‘Baby Reindeer’ and Other Must-Watch Stalker Movies & TV Shows

The Netflix series ‘Baby Reindeer’ has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. It tells the unsettling story of a man who is stalked by a woman he meets at a pub. The show is based on the real-life experience of its creator and star, Richard Gadd. Its raw and honest portrayal of stalking has led to many conversations about the topic. The series shows how stalking can affect a person’s life in many ways.

‘Baby Reindeer’ is a powerful example of how stalking is shown in movies and television. These stories can be scary, but they also help us understand a difficult subject. They show what stalking is and how it can harm people. The following list includes ‘Baby Reindeer’ and other movies and TV shows that explore this theme. These films and series offer different views on stalking, from thrillers to psychological dramas.

Baby Reindeer (2024)

This British series tells the true story of Donny Dunn, a struggling comedian who is stalked by a woman named Martha. He gives her a free cup of tea at the pub where he works, and this kind act leads to a relentless obsession. Martha sends him thousands of emails, voicemails, and letters. She also shows up at his comedy gigs and his home, making his life a living nightmare.

The show explores the complex reasons why Donny takes a long time to report Martha to the police. It looks into his own past traumas and how they affect his reactions to being stalked. ‘Baby Reindeer’ is a dark and compelling story that shows the psychological impact of stalking on a victim. It has been praised for its honesty and for showing a different side of a stalking story.

You (2018-present)

This popular Netflix series follows Joe Goldberg, a charming and intelligent man who works in a bookstore. He appears to be a hopeless romantic, but he has a dark secret. When Joe falls in love, he becomes obsessed with the woman. He uses social media and surveillance to learn every detail about her life.

Joe’s obsession quickly turns deadly. He removes any obstacle, including people, that stands in the way of his romantic fantasies. The show is told from Joe’s perspective, which gives viewers a disturbing look into the mind of a stalker. It explores themes of obsession, social media, and privacy in the digital age.

Single White Female (1992)

This psychological thriller stars Bridget Fonda as Allie Jones, a software designer in New York City. After breaking up with her fiancé, she advertises for a roommate to share her apartment. She chooses Hedy Carlson, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, who seems to be the perfect roommate at first. They become close friends, and Hedy is supportive and kind.

However, Hedy soon begins to imitate Allie in unsettling ways. She cuts her hair and dyes it to look just like Allie. She also starts to wear her clothes. Hedy’s behavior becomes more and more possessive and dangerous. The film shows how a person’s life can be taken over by a stalker who wants to become them.

The Gift (2015)

This psychological thriller follows a young married couple, Simon and Robyn, who move to a new city. They have a chance encounter with Gordo, an old high school classmate of Simon’s. Gordo is overly friendly and starts leaving strange gifts at their house. He also shows up uninvited, making the couple feel uncomfortable.

As Gordo’s behavior becomes more obsessive, dark secrets from Simon’s past are revealed. The film explores how past actions can have present-day consequences. It keeps the audience guessing about who is the real victim and who is the real villain. ‘The Gift’ is a suspenseful movie about the unsettling nature of unresolved issues.

Misery (1990)

Based on the Stephen King novel, this film stars James Caan as a famous writer named Paul Sheldon. After a serious car crash in a remote area, he is rescued by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes, played by Kathy Bates. Annie is a former nurse who takes him to her isolated home to recover from his injuries.

At first, Annie seems to be a caring and devoted fan. However, when she finds out that Paul is planning to kill off her favorite character, Misery Chastain, in his next novel, she becomes enraged. Annie forces Paul to write a new book that brings Misery back to life. She becomes his captor, and he must write for his life.

Fatal Attraction (1987)

This classic thriller tells the story of Dan Gallagher, a successful and married lawyer in New York. He has a brief affair with a woman named Alex Forrest while his wife and daughter are out of town. Dan thinks the affair is a one-time thing, but Alex becomes obsessed with him.

Alex refuses to be ignored and begins to stalk Dan and his family. Her actions become increasingly erratic and violent. The film was a huge box office success and started a conversation about infidelity and obsession. ‘Fatal Attraction’ is a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of a casual fling.

One Hour Photo (2002)

Robin Williams stars as Sy Parrish, a lonely photo technician at a one-hour photo lab. For years, he has been developing photos for the Yorkin family. He has become obsessed with them and their seemingly perfect life. He creates a fantasy world where he is a beloved member of their family.

Sy’s obsession deepens, and he begins to stalk the Yorkins. He makes extra copies of their photos and learns every detail of their lives. When he discovers that the husband is having an affair, his fantasy is shattered. Sy’s actions become dangerous as he tries to protect his idealized image of the family.

The Fan (1996)

This movie stars Robert De Niro as Gil Renard, a down-on-his-luck knife salesman who is a passionate fan of the San Francisco Giants. His favorite player is the team’s new star, Bobby Rayburn, played by Wesley Snipes. Gil’s obsession with Bobby grows as his own life falls apart.

