The 2016 psychological chiller “A Cure for Wellness,” directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, and Jason Isaacs, captivated audiences with its trippy and convoluted storyline.
It follows a young business executive sent to a mysterious health spa and retreat in the Swiss Alps, where strange and disturbing events unfold.
If you’re a fan of this twisted and psychologically disturbing story, here are ten recommendations for psychological horror movies like “A Cure for Wellness” that you should also watch.
1. The Ward (2010)
Directed by renowned horror creator John Carpenter, “The Ward” stars Amber Heard as Kristen, a young woman who is apprehended and placed in the North Bend Psychiatric Hospital after burning down a farmhouse.
Kristen soon realizes that ghostly apparitions haunt the hospital. As she navigates the eerie halls and interacts with other patients, she begins to uncover the dark secrets of the ward.
The film’s unsettling atmosphere and Carpenter’s signature style create a chilling experience. The tension builds as Kristen tries to understand the haunting and escape the evil forces within the hospital.
2. Awake (2007)
“Awake” is a fear-inducing hospital-based thriller starring Hayden Christensen as Clay Beresford, a young man awaiting heart surgery. The horror begins when Clay learns that the surgical team plans to kill him during the procedure.
As he remains conscious and aware throughout the surgery due to “anesthetic awareness,” he experiences every detail while unable to move. The film takes the audience on a terrifying journey, exploring betrayal, trust, and survival themes.
The suspense and psychological horror are heightened by the claustrophobic setting and the protagonist’s helplessness.
3. Morgan (2016)
Directed by Luke Scott, “Morgan” revolves around an artificial being named Morgan, housed in a secretive and isolated facility. Morgan, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, is developing rapidly and exhibiting behaviors beyond human capabilities.
When risk assessment specialist Lee Weathers, played by Kate Mara, is brought in to evaluate the project, chaos ensues. The film delves into the ethical and moral implications of artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, delivering a gripping and unsettling narrative.
As Morgan’s abilities and instability grow, the tension escalates, leading to a dramatic and violent climax.
4. Stonehearst Asylum (2014)
Directed by Brad Anderson, “Stonehearst Asylum” offers a tone similar to “A Cure for Wellness.” The film follows Edward Newgate, a Harvard Medical School graduate, who takes a position at Stonehearst Asylum.
There, he becomes obsessed with a female patient named Eliza Graves, played by Kate Beckinsale, who suffers from severe mental issues. Edward discovers inhumane treatment and a dark conspiracy within the institution.
The movie’s gothic atmosphere, intriguing plot twists, and strong performances by the cast create a compelling watch. The story explores themes of sanity, deception, and the thin line between patient and doctor.
5. Shutter Island (2010)
They were directed by Martin Scorsese, “Shutter Island” stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal investigating the disappearance of a patient from an asylum located on a remote island.
Teddy and his partner Chuck Aule, played by Mark Ruffalo, delve deeper into the investigation, uncovering disturbing truths about the institution and their pasts.
As Teddy’s sanity comes into question, the film’s claustrophobic setting and mind-bending twists create an intense and unforgettable psychological thriller. The layered narrative and Scorsese’s masterful direction ensure a gripping experience from start to finish.
6. Session 9 (2001)
“Session 9,” directed by Brad Anderson, follows a team of workers tasked with removing asbestos from an abandoned asylum. As they navigate the decaying and haunted halls, they uncover dark secrets and experience horrifying visions.
The film’s oppressive cinematography and eerie atmosphere make it a haunting tale. “Session 9” explores themes of madness and the human psyche, delivering scares that linger long after the credits roll.
The slow descent into insanity experienced by the characters, combined with the unsettling setting, creates a disturbing and memorable horror film.
7. Angel Heart (1987)
In “Angel Heart,” directed by Alan Parker, Mickey Rourke plays private detective Harry Angel, hired by the mysterious Louis Cyphre (Robert De Niro) to investigate the disappearance of singer Johnny Favourite.
The investigation takes Angel on a dark, twisted journey filled with supernatural elements and psychological horror. As Angel delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters disturbing and violent events, leading to a shocking and memorable conclusion.
The film’s dream-like atmosphere, strong performances, and complex narrative make it a cult classic that continues to captivate audiences.
8. Apostle (2018)
Written and directed by Gareth Evans, “Apostle” follows Thomas Richardson, played by Dan Stevens, who travels to a secluded and mysterious island to rescue his sister from a deadly cult.
As Thomas delves deeper into the cult’s practices, he uncovers horrifying secrets and faces unimaginable dangers. The film’s intense and visceral storytelling and its atmospheric setting create a gripping and unsettling horror experience.
“Apostle” is a dark and disturbing tale that explores themes of faith, corruption, and survival, with a mix of psychological and physical horror.
9. Thelma (2017)
Directed by Joachim Trier, “Thelma” centers on a young student named Thelma who starts experiencing seizures while studying at a university in Oslo. These seizures soon reveal supernatural powers that she struggles to understand and control.
The film blends psychological horror with supernatural thriller elements, creating a captivating and eerie narrative. Thelma’s journey of self-discovery and exploring her powers make for a thought-provoking and haunting film.
The tension and suspense build as Thelma uncovers the truth about her abilities and her family’s dark past.
10. Errors of the Human Body (2012)
“Errors of the Human Body,” directed by Eron Sheean, follows Dr. Geoff Burton, who joins the Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany. He faces personal trauma and ethical dilemmas as he works on a human regeneration gene.
The research leads to the creation of a horrific virus that threatens everything. The film’s basis in medical science and its exploration of the consequences of scientific experimentation create a chilling and thought-provoking horror story.
Dr. Burton’s descent into obsession and the moral questions raised by his work adds depth to this unsettling narrative.
Summary
If you enjoyed “A Cure for Wellness,” these ten psychological horror movies offer similar themes of mystery, madness, and the human psyche. Each film provides a unique and unsettling experience, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
From haunted asylums to ethical dilemmas in scientific research, these movies explore the darkest corners of the human mind and the consequences of tampering with the unknown.
