12 Anxiety-Inducing TV Shows and Movies You Can't Miss

Written by Turner Gray & Likewise Pix | Sep 20, 2024 Prepare for a cinematic roller-coaster ride that will leave your heart racing and palms sweaty. From the depths of psychological horror to the adrenaline-pumping thrillers, these are the 12 most anxiety-inducing TV shows and movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. Hereditary

With the death of the family matriarch, Annie and her family uncover horrid secrets about their lineage in "Hereditary." Their every waking moment becomes fraught with unease as an insidious fate looms over them, making each revelation worse than the last. The haunting visuals and twisted plot will stay with you long after viewing.

2. Uncut Gems

"Uncut Gems" stars Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner, a New York jeweler who flirts with danger to achieve that one big score. Through a series of nerve-wracking wagers, Howard finds himself balancing on a razor's edge, caught in a relentless storm of business, family, and imminent threats.

3. Breaking Bad

In "Breaking Bad," Walter White's transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a formidable figure in the drug trade is nothing short of gripping. As he juggles cancer treatment, his family's future, and his illegal activities, every episode ratchets up the tension, leaving audiences breathless with anticipation.

4. The Night Of

"The Night Of" throws viewers into a labyrinth of guilt and innocence. After a night of partying, Nasir Khan awakens to a nightmare as he finds himself accused of a brutal murder. Filled with heart-pounding moments and intricate legal drama, this show masterfully keeps viewers questioning everyone and everything.

5. Black Mirror

Each standalone story in "Black Mirror" serves as a dystopian reflection of modern society, delving into the terrifying potential futures shaped by technology. Its sharp commentary and chilling scenarios compel viewers to confront their unease about the digital age.

6. Get Out

"Get Out" is a psychological horror film that intertwines racial tension with spine-chilling suspense. Chris's unease about visiting his girlfriend Rose's family escalates into a living nightmare as he uncovers the dark truth behind their hospitality. The film's disturbing revelations are both shocking and thought-provoking.

7. Ozark

In "Ozark," financial adviser Marty Byrde is plunged into the dangerous world of money laundering and the ruthless cartel. Each episode layers suspense, as Marty and his family navigate life on the edge while trying to stay one step ahead of danger in the unpredictable Ozarks.

8. Bird Box

"Bird Box" introduces a world where an unseen entity drives people to madness and suicide upon sight. Malorie's desperate journey to save her children is fraught with peril, raising tension as they navigate a visual nightmare, blindfolded, towards a faint promise of safety.

9. The Haunting of Hill House

"The Haunting of Hill House" explores the lingering psychological effects of a haunted childhood home on the Crain family. The visually striking scenes and well-crafted storytelling make for a deeply unsettling experience, where past and present horrors converge.

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10. Parasite

"Parasite" seamlessly blends social satire with spine-chilling suspense. The story of the impoverished Kim family's infiltration into the wealthy Park household takes a dark turn, culminating in unexpected and intense plot twists that keep viewers on edge.

11. MINDHUNTER

"MINDHUNTER" delves into the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI. As agents interview and analyze notorious serial killers, the tension mounts with each chilling revelation about the dark recesses of the human mind, making for an engrossingly anxiety-inducing watch.

12. A Quiet Place

"A Quiet Place" is a masterclass in building tension through silence. In a post-apocalyptic world prowled by creatures with hypersensitive hearing, a family's survival depends on their ability to remain utterly silent. Every creak and whisper becomes a potential death knell in this gripping thriller.

Conclusion

These films and series offer an adrenaline-fueled journey through some of the most anxiety-inducing narratives ever created. With their intricate plots, emotional depth, and relentless tension, each offers a unique viewing experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more. Whether you're in the mood for psychological horror or intense thrillers, these 12 recommendations are sure to keep you riveted from start to finish.