Welcome to a cinematic journey through the realm of psychological thrillers and mind-bending narratives! We've curated a list of 24 films like Split that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and psychological twists.
From Hitchcockian classics to contemporary masterpieces, this compilation dives into the intricate realms of fractured minds, mysterious identities, and unexpected revelations.
Each film on this list shares common tones with "Split," offering viewers a gripping exploration of psychological complexities, dark secrets, and suspenseful storytelling. Get ready to immerse yourself in a collection that transcends the ordinary, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is a classic psychological thriller that follows Marion Crane, who steals money and ends up at the Bates Motel, run by the mysterious Norman Bates. The film is celebrated for its iconic shower scene and shocking plot twists. Similar to "Split," "Psycho" delves into the psyche of its characters, featuring a disturbed antagonist whose true nature is gradually unveiled, creating an atmosphere of suspense and psychological tension.
CAST
Anthony Perkins
Janet Leigh
Vera Miles
John Gavin
Martin Balsam
John McIntire
Simon Oakland
Frank Albertson
Patricia Hitchcock
Vaughn Taylor
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Directed by Jonathan Demme, "The Silence of the Lambs" introduces FBI trainee Clarice Starling, seeking the help of imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer. Like "Split," this film is a psychological thriller that explores the complexity of the human mind, featuring a captivating relationship between the protagonist and an enigmatic character with a dark past.
CAST
Jodie Foster
Anthony Hopkins
Scott Glenn
Ted Levine
Anthony Heald
Brooke Smith
Diane Baker
Kasi Lemmons
Frankie Faison
Tracey Walter
2 degrees of seperation (similar to The Silence of the Lambs)
The Sixth Sense (1999)
M. Night Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense" follows child psychologist Malcolm Crowe as he attempts to help a young boy who claims to see dead people. Similar to "Split," this film is renowned for its unexpected twist ending and psychological depth, intertwining supernatural elements with a character-driven narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
CAST
Bruce Willis
Haley Joel Osment
Toni Collette
Olivia Williams
Trevor Morgan
Donnie Wahlberg
Peter Anthony Tambakis
Jeffrey Zubernis
Bruce Norris
Glenn Fitzgerald
Se7en (1995)
In "Se7en," seasoned Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) pairs with young Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) to solve a series of gruesome murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. As they delve into the killer's twisted mind, the film creates a dark and chilling atmosphere. Just like "Split," "Se7en" explores the psychological toll of crime and the intricate nature of human morality, with both films featuring compelling characters whose actions are motivated by deep-seated psychological factors.
CAST
Morgan Freeman
Brad Pitt
Gwyneth Paltrow
R. Lee Ermey
John C. McGinley
Julie Araskog
Mark Boone Junior
John Cassini
Reg E. Cathey
Peter Crombie
Unbreakable (2000)
M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable" introduces David Dunn (Bruce Willis), the sole survivor of a train crash who learns he may possess superhuman abilities. Much like "Split," Shyamalan crafts a narrative that combines psychological depth with elements of the extraordinary. Both films involve characters navigating their unique conditions and grappling with the implications of their exceptional nature, creating an engaging blend of psychological drama and supernatural intrigue.
CAST
Bruce Willis
Samuel L. Jackson
Robin Wright
Spencer Treat Clark
Charlayne Woodard
Eamonn Walker
Leslie Stefanson
Johnny Hiram Jamison
Michaelia Carroll
Bostin Christopher
Memento (2000)
In Christopher Nolan's "Memento," Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) seeks revenge for his wife's murder while coping with short-term memory loss. The film's non-linear structure mirrors the fragmented mental state of its protagonist, challenging audiences to piece together the puzzle. Similarly, "Split" captivates viewers with its psychological complexity, utilizing narrative intricacies to explore the fractured mind of its central character. Both films share a commitment to keeping the audience on the edge of their seats through clever storytelling and psychological suspense.
