10 Best Movies Like ‘Locked In’ You Need To Watch

If ‘Locked In’ had you gripping the edge of your seat, you’re probably searching for more movies that can offer the same chilling thrills and jaw-dropping twists. It’s the kind of movie that reminds us why we love psychological thrillers: the intense storylines, the complex characters, and those endings that you never see coming. We all love a film that keeps us guessing until the end, right? So, if you’re looking to get that fix again, I’ve put together a list of the best movies like ‘Locked In’ that are sure to satisfy your appetite for suspense and mystery. Let’s dive in without further ado.

1. ‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

“Gone Girl” is a sharp-edged psychological thriller that plunges into the complexities of marriage and the media circus. Directed by David Fincher, the story revolves around Nick and Amy Dunne, whose facade of a perfect relationship crumbles when Amy goes missing, leaving Nick as the prime suspect. What unfolds is a multi-layered narrative that spirals into dark corners of manipulation, lies, and shocking revelations. This film parallels “Locked In” in its exploration of complex characters and the suspenseful revelation of truths, demanding viewers to question how well one can truly know another person.

The movie’s resemblance to “Locked In” lies in its exploration of perception versus reality, a theme central to many psychological thrillers. Rosamund Pike delivers a chilling performance, embodying the enigma of Amy. At the same time, Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Nick captures the confusion and fear of a man under the harsh spotlight of suspicion. The tightly woven plot, replete with twists and a haunting score, encapsulates a tale that keeps the audience guessing, making it a perfect recommendation for fans of psychological intrigue and narrative complexity.

2. ‘The Girl on the Train’ (2016)

Tate Taylor’s “The Girl on the Train” tells the story of Rachel, portrayed by Emily Blunt, whose life is a mess after her divorce. Daily, she rides the train, passes by her old house, and becomes obsessed with the seemingly perfect couple she sees from her window. Her life becomes irrevocably intertwined with theirs when she finds herself in the middle of a missing person investigation. Like “Locked In,” the film dives deep into the psyche of its characters, revealing that each has its own dark secrets, with the truth being a convoluted mess of reality and fantasy.

What makes “The Girl on the Train” similar to “Locked In” is the unreliable narrative and the central theme of the search for truth in a labyrinth of lies. The film portrays the struggles with addiction, memory, and personal trauma as it twists through a story that challenges viewers to discern truth from manipulated realities. It’s a film where the mystery unfolds with each character’s actions being questioned, creating a puzzle that audiences are eager to solve.

3. ‘Secret Window’ (2004)

“Secret Window,” based on a novella by Stephen King and directed by David Koepp, stars Johnny Depp as Mort Rainey, an author retreating from his troubled personal life. His sanctuary is breached by John Shooter, played by John Turturro, who accuses Mort of plagiarism, catapulting Mort into a psychological battle that escalates into violence and madness. Like “Locked In,” “Secret Window” immerses the viewer in a character’s struggle with their own mind as reality becomes increasingly distorted.

This film mirrors “Locked In” in the way it crafts a sense of claustrophobia and uncertainty, delving into themes of identity and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. The setting—a secluded cabin in the woods—becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the tension and serving as a crucible for Mort’s sanity. It’s a movie that keeps audiences questioning what is real as the protagonist confronts both psychological and physical threats.

4. ‘Kimi’ (2022)

Steven Soderbergh’s “Kimi” is a tech-driven thriller set in the pandemic era, where protagonist Angela Childs, played by Zoë Kravitz, discovers a recording of a crime and faces corporate and personal challenges as she tries to bring the truth to light. Angela’s fight against her agoraphobia to seek justice mirrors the internal battles of characters in “Locked In,” placing the viewer firmly in the mind of someone who is both confined and determined.

“Kimi” connects to “Locked In” with its central theme of uncovering the truth in the face of obstruction and personal limitation. It highlights contemporary issues of privacy, surveillance, and the power of technology—all wrapped in the tense pacing of a thriller that echoes the claustrophobic tension and twists that fans of “Locked In” will appreciate.

5. ‘The Handmaiden’ (2016)

Park Chan-wook’s “The Handmaiden” is a sumptuous and intricate thriller set in 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation. This film presents a con woman who poses as a handmaiden to swindle a wealthy Japanese heiress, but the plot spirals into unexpected directions as affections and loyalties shift. Much like “Locked In,” “The Handmaiden” is filled with deceit and layered storytelling, leading viewers through a maze of twists and psychological depth.

