling ambiance that lingers long after the credits roll.
Similar to American Psycho, The Voices delves into the psychological unraveling of its main character, Jerry, played by Ryan Reynolds, as he grapples with dark comedic elements and the influence of his own distorted perceptions.
- Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Gemma Arterton, Anna Kendrick, Jacki Weaver, Ella Smith
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Marjane Satrapi
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Panic Room is a relentless, heart-pounding dark drama that grips the audience from the start and never lets go. Directed by David Fincher, this taut thriller explores themes of fear, survival, and maternal instinct in an urban setting. The plot revolves around Meg Altman (Jodie Foster) and her daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart), who find themselves trapped in their new house's panic room during a home invasion. As tensions escalate with the intruders outside their safe haven, viewers are pulled into a nerve-wracking game of cat-and-mouse.
Panic Room shares similarities with American Psycho by gripping the audience in a relentless dark drama.
- Actors: Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam, Jared Leto, Kristen Stewart
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: David Fincher
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- Nell
17Nell is a dark drama that delves into the realm of social isolation. Jodie Foster's portrayal of Nell, a woman discovered living alone in the wilderness after her mother's death, is both haunting and deeply poignant. The film explores themes of societal norms versus natural instinct and language as a tool of connection and division. Foster's performance has been praised for its raw intensity and linguistic innovation, forever cementing Nell as an impactful film within the genre.
Foster's haunting portrayal explores themes of social isolation, paralleling the exploration of loneliness in a city of millions in American Psycho.
- Actors: Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson, Natasha Richardson, Nick Searcy, Robin Mullins
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Michael Apted
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18Serenity is a captivating addition to the realm of dark drama, skillfully intertwining elements of suspense and mystery. The film weaves a complex narrative around Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey), a fishing boat captain whose peaceful existence on Plymouth Island is disrupted when his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) arrives with a desperate plea for help. As Dill becomes entangled in Karen's dangerous plot, the story takes unexpected turns that challenge reality itself. Director Steven Knight uses the island's serene yet isolating setting to create an unsettling atmosphere, while McConaughey and Hathaway deliver performances that are as intense as they are nuanced.
Just like American Psycho, the movie's exploration of morality, destiny, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy has left an indelible mark on its genre, encouraging viewers to question their perceptions of truth.
- Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke, Diane Lane, Djimon Hounsou
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Steven Knight
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The Illusionist weaves a captivating tale of love and deceit in Vienna's golden age. The film stars Edward Norton as Eisenheim, an illusionist whose magical prowess is only rivaled by his determination to reunite with his childhood love, played by Jessica Biel. Amidst the backdrop of political intrigue and class conflict, this movie masterfully uses illusion as a metaphor for hidden truths and manipulative power structures.
Set against a backdrop of manipulative class structures, The Illusionist draws parallels with American Psycho by exploring hidden truths and the determination of its protagonist.
- Actors: Ed Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Neil Burger
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20The Box presents viewers with an intriguing moral dilemma wrapped in surrealistic sci-fi mystery. Cameron Diaz stars as Norma Lewis who receives an enigmatic box with one button; if pressed, it will bring her a fortune but simultaneously cause someone's death. Directed by Richard Kelly, the film explores themes such as free will, morality versus materialism, and the ripple effect of choices – all which parallel the themes of American Psycho.
- Actors: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella, James Rebhorn, Holmes Osborne
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Richard Kelly
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With Limitless, viewers are taken on a whirlwind journey through the human mind's potential when artificially enhanced. Bradley Cooper stars as Eddie Morra, a struggling writer who stumbles upon a pill that unlocks 100% of his brain capacity. The film weaves together elements of science fiction and psychological thrillers while exploring themes like ambition, power corruption and dependency on substances for success.
Limitless shares thematic elements with American Psycho by delving into ambition, power corruption, and consequences.
- Actors: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, Anna Friel, Andrew Howard
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Neil Burger
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Unraveling the mystery of The Machinist is like walking through a labyrinth of psychological torment. Christian Bale, in one of his most transformative roles, embodies Trevor Reznik, an insomniac factory worker whose life spirals into paranoia and delusion. The movie's dark atmosphere is complemented by its exploration of guilt, self-punishment, and redemption. Its impact extends beyond the confines of its genre by pushing the boundaries of physical transformation for actors.
Christian Bale's incredible performance in The Machinist echoes the psychological torment he portrayed in American Psycho, as both films delve into themes of guilt, paranoia, and self-punishment.
- Actors: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, John Sharian, Michael Ironside
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Brad Anderson
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Side Effects presents a gloomy examination of mental health within society's pharmaceutical landscape through Emily Taylor's (Rooney Mara) struggle with depression following her husband's release from prison. Jude Law shines as Dr. Jonathan Banks, whose efforts to treat Emily lead him down a winding trail filled with corporate greed and personal betrayal—a narrative twist that leaves audiences questioning their own perceptions about medication use and abuse.
Exploring mental health within society, Side Effects parallels American Psycho by questioning a character's motivation for murder.
- Actors: Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vinessa Shaw
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
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- Enemy
24In Enemy, audiences are confronted with an eerie psychosexual thriller that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers another mesmerizing performance in dual roles - as both Adam Bell, a history professor leading a mundane life, and Anthony Claire, his doppelganger living an entirely different lifestyle. Directed by Denis Villeneuve again this film explores deep-seated fears about identity crises and self-discovery.
Enemy mirrors the psychological thriller elements found in American Psycho as it explores deep-seated fears about identity crises and self-discovery.
- Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mélanie Laurent, Isabella Rossellini, Sarah Gadon, Stephen R. Hart
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
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The Girl on the Train, adapted from Paula Hawkins' bestselling novel, is a psychological thriller that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish. Emily Blunt gives a gripping performance as Rachel Watson, a woman entangled in a missing person investigation due to her alcohol-induced blackouts. The film utilizes unreliable narration to keep viewers guessing while exploring themes of memory, identity, and domestic violence.
The Girl on the Train shares common ground with American Psycho, keeping audiences on edge and questioning perceptions about memory and identity.
- Actors: Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Tate Taylor
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COLLECTION9 LISTS
Psycho ThrillersAll about mindbending movies, shows, anime, games, etc. that climb into your head, poke around your brain, and leave you asking, "WTF did I just see?"
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Psycho Thrillers
All about mindbending movies, shows, anime, games, etc. that climb into your head, poke around your brain, and leave you asking, "WTF did I just see?"
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