14 Mind-Bending Thrillers Similar to Psycho

Psycho III is a movie that will bring back familiar scenes and characters from the original Psycho. Anthony Perkins, who plays Norman Bates, not only reprises his role but also makes his directorial debut in this sequel. While Psycho III may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it does offer a deeper exploration of Norman's character, revealing him as more than just a crazy old man with a mental illness. In fact, Perkins himself described the Psycho movies as tragedies rather than horror films. This sequel evokes a sense of sympathy for Norman, making us feel the tragedy of his existence. There are several nods to the original film, including scenes inspired by Hitchcock's Vertigo and references to famous quotes. Perkins clearly wanted to pay homage to the Master of Suspense. His performance is, as always, wonderful, although at times it feels like Norman is parodying himself with the return of some trademark movements and facial expressions.

"Dust Devil" is reminiscent of "Psycho" in its ability to create a sense of anticipation that verges on the unbearable. Just like in "Psycho," the key scenes in "Dust Devil" have become iconic film moments that have been copied, imitated, emulated, and parodied. The score in "Dust Devil" propels us into the moment before the moment arrives, creating a craving for the climax. While both movies have their share of smart moments, even the things that may be considered below the smart standard are needed to complete the film. However, "Dust Devil" takes a different approach by adding supernatural overtones and a novel setting. It explores the story of an ancient demon trapped inside a host, seeking to break out of the material world through ritual murder. The film also delves into the ecological terror of a town slowly collapsing and the despair and hopelessness breeding within it.

Bates Motel. A contemporary prequel to Psycho, this series takes us on a chilling journey into the teenage years of Norman Bates and the deeply intricate relationship with his mother, Norma. While Psycho is a timeless horror masterpiece, Bates Motel offers a unique perspective by unraveling Norman's psyche. The acting in this series is incredible, with Vera Farmiga delivering a standout performance as Norma Bates. Freddie Highmore's portrayal of Norman is equally captivating, showcasing the troubled mind that will eventually become the iconic character we know. The series beautifully captures the essence of a small town and the unsettling atmosphere of the Bates Motel. With its mix of drama, horror, mystery, and thriller genres, Bates Motel will keep you hooked from start to finish. So, if you're a fan of Psycho and want to delve deeper into the twisted world of the Bates family, this series is an absolute must-watch.

Room 104 takes place in a seemingly average American motel, much like the remote motel in Psycho. However, while Psycho is a classic horror masterpiece with a tightly woven plot and iconic moments, Room 104 is an anthology series that explores various genres and storylines. The episodes in Room 104 can range from funny and fantastical to dramatic and horrifying, making it difficult to predict what you're going to watch next. While Psycho keeps you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful plot, Room 104 keeps you guessing and questioning what you're watching. Despite its unpredictable nature, Room 104 still has good production values and some standout performances, but it may not be for everyone who prefers a more focused and cohesive viewing experience like Psycho.

Unhappy Birthday takes place on a remote tidal island called Amen, and the story revolves around three outsiders who confront the twisted morals of an antiquated community. The film draws inspiration from British cult classics like The Wicker Man and Hammer House of Horror, as it explores the fear of isolation and the battle between nature and human nature. Similarly to Psycho, Unhappy Birthday immerses the audience in an eerie atmosphere, using music and sound to heighten tension throughout the film. While Psycho is a classic horror masterpiece, Unhappy Birthday offers a unique take on the genre by combining elements of drama, horror, mystery, and thriller. The sexual scenes in Unhappy Birthday are intense and explore both heterosexual and homosexual relationships, adding another layer of complexity to the story. Despite being a low-budget film, Unhappy Birthday captivates with its compelling performances and a strange, yet satisfying ending that truly drives the insanity home.

Creature Unknown is reminiscent of Psycho in its genre of Horror, Mystery, and Thriller, and both movies feature scenes set in a shower. However, the similarities end there. While Psycho is a classic horror masterpiece with a compelling plot and exceptional acting, Creature Unknown falls short in almost every aspect. The plot is weak, the acting is pathetic, and the special effects are so-so at best. Unlike Psycho, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with iconic moments and a gripping score, Creature Unknown fails to create any sense of anticipation or excitement. Moreover, the creature itself is rarely seen and is poorly executed, using blurring and distortion to hide the fact that it's just a man in a rubber suit. Overall, while Psycho is a must-watch for any fan of the genre, Creature Unknown is a forgettable and disappointing experience that should be skipped.

The Intruders is reminiscent of Psycho in its exploration of dark secrets and mysterious homes. After the traumatic loss of her mother, a teenage girl tries to uncover the truth behind her new home, despite her father's disbelief. Just like in Psycho, where a Phoenix secretary goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother, The Intruders follows a similar theme of characters trying to uncover the secrets lurking within their seemingly innocent surroundings. However, while Psycho is a classic horror masterpiece with iconic scenes and an intense score by Bernard Herrmann, The Intruders falls short in terms of originality and predictability. It borrows clichés and material from other movies, resulting in a dull and lifeless storyline. Nevertheless, for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy unraveling mysteries, The Intruders could still provide some entertainment, especially with the talented cast led by Miranda Cosgrove.