CAST
Guy Pearce
Carrie-Anne Moss
Joe Pantoliano
Mark Boone Junior
Russ Fega
Jorja Fox
Stephen Tobolowsky
Harriet Sansom Harris
Thomas Lennon
Callum Keith Rennie
Identity (2003)
In "Identity," ten strangers are stranded at a desolate motel during a storm. As they discover eerie connections among themselves, a series of murders begins, raising questions about their shared past. Similarly to "Split," "Identity" delves into psychological complexities and the unraveling of hidden connections. Both films explore the impact of the mind on reality, creating an atmosphere of suspense and mystery.
CAST
John Cusack
Ray Liotta
Amanda Peet
John Hawkes
Alfred Molina
Clea DuVall
John C. McGinley
William Lee Scott
Jake Busey
Pruitt Taylor Vince
The Machinist (2004)
"The Machinist" follows Trevor Reznik, a machinist suffering from extreme insomnia, leading to a downward spiral of paranoia and delusion. Like "Split," it explores the fragile nature of the human mind and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. Christian Bale's transformative performance is reminiscent of James McAvoy's in "Split," as both actors commit to physically and emotionally demanding roles in psychological thrillers that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
CAST
Christian Bale
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
John Sharian
Michael Ironside
Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
Reg E. Cathey
Anna Massey
Matthew Romero Moore
Robert Long
Donnie Darko (2001)
"Donnie Darko" centers on the troubled teenager Donnie, who experiences disturbing visions and encounters a mysterious rabbit named Frank. Much like "Split," "Donnie Darko" delves into psychological complexity and the thin boundary between reality and fantasy. Both films involve unconventional narratives and showcase the impact of mental health on the protagonists' perceptions of the world. While "Split" explores dissociative identity disorder, "Donnie Darko" delves into the enigma of time travel and existential dilemmas, creating thought-provoking and surreal experiences for the audience.
CAST
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jena Malone
James Duval
Drew Barrymore
Beth Grant
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Mary McDonnell
Holmes Osborne
Noah Wyle
Katharine Ross
Black Swan (2010)
In Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan," Natalie Portman stars as Nina, a dedicated ballet dancer vying for the lead role in a New York City production. As she immerses herself in the demanding role of the Black Swan, her mental state begins to unravel. The film delves into the psychological toll of perfectionism and the blurred lines between reality and delusion. Similar to "Split," "Black Swan" explores the fragility of the human mind and the transformative power of intense psychological experiences.
CAST
Natalie Portman
Mila Kunis
Vincent Cassel
Barbara Hershey
Winona Ryder
Benjamin Millepied
Ksenia Solo
Kristina Anapau
Janet Montgomery
Sebastian Stan
Shutter Island (2010)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island" follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he investigates the disappearance of a prisoner from a mental institution. The isolated island setting, mysterious characters, and psychological twists echo the atmosphere of suspense found in "Split." Both films keep audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning the nature of reality and the characters' sanity.
CAST
Leonardo DiCaprio
Mark Ruffalo
Ben Kingsley
Michelle Williams
Emily Mortimer
Patricia Clarkson
Max von Sydow
Jackie Earle Haley
John Carroll Lynch
Ted Levine
2 degrees of seperation (similar to Shutter Island)
Gone Girl (2014)
David Fincher's "Gone Girl" centers on the disappearance of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) and the subsequent media frenzy that ensues. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets are revealed, and perceptions shift. Similarly to "Split," "Gone Girl" employs psychological manipulation and unexpected plot developments to keep viewers engaged. Both films challenge the audience's perceptions of the characters, creating a tense and unpredictable narrative.
CAST
Ben Affleck
Rosamund Pike
Carrie Coon
Kim Dickens
Neil Patrick Harris
Tyler Perry
Patrick Fugit
Lisa Banes
David Clennon
Boyd Holbrook
The Others (2001)
Grace (Nicole Kidman) becomes convinced that her secluded mansion is haunted, leading her to employ servants who can live in perpetual darkness. The eerie atmosphere heightens as her light-sensitive children reveal unsettling occurrences. As the haunting secrets unfold, "The Others" explores themes of isolation, belief, and the blurred line between the supernatural and psychological. Much like "Split," it employs a suspenseful atmosphere and a thought-provoking narrative that challenges perceptions.
