The fact that they are based on real events gives them an air of authenticity. We know that these things actually happened, or are at least inspired by real happenings, which makes it more engaging. For example, in 'Zodiac', the real - life mystery of the killer was unsolved for a long time, and the movie takes us through the same frustrating and scary journey as the real investigators.
Another one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. It's based on a Swedish crime novel which was inspired by real - world events. The film has a dark and gritty tone, with complex characters. Lisbeth Salander, the main female character, is a fascinating and complex figure, and the mystery she helps solve is full of psychological twists.
Often, they have a sense of authenticity. For example, the locations in 'Zodiac' were real places where the events actually occurred, which adds to the realism. They also tend to make the audience feel a deeper sense of unease because they know these things could really happen.
One of the top thrillers based on true stories is 'Zodiac'. It follows the real - life investigation of the Zodiac Killer. The movie builds suspense as the detectives struggle to identify the serial killer through his cryptic messages and murders. Another is 'All the President's Men', which is based on the Watergate scandal. It shows the two journalists' efforts in uncovering the political conspiracy. And 'The Silence of the Lambs' was also inspired by real - life events and serial killers, with its terrifying portrayal of Hannibal Lecter and the hunt for Buffalo Bill.
One of the best is 'Zodiac'. It's about the real - life Zodiac Killer case. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery and the hunt for the killer. Another great one is 'The Silence of the Lambs'. It's based on the Thomas Harris novels which were inspired by real - life events and serial killers. The character of Hannibal Lecter is truly chilling.
Well, 'Psycho' is a classic in the genre. Norman Bates' split personality and the infamous shower scene are staples of horror and psychological thriller. It delves deep into the disturbed mind of a killer. Then there's 'Misery', where the obsessed fan holds the writer captive. The psychological torture she inflicts on him and his attempts to escape are very nerve - wracking.
One great psychological thriller short story is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's about a narrator who is driven mad by an old man's 'vulture - like' eye and ultimately commits murder. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It takes place in a small town where an annual lottery has a very dark and unexpected outcome. And 'Lamb to the Slaughter' by Roald Dahl is also a classic. In this story, a wife uses a leg of lamb to cover up her crime in a rather clever and chilling way.
Patricia Highsmith. Her 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' is a classic psychological thriller. Highsmith is masterful at exploring the psyche of her characters, especially the dark and complex nature of Tom Ripley as he weaves his web of lies and deception.
Isolated locations are great. Think of a big, old, creaky mansion in the middle of nowhere. It adds an air of mystery and unease, like in 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. The large, empty rooms and the sense of being cut off from the outside world heighten the psychological tension.
Another one is 'The Shining'. The isolation of the family in the haunted hotel, along with the slow descent into madness of the father, is a classic in psychological horror. It plays on themes of family dysfunction, alcoholism, and the power of the supernatural to drive a man to the brink of insanity.