15 Dark and Suspenseful Movies like "Prisoners"

Lila Sommers

Lila Sommers

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Are you a fan of mind-bending, intense, and thought-provoking movies like "Prisoners"? If so, you're in luck! Released in 2013, "Prisoners" captivated audiences with its gripping storyline, exceptional performances, and dark atmosphere. If you enjoyed this suspenseful thriller and are craving more films with a similar vibe, we have you covered. Here are 15 related movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Rotten tomatoes87%
iMBD79
Metacritic8.1

If you absolutely loved the intricate plot twists and psychological suspense in "Prisoners," then "Gone Girl" is a must-watch. Based on the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn, this film explores the disappearance of a wife and the disturbing secrets that unfold. With its sensational performances from Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck, "Gone Girl" keeps you guessing until the very last second, just like "Prisoners."

CAST

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike

Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon

Kim Dickens

Kim Dickens

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry

Patrick Fugit

Patrick Fugit

Lisa Banes

Lisa Banes

David Clennon

David Clennon

Boyd Holbrook

Boyd Holbrook

Directed by David Fincher
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Rotten tomatoes89%
iMBD84
Metacritic7.9

Prepare yourself for a gripping and emotional rollercoaster ride with "Mystic River." Directed by Clint Eastwood, this crime drama features an ensemble cast including Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon. Similar to "Prisoners," it delves into the dark secrets of a close-knit community and the impact a crime has on its residents. With its rich characters and intense performances, "Mystic River" is a masterclass in suspense and mystery.

CAST

Sean Penn

Sean Penn

Tim Robbins

Tim Robbins

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne

Marcia Gay Harden

Marcia Gay Harden

Laura Linney

Laura Linney

Kevin Chapman

Kevin Chapman

Tom Guiry

Tom Guiry

Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum

Spencer Treat Clark

Spencer Treat Clark

Directed by Clint Eastwood
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Rotten tomatoes90%
iMBD79
Metacritic7.7

If you enjoy films based on real-life crimes, then "Zodiac" is a perfect choice. Directed by David Fincher, this thrilling mystery revolves around the unsolved case of the Zodiac Killer in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Just like "Prisoners," "Zodiac" offers a chilling and atmospheric experience, keeping you engrossed in the search for a seemingly uncatchable culprit. With superb acting and meticulous attention to detail, this film will leave you questioning every clue.

CAST

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo

Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.

Brian Cox

Brian Cox

John Carroll Lynch

John Carroll Lynch

Richmond Arquette

Richmond Arquette

Bob Stephenson

Bob Stephenson

John Lacy

John Lacy

Chloë Sevigny

Chloë Sevigny

Directed by David Fincher
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Rotten tomatoes74%
iMBD67
Metacritic7.5

"Nocturnal Animals" is a stylish and dark neo-noir thriller that shares a similar intensity with "Prisoners." Directed by fashion designer Tom Ford, the film weaves together two interconnected stories, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This haunting tale of revenge stars Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michael Shannon, and explores the depths of human emotions and the impacts of past actions. With its clever storytelling techniques, "Nocturnal Animals" will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.

CAST

Amy Adams

Amy Adams

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal

Michael Shannon

Michael Shannon

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher

Ellie Bamber

Ellie Bamber

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer

Karl Glusman

Karl Glusman

Robert Aramayo

Robert Aramayo

Laura Linney

Laura Linney

Directed by Tom Ford
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Rotten tomatoes81%
iMBD70
Metacritic8.1

If you're a fan of foreign films, the Israeli drama series "Prisoners of War" (original title: "Hatufim") is a must-watch. This critically acclaimed show inspired the American series "Homeland" and shares some thematic similarities with the movie "Prisoners." It follows the lives of three soldiers who return home after 17 years in captivity, raising questions about their loyalty, secrets, and the effects of their imprisonment. With its engaging storyline and compelling performances, "Prisoners of War" will captivate you from the first episode.

CAST

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal

Maria Bello

Maria Bello

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard

Paul Dano

Paul Dano

Viola Davis

Viola Davis

Melissa Leo

Melissa Leo

Dylan Minnette

Dylan Minnette

Zoë Soul

Zoë Soul

Wayne Duvall

Wayne Duvall

Directed by Denis Villeneuve

2 degrees of seperation (similar to Prisoners)

Gone Girl
Mystic River
Zodiac
Nocturnal Animals
Prisoners
Insomnia
The Secret in Their Eyes
Nightcrawler
Shutter Island
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Wind River
The Gift
The Snowman
A Cure for Wellness
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Rotten tomatoes92%
iMBD78
Metacritic7.2

Another highly regarded thriller from director Christopher Nolan, "Insomnia" explores the psychological toll of sleep deprivation on an LAPD detective sent to a small Alaskan town to investigate a murder. Starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, this atmospheric film immerses you in a twisted game of cat and mouse. Like "Prisoners," it delves into complex moral issues and blurs the line between the hunter and the hunted. Prepare for a suspenseful journey into the dark corners of the human mind.