CAST
Nicole Kidman
Christopher Eccleston
Alakina Mann
James Bentley
Fionnula Flanagan
Eric Sykes
Elaine Cassidy
Renée Asherson
Gordon Reid
Keith Allen
Prisoners (2013)
In "Prisoners," two young girls go missing, launching a frantic search led by a desperate father (Hugh Jackman) and a determined detective (Jake Gyllenhaal). As the investigation intensifies, ethical boundaries blur, mirroring the psychological depth found in "Split." The film explores the impact of tragedy on the human psyche, questioning morality and justice. Much like "Split," "Prisoners" grips audiences with its psychological complexity and unflinching examination of the human condition.
CAST
Hugh Jackman
Jake Gyllenhaal
Maria Bello
Terrence Howard
Paul Dano
Viola Davis
Melissa Leo
Dylan Minnette
Zoë Soul
Wayne Duvall
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
In this gripping mystery-thriller, investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist teams up with a brilliant hacker, Lisbeth Salander, to solve a decades-old disappearance in a wealthy family. As they delve deeper, they uncover disturbing secrets and a trail of corruption. Similarly to "Split," the film intricately weaves a psychological narrative, revealing hidden facets of characters and exploring the impact of trauma on their lives.
CAST
Daniel Craig
Rooney Mara
Christopher Plummer
Stellan Skarsgård
Robin Wright
Yorick van Wageningen
Steven Berkoff
Joely Richardson
Geraldine James
Goran Visnjic
Glass (2019)
M. Night Shyamalan's "Glass" unites characters from his earlier films, "Unbreakable" and "Split." David Dunn, a security guard with superhuman abilities, pursues Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with multiple personalities, as they both become pawns in a psychiatrist's manipulative game. Like "Split," "Glass" delves into the complexities of individuals with extraordinary traits, blending psychological exploration with elements of the supernatural.
CAST
James McAvoy
Bruce Willis
Samuel L. Jackson
Anya Taylor-Joy
Sarah Paulson
Spencer Treat Clark
Charlayne Woodard
Luke Kirby
Adam David Thompson
Jacob's Ladder (1990)
"Jacob's Ladder" follows Jacob Singer, a Vietnam War veteran, as he experiences disturbing hallucinations and tries to unravel the truth behind his fragmented reality. Much like "Split," the film delves into the psychological toll of trauma, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. As Jacob navigates his fractured mind, the narrative explores the impact of war-induced stress and psychological torment, creating an atmosphere of suspense and introspection.
CAST
Tim Robbins
Elizabeth Peña
Danny Aiello
Matt Craven
Pruitt Taylor Vince
Jason Alexander
Patricia Kalember
Eriq La Salle
Ving Rhames
Brian Tarantina
More Hidden Gems Like 'Split'
Discover hidden gems in the realm of psychological cinema with our selection of seven underrated films reminiscent of the suspenseful tones in "Split."
These cinematic treasures, often overlooked, promise gripping narratives, mind-bending twists, and psychological depth, providing a unique and thrilling experience for those craving intriguing and lesser-known cinematic wonders.
Enemy (2013)
In "Enemy," directed by Denis Villeneuve, Adam Bell, a history professor, discovers his exact look-alike, Anthony, in a movie. As their lives become entangled, the boundaries between reality and identity blur. The film delves into psychological complexities, mirroring the theme of fractured identity seen in "Split." Both movies explore the darker facets of the mind and challenge perceptions of self, leaving audiences in suspense until the final revelation.
CAST
Jake Gyllenhaal
Mélanie Laurent
Sarah Gadon
Isabella Rossellini
Joshua Peace
Tim Post
Kedar Brown
Darryl Dinn
Megan Mane
Misha Highstead
The Gift (2015)
In Joel Edgerton's directorial debut, "The Gift," a seemingly chance encounter reopens old wounds for a married couple, Simon and Robyn. When a mysterious acquaintance from Simon's past, Gordo, reappears and gifts them unsettling presents, buried secrets resurface. Much like "Split," "The Gift" examines psychological trauma and the impact of past experiences on one's present, keeping viewers on edge as the narrative unfolds with unexpected twists.
