15 Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller TV Shows to Keep You on Edge

Looking for a dose of intense suspense and mind-bending narratives? Look no further than the subgenre of psychological thrillers. Unlike action-packed movies, these films skillfully unravel their gripping stories by delving into the intricate mental states and twisted perspectives of their characters, making reality itself appear foggy. Cult classics like Rear Window, Cape Fear, and The Silence of the Lambs paved the way for a whole new wave of psychological thrillers, with gripping series such as Bates Motel, True Detective, and David Fincher's Mindhunter leading the pack.

While there have been numerous psychological thriller shows over the years that have garnered praise both from critics and viewers, only a select few have the power to truly leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Which of these unnerving series, sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, are worth watching as soon as possible?

Updated on October 23, 2023, by Hannah Saab:

Dubbed Night Country, True Detective Season 4 is set to debut on January 14, 2024. Meanwhile, as enthusiasts eagerly await its release, now is an ideal moment to explore additional captivating psychological thrillers that send shivers down the spine.

15 'The Patient' (2022)

Therapist Alan Strauss (played by Steve Carell) finds himself a captive of his patient, Sam (played by Domhall Gleeson), who confesses to being a serial killer. In order to survive, Strauss must delve into Sam's psyche and figure out a way to prevent him from killing again. As this unsettling situation unfolds, Strauss begins to reflect on his own troubled life. As he delves deeper into Sam's compulsions, he realizes that he must also confront the issues within his own family.

Hulu's thrilling limited series, The Patient, showcases Carell in his first major TV role, gripping audiences from start to finish. The show delves into the mind of a killer while also exploring the seemingly ordinary mind of Strauss, blurring the lines between them and suggesting that they may have more in common than meets the eye.

Watch on Hulu

14 'Swarm' (2023)

Image via Prime Video

In the limited series Swarm, creators Janine Nabers and Donald Glover present a cautionary narrative examining the world of fandoms. This critically acclaimed show delves into the life of Dre (Dominique Fishback), a devoted member of "The Swarm" fanbase, renowned for her unwavering adoration for a popular music artist.

Watch Swarm on Prime Video for an immersive and uniquely comedic tale that explores obsession through the eyes of passionate fans. Prepare for surprising twists and turns as Dre delves further into the captivating universe of a celebrity reminiscent of Beyoncé, where her desires come with real-life repercussions.

13 'The Undoing' (2020)

Manhattan psychologist, Grace Fraser (played by Nicole Kidman), enjoys a luxurious life alongside her husband, Jonathan (played by Hugh Grant), an oncologist, and their son, Henry. However, their idyllic existence is shattered when a fellow classmate's mother is horrifically murdered. Suddenly, Grace and her family find themselves at the center of a gripping investigation.

Max's The Undoing offers a refreshing twist on the traditional "whodunit" genre, constantly challenging viewers to question who could be responsible for this senseless crime. Alongside intriguing characters like Jonathan and Grace's father (Donald Sutherland), who may not be what they seem, the series skillfully blurs the lines, setting the stage for an unexpected and astonishing finale.

12 'The Devil's Hour' (2022 - )

Lucy Chambers is a single mother and social worker plagued by a nightly awakening at exactly 3:33, which is known as the Devil's hour. Unable to understand the significance of these occurrences, she finds herself struggling to connect with her son, Isaac, who displays signs of emotional turmoil. However, when she is sought out by the enigmatic criminal Gideon, Lucy is confronted with a shocking revelation about her own life.

The Devil's Hour is a thought-provoking British TV series that blends elements of science fiction, psychological crime, and fractured storytelling, reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's film, Memento. This captivating show delves into the unsettling realms of murder and time travel, seamlessly jumping between two different timelines. As Lucy faces off against Gideon, his presence alone sends shivers down the spine, leading to a culmination of the intricate plot.

Watch on Prime Video

11 'You' (2018 - 2024)

Image via Netflix

You, a psychological thriller show based on the novels by Caroline Kepnes, has undergone a transformation in its narrative over time. Initially, it presents the tale of Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley), a seemingly harmless bookstore manager who falls in love with aspiring writer Guinevere Beck (portrayed by Elizabeth Lail) and eventually becomes dangerously obsessed with her. The transition from a stalker with a toxic fixation to a killer prompts Joe to relocate to a different town, paving the way for another season of suspense and intrigue.

