Movies Similar to Shutter Island: 20 Psychological Thrillers

Are you mentally prepared to face the thrilling psychological stories? Movies similar to Shutter Island will take you into the live-action and suspenseful world. Shutter Island film is full of sensations based on the imaginary theme of action, encounters, and impatient secrets. Typical heroic performances and secret unveilings have been pivotal in this film.

Although Shutter Island has fictitious storytelling and themes, the reality of the location on the island is real, and it has been the center of various welfare institutes over the years. The sudden disappearance of the patient from the hospital and threatening lines written on the walls also add real thrill to the movie. Furthermore, our list of similar movies provides much more to enjoy.

20 Movies Similar to Shutter Island (2010)

After the excitement of the suspenseful Shutter Island movie, you will be looking towards more thrilling stories and missions. So, here begins the list of more similar movies.

Prisoners (2013)

“Prisoners” is a 2013 film that follows the story of Keller Dover, played by Hugh Jackman, whose daughter and her friend go missing on Thanksgiving Day. As the police struggle to find any leads, Dover takes matters into his own hands and begins investigating on his own. The plot thickens as he comes into contact with Alex Jones, played by Paul Dano, the main suspect in the case, but is later released due to lack of evidence.

As Dover’s desperation grows, he decides to take matters into his own hands and kidnaps Jones to try and force him to reveal the whereabouts of his daughter. The film delves deep into themes of morality, justice, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. As the tension rises, the audience questions who the real villain is in this intense and gripping thriller.

“Prisoners” is a dark and intense film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With stellar performances from Jackman and Dano and a gripping plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, a mystery action movie like Prisoners will leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

“Good Will Hunting” is a 1997 film that follows the story of Will Hunting, an MIT caretaker with an extraordinary mathematics talent. Despite his genius-level intellect, Will struggles with emotional and psychological issues that prevent him from realizing his full potential. When Will solves a complex math problem left on a chalkboard, his gift is discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau, who encourages him to seek help from therapist Sean Maguire.

As Will begins therapy with Sean, he confronts his traumatic past and begins to understand himself better. Through their sessions, Sean helps Will deal with his feelings of abandonment and fear of failure. Meanwhile, Will also forms a romantic relationship with Skylar, a Harvard student who sees his potential and encourages him to pursue his dreams.

The film delves in a powerful scene where Sean tells Will that it’s not his fault for the abuse he suffered as a child, leading Will to finally break down his emotional barriers and accept the love and support around him. Ultimately, Will makes the difficult decision to leave Boston and pursue his dreams of a better future.

The combination of romance and action in Good Will Hunting like movies, is dynamic and thought-provoking and explores themes of friendship, love, mental health, and the power of self-discovery. The performances of actors Matt Damon, Robin Williams, and Minnie Driver are outstanding, and the film’s emotional depth resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.

Missing (2023)

“Missing (2023)” is a psychological thriller film that follows the story of a young woman named Lily who goes missing under mysterious circumstances. The plot revolves around her husband, Jack, who becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance.

As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets and hidden truths emerge, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal. The film explores love, loss, and the lengths people will go to to protect themselves.

As the story progresses, Jack is forced to confront his demons and face the truth about what happened to Lily. The film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the tension builds and the mystery deepens. With unexpected twists and turns, Missing (2023) similar movies keep audiences guessing until the end.

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

“Where the Crawdads Sing” is a highly anticipated film adaptation of the best-selling novel by Delia Owens. The story follows the life of Kya Clark, a young woman who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. As Kya navigates the challenges of loneliness and prejudice, she also becomes entangled in a murder investigation that threatens to unravel her world.

The film’s plot delves into themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through flashbacks and present-day scenes, viewers are taken on a journey through Kya’s past and present, uncovering the mysteries of her life and the secrets that have shaped her into the woman she is today.

The lush setting of the marshes serves as a backdrop to the emotional and suspenseful storyline, adding to the atmospheric nature of the film.

As Where the Crawdads Sing movie unfolds on screen, audiences will be captivated by the cinematography’s beauty, the characters’ depth, and the powerful storytelling that made the novel such a beloved bestseller. To enjoy the unforgettable cinematic experience of action and a compelling narrative, Where the Crawdads Sing like films would be a treasure trove. This film promises to be astonishing for fans of the book and newcomers alike.

Gone Girl (2014)

Gone Girl (2014) is a psychological thrilling film that evokes the sensations with live action. Missouri, ex-New York writer Nick Dunne and his stunning wife Amy project an image of marital bliss in Carthage. However, Amy vanishes on their fifth wedding anniversary, thrusting Nick into the spotlight as the main suspect.

