17 Mind-Blowing Movies Similar to Se7en

Kiss the Girls is reminiscent of Se7en, the first being released two years after the latter. Both movies fall under the same genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. While Se7en revolves around two detectives hunting a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives, Kiss the Girls focuses on police hunting for a serial kidnapper. The common thread between the two is Morgan Freeman, who delivers exceptional performances in both films. Kiss the Girls, like Se7en, has a dark and moody atmosphere that engulfs the viewer into a nightmarish world. The mystery and suspense keep the audience fascinated throughout the movie, as they never know who the real killer may be. Ashley Judd's riveting performance as a kick-boxing doctor adds an exciting dynamic to the film, making her an appropriate inspiration and role model for young females.

Traces of Red, a movie released in 1992, bears some resemblance to Se7en. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and both center around a murder investigation. In Se7en, two detectives track down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives, while in Traces of Red, Palm Beach detectives Jack and Steve investigate the murder of a waitress, who happened to have a romantic involvement with one of the detectives. The similarities end there, as Traces of Red lacks the dark and intense tone that makes Se7en so captivating. While Se7en is known for its grimness and harrowing ending, Traces of Red falls short in its attempt to be smart and ends up feeling silly and tacky. Despite this, Traces of Red might still be worth a lazy watch on a truly boring day, but it's certainly no match for the riveting and haunting experience that is Se7en.

Fallen: Homicide detective John Hobbes witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese. Soon after the execution, the killings start again, and they are very similar to Reese's style.
Fallen, like Se7en, delves into the dark world of serial killers and detectives. However, Fallen takes a different twist by introducing the element of demonic possession. This cleverly written and superbly portrayed psychological thriller will play with your mind, without relying on excessive visuals and gore. If you have the patience and a thirst for a good thriller, you'll be absorbed by the story, amazed by the cast, and shocked by the climax. While it may not have garnered as many nominations as Se7en, Fallen stands on its own as a mind-bending thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, if you loved Se7en and are looking for a unique and captivating film, give Fallen a watch.

The Watcher is reminiscent of Se7en in its portrayal of a serial killer and the psychological toll it takes on the main character. In Se7en, two detectives hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. Similarly, in The Watcher, a retired FBI agent struggles to come to terms with his failure to capture a serial killer. Both movies explore the dark and twisted minds of these killers, as well as the psychological impact it has on those trying to catch them. However, while Se7en is known for its dark and depressing tone, The Watcher falls short in maintaining the same level of intensity. The Watcher's plot becomes more vapid and unexciting as the movie progresses, resulting in a less thrilling experience overall. Despite this, fans of James Spader, Keanu Reeves, and Marisa Tomei may still enjoy their performances in The Watcher.

The Silence of the Lambs is reminiscent of Se7en in its dark and gripping portrayal of a serial killer. Both movies delve into the twisted minds of psychopaths and the psychological toll it takes on the protagonists. While Se7en focuses on the seven deadly sins as the killer's motives, The Silence of the Lambs introduces us to the chilling character of Hannibal Lecter, an incarcerated cannibalistic killer who helps a young FBI cadet catch another serial killer. The similarities lie in their intense atmosphere, suspenseful storytelling, and exceptional performances from the cast. However, The Silence of the Lambs stands out with its remarkable achievement of winning all five major Academy Award categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. It's a modern masterpiece that captivates viewers with its taut direction, superb screenplay, and the mesmerizing performances of Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

Malevolent, released in 2002, bears a striking resemblance to the thrilling masterpiece Se7en. Both films belong to the crime, drama, and thriller genres, and revolve around the lives of detectives entangled in the pursuit of a serial killer. While Se7en explores the seven deadly sins as the killer's motives, Malevolent takes a different approach, framing Detective Jack Lucas as the latest fall guy of a crafty murderer. Although Malevolent lacks the critical acclaim and awards that Se7en received, it compensates with a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. So, if you enjoyed the dark and gripping atmosphere of Se7en, Malevolent promises to deliver a thrilling experience that will leave you guessing until the very end.

