FromShadow of a DoubttoVertigo, these are some of the best psychological thriller classics.

Dark, mysterious, and incredibly captivating are some words to properly describe this absorbing movie.

Tackling expressionist themes,Strangers on a Trainis suspenseful, intense, and undoubtedly an effective thriller.

Kim Novak and James Stewart as Madeline and John pressed close together in Vertigo

Image via Paramount Pictures

On top of this, it also graces audiences' screens with top-notch acting performances.

7’Gaslight' (1944)

The first non-Hitchcock film on this list is the ever-poignantGaslightbyGeorge Cukor.

When it comes to psychological old Hollywood films,Gaslightis surely an essential.

A close-up shot of Teresa Wright as young Charlie in Shadow of a Doubt

Image via Universal Studios

6’Cape Fear' (1962)

Masterfully directed byJ.

According to Hitchcock, it isan experiment that didn’t work.

It is arguably the filmmaker’s finest work and his most memorable; a masterwork unlike any other.

Laurence Olivier looking at Joan Fontaine in Rebecca (1940)

Image via United Artists

NEXT:Underrated Thrillers From Hollywood’s Golden Age

The ensemble cast of Strangers on a Train looking out the window of an apartment

Image via Warner Bros.

Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer having a fight while Bergman stands against a wall in Gaslight.

Image via Loew’s, Inc.

Cape Fear (1962)

Image via Universal Pictures

Jeff, played by Jimmy Stewart, aiming his camera in Rear Window

Image via Paramount Pictures

Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman as T. R. Devlin and Alicia Huberman about to kiss in the film Notorious

Image via RKO Pictures

James Stewart, John Dall and Farley Granger in Rope

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Marion Crane screams in the shower in Psycho

Image via Paramount Pictures

Shadow of a Doubt