18 Movies Like The Silence of the Lambs to Thrill and Chill

Se7en, released in 1996, is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. Both movies fall under the crime, drama, and thriller genres, and they both revolve around a serial killer. However, Se7en takes a different approach by focusing on the seven deadly sins as the killer's motives. While The Silence of the Lambs explores the dynamic between a young FBI cadet and an incarcerated cannibal killer, Se7en pairs up a rookie detective with a veteran to solve the case. The films share a dark and brooding tone, immersing the audience in a grim atmosphere. Se7en's director, David Fincher, skillfully captures the eerie essence of the story through dim lighting and haunting visuals. The performances in both movies are exceptional, with standout portrayals from Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman in Se7en, along with Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster in The Silence of the Lambs.

Frequency is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs in its gripping storyline and the way it explores the consequences of altering history. While The Silence of the Lambs delves into the twisted mind of a psychopathic serial killer, Frequency takes a different approach, using a cross-time radio link to connect a father and son across 30 years. Both movies share the theme of a relentless pursuit for justice, with the protagonists going to great lengths to save lives and catch the perpetrators. However, Frequency brings an intriguing sci-fi twist to the table with its concept of the butterfly effect and the unexpected consequences of changing the past. The performances in both films are top-notch, with Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster delivering riveting interplay in The Silence of the Lambs, while Dennis Quaid and Jim Caviezel bring a subtle and touching dynamic to their roles in Frequency.

Laser Moon, released in 1993, might remind you of The Silence of the Lambs. Both movies fall into the crime, drama, and thriller genres and involve a serial killer. However, that's where the similarities end. While The Silence of the Lambs is a critically acclaimed masterpiece with an impressive list of nominations and wins, Laser Moon falls short in almost every aspect. The production values are abysmal, the pacing is slow, and the direction is inept. The script is illogical, the performances are mediocre, and the marketing is misleading. Even Traci Lords, who is promoted as the lead, barely appears in the first 30 minutes. In short, Laser Moon is one of the worst films you'll come across. So, if you're a fan of thrilling movies, I highly recommend sticking to The Silence of the Lambs and giving Laser Moon a pass.

Kalifornia is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and share key topics such as serial killer and psycho thriller. However, while The Silence of the Lambs focuses on a young FBI cadet seeking the help of a cannibal killer to catch another serial killer, Kalifornia takes a different approach. It follows a journalist duo who unknowingly embark on a tour of serial killer murder sites with two companions, one of whom is a serial killer himself. The performances in both movies are noteworthy, with Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster delivering riveting interplay in The Silence of the Lambs, and Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis displaying their acting ability and charisma in Kalifornia. So, if you enjoyed the intense psychological atmosphere of The Silence of the Lambs, Kalifornia offers a unique twist on the serial killer genre that will keep you engaged.

M: M, released in 1951, is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and both involve a serial killer as a main plot point. While The Silence of the Lambs focuses on a young FBI cadet seeking the help of a cannibalistic killer to catch another serial killer, M tells the story of a mysterious child murderer being hunted by both the police and the criminal underworld. Despite their similar themes, M takes a different approach by incorporating elements of Film-Noir and featuring a crime boss as a key character. The two movies also differ in terms of their release dates, with The Silence of the Lambs coming out in 1992 and M being released in 1951.

"Targets" is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Southern California in the late 1960s. With its plentiful use of location shooting, it provides a near-documentary look at the time, from the cars and clothes to the drive-ins and suburban houses. Director Peter Bogdanovich's first full effort behind the camera showcases his desire to create a modern film, distinct from the American directors he admired. The absence of a film score adds to the spare, clean, and modern feel of "Targets," while the natural dialogue and fluid movements of the characters make them feel real. The long take tracking shots, discreetly incorporated into the story, enhance the everyday feel and naturalism of the film. Based on the true story of Charles Whitman, who climbed a tower in Texas and staged a sniping siege, "Targets" tackles the themes of an aging horror star questioning his place in Hollywood and a disturbed young man going on a killing spree.

Mr. Mercedes, released in 2017, shares some intriguing similarities with The Silence of the Lambs. Both fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, captivating the audience with their psychological intensity. While The Silence of the Lambs delves into the twisted mind of a manipulative cannibal killer, Mr. Mercedes explores the story of a psychopathic killer who drives a stolen Mercedes into a crowd. The parallel between the main characters is fascinating ? a young FBI cadet seeking help from an incarcerated killer in one, and a recently retired detective embarking on a quest to bring down a psychopath in the other. Both narratives are driven by the thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic between the protagonists and their respective antagonists. However, Mr. Mercedes adds an extra layer of mystery and Sci-Fi elements to the mix, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. With a fantastic cast and a story that unfolds with deliberate pacing, Mr.

The House That Jack Built is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs in its exploration of the mind of a serial killer. While The Silence of the Lambs focuses on a young FBI cadet seeking the help of a manipulative cannibal killer to catch another serial killer, The House That Jack Built follows the story of Jack, a highly intelligent serial killer, over the course of twelve years. Both movies delve into the psyche of their respective killers, showcasing their twisted minds and their obsession with violence. However, while The Silence of the Lambs leans more towards a psychological thriller, The House That Jack Built takes a darker turn into horror territory. The House That Jack Built is a chilling and thought-provoking film that will leave you questioning the nature of art and the depths of human depravity.

Solace, released in 2016, is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and deal with the theme of hunting down a serial killer. While The Silence of the Lambs focuses on a young F.B.I. cadet seeking the help of a cannibalistic killer, Solace features a psychic, played by Sir Anthony Hopkins, working with the F.B.I. to track down a serial killer. Although Solace didn't receive the same critical acclaim as The Silence of the Lambs, Hopkins still delivers a compelling performance. So, if you enjoyed the intensity and suspense of The Silence of the Lambs, Solace is definitely worth a watch.