The subsequent police scrutiny and media uproar shatter the façade of their perfect marriage, raising intriguing questions about the true nature of Nick and Amy’s relationship. For thrilling psychological impacts on the audience through its enigmatic storytelling, Gone Girl and similar movies are worthwhile.

Secret Window (2004)

Secret Window (2004) is a psychological film that raises a sense of curiosity among the viewers through its thrilling story. The plot unveils the story of Mort Rainey, who keeps himself isolated in a remote cabin during the divorce process with his wife, Maria. 

Shooter John is searching for Rainey, who has a bad experience with Mort. Soon, Rainey realizes that Shooter is looking to take revenge. Overall, Secret Window (2004) is a gripping and suspenseful film that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. It is a thought-provoking thriller that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. 

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

A Scanner Darkly (2006) is a science fiction film that describes the thrilling story of the main protagonist based on the novel. The plot unveils that with America on the verge of losing the war on drugs, narcotics officer Robert Arctor goes undercover in Orange County, California, and ends up becoming an addict himself. 

To uncover her supplier, he tries to win the trust of Donna, a dealer. Simultaneously, he is tasked with spying on his housemates, one of whom is Donna’s most significant customer. It is one of the best movies similar to Shutter Island.

The Game (1997)

The Game (1997) film lets viewers enjoy curiosity and sensation through puzzles and mystery. Successful banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) leads a solitary life. On his birthday, his estranged brother Conrad (Sean Penn) reappears with an unusual gift: enrollment in a personalized, real-life game. Though hesitant, Nicholas decides to participate. 

What starts as a gentle experience quickly becomes deeply personal, and Nicholas finds himself fearing for his life while escaping agents from the enigmatic game’s organizers. With his trust shattered and wealth vanished, Nicholas is left to uncover the truth alone.

Dark City (1998)

Dark City (1998) film is a science fiction story-telling based on imaginations that lead the audience to the mesmerizing impacts of science. Waking up alone in an unfamiliar hotel, John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) discovers he’s the prime suspect in a string of gruesome murders.

The trouble is, he has no memory of committing them. At one point, he briefly believes he might have lost his sanity. Murdoch delves into the enigma to uncover the truth about his identity. As he approaches solving the mystery, he uncovers a sinister underworld ruled by a shadowy group known as the unfamiliar persons.

The Machinist (2004)

The Machinist (2004) is an astonishing film based on the accidental trauma that occurred with the central protagonist. The plot reveals the story of Trevor Reznik (Christian Bale), a factory worker who endures such extreme insomnia that it drastically affects his weight and mental state. 

After unintentionally causing a workplace accident that severely injures a colleague (Michael Ironside), Trevor’s mental turmoil intensifies. Even though he has a relationship with Stevie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), an attractive prostitute, Trevor’s paranoia deepens. He starts attributing his troubles to a mysterious man named Ivan (John).

Black Swan (2010)

Black Swan (2010) film will evoke your emotions if you are a fan of psychological films. The story begins with Ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman), who is consumed by her passion for dance, which dominates every aspect of her existence. 

When the company’s artistic director opts to replace the prima ballerina (title of female dancer) for their “Swan Lake” production, Nina is selected as the lead. However, she faces competition from newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis), who embodies the Black Swan, contrasting Nina’s suitability for the White Swan. As their rivalry morphs into a complex friendship, Nina’s darker side starts to surface.

Open Your Eyes (1997)

Open Your Eyes (1997) is a psychologically thrilling film based on the mystery of a handsome girl. The plot unveils the story of Cesar (Eduardo Noriega), a strikingly handsome 25-year-old who seemed to have everything: a thriving career, luxury cars, a stylish bachelor’s apartment, and a continuous parade of beautiful, eager women. 

However, his life takes a bizarre turn after a car accident leaves his face scarred and results in his imprisonment, plunging him into a perplexing psychological mystery.

Seconds (1966)

Seconds (1966) is an old psychological film that contains horror trauma. One day, banker Arthur Hamilton (John Randolph) receives an unexpected call from a friend he believed to be dead. This friend, it turns out, had faked his death and been given a new identity by a company specializing in transforming lives. 

Intrigued, Hamilton opts for the same procedure and emerges as Tony Wilson (Rock Hudson), an artist in Malibu. Provided with a male servant to assist in his transition, Hamilton soon discovers that adapting to his new life is the least of his concerns.

The Girl on the Train (2016)

The Girl on the Train (2016) is a famous psychologically thrilling film directed by Tate Taylor. The plot starts with the everyday commuter Rachel Watson (Emily Blunt) observing what appears to be an ideal couple, Scott and Megan, through the train window. 

