Anyone can craft a story and slap a twist at the end to thrill and shock audiences.

Psychological thrillers rely heavily on twists, turns and plot mechanics.

This makes them watchable and surprising, but ultimately disposable.

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Image via Universal Pictures

Panned by critics upon its release,Fearis far from the best psychological thrillerof the 90s.

One would be hard-pressed to name a more iconic pair than the 1990s and high-concept serial killer thrillers.

WhileCopycatmay not rank as highly as some of its peers for quality, it certainly packs a punch.

A young couple smile together on the street

Image via Universal Pictures

Sigourney Weaver and co-starHolly Hunterbring gravitas and credibility with their performances, which are heightened byCopycat’s mean streak.

The success ofDavid Fincher’s psychological thriller comes from its ability to get out of its own way.

Now alone and in need of some help with the bills, Allie advertises for a roommate.

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She settles on an applicant named Hedra (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and the pair become friendly.

Keller instead takes matters into his own hands and begins a vigilante investigation into his daughter’s disappearance.

Prisonersis a complicated film that isn’t for the faint of heart.

Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver) holds up photos of murders in Copycat (1995)

Image via Warner Bros.

But, films don’t need to be pleasing or easy to merit multiple viewings.

Overseeing him is the strict and eccentric senior lighthouse keeper, Thomas (Willem Dafoe).

With only each other for company, tensions rise and Ephraim’s grip on reality dwindles.

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The beauty ofRobert Eggers' psychological thriller is in its ambiguity.

Ten viewings ofThe Lighthousecould yield ten entirely different interpretations.

The artful ambiguity is one of many reasons that Eggers is a fascinating filmmaker to watch.

Michael Douglas as Nicholas Van Orton turning away from a toy clown in The Game

Image via PolyGram Films

While passing through the Mojave Desert, David encounters a rusty truck driving slowly in front of him.

This satisfaction is what makesDuelso rewatchable.

Predestinationhas to be seen to be believed, and seen many times to be appreciated.

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Ethan Hawke grounds the film, but Australian actorSarah Snookis the standout.

Detectives Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) listening to a phone in Se7en

Image via New Line Cinema

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Two women reach across a sofa to hold hands

Image via Columbia Pictures

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Jake Gyllenhaal’s Loki intensely interrogates Paul Dano’s Alex in Prisoners

Image via Summit Entertainment

Prisoners Movie Poster

Thomas and Ephraim standing next to each other and looking ahead in ‘The Lighthouse’

Image via A24

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A beaten up truck aggressively pursues a car

Image via Universal Television

Duel

Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) feeds Paul (James Caan) by his bedside in Misery

Image via Columbia Pictures

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Sarah Snook as John sitting opposite Ethan Hawke as Agent Doe in Predestination

Image via Pinnacle Films

Predestination (2014)

Movie

Se7en