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13 Black Psychological Thrillers That Will Mess With Your Head

From ‘Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa,’ to ‘Tyler Perry’s Acrimony,’ to ‘Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black,’ we’re revisiting the wildest psychological thrillers.

Photo: Prime Video

One of the most interesting film genres is the psychological thriller. Whether it’s a femme fatale on a quest for revenge, or a charming stranger who isn’t what he seems, these movies can be more shocking and creepier than the bloodiest horror film. It’s the idea that some part of this could happen in real life that keeps us on the edge of our seats. If you’re in the mood for something different and want a choice that will have you reliving it for days, turn on the lights, lock all the doors and check out our fun list of the craziest Black psychological thrillers.

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‘Divorce in the Black’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGi0O0zDSjQ

When Ava decides to leave her terrible husband Dallas, he goes off the rails and attacks her and her parents. As ridiculous as this movie is, it’s really about the batshit crazy opening funeral scene, which is too crazy to be missed.

‘Get Out’

Screenshot: Universal Pictures Screenshot: Universal Pictures

We knew there was something off about Rose and her family, but did any of us really think it was going to be Black folks in the Sunken Place and brain transplants!? It’s still shocking every single time.

‘Us’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNCmb-4oXJA

If there’s one thing Jordan Peele knows how to do, it’s to constantly keep us guessing. Frankly, we’ve still got questions about the drama following a woman’s fight to protect her family from her alternate self. Which Lupita Nyong’o is the real Lupita Nyong’o?

‘Obsessed’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U45o6wl7-s

Idris Elba’s Derek finds his family almost destroyed by a white girl stalking his family. Luckily, he’s married to Beyonce’s Sharon who kicks her ass for messing with her husband and son.

‘The Perfect Guy’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CikoxQ4ytI4

Rule No. 1 in a psychological thriller is no matter how charming and sweet he is, DO NOT TRUST MICHAEL EALY!

‘No Good Deed’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5VeowxERwM

Taraji P. Henson fights off a murderous Idris Elba and handles her cheating husband in one fell swoop.

‘Collateral’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gyXyYTq4aI

Jamie Foxx is a cab driver who plays cat and mouse with Tom Cruise’s assassin. There are moments where the two actors are so captivating you can’t look away from the scene.

‘Acrimony’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlpunOUxYSo

Taraji P. Henson is a woman scorned who is absolutely not going to be left behind by her husband. When he decides he wants something better, she’s not about to let him go that easy. It has the usual crazy Tyler Perry hallmarks.

‘Single Black Female’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvmb4bf2M9c

Never trust a new friend who seems a little too eager to get involved with your life. Especially if she looks just like you.

‘Antebellum’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MPib67BDHY

This Janelle Monae thriller is so frightening because it feels too real. A Civil War theme park is creepy and it could totally happen. It also takes time to reveal what’s real and what’s not, which heightens the tension.

‘Mea Culpa’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0g9YfjJSA

Once again Tyler Perry gives us a successful, smart, beautiful woman who somehow finds herself married into a bananapants crazy family. Haven’t these women heard of background checks?

‘Swan Song’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxftqrrlSqc

Mahershala Ali delivers a brilliant dual performance as Cameron, a man with a terminal illness, and Jack, the clone who will replace him. It’s more emotional drama than thriller, but the Oscar winner is just so good.

‘Inside Man’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSH-dbbiroI

In Spike Lee’s heist movie, we know who the robbers are, but we never have a full view of their plan until the end. We’re also not sure which side of thins Jodie Foster’s character is truly on. It’s full of fascinating questions that you have to pay attention and watch to the end to get the answers to.

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