Looking for a mind-bending experience? These shows are your ticket!

Over the years, a bunch of psychological thriller shows have gotten love from both critics and viewers. But only a few really kept us hooked. These shows messed with our minds by focusing on how characters see things and their complicated mental states instead of just action. Here's a list of really ‘disturbing’ psychological thrillers with good stories and great acting to boggle your mind!

True Detective

In the show's standout season, set in 1995, Louisiana homicide detectives Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harelson) investigate the brutal murder of a young woman. Seventeen years later, they're compelled to reopen the unsolved case, along with several others, pushing the detectives to confront their tumultuous past. Nic Pizzolatto's anthology crime series True Detective immerses viewers in a dark web of crimes and goes deep into Cohle and Hart's complex connection, emphasising the terrible ripple effect and irreversible damage the investigation has caused in their personal lives.

Fargo

Created by Noah Hawley and produced by the Coen brothers, Fargo is one of the best crime thrillers on TV right now. The acting is top-notch, and it's a great way to explore the fictional world the Coens created, which the show references multiple times. 

Fargo covers different genres well. Sometimes it's a dark comedy, similar to the Coen brothers' storytelling style, and other times, it turns into a psychological thriller, diving into the darker side of human nature. 

Each season of this TV series tells a new story with different characters and motivations. But they all happen in the same world of criminals, where crime might pay off, but karma seems to catch up eventually! 

Hannibal 

Made by Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is one of the best versions of the famous story about the cannibal Hannibal Lecter. In this NBC series, criminal profiler Will Graham (played by Hugh Dancy) forms an unlikely connection with Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) to catch an elusive serial killer. But things get complicated as Lecter's dark secrets unfold.

Mikkelsen's portrayal of the notorious killer is amazing, bringing Dr. Hannibal Lecter to life with the charm and terror that make his character so interesting. The series is probably the best take on this popular character on TV, following in the footsteps of its iconic movie counterpart. The psychological horror-thriller series isn't shy about showing intense and gruesome scenes, especially towards the end, which still holds up and makes the show worth watching again and again! 

Dexter 

Dexter adds a touch of humour to its dark storyline, making viewers sometimes forget that it's also quite a blood-filled show! 

Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall) works as a blood-splatter expert in Miami, but he secretly leads a double life as a serial killer. Dexter justifies his actions by targeting only those he deems guilty and finds ways to rationalise his brutal behavior. His father (James Remar) is the only one who knows Dexter's secret and aids his son in carrying out these grim deeds. As time goes on, though, small mistakes and unexpected situations force Dexter to make tough choices to protect his secret. 

Showtime's Dexter walks the line between dark comedy and suspenseful psychological thriller, blending elements of vigilante justice. The series introduced one of television's most popular anti-heroes, and audiences can't help but root for him, hoping he continues to successfully evade capture for his crimes! 

Mindhunter 

In the 1970s, F.B.I. agents Holden Ford (played by Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) are tasked with expanding the department's behavioural unit. They embark on a journey across the country, interviewing serial killers. As they engage with infamous criminals, the agents uncover specific mental traits and childhood experiences. This led them to develop the modern technique known as criminal profiling. 

Netflix's Mindhunter is based on the best-selling novel by former FBI agent John E. Douglas, who played a key role in establishing the agency's behavioural unit and is recognised as one of the greatest criminal profilers. The acclaimed Netflix original series explores the disturbed psyches of some of the most notorious serial killers in history, including The Co-Ed Killer, Edward Kemper, and The Son of Sam, David Berkowitz. 

Television is perfect for psychological thrillers because the episodic format works well for these kinds of scripts. And let's be honest, the suspense of waiting for the next episode is just so much fun! Feel free to check out our list and start binge-watching these mind-boggling shows, but be warned—proceed at your own risk!