Jealousy, often described as the green-eyed monster, can lead to some of the most intense and thrilling narratives in cinema. This curated list of ten films delves into the murky waters of envy, obsession, and betrayal, showcasing how jealousy can drive characters to the brink of madness. Each film in this collection not only provides a thrilling ride but also offers a deep psychological exploration of human emotions, making it an essential watch for those intrigued by the darker aspects of love and relationships.

Play Misty for Me (1971)
Description: A radio DJ's casual encounter with a fan turns into a terrifying ordeal as she becomes obsessively jealous, making this one of the earliest films to explore the theme.
Fact: This was Clint Eastwood's directorial debut.


Fatal Attraction (1987)
Description: This film epitomizes the theme of jealousy with its story of a married man who has an affair, only to be stalked by his obsessive lover. The tension and psychological warfare make it a classic in the genre.
Fact: The term "bunny boiler" was coined from this film, referring to an extreme act of jealousy.


The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
Description: A nanny infiltrates a family to exact revenge on the mother, driven by jealousy and a desire for retribution. The film explores the dark side of maternal jealousy.
Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the theme of a nanny's revenge.


Single White Female (1992)
Description: A woman's search for a roommate turns into a nightmare when her new flatmate becomes dangerously obsessed, showcasing jealousy in a roommate scenario.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by John Lutz, which was inspired by real-life events.


The Crush (1993)
Description: A teenage girl's crush on an older man turns into a dangerous obsession, highlighting the destructive power of youthful jealousy.
Fact: Alicia Silverstone's breakout role, which earned her a MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.


The Gift (2000)
Description: A psychic's visions lead her to uncover a web of jealousy and murder in a small town, blending supernatural elements with psychological thriller aspects.
Fact: The film was Sam Raimi's return to horror after his work on the "Spider-Man" films.


Unfaithful (2002)
Description: A seemingly perfect marriage is tested when the wife begins an affair, leading to a spiral of jealousy and revenge. The film's exploration of infidelity and its consequences is both intense and thought-provoking.
Fact: The film was inspired by the French film "La Femme Infidèle" by Claude Chabrol.


The Roommate (2011)
Description: A college freshman's life is turned upside down by her dangerously jealous roommate, exploring themes of obsession and control in a modern setting.
Fact: The film was loosely inspired by the 1992 film "Single White Female."


The Other Woman (2014)
Description: Three women discover they are all dating the same man and unite to seek revenge, showcasing jealousy from multiple perspectives in a comedic yet thrilling manner.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a drama but was turned into a comedy during production.


Basic Instinct (1992)
Description: A detective becomes romantically involved with a suspect in a murder case, leading to a complex web of jealousy, manipulation, and psychological games.
Fact: The infamous leg-crossing scene by Sharon Stone was not in the script; it was an improvisation.