While the initial focus of You revolved around Joe and his erratic behavior and fantasies, the series has gradually introduced additional characters who can potentially rival or even surpass the main character. From affluent socialites to a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Joe himself, he has faced numerous challenges in the recent episodes. Will the upcoming fifth and final season unveil whether Joe has finally encountered someone who can truly rival him? Stream now on Netflix.

10 'Yellowjackets' (2021 - )

Showcasing a remarkably talented ensemble cast featuring Sophie Nélisse, Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Christina Ricci, and others, Showtime's Yellowjackets is a truly unique and captivating thriller series. Centered around a group of high school soccer players, a team of girls on the verge of competing in the national championships, they find themselves stranded in a mysterious forest following a plane crash.

The narrative seamlessly transitions between the girls' time spent in the wilderness and the lives of the adult versions of the Yellowjackets characters who survived, set 25 years later. It skillfully reveals just enough hints and clues along the way, leaving the ultimate reveal all the more satisfying. Blending elements of psychological thriller, drama, and the supernatural, Yellowjackets expertly muddles the line between hallucinations and the chilling unknown of the wilderness. This unsettling journey keeps viewers constantly second-guessing, with the latest season raising more questions than answers and leaving fans yearning for more.

Watch on Showtime

9 'The Fall' (2013 - 2016)

Image courtesy of BBC

In her pursuit of a notorious serial killer terrorizing Northern Ireland, London detective Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) investigates various leads. However, she is taken aback when she discovers that the mild-mannered husband and father, Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan), is the perpetrator. As Gibson's relentless search escalates, the shocking truth unfolds.

The Fall serves as a chilling testament to the fact that the true monsters of the world often bear no resemblance to the creatures that children envision lurking beneath their beds. With Spector's stable domestic life and family background, a distinct sense of suspense permeates this high-stakes battle of wits, accompanied by a peculiar sympathy for the serial killer as he desperately maintains his façade.

Stream now on Prime Video.

8 'Bates Motel' (2013 - 2017)

After her husband dies, Norma Bates (played by Vera Farmiga) decides to start fresh by buying a motel in the coastal town of White Pine Bay. She hopes this change will be beneficial for both herself and her introverted teenage son, Norman (played by Freddie Highmore), who shares an intense connection with his mother. As Norman begins to open up, he manages to make some friends. However, both he and his mother soon realize that the seemingly idyllic small town is not what it appears to be.

"Bates Motel" is a prequel series to the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film, "Psycho." It delves into the early life of Norman Bates and the pivotal events that ultimately lead him to become an unsuspecting murderer. The show's suspense is built through the use of fear tactics and psychological manipulation, enhanced by brilliant performances from both Highmore and Farmiga.

7 'Sharp Objects' (2018)

In the limited thriller series "Sharp Objects," Camille Preaker, played by Amy Adams, is an investigative journalist who returns to her hometown to investigate a series of unsolved crimes involving two local girls. As she delves deeper into the case, she also tries to reconnect with her overbearing mother, portrayed by Patricia Clarkson, and her half-sister, Amma, played by Eliza Crellin. However, as Camille confronts painful memories from her past, her investigation becomes increasingly personal and intense. "Sharp Objects," based on Gillian Flynn's bestselling novel, is a remarkable television adaptation, with its gripping portrayal of a corrupt town and Adams delivering an outstanding performance in her first leading role on television.

Watch on Max

6 'The Haunting of Hill House' (2018)

Image via Netflix

Hugh (played by Timothy Hutton/ Henry Thomas) and Olivia Crain (played by Carla Gugino) move into a countryside mansion with their five children in 1992. This house, known as Hill House, turns out to be haunted, and the children grow up in its eerie and infamous presence. As adults, they are still haunted by the supernatural occurrences and apparitions of Hill House, some of which remain tucked away in the depths of their minds.

