Supernatural crime thrillers offer a distinctive appeal, seamlessly blending eerie atmospheres and inexplicable phenomena with the tense realities of criminal investigations. A unique amalgamation of genres, the supernatural crime thriller is captivating, elevating some of the best true-crime tales with the introduction or implication of supernatural dealings.
Whether pursued by seasoned detectives or uncovered by ordinary individuals, these investigations often blend clairvoyance and supernatural elements, incorporating trends from some iconic supernatural horror movies, ultimately providing deeper insights into the case and revealing hidden, otherworldly influences behind the crime. In such cases, the reality of the situation goes far beyond initial appearances.
15
Solace
Afonso Poyart, 2015
Solace captures the essence of the supernatural crime thriller genre with Anthony Hopkins leading the intriguing premise. In Solace, Anthony Hopkins is a psychic crime-solver named Dr. John Clancy who assists the FBI in tracking down a serial killer, played by Colin Farrell, who has similar abilities.
The film excels in creating suspense through Clancy’s unique abilities and his interactions with the FBI agents, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Abbie Cornish. However, Solace isn’t without its flaws, occasionally falling into clichés and some supernatural elements that ask a lot of the audience. That said, Solace remains a decent example of the genre, thanks largely to Hopkins’ strong performance, offering a fresh interpretation of the supernatural crime thriller.
14
The Gift
Sam Raimi, 2000
Sam Raimi’s The Gift is a solid supernatural crime thriller that blends psychic phenomena with a gripping murder investigation. Cate Blanchett delivers an exceptional performance as Annie Wilson, a woman whose psychic abilities entangle her in a small-town murder case.
Raimi builds a deeply unsettling atmosphere, and the diverse characters that make up the community enrich the narrative and heighten the realism. Likewise, Blanchett’s portrayal of Annie is both vulnerable and strong, grounding the supernatural elements in a deeply human experience. A sound combination of suspense and the supernatural, The Gift is a strong contribution.
13
Phenomena
Dario Argento, 1985
Dario Argento’s horror classic Phenomena is a standout entry in the giallo genre, showcasing Argento’s signature blend of supernatural horror and intricate crime storytelling. The film stars Jennifer Connelly as Jennifer Corvino, a teenage exchange student who discovers she has extraordinary psychic abilities, including the power to communicate with insects.
Her unique gift becomes crucial as she finds herself embroiled in a series of grisly murders plaguing the Swiss boarding school where she resides. As she uses her connection with insects to uncover clues and unravel the mystery behind the killings, Argento’s direction excels in creating a visually stunning and eerie atmosphere, combining vivid colors and stylistic camerawork to heighten the film’s tension and surreal quality.
12
Dark Water
Hideo Nakata, 2002
Hideo Nakata’s Dark Water is a deeply poignant ghost story combining the unique aesthetics of Japanese horror with a deeply emotional narrative of maternal love and loss. Nakata’s haunting film delves into the tragic mysteries that linger in the shadows of a dilapidated apartment complex. The story follows Yoshimi, a recently divorced mother who, after winning a bitter custody battle, moves into a run-down apartment with her young daughter, Ikuko.
As Yoshimi becomes increasingly desperate to protect her daughter, she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the hauntings they’re experiencing. The aesthetics and motifs in Dark Water ensure the atmosphere is thick with unease, the supernatural becoming both a reflection of inner turmoil and a very real external threat. The horror is not just in the ghosts that haunt the apartment, but in the emotional depths of the mother/daughter relationship, making it a powerful and unforgettable ghostly crime thriller.
11
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Yorgos Lanthimos, 2017
Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Killing of a Sacred Deer blends psychological thriller and supernatural crime in exploring the wrath of a young boy. The film follows Steven Murphy (Collin Farrel), a surgeon who befriends an awkward teenager named Martin (Barry Keoghan). As their relationship unfolds, the Murphys discover that Martin harbors a chilling, malevolent agenda, dragging the family into a cruel vengeance spiral.
