Psychological Thrillers Like The Sinner

TL;DR If you enjoyed "The Sinner," consider watching "Mindhunter," "The Fall," "True Detective," and "Sharp Objects" for similar psychological thrills.

TV Series Recommendations

Several TV series have been recommended as similar to "The Sinner" due to their psychological depth and thrilling narratives. "Mindhunter" is frequently suggested, although some viewers find the initial episodes slow [1:1]. "The Fall" is another popular choice, praised for its dark and somber feel [1:1], [3:6]. "True Detective," especially Season 1, is highlighted for its gripping storyline [2:3], [3:3]. "Sharp Objects" is lauded as one of the best psychological thrillers [4:5], [4:6].

Movies with Similar Themes

For movie enthusiasts, "Se7en" is a classic detective thriller that fits well within the genre [1:2]. Other films like "Shutter Island," "Gone Girl," and "Prisoners" are also recommended for their intense psychological elements [5:10]. Lesser-known gems such as "Frailty" and "Jacob's Ladder" offer unique psychological twists [5:1], [5:3].

International and Unique Picks

Exploring international series can also provide fresh perspectives. Shows like "Broadchurch" and "The Chestnut Man" are noted for their mystery and psychological intrigue [3:2], [3:4]. For those open to subtitles, "TRAPPED" from Iceland offers a twisty narrative [2:5]. Additionally, "Coherence" is recommended for its mind-bending plot [4:9].

Mind-Bending Experiences

If you're looking for shows that challenge your perception, "Black Mirror" offers anthology episodes with psychological twists [4:11]. "DARK" is another series known for its complex narrative and psychological depth [4:3]. Movies like "Triangle" and "Vivarium" provide intriguing and unsettling experiences [4:3].

These recommendations should provide a diverse range of psychological thrillers to explore, each offering unique storytelling and suspenseful experiences akin to "The Sinner."

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Source Threads

POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

[Request] A psychological crime thriller similar to "The Sinner"

Posted by alaslipknot · in r/NetflixBestOf · 6 years ago

13 upvotes on reddit

10 replies

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ORIGINAL POST

Hi,

I just finished "The Sinner" and man it was amazing!

As someone who's his favorite movies of all time are Donnie Darko and Shutter Island (and The Matrix) i was really into the whole psychological part of it, plus the flashbacks and how they go in the past and come back (nothing with time traveling though), and the whole detective thing was just a great thing to watch.

So i would really like something similar,

I think lots of you would recommend "Mind Hunter", i started it few months ago, but only watched 2 episodes, it felt too slow and i just had better shows to watch and didn't give it a chance, will it get intense ? talking about the -WTF IS GONNA HAPPEN NEXT!!- sort of thing.

#IMPORTANT

If any of you want to watch The Sinner, DO NOT watch the trailer, i know they had to include "it" to sell the idea, but the trailer spoils the best fucken twist in the whole show, if you start the show without knowing it, i guarantee that you are gonna get one of the best "wtf!!" moments.

cheers!

10 replies

cognitiv3 · 6 years ago

Se7en (seven) is a good detective thriller. It has some 90’s movie cliches but the pacing is good, acting is good (if a little over the top), never a dull moment and it encourages you to try to figure out the mystery as it goes.

4 upvotes on reddit

alaslipknot · OP · 6 years ago

i would recommend this to anyone who didn't watch it, but is there really anyone who didn't watch Se7en :p ?

2 upvotes on reddit

DICKtrumpHEAD · 6 years ago

Have you watched "The Fall"?

9 upvotes on reddit

alaslipknot · OP · 6 years ago

no, thanks!!

2 upvotes on reddit

DICKtrumpHEAD · 6 years ago

Check it out, it's great. Jamie Dornan and Jillian Anderson star.

2 upvotes on reddit

spankthegoodgirl · 6 years ago

Orphan Black perhaps

3 upvotes on reddit

thrulim123 · 6 years ago

> DO NOT watch the trailer, i know they had to include "it" to sell the idea

can you share which part is the 'spoiler'

I've watched both seasons before watching the trailers and i can't see which part fits what you're saying ?

2 upvotes on reddit

alaslipknot · OP · 6 years ago

sure:

in season 1 trailer,

>!they show Cora committing murder in the lake, the exact scene of stabbing, which in my opinion is something that no one should've seen coming, specially in that setup and in episode 1, i really felt bad because i was just basically waiting for it to happen because of the trailer!<

in season 2 trailer kinda do the same but not in a very obvious form.

2 upvotes on reddit

_Jane_Doe_ · 6 years ago

Give Mindhunter a second chance. First two episodes were slow, but it picks up wonderfully after that.

