In most parts of the world, stalking is considered an illegal and criminal act punishable by law. One of the best ways to protect yourself from stalkers is by observing how these obsessed individuals move. Here are the 14 best stalker movies that you can learn from:
1. Fatal Attraction (1987)
English 1h 59m IMDb
Director: Adrian Lyne
Stars: Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer
What happens when a one-night stand goes awry? Well, in the case of Dan Gallagher, played by Michael Douglas, the woman he slept with starts to show her true colors and obsesses over him.
While the cheating plot is not something new, there are a couple of things that make this film iconic. At the time of its release, it was considered to be racey. However, this does not drive the viewers away from the superb writing. The actors’ of the film are outstanding, especially Glenn Close as Alex Forrest.
2. Ingrid Goes West (2017)
English 1h 38m IMDb
Director: Matt Spicer
Stars: Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O’Shea Jackson Jr.
With the prevalence of social media use, it’s easy for stalkers to find their next prey and follow them around. In this film, Ingrid does exactly that.
Ingrid has set her sights on an LA-based influencer. Aubrey Plaza stars as the deluded Ingrid. Plaza retains the comedic prowess she is known for, while playing someone who is clearly unstable.
Despite Ingrid’s problematic behavior, the obsession with social media and influencers is something many people can relate to. And this dark comedy will leave you entertained as well.
3. Greta (2018)
English, Hungarian, French, Korean 1h 38m IMDb
Director: Neil Jordan
Stars: Isabelle Huppert, Chloë Grace Moretz, Maika Monroe
Isabelle Huppert is a living legend in French Cinema. And the audience can get a taste of her acting in 2018’s Greta with Chloe Moretz. Both actresses were superb in their respective roles in this movie.
The movie starts with a chance encounter between Huppert’s Greta and Moretz’s Frances. They develop a friendship of some sort. However, Frances soon discovers that Greta is not who she projects to be.
Greta might start slow, but the suspense builds up. It has twists and turns, thrilling and entertaining the audience until the end.
4. Unhinged (2020)
English 1h 30m IMDb
Director: Derrick Borte
Stars: Russell Crowe, Caren Pistorius, Gabriel Bateman
Russel Crowe’s character is on a downward spiral. And the run-in on the road with Caren Pistorius’ Rachel sets him off. While the events occuring in the movie seem like something unbelievable, the truth of the matter is they can happen to anyone. A stranger you argue with can torment and go after you and the people in your life.
With that said, this movie keeps you on the edge of your seat. Crowe proves once again how versatile he is, playing the antagonist spectacularly.
5. Single White Female (1992)
English 1h 47m IMDb
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Stars: Bridget Fonda, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Steven Weber
You can’t talk about stalker-themed movies without including Single White Female. The term “single white female” has even become synonymous with stalking.
Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh are perfect in their roles. Without giving much of the plot away, let’s just say that you should be careful who you should let into your home. They might be following your every move, trying to steal everything you have, including your identity.
By today’s standards, the film might look dated. However, it remains to be one of the best in its genre. It’s an excellent and thrilling psychological film!
6. He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (2002)
French 1h 32m IMDb
Director: Laetitia Colombani
Stars: Audrey Tautou, Samuel Le Bihan, Isabelle Carré
Audrey Tautou gained international recognition for her role in Amélie. However, you will see a different side of Audrey in He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. While the title makes it sound like some straight-up romance movie, it is anything but that. Yes, there is a romantic angle but there’s more to this move than that.
One of the most interesting things about this movie is the fact that you get to see the story from different perspectives. It’s a suspenseful film with dark comedy elements. And it has twists you won’t see coming!
7. One Hour Photo (2002)
English 1h 36m IMDb
Director: Mark Romanek
Stars: Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan
Robin Williams always had memorable movie roles. And in One Hour Photo, he nailed his role here as the lonely Sy who has developed an unhealthy fascination with one family.
If you want to see Robin in a much darker role. The movie is creepy and haunting. It allows the viewers to know what loneliness is like and what it can do to someone who is disturbed.
Once you start watching the film, you can’t help but feel intrigued. You have to watch the film until the end to find out the surprise twist.
