10 Movies Like You That Will Keep You Hooked | Similar-List

You're not alone if you’ve been captivated by You, the psychological thriller that delves into obsession, manipulation, and toxic romance. Penn Badgley’s portrayal of Joe Goldberg—charming yet dangerously obsessive—has intrigued and disturbed audiences. With each new season, the suspense intensifies as Joe's quest for love escalates. But what do you do in between seasons? If you're yearning for more stories that explore similar themes of obsession and psychological suspense, you're in luck. There’s a rich collection of movies that delve into the darker aspects of relationships, manipulation, and obsession—perfect for fans of You.

If you want to sink deeper into the dark and unsettling world of psychological thrillers and toxic relationships, these films will satisfy your craving. They explore obsession, manipulation, and the blurred line between love and control—elements at the core of You. Whether you’re after shocking twists, intense suspense, or something disturbing, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like Joe Goldberg’s twisted escapades.

10 Movies Like You That Will Keep You Hooked

Movies Like "You": Ingrid Goes

A core theme of You is how Joe Goldberg uses social media to fuel his obsession with his victims. He tracks their every move, accesses their personal lives, and manipulates them through digital channels. This unsettling dynamic is all the more relatable by how easily social media enables Joe to execute his plans without physical contact.

Ingrid Goes West takes this idea further but with a fresh twist. The film follows Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza), a troubled woman obsessed with a popular Instagram influencer, Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen). Feeling isolated and disconnected from reality, Ingrid relocates to Los Angeles to insert herself into Taylor's seemingly perfect life. By creating a carefully curated online persona that mirrors Taylor's, Ingrid convinces Taylor that they are kindred spirits—despite being strangers.

Much like Joe, Ingrid’s unhealthy attachment to Taylor becomes obsessive. She resorts to manipulation and deceit to infiltrate Taylor’s world, blurring the boundaries between reality and the personas people create online. The film masterfully explores the darker side of social media, showing how it can be used to connect and control and manipulate others.

Ingrid Goes West fully displays social media's power as a tool for connection and obsession. Just as Joe Goldberg’s online stalking sets the stage for his dark journey in You, Ingrid’s obsession with Taylor demonstrates how digital platforms can be used to fabricate relationships, invade privacy, and fuel dangerous behavior. This commentary on social media's impact on mental health and relationships makes Ingrid Goes West a compelling watch for fans of psychological thrillers and those fascinated by the toxic side of digital life.

Movies Like "You": Gone Girl

Gone Girl (2014) should be on your watchlist. Based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flyn, this film is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of marriage, deception, and the dangerous power dynamics between its central characters.

The film follows Amy Dunne's (Rosamund Pike's disappearance and the ensuing media frenzy and investigation. Her husband, Nick (Ben Affleck), quickly becomes the prime suspect, and as the story unfolds, we discover the dark and twisted secrets of their marriage. Much like Joe Goldberg in You, Amy is a master manipulator, orchestrating an elaborate plot to make it appear that her husband is guilty of her disappearance—ultimately controlling the narrative and shaping how others perceive her.

Gone Girl offers a chilling exploration of psychological manipulation, with Amy and Nick constantly playing games of power, control, and deceit. The film's ability to keep the audience questioning what is true and who can be trusted mirrors the suspenseful and unreliable storytelling that You is known for. Amy’s ability to manipulate both the media and the people around her parallels Joe’s obsessive control over the lives of his victims, blurring the lines between love and possession.

For those who appreciate the cat-and-mouse games and dark psychological dynamics in You, Gone Girl delivers an equally thrilling experience with its complex characters and shocking twists. If you're looking for a movie that will keep you guessing until the very end, Gone Girl is a must-see.

Movies Like "You": American Psycho

American Psycho (2000) is another film you should add to your list. Based on Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial novel, this psychological thriller dives deep into the mind of Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a successful and wealthy New York investment banker who harbors a chilling, secret life as a brutal serial killer.

Bateman’s outward appearance epitomizes charm and success—handsome, well-dressed, and surrounded by wealth. However, beneath this polished exterior, he is a deeply disturbed individual whose obsession with power, status, and perfection leads him down a path of violence and delusion. Like Joe Goldberg in You, Bateman can manipulate those around him by projecting an image of normalcy, masking his darker tendencies. The film explores his obsessive behavior, his need for control, and his detachment from reality, all themes that resonate with fans of You.