Definitely agree with the above poster, The Fall is fantastic.

The Killing. Five Days. True Detective. Sharp Objects. Big Little Lies.

All really really great shows that all have that somber dark feel.

ninja edit: My apologies, I didn't realise I was on the Netflix sub. Some of those shows are HBO.

8 upvotes on reddit

alaslipknot · OP · 6 years ago

thank you!

2 upvotes on reddit

See 10 replies

r/televisionsuggestions • [2]

Summarize

Shows like The Sinner, Mindhunter

Posted by hamb0ne35 · in r/televisionsuggestions · 2 years ago

I really love these psychological thrillers, tends to be the only shows to keep me interested. I need a new show to watch so recommendations of well made, shows that’ll make my brain spin are appreciated!

12 upvotes on reddit

5 replies

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5 replies

PrettyGirlChaz431 · 2 years ago

Not sure if they're exactly similar but they're really good shows.

Home Before Dark

Clickbait

Tell Me A Story

Severance

From

The woman in the house

True Story

You Don't Know Me

Rules Of The Game

The Booth at the End

Innocent

Panic

Candy

The Thing About Pam

Bates Motel

1 upvotes on reddit

KindheartednessOver6 · 1 year ago

True Detective, Season 1

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

I’m a huge Mindhunter fan and I also loved the Shield. I’d say the first season or two is much lighter than the rest. I will always say it’s a damn good show that I would watch a third time from beginning to end.

1 upvotes on reddit

princess23710 · 2 years ago

Are subtitles ok? I just came across a show from Iceland called TRAPPED. Seasons 1&2 are on Prime and season 3 (ENTRAPPED) is on Netflix. It was good and twisty.

3 upvotes on reddit

IMO2021 · 2 years ago

Similar to Mindhunter and The Sinner, but not convinced i would consider them all “psychological thrillers”. Everyone has different definitions. Regardless, they all make for good viewing.

-The Missing/Baptise

-Capitani

-Delhi Crime

-Valhalla Murders

———————————————————.

-The Tunnel

-Safe

-Stay Close

-The Stranger

-Tell Me Your Secrets

-Hit & Run

6 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/NetflixBestOf • [3]

Summarize

[REQUEST] Looking for a psychological, mystery series. Like The Sinner.

Posted by behiindmyeyes · in r/NetflixBestOf · 4 years ago

I loveeeed The Sinner. I’m just looking for something kind of like it following the genre of psychological and mystery and some thriller.

Shows that I’ve seen that I’ve also loved that give a similar feel:

Somewhere between Behind Her Eyes

THEY ARE ALL AMAZING! 🤠

112 upvotes on reddit

11 replies

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11 replies

Kroan · 4 years ago

Broadchurch

37 upvotes on reddit

Kromagg · 4 years ago

True detective?

34 upvotes on reddit

VanillaBearMD3 · 4 years ago

Piggybacking off this comment to say if you're on HBO already, check out The Outsider.

12 upvotes on reddit

Dry-Jellyfish-3908 · 4 years ago

First few episodes of Outsider were great but then it loses its steam towards the end.

5 upvotes on reddit

No_Cobbler728 · 4 years ago

Not on Netflix but the killing would fit

28 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 4 years ago

And The Chestnut Man from the producers of The Killing just premiered.

2 upvotes on reddit

Stegasaurus_Wrecks · 4 years ago

The Bridge (Borgen) too I suppose.

4 upvotes on reddit

imperialismus · 4 years ago

Don't get your Danish dramas mixed up! The Bridge is Broen, the murder mystery. Borgen is the political drama.

1 upvotes on reddit

No-Wrangler-9001 · 4 years ago

The Fall

18 upvotes on reddit

davis214512 · 4 years ago

Mare of Easttown. HBO has better shows.

19 upvotes on reddit

thechukk · 4 years ago

The Night Of

7 upvotes on reddit

See 11 replies

r/NetflixBestOf • [4]

Summarize

[Request] looking for psychological thriller shows that are a total mindf*ck to binge on this weekend …

Posted by lifeis_amystery · in r/NetflixBestOf · 2 months ago

I have a chill weekend ahead and want to dive into my fav genre..psychological thrillers!

Shows like Severance ,Maniac,Mindhunter, The Sinner, You and Yellowjackets. Movies like limitless, Looper,Elysium, Inception, The matrix , Fight Club, Oblivion , Tomorrowland ..

Crime and mystery or sci fi thrillers dealing with psychopaths / exciting characters are also something I crave.

Thanks in advance and happy binge watching!