CAST

Al Pacino

Al Pacino

Robin Williams

Robin Williams

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank

Martin Donovan

Martin Donovan

Maura Tierney

Maura Tierney

Nicky Katt

Nicky Katt

Paul Dooley

Paul Dooley

Crystal Lowe

Crystal Lowe

Jay Brazeau

Jay Brazeau

Larry Holden

Larry Holden

Directed by Christopher Nolan
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Rotten tomatoes89%
iMBD80
Metacritic8.2

Hailing from Argentina, "The Secret in Their Eyes" is a mesmerizing crime drama that combines love, justice, and haunting memories. Following a retired legal counselor trying to solve a brutal murder case from his past, this Academy Award-winning film is an intriguing exploration of obsession and redemption. With its exceptional performances and a gripping narrative, "The Secret in Their Eyes" will satisfy your thirst for intelligent and emotionally charged storytelling.

CAST

Ricardo Darín

Ricardo Darín

Soledad Villamil

Soledad Villamil

Pablo Rago

Pablo Rago

Javier Godino

Javier Godino

Guillermo Francella

Guillermo Francella

Carla Quevedo

Carla Quevedo

Bárbara Palladino

Alejandro Abelenda

Mario Alarcón

Mario Alarcón

Rudy Romano

Directed by Juan José Campanella

8. True Detective (2014)

While not a movie per se, the anthology crime drama series "True Detective" shares many similarities with "Prisoners." Each season features a self-contained story with a new cast, exploring dark themes and intricate mysteries. From the eerie atmosphere of Season 1, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, to the gritty and complex narrative of Season 3, featuring Mahershala Ali, "True Detective" will keep you enthralled with its character-driven storytelling and haunting cinematography.

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Rotten tomatoes95%
iMBD76
Metacritic7.8

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a mesmerizing performance in "Nightcrawler" as an ambitious videographer who ventures into the dangerous world of nightcrawling - capturing violent crime scenes to sell to news outlets. Like "Prisoners," this thrilling film explores the extremes people will go to in pursuit of their objectives. With its dark social commentary and a fantastic portrayal of a morally ambiguous character, "Nightcrawler" will leave you questioning the ethics of the media industry.

CAST

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal

Rene Russo

Rene Russo

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed

Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton

Kevin Rahm

Kevin Rahm

Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt

Price Carson

Price Carson

Kent Shocknek

Kent Shocknek

Sharon Tay

Sharon Tay

Ann Cusack

Ann Cusack

Directed by Dan Gilroy
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Rotten tomatoes69%
iMBD63
Metacritic8.2

Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island" is a psychological thriller that holds you captive from beginning to end. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the film follows two U.S. Marshals investigating the disappearance of a patient from a remote mental institution. As they uncover secrets, the line between truth and delusion blurs, leading to a mind-blowing climax. With its atmospheric setting and twist-filled narrative, "Shutter Island" will leave you questioning your own perception of reality.

CAST

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo

Ben Kingsley

Ben Kingsley

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams

Emily Mortimer

Emily Mortimer

Patricia Clarkson

Patricia Clarkson

Max von Sydow

Max von Sydow

Jackie Earle Haley

Jackie Earle Haley

John Carroll Lynch

John Carroll Lynch

Ted Levine

Ted Levine

Directed by Martin Scorsese

2 degrees of seperation (similar to Shutter Island)

Changeling
The Game
Black Swan
Gone Girl
Inception
Memento
Vertigo
The Girl on the Train
Forgotten
Primal Fear
Jacob's Ladder
Se7en
A Cure for Wellness
10 Cloverfield Lane
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Rotten tomatoes86%
iMBD7.1
Metacritic7.8

Based on the bestselling novel by Stieg Larsson, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" presents a riveting blend of mystery, crime, and suspense. Following a journalist and a highly skilled hacker as they investigate a decades-old disappearance, this dark thriller showcases extraordinary performances from Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig. Enhancing its connection to "Prisoners," it explores themes of family secrets, hidden pasts, and the lengths individuals are willing to go to seek justice.

