14 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Diabolique

The Wages of Fear takes place in a decrepit South American village, where four men are hired to transport an urgent nitroglycerine shipment without the necessary safety equipment. This movie, released the same year as Diabolique, creates a completely different kind of suspense. While both films are French and share director Henri-Georges Clouzot, The Wages of Fear focuses on the palpable tension and danger faced by the characters. The cinematography in this film is stunning, capturing the harshness of the environment and the characters' shared dilemma. The acting is superb, with Yves Montand's portrayal of Mario being both intense and restrained, while Charles Vanel brings a macho energy to the screen. The stripped-down existentialism of the characters and the grimy scenery create a sense of realism that is elevated by Clouzot's flawless direction. The final scene takes on a surreal quality, adding another layer of intrigue.

Le Corbeau is reminiscent of Diabolique in several ways. Both films are French crime dramas with a touch of mystery and thriller elements. They both delve into the dark side of human nature, exploring themes of deception, betrayal, and revenge. Diabolique focuses on the twisted relationship between a wife, mistress, and a loathed school principal, while Le Corbeau revolves around a village doctor who becomes the target of poison-pen letters. Both movies keep you on the edge of your seat, with unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. While Diabolique is more of a traditional mystery drama, Le Corbeau adds a touch of horror with its eerie atmosphere and chilling storyline. If you enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of Diabolique, Le Corbeau is a must-watch, offering a unique blend of psychological thriller and crime drama that will keep you captivated from start to finish.

The Carpet of Horror is reminiscent of Diabolique in its genre, as both movies fall into the categories of Horror, Crime, Drama, and Mystery. However, while Diabolique is a well-crafted mystery drama with a surprising ending, The Carpet of Horror takes a different approach. It presents an evil genius seeking revenge on his enemies, using poison gas as his weapon of choice. The plot of The Carpet of Horror may be more complicated, with many characters and intricate storylines, which can leave the viewer feeling slightly confused. Nevertheless, the film still manages to incorporate humor, action, and decent acting. Notably, Bob, the main character's black assistant, delivers an outstanding performance. Additionally, the stylish and sporty car featured in the movie adds a touch of excitement before it meets a fiery demise. Despite its complexities, The Carpet of Horror has the feel of a TV serial, providing an entertaining and action-packed watch.

"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" is a series that shares a reminiscent vibe with "Diabolique." Both masterpieces fall under the genres of crime, horror, drama, mystery, and thriller, weaving together captivating tales that keep you on the edge of your seat. While "Diabolique" is a feature film about the meticulously planned murder of a loathed school principal, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" takes a different approach. This series presents a collection of unrelated short stories, each delving into elements of crime, horror, drama, and comedy. The allure of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" lies in its variety, with episodes ranging from serious to light-hearted, and endings that can be either happy or tragic. Hitchcock himself adds a charming touch, introducing each episode with hilarious remarks, often poking fun at TV commercials, and always in a setting that relates to the upcoming story.

Thriller: Now available for the first time, experience the complete series hailed as the most frightening ever created for television. "Thriller" (1960) is reminiscent of "Diabolique" (1955) with its shared genres of Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery, and Thriller. While "Diabolique" is a solid mystery drama with a surprising ending, "Thriller" takes the fear factor to another level, being hailed as the most frightening TV series ever created. Both movies keep you on the edge of your seat, but "Thriller" has the advantage of being a series, offering a longer and more immersive experience. So, if you enjoyed the suspense of "Diabolique" and are looking for more thrills and scares, "Thriller" is a must-watch. It's a shame that these classic episodes aren't rerun more often, especially with the abundance of mindless programming on cable channels today.

The Burning Court is a movie that will transport you to a weird old castle filled with spooky overtones. While it starts with the promise of a family curse and a horror story, it quickly turns into a murder mystery with a surprising ending that seems to belong to another movie. The absence of a detective as the leading character adds an interesting twist to the plot. The black-and-white photography is attractive, and the direction keeps you intrigued throughout most of the movie. The actors, although judged through dubbing, deliver solid performances. While not worth waiting twenty years for, The Burning Court is still an okay movie that will keep you entertained. Just don't expect any nude dancers from the paperback or a burning court.