However, one day, Watson witnesses a startling event in the strangers’ backyard. After discovering Megan’s disappearance and presumed death, Rachel reports her suspicions to the authorities. Struggling with her memory’s reliability, she embarks on a personal investigation while the police entertain the possibility that Rachel has overstepped a dangerous boundary.

Memento (2000)

Memento (2000) is a thrilling film based on the short story of the protagonist suffering from amnesia. In his quest for revenge, Leonard (Guy Pearce) hunts down the man responsible for his wife’s rape and murder. 

However, his task is made exponentially harder by his rare and incurable memory loss condition. While he retains memories from before his accident, Leonard struggles to recall events from fifteen minutes prior, making it challenging to navigate his path, objectives, and motivations.

Yodha (2024)

Yodha (2024) film is a blend of action and thrill set in the Hindi language directed by Sagar. The plot begins as a passenger plane falls victim to a terrorist hijacking; an off-duty soldier formulates a strategy to counter the hijackers and ensure the survival of the passengers despite the engine’s malfunction.

The movie delves into the viewers’ curiosity, where terror is a pivotal theme and survival is the ultimate destination. So, a journey of complete action begins in the account of saving lives.

The Wages of Fear (2024)

The Wages of Fear (2024) is a film full of suspense in which the story’s main characters put themselves in danger for the safety of others. The film is based on the story of the extreme risk involved in defusing the bomb, which could be disastrous for the people.  

With only 24 hours on the clock, an underground task force must transport two truckloads of nitroglycerin through a treacherous desert to stop a catastrophic explosion. The Wages of Fear (2024) film is one of the similar movies to Shutter Island.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Mulholland Drive (2001) is a modern, thrilling film based on a curious story. After a car accident, a brown woman (Laura Elena Harring) finds herself with amnesia. She roams the streets of Los Angeles in confusion before seeking shelter in an apartment. 

There, she stumbled upon Betty (Naomi Watts), a wholesome blonde from the Midwest pursuing an acting career in the city. Joined forces, they embark on unraveling the enigma surrounding Rita’s identity. The narrative unfolds in a surreal version of Los Angeles, untouched by traffic or pollution. 

Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver (1976) is an old classical movie that encompasses thrilling and emotional trauma. Struggling with insomnia, Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a troubled individual, secures employment as a taxi driver in New York City. 

Night after night, he navigates the city’s streets, slipping further from reality while fantasizing about purifying the urban decay. His action intensifies when he encounters Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a charming political campaigner, sparking an obsession with saving society. Initially contemplating the assassination of a presidential candidate, Travis redirects his focus to rescuing 12-year-old prostitute Iris.

Cape Fear (1991)

Cape Fear (1991) is an old film based on the story of strict allegations and violence. Sam Bowden (Nick Nolte), a lawyer, deliberately conceals evidence that could exonerate Max Cady (Robert De Niro), a violent sex offender, from rape accusations, resulting in Max’s 14-year imprisonment. 

Upon Max’s release, fueled by knowledge of Sam’s deception, he becomes fixated on tormenting and dismantling the Bowden household. As conventional methods to prevent Max prove futile, Sam recognizes the necessity of taking unconventional measures to safeguard his wife and daughter in Martin Scorsese’s modern execution of the iconic 1962 suspense film.

About Shutter Island (2010)

Shutter Island (2010) is a thrilling film based on the novel set on the island. The film takes a turn when U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his recently assigned partner (Mark Ruffalo) are summoned to Ashecliffe Hospital, an isolated fortress-like asylum, following the improbable escape of a cunning murderess. 

Despite being in a secured room, the woman has seemingly disappeared without a trace, suggesting sinister happenings within the institution. With each twist in the investigation, Teddy confronts his inner demons, knowing survival centers on facing his darkest fears before leaving the island.

Shutter Island (2010) Cast

• Leonardo DiCaprio appeared as Edward Daniels.
• Mark Ruffalo worked as Dr. Lester.
• Max von Sydow played the role of Dr. Naehring.
• Ben Kingsley adopted the role of Dr. John.
• Emily Mortimer worked with Rachel 1.
• Patricia Clarkson played the role of Rachel 2.

Box Office Performance

Conclusion

Overall, movies similar to Shutter Island are the source of sensation, filmized on a far-flung island notorious for various strange rumors. One of the most significant things about the island is its special location, surrounded by abundant greenery and lockups. 

Escaping the patient from the bedroom is mysterious and scary. Besides the Shutter Island movie, several other films mentioned above would amuse audiences if they like more action and mysterious stories.