The Haunting of Hill House, available for streaming on Netflix, is a captivating adaptation of Shirley Jackson's renowned horror novel from 1959. Mike Flanagan, the creator and director of this psychological thriller, has expertly included thought-provoking hints and secret references that make the series highly rewatchable. However, it is advisable to avoid watching it right before bedtime.

5 'Mindhunter' (2017 - 2019)

In the 1970s, two F.B.I. agents, Holden Ford and Bill Tench, are given the task of enlarging the department's behavioral unit and traveling around the country to interview serial killers. During these interviews, the agents begin to uncover specific mental characteristics and childhood experiences that ultimately lead them to develop the modern technique of criminal profiling.

The Netflix series Mindhunter is based on the bestselling book written by former F.B.I. agent John E. Douglas, who played a crucial role in developing the agency's behavioral unit and is widely regarded as one of the top criminal profilers. This highly acclaimed original series delves deep into the disturbed minds of some of history's most vicious serial killers, such as The Co-Ed Killer, Edward Kemper, and The Son of Sam, David Berkowitz.

Watch on Netflix

4 'Dexter' (2006 - 2013)

Image via Showtime

Dexter Morgan, portrayed by Michael C. Hall, is a blood-splatter analyst based in Miami. Unbeknownst to most, he lives a double life as a notorious serial killer. Dexter justifies his gruesome actions by targeting only those who are deserving of punishment, and he possesses the uncanny ability to justify his brutal behavior. With the exception of his father, played by James Remar, no one is aware of Dexter's dark secret, and his father actively assists him in carrying out his macabre acts.

Dexter, produced by Showtime, is a captivating blend of dark comedy and gripping psychological thriller that challenges the notions of vigilante justice. This popular television series introduces audiences to one of the most beloved and complex anti-heroes while captivating them with a desire for his continued success in evading the law. Dexter skillfully balances its darker elements with moments of humor, occasionally causing viewers to momentarily overlook its grisly nature. Tune in to Showtime for an unforgettable viewing experience.

3 'Severance' (2022 - )

Severance has rapidly emerged as one of the top-rated shows on Apple TV+ due to its ingenious concept, gripping storyline, and tension-filled atmosphere. This sci-fi psychological thriller is set in a world where employees' brains can be "severed" to separate their professional and personal identities. Mark, one of these employees portrayed by Adam Scott, begins to uncover a sinister aspect of this arrangement. As more and more fans speculate about the hidden secrets of Lumon Industries and the peculiar severance procedure involving goats, there's no better time to join this thrilling journey of unraveling the truth behind the company's corporate program. Additionally, the series offers sharp commentary on the contemporary work landscape and depicts a disturbing vision of its future.

Watch on Apple TV+

2 'Hannibal' (2013 - 2015)

Bryan Fuller brings his signature touch to the thrilling tale of Hannibal, making it one of the most captivating renditions of the infamous cannibalistic character. In this NBC show, renowned criminal profiler Will Graham (portrayed by Hugh Dancy) forms an unlikely bond with the enigmatic Dr. Hannibal Lecter (played by Mads Mikkelsen), with hopes of apprehending a highly elusive serial killer. However, as the story unfolds, Lecter's sinister secrets add complexity to their relationship.

Mikkelsen's portrayal of the iconic killer is exceptional, as he brings a captivating blend of charm and terror to the character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. This psychological horror-thriller series fearlessly presents grisly imagery, which remains compelling and compelling enough for the show to be rewatched. Stream it on Hulu.

1 'True Detective' (2014 - )

Louisiana homicide detectives Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harelson) are drawn into the chilling investigation of a young woman's brutal murder in 1995. Now, seventeen years later, they are forced to confront not only this unsolved case but also several others, triggering a tumultuous journey into their troubled past.

In Nic Pizzolatto's captivating crime anthology series True Detective, viewers are plunged into a dark world of heinous crimes, witnessing the intricate complexities of Cohle and Hart's relationship. As the investigation unfolds, the destructive ripple effects and irreversible consequences on their personal lives come to light. Against a backdrop of McConaughey's mesmerizing words of wisdom and the harrowing realities lurking beneath the Bayou's surface, True Detective leaves an indelible mark on its audience, long after the final credits roll.

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