If Jordan Peele’s produced psychological sports horror “Him” left you craving more twisted mind games and atmospheric terror, you’re in for a treat. This genre-blending masterpiece starring Marlon Wayans has opened the floodgates for a new wave of psychological horror that explores the dark underbelly of human ambition, mentorship, and psychological manipulation.
The film follows a young football player training at the isolated compound of an aging quarterback, creating an atmosphere of psychological tension that horror fans are devouring. Here are seven essential psychological horror films that capture similar themes of manipulation, isolation, and mental deterioration.
Table of Contents
7 Essential Psychological Horror Films for “Him” Fans
1. Black Swan (2010) – The Psychology of Perfectionism
Darren Aronofsky’s masterpiece explores the psychological breakdown of a ballet dancer under intense pressure. Like “Him,” it examines how the pursuit of perfection in a competitive field can lead to psychological horror. Natalie Portman’s Oscar-winning performance showcases the thin line between dedication and obsession.
Why It’s Perfect for “Him” Fans: Both films explore how mentorship can become toxic manipulation, with protagonists losing their grip on reality under intense pressure.
2. Whiplash (2014) – Toxic Mentorship Turned Horror
While not traditionally classified as horror, J.K. Simmons’ terrifying performance as an abusive music instructor creates genuine psychological terror. The film’s exploration of mentor-student dynamics mirrors the dangerous relationship dynamics seen in “Him.”
Psychological Elements: Gaslighting, emotional abuse, and the corruption of ambition into something monstrous.
3. The House of the Devil (2009) – Isolation and Manipulation
Ti West’s slow-burn horror creates tension through isolation and gradual psychological manipulation. Like “Him’s” isolated training compound, the film uses confined spaces to amplify psychological horror.
Similar Themes: Young protagonists trapped in isolated environments with seemingly helpful mentors who have sinister agendas.
Comparative Analysis Table
| Film | Psychological Focus | Setting | Manipulation Type | Horror Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Him (2025) | Sports pressure | Isolated compound | Mentorship abuse | Atmospheric terror |
| Black Swan | Perfectionism | Ballet world | Self-destruction | Body horror/psychological |
| Whiplash | Achievement obsession | Music conservatory | Educational abuse | Psychological thriller |
| Hereditary | Family trauma | Domestic space | Generational manipulation | Supernatural horror |
| The Lighthouse | Isolation madness | Remote location | Co-dependency | Atmospheric/surreal |
| Midsommar | Grief processing | Cult compound | Group manipulation | Folk horror |
| Get Out | Racial exploitation | Isolated estate | Social manipulation | Social thriller |
4. Hereditary (2018) – Family Psychological Horror
Ari Aster’s debut feature explores how family dynamics can become sources of psychological terror. The film’s examination of inherited trauma and manipulation resonates with “Him’s” themes of legacy and mentorship gone wrong.
Connection to “Him”: Both films explore how older figures pass down their damage to younger generations, creating cycles of psychological abuse.
5. The Lighthouse (2019) – Isolation-Driven Madness
Robert Eggers’ psychological horror examines what happens when two men are isolated together, with power dynamics shifting between mentor and student. The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere mirrors “Him’s” compound setting.
Psychological Terror Elements: Gaslighting, reality distortion, and the breakdown of hierarchical relationships.
6. Midsommar (2019) – Cult Psychology and Manipulation
Ari Aster’s folk horror explores how grief makes individuals vulnerable to psychological manipulation. The film’s examination of how cults exploit emotional vulnerability parallels how “Him” explores the exploitation of athletic ambition.
Why “Him” Fans Will Love It: Both films feature protagonists who enter seemingly supportive communities that gradually reveal their sinister nature.
7. Get Out (2017) – Social Psychological Horror
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut (and producer of “Him”) explores racial exploitation through psychological horror. The film’s themes of manipulation, false mentorship, and the commodification of human bodies create perfect thematic parallels.
Thematic Connections: Both films explore how systems that appear supportive actually exploit and consume their participants.
What Makes These Films Essential Viewing
These psychological horror films share common elements that make them perfect companions to “Him”:
Shared Themes:
- Toxic mentorship relationships
- Isolation as a tool for manipulation
- The corruption of ambition
- Reality distortion through gaslighting
- Physical and psychological imprisonment
Like “Him,” which explores “the price paid for fame and glory,” these films examine how the pursuit of excellence can become a pathway to psychological destruction.
The Evolution of Psychological Horror
2025 has brought us several exciting psychological horror stories, with “Him” representing a new evolution in the genre. These films move beyond traditional scares to explore deeper psychological truths about ambition, power, and human vulnerability.
Modern Psychological Horror Trends:
- Social commentary embedded in horror narratives
- Exploration of power dynamics and manipulation
- Use of familiar settings made sinister
- Focus on psychological rather than supernatural terror
Discover more psychological horror recommendations and in-depth film analysis at TechnoSports for comprehensive entertainment coverage.
Streaming and Availability Guide
Most of these psychological horror gems are available across various streaming platforms:
- Netflix: Black Swan, Midsommar
- Amazon Prime: The House of the Devil, Whiplash
- HBO Max: Hereditary, The Lighthouse
- Peacock: Get Out
“Him” represents a rather barren but niche subgenre: Sports Horror, making these psychological horror alternatives essential viewing for fans seeking similar thrills.
For official movie trailers and streaming information, visit IMDb and stay connected with TechnoSports for the latest horror movie reviews and recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific psychological elements make these movies similar to “Him”?
These films share “Him’s” focus on toxic power dynamics, particularly between mentors and students or authority figures and vulnerable individuals. Like “Him’s” exploration of an aging quarterback manipulating a young athlete, each movie examines how psychological manipulation occurs within seemingly legitimate relationships – whether it’s a ballet instructor pushing a dancer to madness, a music teacher abusing students, or family members perpetuating generational trauma. The psychological horror emerges from the gradual revelation that supportive figures are actually predators exploiting their victims’ ambitions and vulnerabilities.
Are there other sports-themed psychological horror movies worth watching alongside “Him”?
While sports horror is indeed a rare subgenre as noted in recent analyses, several films blend athletic competition with psychological terror effectively. “The Hole in the Ground” explores parental pressure in youth sports with supernatural elements, while “The Craft” uses high school social dynamics including athletics as a backdrop for psychological manipulation. Classic films like “Carrie” incorporate sports settings (prom, gym class) into their psychological horror framework, and “Jennifer’s Body” uses cheerleading culture to explore toxic competition and manipulation, making them thematic companions to “Him’s” examination of sports culture’s dark side.