Too Scared to Scream is a thrilling crime drama that will remind you of The Silence of the Lambs. Set in New York City, the movie follows a killer who is brutally attacking tenants in a high-rise apartment building. While it may not have the same critical acclaim as its counterpart, Too Scared to Scream manages to keep you engaged with its interesting scenes and ample nudity (to cover its low budget, of course). It's like a Manix rerun that you would watch out of boredom, earning a solid 4/10. So, if you enjoyed the intense atmosphere and psychological suspense of The Silence of the Lambs, give Too Scared to Scream a shot. It may not have the same level of sophistication, but it delivers enough thrills to keep you entertained.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. Both movies delve into the dark and twisted world of serial killers, offering a chilling and intense viewing experience. While The Silence of the Lambs focuses on the psychological cat-and-mouse game between an incarcerated cannibalistic killer and a young FBI cadet, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer takes a different approach by exploring the life of a real-life serial killer named Henry Lee Lucas. With its gritty and raw style, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer presents a more realistic and unsettling portrayal of the subject matter. The film's use of unknown actors, who may not fit traditional Hollywood standards, adds to its authenticity and heightens the disturbing nature of the story. While both movies share the common theme of serial killers, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer offers a unique perspective and showcases the dark side of humanity in a way that is both captivating and unsettling.

"Mister Frost" takes you on a chilling ride that will keep you questioning reality. The movie follows the story of a serial killer who finds himself in a mental institution, but his presence brings strange visions to the doctors and orderlies. As the psychiatrist tries to uncover his true identity, the tension begins to mount. Jeff Goldblum's portrayal of Frost is nothing short of mesmerizing, as he infuses the character with an evil slyness that will make you glance over your shoulder whenever he lays his eyes on someone. The film leaves it up to the viewer to decide whether Frost is truly the Devil or just "brilliantly" insane, drawing you into a world of uncertainty. With its intriguing plot and standout performances, "Mister Frost" is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

Jennifer 8 takes us back to the early 90s, just like The Silence of the Lambs. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and they share the common themes of serial killers and the dark side of human nature. However, while The Silence of the Lambs immerses us in the twisted world of a cannibalistic psychopath, Jennifer 8 takes a different approach. It follows a former detective investigating a multiple murder case, with the only witness being a blind girl. This unique twist adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the story. Despite their differences, both movies excel in captivating their audiences with powerful performances from their talented cast members. So, if you enjoyed the chilling atmosphere and thrilling plot of The Silence of the Lambs, I highly recommend giving Jennifer 8 a watch. It's a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

Traces of Red, released in 1992, shares some similarities with the critically acclaimed The Silence of the Lambs. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and involve murder and detective work. However, Traces of Red takes a different approach by incorporating elements of Mystery and infidelity. While The Silence of the Lambs focuses on a young F.B.I. cadet seeking the help of a manipulative cannibal killer to catch another serial killer, Traces of Red tells the story of Palm Beach detectives investigating the murder of a woman with twists and turns, including the possibility of the main character's usual lover being involved. Although Traces of Red may not have achieved the same level of critical acclaim, it still manages to generate some interest, making it worth a lazy watch on a really boring day.

"When the Bough Breaks" is reminiscent of "The Silence of the Lambs" in its exploration of the twisted minds of serial killers. While the latter focuses on the disturbing relationship between an FBI cadet and a manipulative cannibal killer, the former delves into the investigation of a series of child murders by police detectives. Both movies belong to the Crime, Drama, and Thriller genres, and they effectively create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. However, while "The Silence of the Lambs" is lauded for its exceptional performances and masterful direction, "When the Bough Breaks" falls short in some aspects. The acting of the mentally challenged character is criticized for being poorly executed, and the plot has noticeable holes. Despite these flaws, if you enjoy dark themes, atmospheric settings, and intriguing dialogue, "When the Bough Breaks" might still be worth a watch.

Jade, released in 1996, is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and share key topics such as serial killers. However, the similarities end there. While The Silence of the Lambs is hailed as a modern masterpiece with taut direction and superb performances, Jade fails to deliver a coherent story despite the director's skill with car chase scenes. Although both movies feature murder investigations, the plot of Jade revolves around a bright assistant D.A. who hides a clue found at the crime scene, while The Silence of the Lambs follows a young F.B.I. cadet seeking the help of a manipulative cannibal killer to catch another serial killer. If you enjoyed the intense and gripping nature of The Silence of the Lambs, you might find Jade intriguing as it explores the dark underbelly of crime and mystery.

Freeway is a twisted take on "Little Red Riding Hood", with a teenage delinquent on the run from a social worker and being pursued by a charming, but sadistic, serial killer. Although it might seem like an odd comparison, Freeway is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs in its exploration of the dark and gritty realms of crime and thriller genres. Both movies delve into the minds of serial killers and present us with chilling and disturbing characters. However, Freeway takes a more satirical and humorous approach, contrasting the intense and serious tone of The Silence of the Lambs. Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of a hilarious and tough trailer trash bad girl is a standout, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unpredictability and shocking twists, making it a rare gem that should not be missed.

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.
"The Silence of the Lambs" and "Fallen" are both captivating crime thrillers that revolve around the hunt for a serial killer. While "The Silence of the Lambs" immerses us in the twisted mind of a cannibalistic psychopath, "Fallen" takes a supernatural turn by introducing the element of demonic possession. Both movies keep you on the edge of your seat with their intense atmospheres and cleverly written plots. However, while "The Silence of the Lambs" delves deep into the psychological aspects of the characters, "Fallen" focuses more on the cat-and-mouse chase between the detective and the killer.