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
Scary On-Air Incident During News Broadcast Finally Explained

‘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

From the 'Red Record' to the iPhone: 15 Times Journalism Saved Black Lives

From the ‘Red Record’ to the iPhone: 15 Times Journalism Saved Black Lives

Take a look at the investigative work that has and continues to shape the Black experience in this country …
Black Stars Who Slayed at 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' New York Red Carpet Premiere

Black Stars Who Slayed at ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ New York Red Carpet Premiere

The Devil Wears Prada sequel is about to make its way into theaters soon, but before it does—the New York premiere gave us a good glimpse at some serious looks. Let’s get into it! …
This 82-Year-Old Black Fitness Influencer's Workout Routine Will Shock You

This 82-Year-Old Black Fitness Influencer’s Workout Routine Will Shock You

82-year-old fitness influencer Annie Judis is motivating folks to stay healthy with her impressive workout routine …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything that led to his arrest …
With Virginia Redistricting Win, Democrats Are Playing Hardball, and They May Have One Black State Senator to Thank

With Virginia Redistricting Win, Democrats Are Playing Hardball, and They May Have One Black State Senator to Thank

Twenty-five years after Republicans redrew Virginia voting maps to shut out a Black female senator, it seems the Democrats are back with a vengeance in 2026 …
Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

If you’re a Black woman failing to get matches on dating apps, it might be because the apps algorithm is hiding your profile …
Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You'll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You’ll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange has never shied away from trying new styles and new looks. And this time around, her mother Tina is sharing some interesting insight about her latest choice! …
Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

We spoke with a gender-based violence prevention expert about how abuse starts long before violence becomes visible. She outlines early warning signs and steps for safely leaving …
New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren't Looking Good

New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren’t Looking Good

Things are steadily going on a downward spiral for Ivana Ortiz, the woman accused of shooting Rihanna’s LA home in March. Here’s the latest …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

In an exclusive interview, Scott Evans details his journey as an influential Black media figure and his ultimate duty to the Black community …
Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Critics are arguing with a movie that was never trying to be what they wanted …
Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

“Shopping while Black” strikes again after a Black woman went viral being chased out of a Zara store for alleged theft, which police later determined was baseless …
Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor's Recreation of One of Her Iconic '90s Looks

Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor’s Recreation of One of Her Iconic ’90s Looks

Teyana Taylor has paid homage to Janet Jackson before, but this time around she’s recreating yet another iconic look! And now Janet herself and fans all over are speaking out about it …
How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

16.5 million uninsured. Toxic air. Global famine. The high price of Trump’s 2026 budget is paid in American lives— and its only getting worse …
Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

After the FBI severed ties with Southern Poverty Law Center in October, an 11-count indictment against the civil rights nonprofit is now raising serious alarms …
No, Janet Jackson Isn't In the New Michael Movie and Here's Why

No, Janet Jackson Isn’t In the New Michael Movie and Here’s Why

Michael and Janet Jackson shared a close relationship, but she won’t be featured in his highly-anticipated biopic. We’re breaking down why! …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Spills the Tea on His Viral Interview with Mary J. Blige and That Infamous Burger King Ad

Exclusive: Scott Evans Spills the Tea on His Viral Interview with Mary J. Blige and That Infamous Burger King Ad

Scott Evans spoke with The Root about his viral interview with Mary J. Blige and why that infamous Burger King commercial is not a laughing matter …
Amid Recent Deaths of Black Women, Expert Details How to Support a Friend in a Harmful Relationship

Amid Recent Deaths of Black Women, Expert Details How to Support a Friend in a Harmful Relationship

In the wake of a number of devastating tragedies, Dr. LaNail Plummer, a mental health expert, breaks down how to safely help loved ones facing domestic violence—and how to support them when they need it most …
The Real Meaning of 'Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It' Song Was Just Revealed, and Some Black Folks are Not OK

The Real Meaning of ‘Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It’ Song Was Just Revealed, and Some Black Folks are Not OK

The real meaning of a popular dance song has finally been revealed, and Black people online are too stunned to accept it. Let’s get into it! …
Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

On the surface, redrawing the maps– although unprecedented– seems like a purely political scheme. In truth, however, redrawing urban district lines has already led to consequences for Black folks …