The best psychological thrillers are born from a marriage of danger and cerebral uncertainty.

The inability to discern what is real from what isnt makes any situation more intense.

In a good psychological thriller, nothing is ever obvious.

Oh Dae-su standing outside an apartment building in Oldboy

Image via Neon

The very nature of a psychological thriller relies on good performances driving it.

These are some of the best psychological thrillers that demonstrate fantastic acting.

Simply put,Uncut Gemsis one of the most impressive feats of filmmaking and screenwriting of the 21st century.

Adam Sandler showing off a gold necklace in Uncut Gems

Image via A24

Caul is an emotionally complex and deeply engaging character and Hackman embodies him with elegance.

Parasiteis a meticulously crafted masterpiece thatstands as one of the best movies of the 21st century.

It’s also a movie absolutely chock-full of fantastic performances.

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The legacy thatThe Shininghas left behind needs little introduction.

Also etched into cinema history forever is Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrence.

His mental deterioration is captured with a harrowing physicality.

Harry sitting beside a toilet in The Conversation

Image via Paramount Pictures

Of course, Dr. Lecter’s own motives are far from righteous.

Foster is mesmerizing as agent Starling.

Her veil of stoicism suppresses a deep fear and vulnerability and Foster gives the character layers.

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It’s no wonder why both Foster and Hopkins took home Academy Awards that season.

Affleck is appropriately aloof as a husband who’s unable to hold up to scrutiny.

Pike received an Academy Award nomination for her steely and conniving turn as a spouse with everything to lose.

Park Seo-joon, Song Kang-ho, Jang Hye-jin and Park So-dam sit around a frozen pizza in Parasite

Image via NEON

The most important things that he must remember are tattooed onto his body.

Gyllenhaal is undoubtedly one of the most talented actorsworking today, andNightcrawleris a spectacular showcase of his capabilities.

Henry is a rugged and damaged soul who finds comfort in the friendship of Mark.

The poster for the film Parasite

The Strangeris amassively underrated psychological thriller supported by career-best performances from both Edgerton and Harris.

Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance looking at the camera in The Shining

Image via Warner Bros

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Clarice looks at the glass where Hannibal’s face is reflected in The Silence Of The Lambs.

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Rosamund Pike as Amy Dunne taking a bath in ‘Gone Girl’

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Leonard Shelby sits starkly shadowed in crisp black and white in Memento.

Image via Summit Entertainment

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Lou aims his camera up while climbing a set of stairs in the film Nightcrawler

Image via Open Road Films

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Joel Edgerton looks off at something in The Stranger Netflix Movie

Image via Netflix

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Movie

Silence of the Lambs