147 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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12 replies

robotcoup · 2 months ago

Sharp Objects. It’s so good and I never hear people mention it.

94 upvotes on reddit

lifeis_amystery · OP · 2 months ago

Just read the footnotes on it.. sounds like something similar to the sinner! Thanks! Definitely gonna give this a go!!

3 upvotes on reddit

hunnangelx3 · 2 months ago

Sharp Objects is one of the best psychological thriller show (and book!) ever.

15 upvotes on reddit

Zealousideal_Map5074 · 2 months ago

If you mention mindful*k then you should run and watch shows:

DARK

Ozark

Black Mirror

And Movies:

Triangle

Shutter Island

Fractured

Vivarium

36 upvotes on reddit

lifeis_amystery · OP · 2 months ago

I have watched DARK but am thinking of a rewatch in German as everyone has said it’s better to watch the original ! I was hooked to it the last time I got it but s4 seemed a little too much a mindf*#k for me at the time .. haha. Anyway a second watch might be what I need to truly appreciate how twisted and how I can go to the depths of darkness without losing it! I have watched black mirror but didn’t really go all the way.. so another 2nd watch and actually always wanted to watch Ozark but it kept slipping.. and not actually heard or watched any movies so I will! Thanks

3 upvotes on reddit

Zealousideal_Map5074 · 2 months ago

Yes I have heard that too about the dubbing, I watched in english dubbing. But I'm not gonna rewatch because Dark left me miserable for months. A big void left in my heart by this series that I stopped watching any other series for months. I was genuinely affected by this series 😂. Missed it so much. I wish I could erase my memory to watch it all over again.

For a thriller lover, not every episode of black mirror is good because it's a anthology series. I will tell you only mindful*k episodes.

White Bear (Season 2, Episode 2)

Playtest (Season 3, Episode 2)

White Christmas (Special Episode)

Black Museum (Season 4, Episode 6) (make sure to watch it after watching all this mentioned episode)

Shut Up and Dance (Season 3, Episode 3)

5 upvotes on reddit

NellieSke · 2 months ago

Behind Her Eyes on Netflix

26 upvotes on reddit

ebi14312 · 1 month ago

The Spanish original is excellent. As is The Killing.

1 upvotes on reddit

monkey_doo · 2 months ago

Not on Netflix but Coherence is one of my favorites. It’s free on Amazon Prime tv

58 upvotes on reddit

kyjmic · 2 months ago

I still think about this movie and it’s been a decade since I watched it. So creepy and haunting.

1 upvotes on reddit

Gilopoz · 2 months ago

Thanks for the recommendation! Just watched it....great film! Someone in another Reddit made a chart that helped me. Thanks again!

3 upvotes on reddit

LeFrogKid · 2 months ago

I noticed you didn't mention The Alienist. It's a psychological thriller series about the early use of psychological profiling to catch a serial killer. It's on Netflix, has only 2 seasons, highly bingeable.

41 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/MovieSuggestions • [5]

Summarize

Any good psychological thrillers I haven't already watched?

Posted by royalxassasin · in r/MovieSuggestions · 4 months ago

I'm a big fan of films like Memento, Gone Girl, Seven, Shutter Island, etc but I feel like I've watched every good movie there is in this genre. Doesn't have to be strictly "psychological". Here's the list I've already watched :

- Blue Velvet

- Mulholland Drive

-Silence of the lambs

-The Usual Suspects

-Primal fear

-Taxi driver

-The game

-American Psycho

-The sixth sense

-Memento

-Inception

-The Machinist

-Shutter Island

-Gone Girl

-The Prestige

-Gone baby gone

-Orphan

-Black Swan

-The Girl with the dragon tattoo

-Get out

-Burning

-Parasite

-The Invisible man

-Mystic River

-Insomnia

-Rear Window

-And then there were none

-Murder on the orient express

-Following

- China town

-The lives of others

- The invisible guest

- The secret in their eyes

- Zodiac

-Prisoners

-old boy

-Donnie Darko

-Jagten (The Hunt)

-Nightcrawler

-Identity

-Seven

- Fight Club

Thanks!

131 upvotes on reddit

11 replies

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NobleSentience · 4 months ago

We need to talk about Kevin (2011) by Lynne Ramsay

17 upvotes on reddit

farfromhome666 · 4 months ago

Jacob's Ladder

23 upvotes on reddit

BubbleGut169 · 4 months ago

Wooooh yeah I thought I’d seen it all and didn’t make this one a priority. Found myself watching it one day and had to take time for self care after finishing it. Absolutely amazing piece of art.

