This curated list of claustrophobic thrillers offers a unique cinematic experience, focusing on the psychological and physical tension of being trapped in tight spaces. These films not only provide edge-of-your-seat suspense but also delve into the depths of human fear and survival instincts, making them a must-watch for those who appreciate the intensity of psychological horror and the thrill of escape.

Cube (1997)
Description: A group of strangers wake up in a maze of deadly cube-shaped rooms, where they must navigate and survive, dealing with the intense claustrophobia of their situation.
Fact: The film was made with a very low budget, using practical effects to create the cube environment.


Phone Booth (2002)
Description: A man is trapped in a New York City phone booth by a sniper who has him pinned down with a rifle. The film's setting in the small, glass booth creates an intense claustrophobic environment.
Fact: The entire movie takes place in and around the phone booth, showcasing Colin Farrell's performance in a very limited space.


Panic Room (2002)
Description: A mother and daughter hide in their home's panic room when intruders break in, but soon realize they are trapped with the very thing they sought to protect themselves from.
Fact: The panic room set was built in a real house, with the actual panic room being a 10-ton steel structure.


The Descent (2005)
Description: A group of women go caving, only to find themselves trapped underground with monstrous creatures. The film's setting amplifies the feeling of being trapped and the fear of the unknown.
Fact: The film was shot in real caves, adding to the authenticity of the claustrophobic atmosphere.


Devil (2010)
Description: Five strangers are trapped in an elevator, and one of them is the devil. The confined space heightens the tension and fear as they try to figure out who among them is evil.
Fact: This film is part of M. Night Shyamalan's "Night Chronicles" series.


Buried (2010)
Description: Paul Conroy wakes up buried alive in a coffin with only a lighter, a mobile phone, and a few hours of oxygen. The film captures the essence of claustrophobia as he tries to escape.
Fact: The entire film takes place inside the coffin, showcasing Ryan Reynolds' performance in a very confined space.


127 Hours (2010)
Description: Based on a true story, a mountain climber becomes trapped by a boulder in a remote canyon, facing extreme claustrophobia and the will to survive.
Fact: The film was shot in the actual location where the real event occurred.


The Hole (2001)
Description: Four teenagers hide in an underground bunker for a weekend, but their fun turns into a nightmare when they can't get out. The film explores psychological horror in confined spaces.
Fact: The film was remade in 2009 with a different plot but retained the theme of being trapped.


The Bunker (2001)
Description: German soldiers in a bunker during WWII face psychological horror as they are trapped with an unknown entity. The bunker setting adds to the feeling of being enclosed.
Fact: The film was shot in a real WWII bunker, enhancing the authenticity of the setting.


The Cave (2005)
Description: A team of divers explores an underwater cave system, only to find themselves trapped with ancient creatures. The film's setting in the tight, underwater caves adds to the claustrophobic feel.
Fact: The cave scenes were filmed in real underwater caves in Romania.