CAST

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer

Stellan Skarsgård

Stellan Skarsgård

Robin Wright

Robin Wright

Yorick van Wageningen

Yorick van Wageningen

Steven Berkoff

Steven Berkoff

Joely Richardson

Joely Richardson

Geraldine James

Geraldine James

Goran Visnjic

Goran Visnjic

Directed by David Fincher
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Rotten tomatoes88%
iMBD73
Metacritic7.7

"Wind River" is a bone-chilling crime thriller set in the snowy landscapes of Wyoming. Starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, this film revolves around the investigation of a murder on a Native American reservation. Just like "Prisoners," it delves into themes of loss, grief, and the pursuit of truth. With its heart-wrenching story and captivating cinematography, "Wind River" is a hidden gem that will leave you emotionally drained.

CAST

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen

Gil Birmingham

Gil Birmingham

Graham Greene

Graham Greene

Jon Bernthal

Jon Bernthal

Kelsey Asbille

Kelsey Asbille

Teo Briones

Teo Briones

Tantoo Cardinal

Tantoo Cardinal

Matthew Del Negro

Matthew Del Negro

Hugh Dillon

Hugh Dillon

Directed by Taylor Sheridan

2 degrees of seperation (similar to Wind River)

No Country for Old Men
Sicario
Fargo
Hell or High Water
Prisoners
Mystic River
The Grey
The Brave One
In the Bedroom
Insomnia
Frozen River
A Simple Plan
The Snowman
Wind Chill
Winter's Bone
The Call
Tracks
Windtalkers
Wind Walkers
Sweet Virginia
Out of the Furnace
Blood Simple
The Rover
Hold the Dark
Blue Ruin
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Rotten tomatoes91%
iMBD77
Metacritic7

Written and directed by Joel Edgerton, "The Gift" combines elements of psychological drama and suspense to deliver an engrossing story. When a mysterious acquaintance from the past enters the lives of a married couple, hidden secrets and a series of strange events unfold. With its tense atmosphere and enigmatic performances, "The Gift" will keep you guessing until the final moments, just like "Prisoners." Prepare yourself for unexpected twists and a climax that will leave you breathless.

CAST

Jason Bateman

Jason Bateman

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall

Joel Edgerton

Joel Edgerton

Allison Tolman

Allison Tolman

Tim Griffin

Tim Griffin

Busy Philipps

Busy Philipps

Adam Lazarre-White

Adam Lazarre-White

Beau Knapp

Beau Knapp

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce

Mirrah Foulkes

Mirrah Foulkes

Directed by Joel Edgerton
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Rotten tomatoes7%
iMBD23
Metacritic5.1

Adapted from Jo Nesbø's bestselling novel, "The Snowman" is a chilling crime thriller that will send shivers down your spine. Starring Michael Fassbender as a troubled detective investigating a series of gruesome murders, this film shares the dark, atmospheric tone of "Prisoners." As the detective delves deeper into the case, he becomes entangled in a deadly game with a sadistic serial killer. With its Scandinavian noir aesthetic and a suspenseful narrative, "The Snowman" will keep you guessing until the end.

CAST

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer

J.K. Simmons

J.K. Simmons

Toby Jones

Toby Jones

Chloë Sevigny

Chloë Sevigny

Jonas Karlsson

Jonas Karlsson

Michael Yates

Ronan Vibert

Ronan Vibert

Directed by Tomas Alfredson
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Rotten tomatoes42%
iMBD47
Metacritic6.4

This psychological horror film from director Gore Verbinski offers a unique combination of mystery and suspense. "A Cure for Wellness" follows a young executive who travels to a mysterious Swiss Alpine spa to retrieve his company's CEO. As he becomes trapped in the eerie confines of the facility, he uncovers dark secrets and a disturbing truth. Similar to "Prisoners," this film explores the blurred lines between sanity and madness. With its haunting visuals and a captivating storyline, "A Cure for Wellness" is an unforgettable cinematic experience.

CAST

Dane DeHaan

Dane DeHaan

Jason Isaacs

Jason Isaacs

Mia Goth

Mia Goth

Harry Groener

Harry Groener

Celia Imrie

Celia Imrie

Adrian Schiller

Adrian Schiller

Ivo Nandi

Ivo Nandi

Tomas Norström

Tomas Norström

Ashok Mandanna

Ashok Mandanna

Lisa Banes

Lisa Banes

Directed by Gore Verbinski

If you enjoyed the gripping suspense and psychological depth of "Prisoners," these 15 related movies will provide you with a similar cinematic experience. From masterpieces like "Gone Girl" and "Shutter Island" to hidden gems like "The Gift" and "Wind River," these films will keep you enthralled and entertained. Whether you prefer crime dramas, psychological thrillers, or mind-bending mysteries, this list offers a diverse range of options to satisfy your craving for captivating storytelling. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to embark on a thrilling cinematic journey with these incredible movies.

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Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

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