4 upvotes on reddit

Sensitive_Regular_84 · 4 months ago

100%

4 upvotes on reddit

CozyDestruction · 4 months ago

Caddo Lake!! If you can, i suggest not watching the trailer (i didn't watch it) but holy crap it was such an unexpectedly amazing movie. One of those movies that ends and you think about for weeks. Trust me.

If you watch it, let me know what you thought!

16 upvotes on reddit

Cookingmonster90099 · 4 months ago

Such a good movie!! I watched it when it came out and I still think about it. It’s still on my saved list so I can watch it again on a rainy day.

4 upvotes on reddit

drbrian83 · 4 months ago

Frailty

19 upvotes on reddit

hyperfat · 4 months ago

Omg. Love this film. Could watch it over and over. In fact...I might play it at burning man on our movie night.

1 upvotes on reddit

Briguy24 · 4 months ago

Went into this completely blind on DVD back in college. Loved it.

2 upvotes on reddit

Consistent_West_8612 · 4 months ago

Prisoners!!!

21 upvotes on reddit

Whore4conspiracy · 4 months ago

Amazing film, i wish i could see this again for the first time too ! Viola and Hugh ???? Chef's kiss !

4 upvotes on reddit

See 11 replies

r/MovieSuggestions • [6]

Summarize

Psychothriller, Maybe some serial offender..

Posted by MenthaOfficinalis · in r/MovieSuggestions · 4 months ago

Hi can I have a suggestion for a thriller movie, something like Mindhunter but in a film form, that I possibly haven’t seen. Something well written with good characters, interesting case/killer, little or plenty dark… or any of those factors. It doesn’t matter when it was made..

Thanks

9 upvotes on reddit

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Stock-Quote-4221 · 4 months ago

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile 2019

The Vanishing 1993

Righteous Kill 2008

3 upvotes on reddit

DrinkBuzzCola · 4 months ago

I just recommended the original Secret in Their Eyes, and I'd also recommend the original Danish version of The Vanishing (1988, Dutch). These movies are so suspenseful.

3 upvotes on reddit

Stock-Quote-4221 · 4 months ago

Cool. I will be checking them out. Thanks for your suggestions. I like suspenseful crime and true crime movies a lot.

2 upvotes on reddit

MenthaOfficinalis · OP · 4 months ago

Haven’t seen Righteous kill :/

2 upvotes on reddit

Total_Gur4367 · 4 months ago

Murder By Numbers

3 upvotes on reddit

ChatPDJ · 4 months ago

Kiss the Girls (1997)

5 upvotes on reddit

_Existenchill_ · 4 months ago

SNOWTOWN

NITRAM

They're both true stories.

2 upvotes on reddit

moneycantget · 4 months ago

Zodiac (2007)
Memories of Murder (2003)
Manhunter (1986)
Cure (1997)
The Chaser (2008)
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

5 upvotes on reddit

MenthaOfficinalis · OP · 4 months ago

Uuu I think I forgot Secret in their eyes enough to watch it again.. All I remember is that it’s good.

2 upvotes on reddit

DrinkBuzzCola · 4 months ago

I recommend the original Spanish version. It's SO good, even with subtitles.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 10 replies

r/horror • [7]

Summarize

More recommendations similar to Absentia and The Sinner?

Posted by macabre-her · in r/horror · 4 years ago

And Absentia Im referring to is the dark thriller show on Prime. Not the movie that many are familiar with.

Im almost done with the show Absentia.. Now on the last season and really enjoyed it. I love a hood murder mystery that has psychological aspects and dark elements.. Which is why I also enjoyed The Sinner.

So I'm looking for both movie and show recommendations that fall into the whole dark, cerebral, murder mystery genre.

Thanks!

6 upvotes on reddit

10 replies

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IMO2021 · 3 years ago

Hit and Run

Unbelievable

Collateral

Delhi Crime

The Innocent

The Twelve

Safe

ClickBait

Quicksand

1 upvotes on reddit

AnnVealEgg · 4 years ago

Tabula Rasa on Netflix is excellent.

1 upvotes on reddit

Slothstr0naut · 4 years ago

I think you’d like a show called Black Spot on Netflix (it’s French).

2 upvotes on reddit

macabre-her · OP · 4 years ago

Thank you, it may be on my list. So will have to watch it.

1 upvotes on reddit

lw__73__ · 4 years ago

Came to say this.

1 upvotes on reddit

Obvious-Marsupial318 · 4 years ago

Great show!

1 upvotes on reddit

boardsandfilm · 4 years ago

The Fall on Amazon Prime.

