Psychological thrillers trigger a fight-or-flight response within a controlled environment and entertain us at the same time. Interpersonal relationships become the source of anxiety, as there’s more at stake than someone’s physical safety — their very sanity is on the line. The novelty of great psychological thrillers like Rear Window (1954), Memento (2000), or Mulholland Drive (2001) does not wear off after a first watch.
There’s more to glean than suspense or twist, as catharsis is an integral part of the experience. Unfortunately, all those movies are locked up behind various streaming service subscriptions (if they're available to stream at all). Most popular psychological thrillers are only on Netflix, HBO Max, or Prime Video, but some choice titles are available to stream for free.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of five fantastic psychological thrillers that you can watch at no cost whatsoever. Author Bret Easton Ellis might’ve written American Psycho primarily as a critique of postmodern capitalism, but director Mary Harron adapts it into a lean, viciously satirical thriller that lampoons toxic masculinity. The film follows Manhattan investment banker Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), who hides the reality of being a violent serial killer with a polished social facade.
Bateman’s mask keeps slipping as the film progresses, but his shallow circle of Wall Street colleagues isn’t able to identify the red flags. While Bateman prides himself on being a curator of exceptional taste, his appearance is indistinguishable from men around him, highlighting the death of individuality. Harron’s adaptation succeeds by stripping Bateman of mythology.
He appears as a caricature instead, and even the most disturbing kills are framed through the lens of black comedy. This is a tricky tonal balance to achieve, but American Psycho wields its satirical edge with the help of an exceptional central performance. Despite the misappropriation of Bateman as a toxic “sigma male” mascot, Bale plays the character as a soulless consumer obsessed with hollow aesthetics.
The psychological thriller framework is rather unconventional, but it works for a film that steadily builds up to a surreal ending with no catharsis. Is a child born evil, or do they become so due to sociocultural factors? We Need to Talk About Kevin doesn’t offer any easy answers, but explores the nature versus nurture debate with chilling efficacy.
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