"The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog" takes us back to the silent era of filmmaking, but don't let that fool you - it's still a captivating thriller. Just like "Se7en," the movie revolves around a serial killer, but this time it's set in the foggy streets of London. The lodger, played by Ivor Novello, is a mysterious gentleman who's suspected of being the madman terrorizing the city. Hitchcock's signature touch is already evident in this early film, with his clever use of suspense and atmospheric storytelling. While "Se7en" immerses us in a dark and intense world, "The Lodger" captures our attention with its theatrical atmosphere and exaggerated eye expressions. It's fascinating to see how much film production had already advanced in the 1920s, even without the aid of modern technology.

No Way to Treat a Lady is reminiscent of Se7en in the way it explores the twisted mind of a serial killer. While Se7en delves into the dark and gritty world of a detective hunting a killer using the seven deadly sins as his motives, No Way to Treat a Lady takes a more comedic approach, showcasing a crafty serial killer playing a game of cat-and-mouse with a harried police detective. Both movies offer an intriguing look into the psyche of a killer, showcasing their cleverness and ability to manipulate their victims. However, where Se7en's tone is dark and depressing, No Way to Treat a Lady injects humor into the mix. The film paints a vivid picture of the killer's disguises and his interactions with his victims, creating a unique and engaging character study. While Se7en is a gripping and intense thriller, No Way to Treat a Lady offers a lighter take on the detective genre, making it an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate good movies.

The Sinners is reminiscent of Se7en in its exploration of a murder investigation and the dark and mysterious nature of the crime genre. Both films delve into the twisted minds of serial killers and the detectives who are determined to catch them. While Se7en takes place in the US and focuses on the seven deadly sins as the killer's motives, The Sinners is set in Iran and revolves around the murder of a girl with multiple perspectives on her life. Despite their differences in location and plot details, both movies effectively create a chilling atmosphere and keep viewers on the edge of their seats with suspense. So, if you enjoyed the gripping intensity of Se7en, The Sinners is definitely worth a watch.

The Hunter is reminiscent of Se7en in its dark and thrilling atmosphere. Both movies revolve around a detective investigating a serial killer, and they both delve into the disturbing nature of the crimes. While Se7en takes place in the U.S. and explores the seven deadly sins, The Hunter is set in Egypt and focuses on an old case called "The Hunter." Despite their similarities, the two movies differ in their settings and cultural contexts. Se7en is a cinematic masterpiece that captivates with its dim lighting and shocking imagery, whereas The Hunter offers a gripping series with intense action and excellent drama. If you enjoyed the gripping intensity of Se7en, The Hunter is definitely worth watching for its own unique take on the detective genre.

"Profiler" is reminiscent of "Se7en" in its exploration of the dark and twisted minds of criminals. While "Se7en" focuses on the hunt for a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives, "Profiler" delves into the psychological aspect of crime-solving. The series follows Dr. Sam Waters, a detective with the Violent Crimes Task Force, as she works with various federal agencies to catch criminals. What sets "Profiler" apart is its emphasis on psychology, which adds an intriguing and scary element. Unlike many action films that rely on explosions and car chases, "Profiler" delves into the minds of criminals, making it a hundred times more captivating. The characters in the series are lifelike, with their problems, peculiarities, weaknesses, and failures, making them relatable and engaging. Additionally, the intelligent way in which the leading character is replaced by another actress adds a refreshing twist to the series.