Bateman and Joe share a distorted view of love and relationships, where control and obsession replace genuine connection. The chilling unpredictability of Bateman’s actions and his ability to deceive and manipulate those around him mirrors Joe’s dark pursuit of his love interests. American Psycho delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the danger of unchecked desire—issues central to You as well.

If you’re drawn to the psychological complexity of You, American Psycho offers a deeper exploration of a character who is equally skilled at hiding his true self and creating a twisted world where he is in complete control. This film is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the dark side of obsession, power, and manipulation.

Movies Like "You": The Boy Next Door

If you found yourself gripped by You and its exploration of obsession, manipulation, and toxic relationships, then The Boy Next Door (2015) is a must-watch. This psychological thriller, starring Jennifer Lopez, introduces us to Noah (Ryan Guzman), a charming and seemingly perfect neighbor whose initial attraction to the protagonist, Claire, quickly spirals into a dangerous and unsettling obsession.

Claire, a high school teacher recovering from a difficult divorce, becomes entangled with Noah after a brief affair. At first, Noah’s good looks and youthful energy seem harmless, even refreshing. But as the film progresses, his true, darker nature emerges, revealing a man willing to go to extreme lengths to control and manipulate those around him. Much like Joe Goldberg in You, Noah’s initial charm hides a more sinister side that becomes apparent as his obsession grows and turns into a dangerous fixation.

The film expertly showcases how quickly boundaries can blur between attraction and possession. As Noah’s obsession with Claire intensifies, he becomes increasingly controlling, exhibiting behavior that mirrors Joe’s relentless pursuit of love—using manipulation, deceit, and even violence to ensure his hold over his object of affection. If you were captivated by Joe Goldberg’s manipulative tactics in You, Noah’s descent into madness will strike a familiar chord.

The Boy Next Door offers a chilling reminder of how dangerous a seemingly innocent relationship can become when one crosses the line from affection to obsession. Like You, it explores the darker aspects of attraction and how individuals can twist their perception of love into something toxic and destructive. If you’re looking for a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense and intrigue, The Boy Next Door delivers a thrilling, albeit disturbing, ride into the world of obsessive desire.

Movies Like "You": One Hour Photo

One Hour Photo (2002) should be on your watchlist. Starring Robin Williams in an uncharacteristic and chilling role, this psychological thriller delves into the terrifying obsession of Sy Parrish, a lonely photo lab technician who becomes fixated on a seemingly ordinary family.

Sy’s obsession begins innocently as he develops photographs for the Yorkin family. Over time, however, his admiration for them morphs into an unhealthy fixation, where he imagines himself as an integral part of their lives. Like Joe Goldberg in You, Sy hides his deep-seated loneliness and need for validation behind a facade of professionalism. What starts as a harmless interest soon spirals into a disturbing and possessive desire to be a part of the family, even going so far as to manipulate their memories by altering their photographs.

The film’s strength is its portrayal of how an individual’s desire for connection can become warped, leading to dangerous consequences. Sy’s obsession grows as he becomes more involved in the Yorkin family’s lives, creating a sense of dread that mirrors the psychological tension in You. The movie highlights how easily someone can slip from admiration to obsession, losing all sense of boundaries and morality.

One Hour Photo stands out as a chilling exploration of the dangers of loneliness and the potential for obsession to consume an individual. For fans of You, it offers a similarly unsettling look at how unchecked obsession can take over a person’s life, distorting their perception of reality and leading them down a dangerous path. With its slow-building tension and psychological depth, One Hour Photo is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the darker side of human nature, making it a perfect fit for those intrigued by the complex dynamics of obsession.

Movies Like "You": Warm Bodies

Warm Bodies (2013) is an interesting and unexpected pick to add to your watchlist. At first glance, the film, which features a romance between a zombie and a human, may seem like an unlikely comparison. However, it shares several elements with You—specifically, a darkly comedic take on love, obsession, and the lengths people (or zombies) will go to for the object of their desire.

In Warm Bodies, the story is told from the perspective of R, a zombie trying to regain his humanity after developing feelings for Julie, a human girl. R’s inner monologue provides a unique and often humorous perspective, much like Joe Goldberg’s narration in You, allowing the audience to gain insight into his twisted thoughts and the distorted way he views his obsession. While R’s feelings for Julie are initially driven by primal urges, much like Joe’s infatuation with Beck, it quickly becomes clear that his desire for connection transcends physical attraction.