8. The Occupant (2020)
Spanish 1h 43m IMDb
Director: David Pastor, Àlex Pastor
Stars: Javier Gutiérrez, Mario Casas, Bruna Cusí
If subtitles don’t intimidate you, check out The Occupant. It’s a Spanish film released in 2020 about a once successful executive who loses it all, including his house. He starts plotting ways to get back what was once his, including the new occupants.
If you aren’t afraid of watching movies that can make you uncomfortable, then don’t hesitate to get into The Occupant. Javier Gutierrez, the actor who plays the lead, is brilliant. While he is the protagonist, he is not automatically the good guy. There’s not a lot of gore in the film but it still has that intriguing factor.
9. Watcher (2022)
English, Romanian 1h 31m IMDb
Director: Chloe Okuno
Stars: Maika Monroe, Karl Glusman, Burn Gorman
A new American transplant just arrived in Romania. Julia, played by Maika Monroe, thinks that someone across her building is watching her. And it so happens that there’s a serial killer out and about in Bucharest.
If you are looking for a movie that has fast pacing and gore, you are better off watching something else. The flow is slow but the suspense intensifies as the movie goes on. It leaves a feeling of uneasiness, especially for women. From the beginning to the end, Watcher will keep you wondering what happens next.
10. Alone (2020)
English 1h 38m IMDb
Director: John Hyams
Stars: Jules Willcox, Marc Menchaca, Anthony Heald
Prepare for the intensity of this film. Imagine being kidnapped and then once you think you have escaped the killer, you have mother nature to contend with. It’s like fate playing tricks on you!
There’s not much backstory about the characters. At first glance, you might think the plot is common. However, it doesn’t take away from the suspense and terror of the story. It leaves you wanting to know what happens in the next sequences, especially if the female lead survives it all.
11. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
English 1h 41m IMDb
Director: Jim Gillespie
Stars: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Anne Heche
Millennials will probably have a good recollection of this movie. It’s been 25 years since its release, but it remains a popular choice for movies in this genre. It has become a classic slasher film!
The movie is about a group of friends who hit a stranger on the road, and decide to get rid of the body. However, the cover-up they did will haunt them a year later. There is someone out there stalking them, killing them off. The vibe of the movie is dark and creepy. And The Fisherman is an interesting protagonist. You never really see his face until the end.
12. Misery (1990)
English 1h 47m IMDb
Director: Rob Reiner
Stars: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth
This movie is an adaptation of a Stephen King book. The book was released in 1987, and the movie came out in 1990.
James Caan is an author who gets into an accident. An obsessed fan, played by the talented Kathy Bates, rescues him. Since the story is from Stephen King, you know it’s no fairytale.
One of the most memorable parts of the movie is Kathy Bates’ acting. She won an Oscar for this role. Apart from this, it’s extreme and violent. If you aren’t a scaredy cat, you should go watch this movie ASAP!
13. Wicker Park (2004)
English, Japanese 1h 54m IMDb
Director: Paul McGuigan
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Diane Kruger, Matthew Lillard
You might have an idea about the plot if you have seen the French film this movie was adapted from. Wicker Park has drama and romance. It also has some suspense and stalking. Basically it has a little bit of everything.
The sequences in the movie might confuse the viewers. However, everything comes together towards the end. Whatever question or confusion you might have between the characters, especially Lisa (Diane Kruger) and Matthew (Josh Hartnett) will be answered.
14. The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (1992)
English 1h 50m IMDb
Director: Curtis Hanson
Stars: Annabella Sciorra, Rebecca De Mornay, Matt McCoy
The story of this movie begins when Claire’s routine gyno exam goes askew, claiming the doctor touched her inappropriately. Apart from Claire, other patients come out and accuse the doctor. The doctor in question decides to kill himself, prompting his wife to take revenge.
If you love women-centric thrillers, you will appreciate this movie. It’s been 30 years since this film came out, but it doesn’t feel that way. The story never gets old. It’s still as riveting as when it first came out. Plenty of mind games are involved in the revenge plot, leaving the audience guessing what will come next.
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Being stalked, in whatever capacity, is never a good feeling. It’s not something you would wish on anyone. Just imagine the turmoil it brings! By watching the 14 best stalker movies, you might pick up some dos and don’ts in case you find yourself in similar situations. But of course, no one should go through any of this at all!