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.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Dreaming of NYSE? Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset First, Loren Douglass says

‘Divorce in the Black’

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’

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’

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’

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

‘No Good Deed’

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

‘Collateral’

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’

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’

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’

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’

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’

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’

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.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

13 Years After 'Being Mary Jane' Premiered, Here’s Where the Cast Is Now!

13 Years After ‘Being Mary Jane’ Premiered, Here’s Where the Cast Is Now!

The groundbreaking drama “Being Mary Jane” ended in 2019, but its cast have continued to evolve. Here’s where they are today …
Black Stars Who Showed Out for Paris Fashion Week 2026

Black Stars Who Showed Out for Paris Fashion Week 2026

From Usher and SZA to Kai Cenat and Pharrell, let’s take a look at some of our fave faces out and about at Paris Fashion Week! …
The Feud Between Djimon Hounsou and the His Children's Mother Just Got Messy — Now The Cops Are Involved

The Feud Between Djimon Hounsou and the His Children’s Mother Just Got Messy — Now The Cops Are Involved

Longtime actor Djimon Hounsou is back in the news, but sadly—it isn’t for anything positive. Let’s talk about it! …
How the Gullah-Geechee People Stopped Gentrification Dead in its Tracks... For Now

How the Gullah-Geechee People Stopped Gentrification Dead in its Tracks… For Now

Since 2023, an effort to raise property taxes and displace Black Gullah-Geechee residents has threatened the community’s deep history …
Veteran Black Journalist's New Novel Explores Love, Hip-Hop and Magazines in the 1990s

Veteran Black Journalist’s New Novel Explores Love, Hip-Hop and Magazines in the 1990s

The Root spoke to Amy DuBois Barnett about her debut novel which explores the good and bad of hip-hop and journalism in the late 1990s …
How Duke University Suing Its Own Quarterback Could Impact All College Athletes

How Duke University Suing Its Own Quarterback Could Impact All College Athletes

Right after Duke University quarterback Darian Mensah announced he’s entering the transfer portal, the university sued him …
A$AP Rocky Finally Opens Up About His 'Crazy' Time In Swedish Jail

A$AP Rocky Finally Opens Up About His ‘Crazy’ Time In Swedish Jail

Life may be good for rapper A$AP Rocky now, but back when he was Swedish jail—things were anything but sweet. And now he’s providing more details about his time there! …
The Root Exclusive: Shaq's Masterclass On Business Success

The Root Exclusive: Shaq’s Masterclass On Business Success

Shaquille O’Neal explains how he has found success on every level. Here is his formula! …
Morris Brown College Reinstates President 1 Week After Firing Him... And That's Not All Either

Morris Brown College Reinstates President 1 Week After Firing Him… And That’s Not All Either

Morris Brown College’s Board of Trustees is under fire after terminating then reinstating the president in less than a week …
Shocking New Development in Case of ICE Agent Killing Keith Porter Jr. on New Years Eve

Shocking New Development in Case of ICE Agent Killing Keith Porter Jr. on New Years Eve

Now we know the identity of the ICE agent who shot and killed a Black man, Keith Porter Jr., on New Years Eve …
Why Don Lemon's Latest Reporting Could Land Him in Serious Trouble With the DOJ

Why Don Lemon’s Latest Reporting Could Land Him in Serious Trouble With the DOJ

Don Lemon is at risk of legal trouble by the Department of Justice for reporting on ICE protests in Minnesota …
Black Doctors Explain Why It Feels Cancer Is Everywhere These Days

Black Doctors Explain Why It Feels Cancer Is Everywhere These Days

We spoke with Black medical experts on why cancer feels more common than ever, and what genetics, lifestyle, and delayed screenings may have to do with it …
How Ben Crump is Involved With a 70-Year-Old Grandmother's Tragic Fate On a Universal Orlando Coaster Ride

How Ben Crump is Involved With a 70-Year-Old Grandmother’s Tragic Fate On a Universal Orlando Coaster Ride

Respected attorney Ben Crump is taking on the tragic case of a grandmother who died after riding a rollercoaster at Universal Orlando …
Why Michael Jordan's 'NBA On NBC' Coverage Flopped as Soon as It Started

Why Michael Jordan’s ‘NBA On NBC’ Coverage Flopped as Soon as It Started

Michael Jordan will not make any more appearances on NBC’s network’s coverage of the NBA, leaving fans feeling let down …
What Jill Scott Says About Being a 'Dominant Submissive'

What Jill Scott Says About Being a ‘Dominant Submissive’

Jill Scott’s comments about what she’s looking for in a man have sparked an online debate about power dynamics in relationships …
Why Everyone is Losing It Over Naomi Osaka's Australian Open Outfit

Why Everyone is Losing It Over Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open Outfit

Naomi Osaka is making a bold fashion statement at the 2026 Australian Open and you’ve got to see how she slayed! …
This Black TikToker's Super-Catchy Dr. Pepper Jingle Went Viral, Here's What Happened Next

This Black TikToker’s Super-Catchy Dr. Pepper Jingle Went Viral, Here’s What Happened Next

Romeo Bingham’s viral TikTok video, an ode to Dr. Pepper, leads to national commercial with the soft drink brand …
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Ronald Martinez

Why LeBron James is Getting Dragged For His MLK-Inspired Nike Sneakers

Designed to commemorate MLK Day and LeBron James’ 23rd season, “King James” and Nike have been called “tone-deaf” for the new shoe …
The Heartbreaking Fate of a Former Nickelodeon Black Child Star Exposes a Deeper Issue

The Heartbreaking Fate of a Former Nickelodeon Black Child Star Exposes a Deeper Issue

Kianna Underwood, a child star on Nickelodeon’s ‘All That’ had a life that should raise concerns about other child stars …
'High School Musical's' Black Stars, 20 Years Later

‘High School Musical’s’ Black Stars, 20 Years Later

Twenty years after the premiere, we’re looking at the lives and careers of three of the most memorable– and Black– stars from “High School Musical.” …