What makes Warm Bodies particularly interesting is its blend of dark humor with themes of emotional transformation. As R becomes more human-like through his relationship with Julie, the film subtly explores how obsession and vulnerability can lead to personal change. R’s evolving obsession with Julie shifts from a mindless fixation to a more nuanced, almost innocent form of love, which parallels the evolution of Joe's obsession with You. Just as Joe justifies his actions to himself, R tries to convince himself that his feelings for Julie are genuine despite the obvious barriers.

Warm Bodies is a unique take on the genre of "movies like You," as it introduces humor and heart to the themes of obsession, identity, and transformation. While You is dark and intense, Warm Bodies balances those same themes with a layer of wit, providing a fresh perspective on the psychological elements of desire and control. If you appreciate the psychological depth and complexity in You, but also enjoy a lighter, more fantastical touch, Warm Bodies offers an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Movies Like "You": Single White Female

If you're captivated by the chilling themes of obsession and psychological manipulation in You, then Single White Female (1992) is a must-watch. This psychological thriller dives deep into the dangerous territory of identity, jealousy, and obsession, much like Joe Goldberg’s intense fixation on his love interests.

In Single White Female, the story revolves around Allie (Bridget Fonda), a woman who notices unsettling behaviors from her new roommate, Hedy (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Hedy, a shy and seemingly harmless woman, becomes fixated on Allie, even copying her appearance and actions. What begins as a seemingly harmless admiration soon spirals into something much darker and more dangerous. This obsessive relationship grows increasingly toxic as Hedy’s fixation on Allie turns into a deadly desire to take over her life completely.

Much like Joe in You, Hedy’s obsession is not only invasive but manipulative, using subtle tactics to erase the boundaries between herself and Allie. The film explores the unsettling feeling of being constantly watched, with Hedy stalking Allie in person and through her possessions. This relentless invasion of privacy mirrors Joe's calculated approach to infiltrating the lives of those he becomes obsessed with, from his methods of stalking to his attempts at controlling and manipulating his targets.

The similarities between Single White Female and You are striking, especially in how both stories explore the blurred line between love and control. Both films portray obsession as a dangerous force that distorts reality and leads individuals to justify increasingly sinister actions. Whether Joe believes that he's protecting his "true love" or Hedy's need to become Allie, the characters' actions reveal how obsession can spiral out of control when it's rooted in insecurity and a distorted sense of self.

If you’re intrigued by psychological thrillers that peel back the layers of human obsession and its dangerous consequences, Single White Female offers a classic, suspense-filled ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat—just like You. With its intense characters and unnerving atmosphere, this film is a great choice for those looking to explore the darker side of desire and identity.

Movies Like "You": Red Eye

Red Eye (2005) is another thrilling film that delves into the complexity of falling for someone with dangerous intentions. Directed by Wes Craven, Red Eye combines psychological tension with suspense, creating a pulse-pounding experience that mirrors the dark undertones of You.

In Red Eye, the story centers on Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams), a hotel manager flying home after a business trip. During the flight, she crosses paths with Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy), a charming and seemingly harmless man who soon reveals his sinister side. As their interaction intensified, Lisa realized that Jackson had been watching her for a long time, with a dangerous plan that put her and her loved ones at risk. The film unfolds as Lisa must outwit Jackson, navigating a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game while trapped on the plane.

Like Joe Goldberg’s systematic approach in You, Jackson’s calm demeanor and strategic manipulation create a chilling sense of danger. He’s not just a random threat; he has been studying Lisa and knows how to exploit her weaknesses, much like how Joe immerses himself in his victims' lives by leveraging social media. Both characters use charm and psychological manipulation to gain control, making their victims feel trapped in an inescapable situation.

The film also touches on trust, surveillance, and psychological warfare. As Lisa struggles to escape Jackson’s clutches, she must confront the unsettling reality that the man she initially thought was just another passenger has been watching her every move. This mirrors the way Joe builds relationships in You—slowly worming his way into the lives of his targets until they are powerless to escape his grasp.

