Movies like 'Knock Knock': when the danger is inside the house
Looking for a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat? If you liked 'Knock Knock', here are similar movies with twisted plots, unexpected visitors, and ordinary people in extraordinary situations.



What makes a home invasion thriller truly terrifying? Is it the violation of sanctuary, the feeling that nowhere is safe? Or perhaps it's the creeping dread that the ordinary can turn sinister in an instant? These movies tap into our deepest fears about the safety of our homes and the fragility of normalcy. From the agonizing tension of 'Panic Room' where a mother and daughter are trapped in their own fortress, to the psychological warfare in 'Sleep Tight' where the menace is unseen, the genre plays on our primal instincts.
These films often feature protagonists who must rise to the occasion, pushing their limits to protect themselves and their loved ones. The plots are claustrophobic, the stakes are high, and the suspense is relentless. Whether it's a seemingly innocent gift that unravels lives in 'The Gift', or a quiet night turned deadly in 'Don't Breathe', these stories remind us that danger can lurk behind any door. Get ready for a night of suspense with these intense thrillers.
13. The Perfection (2018)
'The Perfection' is a psychological thriller that follows two talented and competitive cellists whose paths cross with unsettling consequences. Allison Williams and Logan Browning deliver intense performances as they navigate a twisted web of obsession, revenge, and dark secrets. Director Richard Shepard creates a visually striking and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the very end. 'The Perfection' is a disturbing and unforgettable film that explores the dark side of ambition and the price of perfection.

12. Cam (2018)
'Cam' is a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of the internet and identity theft. Alice, a camgirl, wakes up one day to find that she has been replaced on her own channel by an exact replica of herself. As she tries to regain control of her life, she delves deeper into the mystery of her doppelganger, blurring the lines between reality and the virtual world. Madeline Brewer delivers a compelling performance as Alice, capturing her vulnerability and determination. 'Cam' is a timely and unsettling exploration of the dangers of online identity and the search for self in the digital age.

11. Breaking In (2018)
'Breaking In' is an action-thriller starring Gabrielle Union as Shaun Russell, a mother who will stop at nothing to rescue her children when their secluded, heavily fortified home is invaded by burglars. With the intruders holding her children hostage inside, Shaun must use her courage and resourcefulness to outsmart the criminals and save her family. While the plot is fairly straightforward, Gabrielle Union delivers a strong and determined performance as a mother pushed to her limits.

10. The Intruder (2019)
'The Intruder' follows a young couple, Annie and Scott, who buy a beautiful Napa Valley home from a strange but seemingly harmless widower named Charlie. However, Charlie's unsettling behavior leads them to suspect he has ulterior motives and refuses to leave them alone. As Charlie's obsession grows, Annie and Scott find themselves in a terrifying fight for their lives. While the plot treads familiar ground, Michael Ealy and Meagan Good deliver solid performances.

9. mother! (2017)
'Mother!' is a psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem. The film follows a young woman (Lawrence) who finds her tranquil life disrupted when her poet husband (Bardem) invites strangers into their home. As their presence becomes more intrusive, the house descends into chaos and madness. 'Mother!' is a visually stunning and intensely symbolic film that explores themes of creation, destruction, and sacrifice. It's a polarizing film that will leave you disturbed and deeply unsettled.

8. Panic Room (2002)
'Panic Room' is a high-tension thriller directed by David Fincher, starring Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart as a mother and daughter who are trapped in their New York City brownstone's panic room when burglars invade. As the intruders try to break into the room, the two must use their wits and resourcefulness to survive. Fincher's masterful direction and the claustrophobic setting create a suspenseful and gripping atmosphere. 'Panic Room' is a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

7. Gerald's Game (2017)
Based on Stephen King's novel, 'Gerald's Game' tells the story of a married couple, Gerald and Jessie, who retreat to a secluded lake house in an attempt to rekindle their marriage. During a kinky game, Gerald dies unexpectedly, leaving Jessie handcuffed to the bed with no hope of rescue. As she battles dehydration, starvation, and her own inner demons, Jessie must find a way to survive. Director Mike Flanagan delivers a suspenseful and psychologically intense film that explores themes of trauma, survival, and female empowerment. Carla Gugino delivers a tour-de-force performance as Jessie, carrying the film with her emotional depth and resilience. 'Gerald's Game' is a haunting and unforgettable thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

6. Sleep Tight (2011)
'Sleep Tight' is a Spanish psychological thriller that delves into the disturbing world of obsession. Cesar, a seemingly ordinary apartment building concierge, harbors a dark secret: he derives pleasure from making the lives of others miserable, particularly Clara, one of the residents. Jaume Balagueró directs a chilling and suspenseful film that keeps you on edge as Cesar's twisted games escalate. 'Sleep Tight' is a disturbing and unforgettable exploration of human depravity.

5. The Gift (2015)
'The Gift' is a psychological thriller where a young married couple, Simon and Robyn, encounter a former high school acquaintance of Simon, Gordo, who begins to leave mysterious gifts at their doorstep. As Gordo's presence becomes more persistent, Robyn uncovers a dark secret from Simon's past. Joel Edgerton, who also directs, delivers a suspenseful and unsettling film that explores themes of guilt, revenge, and the lasting impact of past actions. 'The Gift' keeps you guessing until the very end, with twists and turns that will leave you questioning everyone's motives.

4. Misery (1990)
Based on Stephen King's novel, 'Misery' tells the story of a successful author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who is rescued from a car accident by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), an obsessed fan. What starts as gratitude quickly turns into a nightmare as Annie holds Paul captive, demanding he rewrite his latest book to her liking. Kathy Bates's portrayal of Annie Wilkes is iconic, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. 'Misery' is a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of fandom and the terrifying consequences of obsession.

3. Hush (2016)
'Hush' delivers a terrifyingly simple premise: a deaf writer living in a secluded house is stalked by a masked killer. Mike Flanagan's direction is masterful, using silence and visual cues to build suspense and create a palpable sense of dread. Kate Siegel delivers a powerhouse performance as Maddie, the protagonist who must use her wits and resourcefulness to survive. 'Hush' is a nail-biting thriller that proves silence can be the deadliest weapon.

2. The Guest (2014)
'The Guest' is a slick, stylish thriller with a heavy dose of dark humor. David, a charming and charismatic soldier played by Dan Stevens, arrives at the Peterson family's doorstep claiming to be a friend of their deceased son. As he ingratiates himself into their lives, a series of mysterious deaths begins to occur. Director Adam Wingard creates a suspenseful atmosphere, blending elements of horror, action, and suspense with an amazing 80's inspired synth soundtrack, making 'The Guest' a thrilling and unforgettable ride.

1. Don't Breathe (2016)
In 'Don't Breathe,' a group of Detroit delinquents breaks into the house of a wealthy blind veteran, played with chilling intensity by Stephen Lang, thinking they've found an easy target. They couldn't be more wrong. The film masterfully uses darkness and sound to create unbearable tension, turning the hunter into the hunted in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Director Fede Álvarez delivers a gripping, claustrophobic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The house itself becomes a character, a maze of hidden dangers and terrifying secrets, making 'Don't Breathe' a standout in the home invasion genre.