Reyka, a series released in 2021, shares similarities with the movie Se7en. Both stories revolve around detectives investigating serial killers, with Reyka adding an additional layer of a personal connection to the case. While Se7en is set in the dark and gritty world of crime in the US, Reyka takes place in 1994 South Africa, adding a unique cultural backdrop to the narrative. The characters in both the movie and series are driven by their determination to catch the killer and bring justice to the victims. However, Reyka delves deeper into the protagonist's past trauma and her journey of overcoming it while raising her child. With its intriguing plotline and talented cast, if you enjoyed the intense and gripping atmosphere of Se7en, Reyka offers a fresh perspective on the detective genre with a touch of personal growth and cultural exploration.

"Ragdoll" is reminiscent of "Se7en" in terms of its central theme of a hunt for a serial killer. Both stories revolve around detectives trying to solve a series of gruesome murders. However, while "Se7en" is known for its dark and depressing tone, "Ragdoll" seems to lack the same level of intensity and depth. The plot summary of "Ragdoll" describes the detectives attempting to untangle the case of the Ragdoll Killer, who has sewn together the bodies of his victims. Despite this intriguing concept, the featured review suggests that the series falls short in terms of its execution. The reviewer criticizes the script and considers the show to be a patchwork of familiar serial killer movies and TV shows. In contrast, "Se7en" is highly regarded for its gripping storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and exceptional performances by Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Spacey.

Lonely Hearts is a movie that reminds me of Se7en, but with a different twist. While Se7en focuses on the pursuit of a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives, Lonely Hearts tells the true story of Martha Beck and Raymond Martinez Fernandez, a murderous duo known as the "Lonely Hearts Killers" who lure their victims through the personals. Both movies delve into the dark world of crime, murder, and investigation, keeping you on the edge of your seat. However, Lonely Hearts takes a more historical and romantic approach, as it is set in the past and explores the twisted relationship between the killers. The acting in both movies is exceptional, with standout performances from the cast members. While Se7en's Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman deliver gripping performances, Lonely Hearts showcases the talents of John Travolta and Salma Hayek. The cinematography and costume design in Lonely Hearts are worth mentioning as well, adding to the overall quality of the film.

Criminal Minds: A group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) using behavioral analysis and profiling to help investigate crimes and find the suspect known as the unsub. Criminal Minds is reminiscent of Se7en in its dark and mysterious tone, both delving into the twisted minds of serial killers. While Se7en focuses on two detectives hunting down a killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives, Criminal Minds follows a team of profilers who use their knowledge of human behavior to catch criminals. Both movies are gripping and intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. However, Criminal Minds takes a more episodic approach, allowing for deeper character development and exploring multiple cases. With its engaging storylines and talented cast, Criminal Minds is a must-watch for fans of Se7en craving more thrilling crime-solving action.

Unknown Origins is reminiscent of Se7en in its exploration of the serial killer genre. While Se7en delves into the dark and depressing world of a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives, Unknown Origins takes a unique approach by introducing a killer who imitates the first appearances of famous superheroes. Both films tap into the mystery and thrill of hunting down a serial killer, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. However, Unknown Origins brings a fresh spin to the genre by incorporating elements of superhero mythology. Set in Madrid, the film cleverly blends humor and social commentary, creating a uniquely Spanish experience that might be lost in translation for non-Spanish viewers. Although character development could have been stronger, the film compensates with intelligently developed humorous dialogue and gory crime scenes. While Se7en is a classic that should not be missed, Unknown Origins offers a different perspective and is a delightful treat for fans of the genre.

In "The Pledge," we follow a retiring police detective who makes a commitment to catch the killer of a young child. While the movie may not be as gripping as "Se7en," it does have its charm, mainly due to Jack Nicholson's incredibly charismatic and natural performance. Every scene he's in feels effortless and organic, reminding us of why he is such a legendary actor. However, the film's premise of the retired investigator waiting for the killer with some bait doesn't make for the most exciting storyline. The ending, in particular, leaves much to be desired and feels cheap, unrealistic, and extremely unsatisfying after investing time and care into the story. Despite its flaws, "The Pledge" is still an enjoyable film, especially for fans of Nicholson who can't resist his magnetic presence on screen.