If you’re a fan of You and enjoy psychological thrillers that explore obsession, manipulation, and high-stakes encounters, Red Eye will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film’s intense pacing, complex characters, and suspenseful plot make it a perfect match for fans of dark, tension-filled stories where trust is dangerous.

Movies Like "You": Misery

Misery (1990) offers a similar psychological thriller experience that dives deep into the dangers of fandom and manipulation. Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, this film introduces an alarming character who shares a dangerous fixation with their object of admiration, much like Joe Goldberg’s disturbing obsession in You.

In Misery, famous novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is critically injured in a car accident and rescued by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a seemingly kind woman who turns out to be his most fervent fan. What begins as an act of kindness quickly spirals into a nightmare when Annie reveals her true intentions. She is not just a fan—she’s a psychotic, obsessive figure who believes she has the right to control Paul’s life, especially his writing. Annie traps Paul in her home, forcing him to write a new novel to her exact specifications, with deadly consequences if he refuses.

Annie's obsession with Paul mirrors how Joe becomes obsessed with his love interests in You. Both characters stalk their victims, invading their private lives and controlling their surroundings to manipulate their desires. Annie, like Joe, has no boundaries—her obsession leads her to cross every line of decency and morality. Her actions become progressively more dangerous and violent as she sees herself as the ultimate authority over Paul, much like how Joe believes his "love" justifies his actions.

One of the most chilling aspects of Misery is Annie's ability to appear sweet and harmless, much like Joe’s charm in You. This creates a sense of unease as the audience begins questioning what these characters are capable of behind their seemingly normal exteriors. The film examines the fine line between admiration and obsession and how someone with a fixation on control can completely upend a person’s life.

For fans of You who enjoy psychological thrillers centered around obsessive and manipulative behavior, Misery offers a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere with a lead character who embodies the terrifying consequences of unchecked obsession. With its slow-building suspense and shocking twists, Misery is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the darker side of human fixation and control.

Movies Like "You": Fear

If You draws you into its web of obsession, manipulation, and stalking, then Fear (1996) will certainly captivate you with its unsettling portrayal of dangerous attraction. This psychological thriller is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys movies about the dark side of infatuation, particularly the kind that gradually escalates into obsession and violence.

In Fear, a seemingly perfect young man named David (Mark Wahlberg) charms Nicole Walker (Reese Witherspoon), a high school student, with his intense passion and magnetic personality. Initially, their relationship appears to be idyllic, much like the initial attraction between Joe Goldberg and his victims in You. David is everything Nicole wants in a boyfriend—handsome, charismatic, and adventurous—but soon, his behavior spirals out of control.

As David's infatuation with Nicole deepens, he becomes increasingly possessive, jealous, and controlling. Much like Joe's obsessive stalking, David’s actions escalate from sweet gestures to more dangerous behaviors, pushing the boundaries of normalcy. He starts showing up uninvited, monitoring Nicole’s every move, and making threats to those he perceives as obstacles to their relationship. In Fear, the thin veneer of romance quickly fades to reveal a dark side, highlighting the terrifying consequences of a toxic obsession.

What makes Fear compelling is its exploration of how a charismatic, seemingly harmless individual can turn dangerous. David's initial charm hides a manipulative, controlling personality, much like how Joe's outwardly charming demeanor masks his sinister intentions. The film plays on the same theme of a “perfect” relationship gone wrong, with the victim unable to escape once the perpetrator’s overwhelming presence ensnares them.

For fans of You, Fear offers a deep dive into the psychology of obsession and how it can manifest in a relationship that initially seems full of promise. The film also examines the theme of manipulation—how David convinces Nicole that his intense behavior is just an expression of love, much like Joe does with Beck or Love.

With its escalating tension, compelling performances, and themes of toxic relationships, Fear is a thrilling watch for anyone fascinated by the dangers of obsession, control, and the darker side of romantic infatuation. Whether you're drawn to the eerie tension of You or the raw intensity of Fear, both films offer chilling insights into the lengths people will go to to control those they believe they love.

From the psychological twists of Gone Girl to the terrifying obsession in Misery, these films tap into the same dark themes that made You so compelling. Dangerous obsessions, twisted romances, and characters who will stop at nothing to control their targets—these movies dive deep into the emotional complexities of unhealthy relationships. If you loved the psychological tension of You, these films will provide more of the same, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you explore even darker, more twisted worlds.