Cabin Fear is reminiscent of Psycho because both films fall under the genres of Horror, Mystery, and Thriller. However, that's where the similarities end. While Psycho is a classic horror masterpiece with a runtime of 109 minutes, Cabin Fear is a more recent film with a shorter runtime of 92 minutes. Psycho, released in 1960, received critical acclaim and garnered 14 nominations, winning 7 of them. On the other hand, Cabin Fear, released in 2015, had a lower people vote average of 3.8 and received 5 nominations, winning 2. Despite these differences, I would recommend watching Cabin Fear for its intentional satire and cheesy fun, making it a highly entertaining "bad" movie. So, grab some popcorn, keep an open mind, and get ready for a thrilling and hilarious ride with Cabin Fear.

Plasterhead, released in 2007, bears some resemblance to the classic horror film Psycho from 1960. Both movies fall under the genres of Horror, Mystery, and Thriller, and involve key topics such as showers and a motel. However, the similarities end there. While Psycho is a masterclass in suspense and psychological horror, Plasterhead unfortunately falls short of expectations. Despite some impressive cinematography on a low budget, the film suffers from weak acting, particularly from the sheriff character, whose attempt at a Southern accent comes across more like a mentally impaired guy from Brooklyn. Additionally, the plot of Plasterhead is downright silly and lacks the intelligence and impact of Psycho. So, if you're a fan of Psycho and looking for a similar experience, I would suggest revisiting the original masterpiece rather than venturing into the disappointing world of Plasterhead.

Unholy Women is reminiscent of Psycho in the way it captivates the audience with its suspenseful storytelling. While Psycho is a classic horror masterpiece, Unholy Women takes a different approach by blending drama, horror, mystery, and thriller genres. The three short stories in Unholy Women are created with a passion that is ahead of its time, making you doubt your sanity and sending shivers down your spine when you're alone. Both films explore themes of fear, danger, and the consequences of one's actions. However, Unholy Women adds a unique twist by delving into the criminal underworld, creating a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase. If you enjoyed the anticipation and iconic scenes in Psycho, you'll find Unholy Women to be a refreshing and mind-bending experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Hypersomnia is reminiscent of Psycho, although with its own unique twist. While Psycho captivated audiences in 1960 with its portrayal of a secretary on the run and a young man dominated by his mother, Hypersomnia takes a dive into the realm of dreams and alternate realities. The similarity lies in their shared elements of mystery, horror, and thriller genres, as well as the presence of a shower scene that adds a sense of vulnerability. However, Hypersomnia explores a different topic altogether, delving into the dark world of human trafficking. This Argentinean film grips viewers with its gruesome and terrifying sequences, making it one of the best foreign films to watch. So, if you enjoyed the suspense and anticipation of Psycho, Hypersomnia will surely keep you on the edge of your seat, raising awareness about a horrifying reality that could be happening to women every day.

Extremity. This horror mystery film takes us on a wild ride just like Psycho, but with a modern twist. While Psycho captivated audiences in 1960 with its suspenseful plot and iconic shower scene, Extremity aims to do the same by immersing viewers in a terrifying extreme haunt experience. Both films explore the psychological depths of their characters, pushing them to confront their fears. However, where Psycho relies on the domination of a menacing mother figure, Extremity delves into the tragic past that haunts its protagonist. While Psycho is hailed as a horror masterpiece, Extremity may not reach the same heights, but it still offers a thrilling and intense ride. So if you're a fan of psychological horror and want to see a fresh take on the genre, give Extremity a watch.

Psycho II is reminiscent of Psycho because it continues the gripping story of Norman Bates and the haunting specter of his crimes. After spending twenty-two years in psychiatric care, Norman attempts to find solace in solitude, but his past and his mother's influence still linger. While Psycho II may not reach the same level of suspense and brilliance as its predecessor, it offers a compelling plot, excellent direction, and superb acting from Anthony Perkins. In fact, Perkins's performance in Psycho II surpasses his portrayal in the original film. This sequel provides everything a suspense fan could desire, with a plot that rivals the first movie's and plenty of reasons to watch, even for those who weren't fans of the original. So, if you enjoyed Psycho, Psycho II is a must-see continuation of the captivating story.

Rear Window is reminiscent of Psycho because both movies explore the theme of voyeurism, but they approach it from different angles. In Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock uses suspenseful scenes to make us feel like we're peering into someone else's private life, heightening the tension and anticipation. The iconic shower scene, for instance, is a perfect example of this. On the other hand, Rear Window takes a more introspective approach. Hitchcock portrays voyeurism as a human trait, something we all have within us. He cleverly positions himself as the ultimate voyeur, watching the neighborhood through the lens of the camera. While Psycho focuses on the seduction of crime, Rear Window delves into the allure of discovering it. It's fascinating to see how Hitchcock explores these themes in different ways, making both movies captivating in their own right. So if you enjoyed the suspense and psychological depth of Psycho, you'll definitely find Rear Window equally enthralling.