Crime psychological films always make viewers stretch their minds to fully grasp the entire plot and the inner developments of each character. If you're a fan of this genre, don't miss out on the top 20 best crime psychological movies worldwide introduced below.
1. Dexter: Bloodthirsty Angel
When it comes to crime psychological movies, we can't ignore “Dexter” – a series that not only succeeds in content but also excels in building the inner psyche of characters. Alongside internal developments and character psychology, “Dexter” also emphasizes the concept of righteous elimination, the idea of eradicating evil beyond the legal framework.
2. Hannibal: The Flesh-Eating Doctor
'Hannibal' – The Flesh-Eating Doctor is one of the highest-rated crime psychological TV series on IMDb today. It even spawned various versions of Hannibal due to its immense popularity. The series revolves around the renowned doctor Hannibal – a culinary genius. However, Hannibal is also a notorious murderer, and his killings go unnoticed until Will becomes close to him.
3. Memories of Murder: Recollections of a Serial Killer
Memories of Murder revolves around stories of rape and murder in the city of Hwaseong, where at least 10 people suffer such fates each year. The victims all share a similar demise, strangled with their own clothing. The elusive killer remains unidentified for 5 years, despite the best detectives in the land intervening. A breakthrough occurs when a cunning detective from Seoul appears, ambitiously taking on the case.
6. A Chronicle of Deeds: Dark Past
In 2005, the movie 'A Chronicle of Deeds' earned the title of Best Film of the Year as voted by Rolling Stone magazine. The story revolves around a man named Tom Stall, the head of a small town and the husband in a small family running a diner. However, Tom Stall's life takes a significant turn when he helps the town fend off robbers, and everyone hails him as a hero. Yet, it is this very act that makes Tom Stall a thorn in the eyes of criminal gangs.
7. The Handmaiden: Maid in Service
In a certain country, the issue of sexual exploitation is always a pressing concern. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, a cunning man masquerades as a Japanese noble under the alias 'Count Fujiwara.' He hires a skilled orphan thief named 'Sook-Hee,' originating from a destitute family, to carry out his illicit desires rather than her usual thieving skills for survival. However, his intent is not for Sook-Hee to continue her profession but to make her fulfill his 'unhealthy' desires according to his whims
8. The Silent Echo: Where Silence Speaks
In the realm of 'The Silent Echo,' a mysterious tale unfolds, intertwining with Vietnam through the lens of Llewelyn Moss – a former Vietnam War veteran. Living a tranquil life, Moss finds himself entangled in a gripping narrative when he discovers a suitcase containing $2 million in cash, alongside a blood-soaked corpse from a drug cartel shootout. Choosing to flee with the suitcase and the car, Moss unwittingly becomes the target of Anton Chigurth – the relentless pursuer eager to reclaim the money-filled suitcase.
9. Resurgence of the Past
Set against the backdrop of 1988, a pivotal period of societal transformation, 'Resurgence of the Past' introduces Oh Dea-Su, a man arrested for public intoxication and disturbing the peace. Following his release on bail, Oh Dea-Su mysteriously vanishes without a trace. Confined to a solitary space, equipped only with an old TV, he discovers the unfolding tragedy of his wife and child being systematically murdered....
10. Bone Chill: White Skeleton
'Bone Chill' revolves around the journey of a newly adult girl on a mission to find her missing father before her entire family is expelled from the village. In this challenging journey, the young woman in her twenties discovers the intricate connections between her family and relatives, the power dynamics, and the rapid spread of rumors that disrupt her family. Continuous drug trafficking incidents involve her family and the shadowy figures behind them have grand schemes...
11. Enigmatic River: Mysterious Stream
'Enigmatic River' is crafted as a psychological thriller, with tightly woven plot elements and logic. To fully grasp the meaning of the Mystic River, viewers might have to pause continuously to string together the events and incidents involving the characters in the film.
12. Enigma Chronicles: Top-secret Files
“Enigma Chronicles” stands out as one of the most intriguing investigative series of 1992. The entire storyline revolves around FBI agent Fox Mulder, determined to rediscover his missing sister. However, he gets drawn into the X-Files – an organization searching for extraterrestrial beings, believing that his sister was abducted by aliens, not anyone else.
13. Mindfeast: Devouring Intelligence
“Mindfeast” takes viewers on a journey through various stories and emotions via the character Liz – a medical student transformed into a Zombie. To survive in this world, Liz must consume the brains of the deceased. Her medical student job conveniently facilitates this, but with each brain she devours, she absorbs the memories of the brain's owner, turning Liz into a human seeking justice.
14. Lucifer: Lord of the Underworld
'Lucifer' is a timeless show featuring the Lord of the Underworld - Lucifer. Tired of mundane life, Lucifer traverses space to arrive in the luxurious city of Los Angeles. The city is currently plagued with vices, and with his supernatural abilities, Lucifer collaborates with LAPD to restore order to Los Angeles.
15. Se7en
'Se7en' is not just a crime thriller; it vividly depicts deaths filled with logic. To comprehend Se7en, viewers may need considerable time to connect the stories. The film revolves around 7 different deaths caused by various sins, such as the obese man forced to eat until death. The remaining deaths follow a similar pattern, and the puzzle for the police at that time is, 'Who is behind these incidents?'
16. The Godfather: The Patriarch
'The Godfather' will reveal to you what revenge is and what the offers that are 'impossible to refuse' are. The cinematic masterpiece, The Godfather, is listed among the best films in the history of cinema and tops the list of great films worldwide. Nowadays, The Godfather has a sequel, so take your time to enjoy this psychological drama!
17. Pulp Fiction: Nonsense Stories
Even though 'Pulp Fiction' has the name of nonsense stories, the plot of the film is anything but nonsensical. Revolving around the perplexities of life, the author shows viewers how human psychology changes as life evolves.
18. The Brotherhood of Goodfellas
Goodfellas, hailed as the greatest gangster film of all time, revolves around the notorious Mafia and its disciples. The movie delves into the inner psyche and emotional dynamics of these cold-blooded individuals who are ready to pull the trigger on anyone they dislike.
19. Journey of Shadows: The Girl on the Train
The Girl on the Train follows the story of Rachel Watson, who daily commutes on the same train route back home from work. In her idle moments, Rachel observes the row of houses along the tracks through the train window. Whenever the train stops, she witnesses happy couples by their houses. However, in one peculiar instance, Rachel notices something that haunts her...
20. Before I embrace slumber: The Sin of Deep Sleep
“Before I embrace slumber” is based on the novel of the same name by author S.J. Watson. The film narrates the journey of Ben and Dr. Nash as they try to assist Christine Lucas - Ben's wife - in recovering her lost memories. Christine Lucas is a woman who lost her memory after a violent attack several years ago. Each day waking up for Christine is filled with confusion as she only remembers events within the last 24 hours or before she falls into a deep sleep. The quest to reclaim her past days to expose the heinous perpetrator who harmed her is aided by her husband and the treating physician.
In this article, Software Tricks has curated the Top 20 psychological crime films currently available. Wishing you all a delightful day!