CAST
Jason Bateman
Rebecca Hall
Joel Edgerton
Allison Tolman
Tim Griffin
Busy Philipps
Adam Lazarre-White
Beau Knapp
Wendell Pierce
Mirrah Foulkes
Triangle (2009)
Christopher Smith's "Triangle" follows Jess, a single mother, who boards a yacht with friends only to encounter an eerie phenomenon. As the group faces unexplainable occurrences and a relentless series of events, the film explores the psychological toll on its characters. Similar to "Split," "Triangle" involves the complexities of the mind and reality, with both movies incorporating elements of mystery and suspense that challenge the audience's perception of the unfolding narrative.
CAST
Melissa George
Liam Hemsworth
Emma Lung
Rachael Carpani
Michael Dorman
Joshua McIvor
Henry Nixon
Jack Taylor
Bryan Probets
Coherence (2013)
"Coherence" unfolds a gripping tale of a dinner party gone awry, where the appearance of a comet shatters the fabric of reality. Friends grapple with parallel universes and alternate versions of themselves, creating a labyrinth of uncertainty. Similar to "Split," this film taps into psychological intricacies, weaving a narrative that challenges the boundaries of perception and identity. With its mind-bending twists, "Coherence" keeps viewers on the edge, inviting them to question the nature of existence itself.
CAST
Emily Baldoni
Maury Sterling
Nicholas Brendon
Elizabeth Gracen
Hugo Armstrong
Alex Manugian
Lauren Maher
Kelly Donovan
Aqueela Zoll
The Invitation (2015)
As the protagonist attends a seemingly innocuous dinner party, "The Invitation" takes a sinister turn, exploring themes of grief, trust, and suspicion. Echoing the psychological depth of "Split," the film navigates the blurred lines between reality and paranoia. Tensions escalate, mirroring the suspenseful atmosphere found in "Split," as the characters grapple with the uncertainty of their surroundings. "The Invitation" crafts a psychological thriller that lingers, compelling audiences to question the motives of those around them.
CAST
Logan Marshall-Green
Tammy Blanchard
Emayatzy Corinealdi
Michiel Huisman
John Carroll Lynch
Lindsay Burdge
Mike Doyle
Jay Larson
Michelle Krusiec
Karl Yune
The Belko Experiment (2016)
In "The Belko Experiment," corporate employees become pawns in a deadly game, forced to confront their primal instincts for survival. The film, reminiscent of the psychological intensity in "Split," ventures into the darkest corners of human nature. As alliances form and fractures emerge, the narrative mirrors the fractured psyche explored in "Split," offering a visceral experience of how individuals grapple with moral choices and the unraveling of societal norms. "The Belko Experiment" provides a gripping exploration of the human psyche under duress, drawing parallels to the psychological depth of "Split."
CAST
John Gallagher Jr.
Tony Goldwyn
Adria Arjona
John C. McGinley
Melonie Diaz
Michael Rooker
Josh Brener
Owain Yeoman
Sean Gunn
Brent Sexton
Exam (2009)
Exam 2009 is a psychological thriller directed by Stuart Hazeldine. The film revolves around eight candidates competing for a prestigious job at a mysterious corporation. Placed in a sealed room with no clear instructions, tension escalates as the participants grapple with the challenge and each other. Similarly to "Split," "Exam" delves into the complexities of human behavior under pressure. The characters' psychological struggles and the suspenseful atmosphere make the movie an intense exploration of competition, group dynamics, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.
CAST
Luke Mably
Chukwudi Iwuji
Adar Beck
Jimi Mistry
Nathalie Cox
Pollyanna McIntosh
Gemma Chan
John Lloyd Fillingham
Colin Salmon
Chris Carey