Everybody Has a Plan is reminiscent of Diabolique in its dark and suspenseful atmosphere, as well as its themes of deception and identity. Both movies explore the idea of characters assuming different identities and the consequences that follow. However, while Diabolique focuses on the murder of a loathed school principal, Everybody Has a Plan delves into the world of stolen identity as a man assumes the role of his deceased twin in Argentina. With its gritty portrayal of rural life and superb acting by Viggo Mortensen, Everybody Has a Plan offers a gripping and thought-provoking experience, making it a must-watch for fans of Diabolique seeking a thrilling crime drama with a touch of philosophy.

Back Streets of Paris, also known as Macadam, is a crime drama set in the seedy side streets of Montmartre. Madame Rose, played by Françoise Rosay, runs a seedy hotel and engages in smuggling and other illegal activities. The plot thickens when Victor, one of her former accomplices, seeks refuge with her and entrusts her with a suitcase filled with bank notes. However, lured by temptation, Rose betrays Victor, who is subsequently arrested. Fueled by revenge, Victor manages to escape with one goal in mind: to take revenge on Rose. Directed by Jacques Feyder, this ensemble piece explores the short-term issues of its characters, each thinking themselves too clever to fall into disaster. The performances are excellent, with Rosay delivering a superb portrayal under the direction of her husband. Although the movie was finished by another director due to Feyder's passing, his influence is still evident.

Impasse des deux anges: Stage actress Marianne has decided to give up her career to marry wealthy nobleman Marquis Antoine de Fontaines. As a wedding present, Antoine gives his future wife a precious diamond necklace, which is coveted by a gang of crooks. Jean, one of them, is given the mission to approach Marianne and steal the necklace from her. The only trouble is that when he meets her, she recognizes him as the man she once loved.
While watching "Impasse des deux anges," I couldn't help but be reminded of the iconic film "Diabolique." Both movies share an atmosphere of suspense and mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat. In "Diabolique," we witness a plot to murder a loathed school principal, while in "Impasse des deux anges," the story revolves around a precious diamond necklace and a gang of crooks.

Eyes Without a Face, released in 1960 and also known as Les yeux sans visage, is a French drama horror film that shares similarities with Diabolique, the 1955 mystery drama. Both movies are French classics that captivate audiences with their suspenseful plots and unexpected twists. While Diabolique revolves around a murder plot orchestrated by the wife and mistress of a school principal, Eyes Without a Face tells the story of a surgeon who causes an accident that disfigures his daughter and goes to extreme lengths to give her a new face. Both films explore themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the terrifying consequences of human actions. However, Eyes Without a Face stands out with its chilling atmosphere and haunting imagery, leaving viewers with an unforgettable final scene. In contrast, Diabolique focuses more on the intricate web of deceit and the suspenseful unraveling of the characters' plans.

Three Cases of Murder is reminiscent of Diabolique. While Diabolique is a gripping mystery drama with a surprise ending, Three Cases of Murder takes a different approach by presenting a trilogy of fantastic stories involving murder and the supernatural. The first segment, "The Picture," introduces us to a devilish character who takes a visitor on a spooky journey inside a painting. The second segment, "You Killed Elizabeth," is a more typical murder mystery with a twist ending. Lastly, the third segment, "Lord Mountdrago," features the iconic Orson Welles as a powerful politician plagued by disturbing dreams. While Diabolique focuses on a single plotline, Three Cases of Murder offers a variety of intriguing stories within one film. If you enjoyed the suspenseful nature of Diabolique, Three Cases of Murder provides a fresh and engaging take on murder mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.

The Invisible Dr. Mabuse is reminiscent of Diabolique in its intriguing plot and suspenseful twists. However, while Diabolique is a solid mystery drama, The Invisible Dr. Mabuse takes a different approach, incorporating elements of horror, crime, and sci-fi. The inclusion of the invisibility device adds a fantastical aspect to the story, though some viewers may prefer the realism and grounded devices found in the earlier Dr. Mabuse films. Despite this, The Invisible Dr. Mabuse still offers plenty of action and features excellent cinematography, making it worth a watch for fans of the series.

Death in the Garden:
While not as well-known as Diabolique, Death in the Garden is a hidden gem that is reminiscent of its predecessor. Both films were released in the 1950s and share common themes of crime and drama. However, Death in the Garden takes a different approach, trading the murder mystery of Diabolique for an action-packed adventure set in the jungle. The plot revolves around a group of unlikely companions, including a prostitute, a priest, and a mute woman, who must fight for their lives against the backdrop of a diamond mine conflict. With its thrilling escapades and unexpected twists, Death in the Garden is a must-see for fans of Diabolique who are looking for a different kind of suspenseful storytelling.