2 upvotes on reddit

Obvious-Marsupial318 · 4 years ago

Absolutely! I loved this.

1 upvotes on reddit

TaterrrTot3 · 4 years ago

I loved The Sinner, as well! Will have to check out Absentia.

2 upvotes on reddit

macabre-her · OP · 4 years ago

Yeah definitely, lmk

2 upvotes on reddit

See 10 replies

r/Letterboxd • [8]

Summarize

Any psychological thrillers that fit this vibe.

Posted by beastfromtheeast683 · in r/Letterboxd · 1 month ago

reddit.com

8 upvotes on reddit

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Oceanic_Wave0 · 1 month ago

Shawshank redemption, prisoners, gone girl, silence of the lambs, fight club, zodiac, nightcrawler

2 upvotes on reddit

Joelypoely88 · 1 month ago

No Mercy (2010)

Memoir of a Murderer (2017, Director's Cut)

2 upvotes on reddit

ArtisticallyRegarded · 1 month ago

Memories of Murder

5 upvotes on reddit

Severe-Music-8013 · 1 month ago

Cure

4 upvotes on reddit

wallybazoum · 1 month ago

Cypher, Basic, The Machinist, Memento.

2 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/televisionsuggestions • [9]

Summarize

Just watched The Sinner, both seasons. Looking for something similar to binge.

Posted by DarkMooness · in r/televisionsuggestions · 5 years ago

And I don't mind paying! Thanks.

14 upvotes on reddit

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DarkMooness · OP · 5 years ago

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I ended up watching the two seasons of The Missing back to back - another great show. I will definitely take into account your suggestions. I have seen True Detective already which I love. thanks again

1 upvotes on reddit

liog2step · 5 years ago

I second Broadchurch. Or Safe or The Five. All on Netflix

1 upvotes on reddit

2monkeysandafootball · 5 years ago

The Dark

3 upvotes on reddit

balasoori · 5 years ago

7 seconds

1 upvotes on reddit

EverySister · 5 years ago

Dark has that gloomy vibe going.

True Detective is a must and has the police investigation focus as The Sinner. It is really really great.

Broadchuch might be your cup of tea, it's really good too.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/MovieRecommendations • [10]

Summarize

Looking for a dark, twisty thriller

Posted by [deleted] · in r/MovieRecommendations · 5 months ago

Loved Prisoners, Gone Girl, Zodiac, and Nightcrawler. I’m into slow burn thrillers with strong performances, moral complexity, and psychological tension. Any recommendations in that vibe?

16 upvotes on reddit

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ASmoothx · 5 months ago

'The Secret in Their Eyes' (2009 🇦🇷)

3 upvotes on reddit

Ok-Actuator-8170 · 5 months ago

Si!

2 upvotes on reddit

DWJones28 · 5 months ago

What Lies Beneath (2000)

6 upvotes on reddit

Deathanddisco041 · 5 months ago

Ooooo good one

1 upvotes on reddit

SwarioS · 5 months ago

Michael Clayton

5 upvotes on reddit

Sea_Appearance8662 · 5 months ago

Was going to suggest that, too. Really well done.

2 upvotes on reddit

SuitableComment949 · 5 months ago

Insomnia!

3 upvotes on reddit

Deathanddisco041 · 5 months ago

Blink Twice is a good one but trigger warning for S/A

🤖

psychological thrillers like The Sinner

Key Considerations for Psychological Thrillers:

Complex Characters: Look for stories with multi-dimensional characters who have intricate backstories and motivations, similar to the character development in The Sinner.
Unpredictable Plots: Thrillers that keep you guessing with unexpected twists and turns are essential. A good psychological thriller often subverts expectations.
Themes of Morality and Guilt: Many psychological thrillers explore deep themes such as guilt, morality, and the human psyche, which adds depth to the narrative.
Atmospheric Tension: The best thrillers create a sense of unease and tension, often through setting and pacing, drawing you into the story.

Recommendations:

Mindhunter (TV Series): This series delves into the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI, featuring complex characters and psychological depth.
Sharp Objects (TV Series): Based on Gillian Flynn's novel, it follows a journalist who returns to her hometown to cover a series of murders, uncovering dark family secrets.
The Fall (TV Series): This series features a detective hunting a serial killer, exploring the psychological aspects of both the investigator and the criminal.
You (TV Series): A modern psychological thriller that follows a charming yet dangerous protagonist who becomes obsessed with the women he pursues.
The Girl on the Train (Book by Paula Hawkins): This novel features unreliable narrators and intertwining stories that keep you guessing until the end.

These recommendations should satisfy your craving for psychological thrillers with rich narratives and complex characters!

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