When it comes to delving into the world of psychological thrillers, one name stands out prominently: David Fincher. From his skillful work on movies like Seven to his captivating Netflix series Mindhunter, Fincher has a knack for delving into our deepest fears and vulnerabilities. Among his notable works in this genre is the 2014 film Gone Girl, featuring Ben Affleck and the acclaimed Rosamund Pike. If you’ve recently experienced the suspense of Gone Girl and are now on the hunt for your next gripping psychological thriller—one that will keep you awake at night—look no further. Here’s a selection of recommendations just for you!
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
 | The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 158 minutes | |
| Directed by David Fincher | 7.8/10 | |
| Cast Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård | ||
Before Gone Girl, Fincher directed The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, an adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s 2005 novel. The story follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist (played by Daniel Craig) investigating a decades-old disappearance, with the help of a talented hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). This intense thriller had Mara nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars that year.
Prisoners (2013)
 | Prisoners (2013) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 153 minutes | |
| Directed by Denis Villeneuve | 8.1/10 | |
| Cast Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Melissa Leo | ||
Exploring Denis Villeneuve’s remarkable filmography, one gem that stands out is the 2013 crime thriller Prisoners. Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, and Paul Dano, the movie follows the desperate search for two abducted young girls. The film’s intricate storyline and layered investigation make it a compelling watch.
A Simple Favor (2018)
 | A Simple Favor (2018) | |
| Genre Black comedy, Crime thriller, Mystery | Runtime 1 hour 57 minutes | |
| Directed by Paul Feig | 6.8/10 | |
| Cast Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells | ||
Paul Feig’s intriguing blend of black comedy and crime drama features Anna Kendrick as Stephanie, a single mother intrigued by the enigmatic Emily (Blake Lively). When Emily vanishes, Stephanie embarks on her own investigation into the disappearance. With non-stop suspense, A Simple Favor is a worthy choice for fans of Gone Girl’s captivating mystery.
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
 | Gone Baby Gone (2007) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour 54 minutes | |
| Directed by Ben Affleck | 7.7/10 | |
| Cast Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman | ||
Making his directorial debut, Ben Affleck presents Gone Baby Gone—a tale of two private investigators (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) searching for a missing child. Set in Boston, this gripping film showcases Ben Affleck’s directorial prowess and boasts an exceptional cast including Ed Harris and Amy Ryan.
The Little Things (2021)
 | The Little Things (2021) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 7 minutes | |
| Directed by John Lee Hancock | 6.7/10 | |
| Cast Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Natalie Morales, Terry Kinney | ||
Released amidst the pandemic, The Little Things stars Denzel Washington and Rami Malek as detectives probing a string of murders, leading them to suspect Jared Leto’s character. While it garnered mixed reviews, its psychological crime thriller elements are undeniably engaging.
Nightmare Alley (2021)
 | Nightmare Alley (2021) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 30 minutes | |
| Directed by Guillermo del Toro | 7.5/10 | |
| Cast Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins | ||
Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, based on a 1946 novel, spins a tale of grifters and cons in 1940s New York. Bradley Cooper, Toni Collette, and Cate Blanchett deliver standout performances, as the story explores the deceitful nature of appearances.
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
 | Nocturnal Animals (2016) | |
| Genre Mystery, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 118 minutes | |
| Directed by Tom Ford | 7.3/10 | |
| Cast Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson | ||
Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals stars Amy Adams as Susan, an art gallery owner unsettled by her ex-husband’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) disturbing novel. Drawn into the story’s dark parallels to her own life, Susan’s journey is captivating and haunting.
Side Effects (2013)
 | Side Effects (2013) | |
| Genre Psychological thriller, Drama | Runtime 106 minutes | |
| Directed by Steven Soderbergh | 7.1/10 | |
| Cast Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Channing Tatum | ||
Steven Soderbergh’s Side Effects follows Emily (Rooney Mara), whose mental health struggles lead her down a dark path after being prescribed new medication. The film’s exploration of corruption within the healthcare system parallels the intricate layers of Gone Girl’s narrative.
Wrapping it up!
Just like the gripping experience of Gone Girl, these movies are expertly crafted to immerse you in their suspenseful narratives. From heart-racing plots that twist and turn, to investigations that peel back layers of intrigue, and characters so compelling they’ll stay with you long after the credits roll, you’re in for a cinematic adventure that’s bound to have you at the edge of your seat. So, gather your popcorn, settle in, and brace yourself for an exhilarating movie marathon that will keep you captivated from start to finish!
