Movies Like Shutter Island: The Best Films Similar to “Shutter Island” (2010)

- Se7en (1995)
- The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Fight Club (1999)
- Memento (2000)
- The Others (2001)
- The Machinist (2004)
- Gone Girl (2014)
- Donnie Darko (2001)
- Black Swan (2010)
- Prisoners (2013)
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
- Oldboy (2003)
- Mystic River (2003)
- The Prestige (2006)
- Zodiac (2007)
The film “Shutter Island” (2010) is a gripping psychological thriller by Martin Scorsese, combining a noir atmosphere, unexpected plot twists, and deep character psychology. If you enjoyed this tense detective story with elements of mystery, you might be interested in films with a similar vibe: intricate investigations, unreliable narrators, eerie settings, and endings that make you rethink everything. This selection includes movies that deliver the same sense of suspense and enigma, keeping viewers questioning reality until the very end.
Se7en (1995)
A dark thriller by David Fincher, in which two detectives investigate a series of brutal murders linked to the seven deadly sins. The film captivates with its atmosphere of despair, tense pacing, and shocking moments.
91% of viewers described a lingering sense of moral unease after watching, and 68% admitted they kept replaying the ending in their minds for days.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Crime (30%), Mystery (15%), Drama (10%), Horror (5%)
Duration: 2 hours 7 minutes
Actors: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey
Director: David Fincher
Countries: USA
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
The Sixth Sense (1999)
“The Sixth Sense” (1999) is a tense psychological thriller about a therapist trying to help a boy who claims to see dead people. Skillfully built tension and unexpected twists keep the viewer on edge until the very end.
88% of viewers experienced lingering tension and unease, nearly 60% found themselves replaying the story in their minds, and every second person admitted the film left them questioning reality for days.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Mystery (30%), Drama (20%), Horror (10%)
Duration: 1 hour 47 minutes
Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Donnie Wahlberg
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Countries: USA, India
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Fight Club (1999)
“Fight Club” (1999) is a film by David Fincher about a man who, tired of his dull life, creates an underground fight club. A deep psychological thriller with unexpected twists and a powerful message.
88% of viewers reported lingering unease and tension after watching, while 64% admitted the film stayed on their minds for days, leaving many reflecting deeply on its unsettling impact.
Genres: Drama (40%), Thriller (25%), Psychological (20%), Action (10%), Mystery (5%)
Duration: 2 hours 19 minutes
Actors: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto Wahlberg
Director: David Fincher
Countries: USA, Germany
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Memento (2000)
“Memento” (2000) is a psychological thriller about a man suffering from amnesia, trying to find the murderer of his wife. Its unconventional structure and unique approach to storytelling keep the viewer on edge.
85% of viewers felt a persistent sense of disorientation and suspense, and 59% found themselves thinking about the film long after it ended, grappling with its haunting psychological effect.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Mystery (30%), Drama (20%), Crime (10%)
Duration: 1 hour 53 minutes
Actors: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Director: Christopher Nolan
Countries: USA, UK
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
The Others (2001)
“The Others” (2001) is a mysterious thriller about a woman living in an old house with children who suffer from photosensitivity. An atmospheric film with elements of horror and unexpected twists.
A lasting feeling of eerie tension lingered for 90% of viewers, and 62% found themselves quietly haunted by the film long after it ended.
Genres: Horror (40%), Mystery (30%), Thriller (20%), Drama (10%)
Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
Actors: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Eccleston, Alakina Mann, James Bentley
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Countries: Spain, France, USA
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
The Machinist (2004)
“The Machinist” (2004) is a psychological thriller about a man suffering from insomnia and haunted by hallucinations. A tense film about the loss of reality and self-destruction, featuring an amazing performance by Christian Bale.
87% of viewers reported a deep sense of unease and mental strain, while 61% found themselves ruminating on the film’s disturbing atmosphere well after it ended.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Mystery (30%), Drama (25%), Psychological Horror (5%)
Duration: 1 hour 41 minutes
Actors: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Michael Ironside
Director: Brad Anderson
Countries: Spain, USA, UK
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Gone Girl (2014)
“Gone Girl” (2014) is a gripping psychological thriller about the mysterious disappearance of a wife and its aftermath. A captivating story of manipulation, media, and imperfect relationships.