With Greek tragedy inspiration – drawing on the myth of Iphigenia, the film transposes themes of wrath and retribution from classical mythology into the modern world. The supernatural undertones—combined with the film’s stark, clinical visuals and unsettling performance by Keoghan—blur the line between the ordinary and the otherworldly, making it a haunting exploration of guilt, punishment, and the inexorable consequences of one’s actions.
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10
Fallen
Gregory Hoblit, 1998
Fallen, starring Denzel Washington, is a compelling supernatural crime thriller that blends the eerie with the everyday. Washington plays Detective John Hobbes, who hunts a demonic entity capable of jumping from body to body with a single touch. This chilling ability sets up a suspenseful narrative, where the true enemy is always in plain sight yet impossible to pinpoint.
What makes Fallen exceptional is its grounding of the supernatural within a realistic, gritty world, building tension through a slow-burn narrative and creating a pervasive sense of dread as Hobbes realizes the demon’s omnipresence. Washington’s strong performance, coupled with a solid supporting cast, enriches the film’s atmosphere, making it a standout in the genre.
9
Frailty
Bill Paxton, 2001
Frailty, directed by and starring Bill Paxton, is a gripping psychological thriller that blurs the line between religious fanaticism and mental health conditions. The film centers on a father who believes he’s been chosen by God to destroy demons disguised as humans, drawing his two sons into his unsettling mission.
Paxton’s feature debut shines with a strong concept and artful direction, making Frailty a standout in the supernatural crime thriller genre. Its exploration of morality and faith leaves viewers questioning whether the father’s actions are divinely inspired or rooted in delusion. The compelling performances, especially Paxton’s, add depth to the disturbing narrative, while the film’s structure keeps audiences hooked as the mystery unfolds. In spite of Frailty‘s twist ending, the ambiguity of supernatural involvement remains in question after the credits have rolled.
8
The Devil’s Backbone
Guillermo del Toro, 2001
The Guillermo del Toro horror movie The Devil’s Backbone is a haunting supernatural crime thriller set in a remote orphanage during the final days of the Spanish Civil War. The film masterfully combines ghostly horror with a dark mystery, telling a story of revenge, hidden secrets, and the lingering impacts of conflict hanging over the film’s events.
Through the eyes of young Carlos, who uncovers the orphanage’s eerie history, the film gradually reveals a sorrowful apparition tied to a deep water tank in the basement. Del Toro’s direction creates a melancholic atmosphere, where the supernatural is intricately linked to real-world horrors. The Devil’s Backbone stands out as a compelling supernatural crime thriller, not just for its chilling ghost story, but for its exploration of war’s impact on innocence and the haunting power of unresolved guilt.
7
Angel Heart
Alan Parker, 1987
Angel Heart – one of Christopher Nolan’s favorite horror movies – is directed by Alan Parker and offers a gripping neo-noir supernatural thriller that masterfully blends crime and the occult. Mickey Rourke stars as Harry Angel, a private investigator hired to find a missing musician named Johnny Favourite. As Angel delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a dark conspiracy, where everyone he interviews ends up dead, and the line between reality and the supernatural blurs.
As Angel follows the trail, he is pulled into a world of satanic rituals and haunting secrets in the film’s seamless fusion of crime noir and supernatural horror. The eerie atmosphere, combined with the exploration of identity and guilt, creates a profound psychological experience. With powerful performances and relentless tension, Angel Heart is a quintessential supernatural crime thriller.
6
The Sixth Sense
M. Night Shyamalan, 1999
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense is a landmark in the supernatural crime thriller genre, known for its ingenious storytelling and iconic twist. Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist who helps Cole, a young boy (Haley Joel Osment) who can see and speak with the dead.
Shyamalan’s careful pacing and James Newton Howard’s haunting score enhance the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Osment’s powerful and compelling performance stands out in this Oscar-nominated 1999 thriller and leaves a lasting impact with the blend of psychological insight and supernatural intrigue.
