If you’re a fan of the chilling true crime thriller Zodiac, directed by David Fincher, then you’re probably craving more suspenseful movies that will keep you guessing until the very end. Zodiac follows the hunt for the notorious Zodiac Killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film is a masterclass in building tension and creating an eerie atmosphere that gets under your skin.
Luckily, there are plenty of other gripping movies out there that offer similar thrills and chills. Here are 20 of the best movies like Zodiac that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat:
1. Se7en (1995)
Se7en is another David Fincher classic that follows two detectives, played by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, as they hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. Like Zodiac, Se7en is a dark and gritty thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a killer. The film’s shocking ending will leave you reeling.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
2. Prisoners (2013)
When his young daughter and her friend go missing, a desperate father (Hugh Jackman) takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads. Prisoners is a tense and emotionally charged thriller that explores the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. Jake Gyllenhaal also stars as the detective on the case.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
3. Memories of Murder (2003)
Based on the true story of Korea’s first serial murders, Memories of Murder follows two detectives as they try to solve a string of brutal rape and murder cases. Directed by Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), this gripping thriller is a must-watch for any fan of true crime dramas.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
4. Mindhunter (2017-2019)
While not a movie, the Netflix series Mindhunter is a must-watch for any fan of Zodiac. Set in the late 1970s, the show follows two FBI agents (Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany) as they interview imprisoned serial killers in order to understand their psychology and develop new methods of profiling. The show is based on the real-life experiences of FBI agent John E. Douglas.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
In this Oscar-winning thriller, FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) seeks the help of imprisoned cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch a serial killer known as “Buffalo Bill.” The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling and suspenseful film that features iconic performances from Foster and Hopkins.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
6. Mystic River (2003)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Mystic River follows three childhood friends (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon) who are reunited after one of their daughters is murdered. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets come to light and threaten to tear the community apart. Penn won an Oscar for his intense performance.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
7. Gone Girl (2014)
Based on the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl stars Ben Affleck as a man who becomes the prime suspect when his wife (Rosamund Pike) goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. Directed by David Fincher, this twisty thriller keeps you guessing until the very end.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
8. Shutter Island (2010)
In this psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a U.S. Marshal investigating the disappearance of a patient from a remote hospital for the criminally insane. As he delves deeper into the case, he begins to question his own sanity. Shutter Island is a mind-bending film with a shocking twist ending.
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Another David Fincher film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo follows a journalist (Daniel Craig) and a computer hacker (Rooney Mara) as they investigate the 40-year-old disappearance of a wealthy industrialist’s niece. Based on the bestselling novel by Stieg Larsson, this gritty thriller features stunning cinematography and a haunting score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
10. True Detective (Season 1) (2014)
The first season of HBO’s anthology series True Detective stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as two detectives investigating a series of occult-related murders in Louisiana. Spanning 17 years, the show is a slow-burn mystery with outstanding performances and a creepy atmosphere that will get under your skin.
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
11. The Chaser (2008)
This South Korean thriller follows a detective (Kim Yoon-seok) as he tries to catch a serial killer who has been targeting prostitutes. The Chaser is a gritty and intense film that doesn’t shy away from graphic violence. It’s a must-watch for fans of hard-boiled crime dramas.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
12. Spotlight (2015)
Based on the true story of the Boston Globe’s investigation into child molestation allegations against the Catholic Church, Spotlight is a gripping drama that follows a team of journalists as they uncover a massive scandal. The film won the Oscar for Best Picture and features an all-star cast including Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams.
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
13. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
This Argentine crime thriller follows a retired legal counselor (Ricardo Darín) as he writes a novel about an unsolved rape and murder case from his past. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers shocking truths that have haunted him for decades. The Secret in Their Eyes won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
14. Marshland (2014)
Set in 1980 Spain, Marshland follows two detectives (Javier Gutiérrez and Raúl Arévalo) as they investigate a series of brutal murders in a remote town. As they uncover dark secrets and corruption, they find themselves in increasing danger. This atmospheric thriller is a must-watch for fans of True Detective.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
15. Insomnia (2002)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, Insomnia stars Al Pacino as a veteran detective who is sent to a small Alaskan town to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. As he struggles with the perpetual daylight and his own personal demons, he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with the prime suspect (Robin Williams in a chilling performance).
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
16. The Pledge (2001)
Directed by Sean Penn, The Pledge stars Jack Nicholson as a retired police detective who becomes obsessed with solving the case of a murdered girl. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to unravel both mentally and emotionally. The film features a haunting performance by Nicholson and a supporting cast that includes Robin Wright, Sam Shepard, and Benicio del Toro.
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
17. Nightcrawler (2014)
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a freelance journalist who becomes increasingly involved in the criminal underworld of Los Angeles as he tries to capture shocking footage for a local news station. Nightcrawler is a dark and twisted thriller that explores the seedy underbelly of journalism and the lengths some will go to for success.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
18. The Vanishing (1988)
This Dutch psychological thriller follows a man’s obsessive search for his girlfriend who disappeared without a trace during a holiday trip. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes increasingly consumed by the case and begins to lose his grip on reality. The Vanishing is a chilling and unforgettable film with a shocking ending.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
19. Cure (1997)
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Cure is a Japanese psychological thriller that follows a detective as he investigates a series of bizarre murders committed by seemingly ordinary people. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a mysterious man who may be manipulating the killers through hypnosis. Cure is a haunting and atmospheric film that will leave you questioning the nature of evil.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
20. The Treatment (2014)
Based on the bestselling novel by Mo Hayder, The Treatment follows a detective (Geert Van Rampelberg) as he investigates a series of brutal crimes involving young children. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and abuse that threatens to destroy him. This Belgian thriller is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-watch for fans of dark and gritty crime dramas.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
If you’re a fan of Zodiac and crave more suspenseful and gripping thrillers, these 20 movies are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. From true crime dramas to psychological thrillers, there’s something for every fan of the genre. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare to be chilled to the bone. Just don’t blame us if you have trouble sleeping afterwards!
Have you seen any of these movies? What did you think of them? Are there any other movies like Zodiac that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for even more spine-tingling thrills, check out our list of the Top 50 Horror Movies of All Time. From classic slashers to modern masterpieces, we’ve got you covered. Just don’t watch them alone!
Until next time, happy watching! And remember, keep the lights on…