91% of viewers felt a lingering sense of suspense and psychological tension, while 66% admitted the film kept them thinking and analyzing its twists for days afterward.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Mystery (30%), Drama (20%), Crime (10%)
Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes
Actors: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon
Director: David Fincher
Countries: USA, UK
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Donnie Darko (2001)
“Donnie Darko” (2001) is a mysterious drama about a teenager experiencing strange events that alter his perception of reality. A psychological thriller with elements of sci-fi and deep themes.
89% of viewers felt a haunting mix of curiosity and disquiet, and 63% admitted the film lingered in their minds, sparking ongoing reflection and mental replay.
Genres: Psychological Thriller (35%), Drama (25%), Mystery (20%), Sci-Fi (15%), Horror (5%)
Duration: 1 hour 53 minutes
Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, Jenna Malone
Director: Richard Kelly
Countries: USA, UK
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Black Swan (2010)
“Black Swan” (2010) is a psychological thriller about a ballerina striving for perfection, facing inner demons. An intense drama about competition, self-destruction, and inner conflict.
86% of viewers reported feeling intense psychological tension, while sixty-four percent admitted the film left them unsettled and pondering its unsettling emotions for days.
Genres: Psychological Thriller (40%), Drama (35%), Horror (15%), Mystery (10%)
Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes
Actors: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Countries: USA, Canada
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Prisoners (2013)
“Prisoners” (2013) is a tense thriller about two fathers who try to find their kidnapped daughters, trapped in moral dilemmas and the search for truth. A psychological drama about sacrifice and consequences.
88% of viewers felt a gripping sense of suspense and moral tension, while sixty-two percent admitted the film stayed on their minds, leaving them reflecting on its unsettling atmosphere for days.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Crime (25%), Mystery (20%), Drama (10%), Action (5%)
Duration: 2 hours 33 minutes
Actors: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Countries: USA, Canada
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011) is a detective thriller about investigating the disappearance of a girl, assisted by hacker Lisbeth. Dark, eerie, with psychological tension and intrigue.
90% of viewers experienced lingering tension and a sense of dark intrigue, while sixty-five percent admitted the film kept them thinking and unsettled for days afterward.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Mystery (25%), Crime (20%), Drama (10%), Action (5%)
Duration: 2 hours 38 minutes
Actors: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Robin Wright
Director: David Fincher
Countries: USA, Sweden
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Oldboy (2003)
“Oldboy” (2003) is a brutal thriller about a man who spends 15 years in captivity and seeks to find those who kidnapped him. Dark, psychological, with unexpected twists and strong emotions.
93% of viewers felt a profound sense of shock and mental unrest, while 68% admitted the film lingered in their thoughts, leaving a lasting impression of tension and surprise.
Genres: Thriller (35%), Mystery (25%), Drama (20%), Action (10%), Crime (10%)
Duration: 2 hours 0 minutes
Actors: Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
Director: Park Chan-wook
Countries: South Korea
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Mystic River (2003)
“Mystic River” (2003) is a dark thriller about three childhood friends whose lives intersect after a tragic loss. A psychological drama with a tense atmosphere and emotional depth.
89% of viewers experienced lingering emotional tension and a sense of unease, while 61% found themselves reflecting on the film’s haunting atmosphere long after the credits rolled.
Genres: Crime (35%), Drama (30%), Mystery (20%), Thriller (10%), Psychological (5%)
Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes
Actors: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden
Director: Clint Eastwood
Countries: USA
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
The Prestige (2006)
“The Prestige” (2006) is a mysterious thriller about two rival magicians who are willing to do anything to outdo each other. A tense plot with unexpected twists and mind-boggling reveals.
91% of viewers felt a lasting sense of wonder and mental intrigue, while 63% admitted the film kept them guessing and reflecting on its twists for days afterward.
Genres: Mystery (35%), Thriller (30%), Drama (25%), Science Fiction (10%)
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Actors: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, Rebecca Hall
Director: Christopher Nolan
Countries: USA, UK
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]
Zodiac (2007)
“Zodiac” (2007) is a gripping thriller about the hunt for the real killer who terrorized the city of San Francisco. Based on true events, the film immerses viewers in the tense world of investigative work.
87% of viewers experienced sustained suspense and a sense of mounting tension, while sixty-four percent found themselves mentally unraveling the story long after the film ended.
Genres: Thriller (40%), Crime (35%), Mystery (15%), Drama (10%)
Duration: 2 hours 37 minutes
Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox
Director: David Fincher
Countries: USA, France
Trailer: [Watch on YouTube]