Obsession is often one of the most powerful forces which can be the leading cause of destruction. It can be of various forms and is a complicated subject of the human psyche. Ranging from the pursuit of perfection to dangerous fixation, obsession is harmful in every way. It is a driving force that can lead anyone to plunge themselves into depths of darkness and also cause self-loathing. Obsession often blurs the thin line between admiration and mania. Many movies have tried to delve into this theme and many have failed to portray it properly. The multifacetedness of obsession, offering a unique and compelling perspective on its dangers and allure has been portrayed in the following movies.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's personal opinion, which might or might not align with the views of the readers. While we try our best to provide factually accurate and relevant information, suggestions are most welcome.
1)Nightcrawler
![Nightcrawler | Image Via: Bold Films](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/668a1-17395410113054.jpg 1920w)
Nightcrawler is a thriller movie that tells the story of Louis. Lou is desperate for a job. He is ready to settle for any job when he starts filming crime scenes and accidents at night. He started to sell the footage to news stations and realized that he was good at it. Eventually, he becomes more and more obsessed with achieving the perfect footage.
He becomes fixated on getting the most dramatic shots and even crossing lines to get them. Though he tries to control everything around him, he becomes isolated, and slowly his morals disappear. His obsession takes control over him and leads to devastating outcomes that end disturbingly.
2) I, Tonya
![I, Tonya | Image Via: LuckyChap](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/37ea4-17395410628421.jpg 1920w)
I, Tonya focuses on the life of Tonya Harding, the figure skater. Since childhood Tonya's mother was obsessed with her urge to make Tonya become a figure skater. She also faced hardships in her marriage. Tonya has a fierce desire to prove herself which drives her to become obsessed with success. She is aware of her outsider status and lack of a privileged background that other competitors have.
To rise above her circumstances she drives herself to perfection. This obsession fuels her determination and pushes her to excel despite the consequences. The toxic environment created by obsession is the breeding ground for desperation and poor judgment. The movie serves as a cautionary tale to not lose sight of the consequences of our actions.
3)HER
![HER | Image Via: Annapurna Pictures](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/dd854-17395411089445.jpg 1920w)
HER tells the story of Theodore Twombley, a lonely writer struggling with his lack of human connection. When he orders an OS he gets introduced to Samantha, the voice behind the OS. Theodore slowly forms a bond with Samantha as he understands her intelligence and empathy towards him.
However, Thodore becomes obsessed with Samantha even though she is an AI. He starts to overlook her AI nature and shares emotional feelings with her. It slowly deepens their bond. The movie delves into the dark theme of obsession which comes from the lack of human connection which sometimes blurs the line between human and artificial.
4)Fear
![Fear | Image Via: Imagine Entertainment](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f914e-17395411568231.jpg 1920w)
The movie starts with David and Nicole's sweet love story. However, it quickly takes an unexpected turn. Unaware of the brutal side of David, Nicole falls for David's charms. Gradually, David becomes obsessed with Nicole. He becomes controlling and hostile towards her friends. He even starts to create distance between Nicole and her father.
So when Nicole's father disapproves of their relationship, David becomes hostile towards him. The movie serves as a cautionary tale warning about the dangers of obsessive love. The fear and danger that victims of these kinds of relationships face are highlighted by psychological manipulation and control.
5)Gone Girl
![Gone Girl | Image Via: Regency Enterprises](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/d4e95-17395412303312.jpg 1920w)
This complex psychological thriller delves into the seemingly perfect lives of Nick and Amy. Though on the outside they seem like a perfect couple, beneath the surface, they harbor resentment and dark secrets. The plot starts with Nick trying to his missing wife, Amy. The suspicion eventually lands on Nick. He also finds it difficult to defend himself.
However, it is later disclosed that Amy had orchestrated her own disappearance as revenge for Nick's infidelity. Amy is shown as obsessive and manipulative, a behavior which is manifested in her meticulous planning and control. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike deliver a convincing performance, especially Rosamund Pike's performance as Amy.
6)American Psycho
![American Psycho | Image Via: Edward R. Pressman Productions](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/5ca41-17395416147151.jpg 1920w)
American Psycho is a satirical horror film. It revolves around Patrick Bateman, a rich and successful investment banker. He is obsessed with appearances, status, and the latest trends. On the outside, Patrick seems normal but beneath the surface, he carries a dark secret.
He leads a double life where on the outside he is sophisticated and charming but on the other hand, he is a serial killer. The movie satirizes obsession highlighting the emptiness Patrick feels. His violent acts can be interpreted as a way to control. His obsession is depicted darkly and disturbingly, which is fueled by his psychopathic tendencies.
7)The Invisible Man
![The Invisible Man | Image Via: Blumhouse Productions](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/6f5d0-17395416880504.jpg 1920w)
The Invisible Man is a horror thriller movie that revolves around the story of a couple, Cecilia and Adrian. When Cecilia escapes her abusive and controlling partner, Adrian, she believes that she has finally escaped from him then her life takes an unexpected turn.
She starts to experience unsettling events which makes her question her reality. The movies gives a chilling portrayal of obsession and the dark aspect of it. Adrian’s obsession with Cecilia is the driving force of the narrative. He uses his technological genius to take advantage of her. The invisibility in the movie has been interpreted as a metaphor for the unseen forces of abuse.
8)Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
![Perfume: The Story of a Murderer | Image Via: Constantin Film](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/1ccc1-17395417480999.jpg 1920w)
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a thriller movie that tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He grew up in harsh conditions and had a tough childhood. As he grows up he starts to have an obsession with capturing and preserving scents. He joined a perfumer in Paris and learned the art of creating fragrances.
In the movie, we find that his obsession leads him to a path of darkness. With time he becomes obsessed with the scents of young women and begins murdering women to capture their scent. His obsession consumes his entire being and distorts his perception of right and wrong. He leads himself to a path of alienation and loneliness which makes the viewers ponder the relationship between desire and search for perfection.
9)Black Swan
![Black Swan | Image Via: Cross Creek Pictures](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f8cc9-17395417998608.jpg 1920w)
Black Swan shows the devastating impact obsession can have on someone. Nina Sayers faces an immense psychological toll when she plays the lead role in Swan Lake. She has to embody both the Black and the White Swan in Swan Lake in Swan Lake.
Nina also faces tough competition from others, along with the constant pressure of perfecting her dual role. She also faces immense pressure from her mother. As a result, she ends up becoming obsessed with the pursuit of becoming perfect in the role. She pushes herself to the point that she descends into madness losing her own identity in the process.
10)The Girl on the Train
![The Girl On The Train | Image Via: DreamWorks Pictures](https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.soapcentral.com/editor/2025/02/f4143-17395418725742.jpg 1920w)
The Girl On The Train is a unique story that revolves around the central theme of obsession. Rachel Watson, an alcoholic, travels every day via train and stares out the window while sipping on her drink. She eventually gets obsessed with Megan and Scot Hipwell’s life when she sees their beautiful house out the train window every day.
With each passing day, her obsession increases to the point that she starts imagining a life featuring them in her head. So when one day Meghan disappears, Rachel starts to blame herself for the reason behind Megan’s disappearance which eventually turns into a dark unpredictable outcome.
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