The film shares with “Locked In” the unraveling of tightly kept secrets and the complexities of relationships that are not what they seem. Every character is playing a role, and as their true selves begin to emerge, the film navigates through themes of identity, freedom, and betrayal. It’s a visually stunning piece that commands attention, much like the narrative complexity that draws viewers to “Locked In.”

6. ‘Misery’ (1990)

In “Misery,” a film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name directed by Rob Reiner, we’re taken on a harrowing journey that begins with a novelist’s rescue from a car crash. James Caan plays Paul Sheldon, who finds himself in the care of Annie Wilkes, a nurse and self-proclaimed number-one fan portrayed by Kathy Bates.

The situation spirals into a nightmare when Annie’s obsession takes a dark turn, and Paul realizes that his savior is also his captor. The film resonates with “Locked In” through its psychological intensity and the exploration of a character trapped physically and mentally, forced to navigate his captor’s volatile behavior.

“Sheldon’s ordeal echoes the tension in “Locked In” where the protagonist is also trapped in a precarious state, their fate at the mercy of those around them. “Misery” excels in building suspense, with Bates delivering an Oscar-winning performance that brings to life Annie’s terrifying unpredictability. It’s a gripping narrative that delves into the horror of entrapment and the fight for survival, making it a must-watch for fans of edge-of-your-seat thrillers.

7. ‘The Weekend Away’ (2022)

“The Weekend Away,” a Netflix thriller directed by Kim Farrant, brings to life the story of two best friends on a trip to Croatia, which turns tragic when one of them is found dead. The surviving friend, Beth, played by Leighton Meester, must navigate a web of deceit and uncover the truth amid foreign police scrutiny and language barriers. This film shares the whodunit aspect with “Locked In,” with the protagonist working to piece together fragmented memories of a night gone wrong and a friend’s mysterious demise.

Like “Locked In,” the film utilizes the unreliable narrator trope, as Beth’s understanding of the events is clouded by alcohol and shock, leaving her—and the audience—uncertain of what’s true. The setting of a picturesque vacation spot turned sinister backdrop adds to the disorientation, mirroring the isolating hospital setting in “Locked In.” The anxiety of not knowing who to trust when everyone is a suspect keeps viewers hooked, much like the intricate plots of psychological thrillers like “Locked In.”

8. ‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island” is a psychological thriller set in 1954, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels. Dispatched to a remote mental hospital to investigate a patient’s disappearance, Daniels uncovers much more than he bargained for, as the island harbors dark secrets and blurs the lines between reality and delusion. The film, like “Locked In,” compels viewers to question the reliability of what they’re watching, with a protagonist who is himself unraveling the deeper he digs.

The similarities with “Locked In” are evident in the film’s atmosphere of suspense and the central theme of confinement—both physical and mental. “Shutter Island” uses the element of a closed setting to ramp up the sense of unease, and the unfolding story keeps the audience guessing at the true nature of the characters’ realities. It’s a movie that, similar to “Locked In,” leaves viewers in a contemplative state, pondering the nature of truth and madness.

9. ‘Memento’ (2000)

Christopher Nolan’s “Memento” is a groundbreaking narrative that chronicles the story of Leonard Shelby, played by Guy Pearce, who suffers from short-term memory loss while trying to solve his wife’s murder. The film is structured in reverse chronological order, which immerses the viewer in Leonard’s disoriented perspective. This storytelling technique is a compelling match for “Locked In,” as both films invite the audience to put together a puzzle, questioning the truth behind the protagonists’ motives and actions.

“Memento” shares with “Locked In” the thematic exploration of memory, identity, and the subjective nature of reality. The film challenges viewers to keep up with its non-linear progression, much as “Locked In” presents a narrative that requires piecing together disparate clues. Both movies succeed in engaging the viewer’s deductive skills and empathy for the main character’s profound and disorienting quest for the truth.

10. ‘A Simple Favor’ (2018)

“A Simple Favor,” directed by Paul Feig, strikes an intriguing balance between dark comedy and suspenseful thriller. It centers around Stephanie, a widowed single mother who befriends the enigmatic Emily, a woman with a seemingly perfect life. When Emily suddenly disappears, Stephanie delves into the investigation, uncovering secrets that twist her perception of who Emily is. The film, akin to “Locked In,” showcases the unraveling of secrets and the lengths to which a person will go to discover the truth.

The parallel to “Locked In” lies in the exploration of hidden lives and the facade of normalcy. “A Simple Favor” presents its own web of lies and deceit, with characters that are charming yet capable of darkness. The stylish execution and blend of thriller tropes with comedic elements create a unique experience that keeps audiences engaged and guessing, similar to the intriguing narrative of “Locked In.”

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