5
Ringu
Hideo Nakata, 1998
Hideo Nakata’s Ringu is a seminal Japanese horror film that revolutionized the genre with its chilling premise and impressive building of dread. The film introduces a cursed videotape that brings a deathly curse to anyone who watches it. As TV reporter Reiko, played by Nanako Matsushima, investigates the origins of this eerie tape, she uncovers a blend of supernatural horror and gripping criminal mystery.
Nakata’s direction creates a pervasive sense of tension through subtle, disturbing moments rather than relying predominantly on overt scares, this is heightened by Ringu‘s chilling sound design and the eerie silence of the phone calls. While the film’s elliptical storytelling and occasional complexity might challenge some viewers, these elements also contribute to its unique atmosphere. Ringu is a true classic that combines supernatural terror with a compelling narrative, making it a landmark in horror cinema and a must-watch for fans of the genre.
4
The Dead Zone
David Cronenberg, 1983
David Cronenberg’s The Dead Zone, adapted from Stephen King’s novel, is a standout supernatural thriller that combines elements of science fiction with a gripping crime drama. Christopher Walken stars as Johnny Smith, a man who awakens from a coma with the unsettling ability to see people’s futures. His newfound power leads him to uncover dark secrets and a chilling plot.
Walken’s compelling portrayal of Johnny makes his extraordinary gift feel deeply personal and relatable. While Cronenberg’s direction focuses on the psychological and ethical dilemmas Johnny faces, blending supernatural elements with a suspenseful crime narrative. The Dead Zone is a memorable supernatural thriller due to its rich, character-driven story, making it a compelling exploration of fate and responsibility.
3
Sleepy Hollow
Tim Burton, 1999
Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is a standout supernatural crime thriller that revives Washington Irving’s classic tale with a gothic twist. Perhaps Tim Burton’s best film, Sleepy Hollow stars Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, a detective dispatched to a small, eerie town where a series of grisly murders are linked to the legendary Headless Horseman.
Burton’s distinctive visual style transforms the film into a darkly elegant experience, rich with eerie details and hauntingly beautiful set designs. The film’s strength lies in its ability to combine a classic mystery with supernatural elements, all while delivering a visually stunning and engaging story. Depp’s performance as Crane adds depth to the detective’s struggle against the supernatural, making Sleepy Hollow a memorable and atmospheric entry in the supernatural crime thriller genre.
2
The Invisible Man
Leigh Whannell, 2020
Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man is a masterful modern reimagining of the H. G. Wells novel combining psychological intensity with sci-fi/supernatural elements. Elisabeth Moss delivers a standout performance as Cecilia Kass, a woman tormented by her seemingly invisible and abusive ex. The Invisible Man 2020 makes big changes compared to the original 1933 film. In Whannell’s world, the invisibility concept explores themes of abuse and gaslighting. Moss’s portrayal of Cecilia is both powerful and deeply affecting, anchoring the film’s emotional core and contributing to the relentless tension.
With sleek special effects and ominous imagery, Whannell amplifies the sense of dread and paranoia, making the invisible antagonist both a literal and psychological threat. As Cecilia unravels the mystery and fights to prove her sanity, The Invisible Man becomes a gripping exploration of resilience and justice in the face of supernatural terror.
1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
David Lynch, 1992
David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me is a standout supernatural crime thriller, extending the world of Lynch’s iconic TV series with a dark, intense prequel. The film delves into the tragic final days of Laura Palmer, blending surreal horror with a gripping investigative narrative.
Lynch’s unique visual style and surrealist approach create a haunting atmosphere that immerses viewers in Laura Palmer’s unsettling world. Fire Walk With Me is striking in its intense psychological depth and supernatural elements, making it an essential and exceptional entry into the genre. Lynch’s ability to evoke a sense of impending doom and his distinctive visual style and pacing ensure that Fire Walk With Me remains a powerful and unforgettable supernatural crime thriller.