Gil believes he can help Bobby get out of a slump. His methods, however, are extreme and violent. He begins to stalk Bobby and anyone he sees as a threat to the player’s success. The film is a dark look at how celebrity worship can turn into a dangerous obsession.

Cape Fear (1991)

This Martin Scorsese thriller is a remake of a 1962 film. It stars Robert De Niro as Max Cady, a convicted rapist who is released from prison after serving a 14-year sentence. He seeks revenge on his former lawyer, Sam Bowden, played by Nick Nolte. Cady blames Bowden for his conviction.

Cady begins to terrorize Bowden and his family. He is a menacing and intelligent stalker who uses the law to his advantage. The film is a tense and suspenseful story about a family being pushed to its limits. De Niro’s performance as the unhinged Cady is widely praised.

Play Misty for Me (1971)

This film marks Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut. He also stars as Dave Garver, a popular radio DJ in Carmel, California. He has a casual affair with a woman named Evelyn Draper, who is one of his biggest fans. Evelyn frequently calls his show and requests the song “Misty.”

After their night together, Evelyn becomes possessive and refuses to accept that Dave does not want a serious relationship. She begins to stalk him, and her behavior becomes increasingly violent. The film is considered a classic of the stalker genre and influenced many later movies.

The Cable Guy (1996)

This dark comedy stars Jim Carrey as an eccentric cable installer named Chip Douglas. He offers to give a lonely man named Steven, played by Matthew Broderick, free cable in exchange for his friendship. Steven reluctantly agrees, but Chip’s idea of friendship is intense and overbearing.

Chip begins to stalk Steven, showing up at his apartment, his job, and even a family basketball game. He tries to control every aspect of Steven’s life. When Steven tries to end the friendship, Chip’s behavior becomes vengeful and destructive. The film is a satirical look at the need for human connection.

Ingrid Goes West (2017)

This dark comedy follows Ingrid Thorburn, a mentally unstable young woman who becomes obsessed with an Instagram influencer named Taylor Sloane. After the death of her mother, Ingrid uses her inheritance to move to Los Angeles to be near Taylor. She carefully plans her life to imitate Taylor’s online persona.

Ingrid manages to become friends with Taylor, but her obsession deepens. She struggles to maintain the lies that her new life is built on. The film is a commentary on the curated perfection of social media and the dark side of seeking validation online. It explores themes of loneliness and the search for identity.

The Crush (1993)

This thriller stars Alicia Silverstone in her film debut as Adrian Forrester, a precocious 14-year-old girl. She develops an intense crush on a 28-year-old writer named Nick Eliot, who rents a guest house from her parents. Adrian’s crush quickly turns into a dangerous obsession.

When Nick rejects her advances, Adrian’s behavior becomes destructive. She begins to sabotage his life and career, framing him for crimes he did not commit. Her actions are designed to isolate him and make him dependent on her. The film shows how a seemingly innocent crush can become a dangerous and manipulative obsession.

Fear (1996)

This psychological thriller stars Reese Witherspoon as Nicole Walker, a 16-year-old high school student. She falls for a charming and handsome older boy named David McCall, played by Mark Wahlberg. At first, David seems like the perfect boyfriend. He is loving, attentive, and gets along with her family.

However, David’s dark side soon emerges. He is extremely possessive and jealous, and his love for Nicole turns into a dangerous obsession. When she tries to end the relationship, he becomes violent and begins to terrorize her and her family. The film shows how an abusive relationship can escalate into a terrifying stalking situation.

The Invisible Man (2020)

This science fiction horror film stars Elisabeth Moss as Cecilia Kass. She escapes from a violent and controlling relationship with her wealthy and brilliant scientist boyfriend. Soon after her escape, he apparently takes his own life and leaves her a large fortune. Cecilia, however, suspects his death was a hoax.

Cecilia begins to experience a series of strange events and believes she is being hunted by someone nobody can see. As the attacks become more lethal, she tries to prove that she is being stalked by her ex-boyfriend, who has found a way to become invisible. The film is a modern take on the classic story and a powerful metaphor for the trauma of abuse.

Greta (2018)

This psychological thriller stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Frances, a young waitress living in New York City. She finds a handbag on the subway and decides to return it to its owner. The owner is a lonely French piano teacher named Greta, played by Isabelle Huppert. The two strike up an unlikely friendship.

Frances, who recently lost her mother, sees Greta as a mother figure. However, she soon discovers that Greta may not be who she seems. Frances finds a collection of handbags identical to the one she found, each with the name and phone number of a young woman. She realizes Greta’s kindness is a trap, and she becomes the target of a relentless and dangerous stalker.

Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)

Julia Roberts stars as Laura Burney, a woman who seems to have a perfect life with her wealthy and handsome husband, Martin. However, behind closed doors, Martin is an abusive and controlling man who demands perfection. Laura lives in constant fear of him.

Laura fakes her own death to escape her marriage and starts a new life in a small town. She changes her name and appearance, hoping to be free from Martin forever. But when Martin discovers that she is still alive, he hunts her down, determined to make her pay for her deception.

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)

This thriller tells the story of a woman named Peyton Flanders, whose obstetrician husband takes his own life after being accused of misconduct by several patients. Peyton, who is pregnant, has a miscarriage due to the stress. She blames a woman named Claire Bartel for starting the accusations that led to her family’s ruin.

Months later, Peyton poses as a nanny and is hired by Claire to take care of her two children. Peyton’s goal is to destroy Claire’s life from within. She subtly turns the children against their mother and tries to seduce Claire’s husband. The film is a chilling story of revenge and psychological manipulation.

Obsessed (2009)

This thriller stars Idris Elba as Derek Charles, a successful asset manager who is happily married to Sharon, played by Beyoncé. Derek’s life is turned upside down when a temporary office worker, Lisa, develops an intense attraction to him. Derek makes it clear that he is not interested, but Lisa refuses to accept rejection.

Lisa begins to stalk Derek, showing up at his work and even his home. Her obsession becomes more and more dangerous as she tries to sabotage his career and his marriage. Sharon must fight to protect her family from the deranged woman who wants to take her place.

The Boy Next Door (2015)

Jennifer Lopez stars as Claire Peterson, a high school teacher who is separated from her husband. She has a moment of weakness and a one-night stand with her much younger neighbor, Noah, who has just moved in next door. Noah is a student at the school where she teaches.

Claire immediately regrets her decision and tries to end things with Noah. However, Noah becomes obsessed with her and refuses to let her go. His infatuation turns into a dangerous and violent game of cat and mouse. He begins to blackmail her and threaten her family. The film explores the consequences of a forbidden and impulsive act.

The Roommate (2011)

This thriller follows Sara, a college freshman from Iowa who moves into a dorm room with a new roommate named Rebecca. Sara is excited to start her new life in Los Angeles. At first, Rebecca appears to be a kind and supportive friend, helping Sara navigate the social scene.

However, Rebecca soon becomes obsessed with Sara and wants her all to herself. She begins to drive away anyone who gets close to Sara, including her new boyfriend and her old friends from back home. Rebecca’s behavior becomes increasingly violent as she tries to isolate Sara and control her life. The film is a modern take on the themes seen in ‘Single White Female’.

Perfect Blue (1997)

This acclaimed animated psychological thriller from Japan tells the story of Mima Kirigoe. Mima is a member of a popular J-pop girl group who decides to leave the music industry to become an actress. Her decision upsets many of her fans, especially an obsessive one who runs a website called “Mima’s Room.”

As Mima takes on a role in a gritty crime drama, she begins to lose her grip on reality. The anonymous fan posts diary entries on “Mima’s Room” that describe her innermost thoughts and private actions with eerie accuracy. Mima is stalked by both her obsessed fan and a ghostly version of her former pop-idol self, leading to a terrifying psychological breakdown.

Black Swan (2010)

This psychological thriller stars Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers, a dedicated ballerina in a prestigious New York City ballet company. The company is staging a new production of “Swan Lake,” and Nina is chosen for the lead role. She is perfect for the role of the innocent White Swan, but the artistic director doubts she can embody the dark and sensual Black Swan.

Nina faces intense pressure from her demanding director and her overbearing mother. She also feels threatened by a new dancer, Lily, who seems to effortlessly capture the spirit of the Black Swan. Nina’s obsession with perfecting her role leads to a psychological spiral, and she becomes unable to distinguish reality from hallucination as she is haunted by her own dark side.

Notes on a Scandal (2006)

This psychological drama centers on two teachers at a London school. Barbara Covett, played by Judi Dench, is a veteran history teacher who is lonely and cynical. She becomes fascinated by the school’s new art teacher, Sheba Hart, played by Cate Blanchett. Barbara quickly befriends Sheba and becomes her confidante.

When Barbara discovers that Sheba is having an affair with a 15-year-old student, she does not report it. Instead, she uses the secret to manipulate Sheba and gain control over her life. Barbara’s friendship is revealed to be a possessive obsession, and she uses blackmail and psychological games to isolate Sheba from her family and friends.

The Perfect Guy (2015)

This thriller follows Leah Vaughn, a successful lobbyist who has just ended a long-term relationship with her boyfriend. She soon meets Carter Duncan, a charming and handsome man who seems to be the perfect guy. Their relationship moves quickly, and Leah believes she has found her ideal partner.

However, after a violent incident, Leah sees a darker side to Carter. She ends the relationship, but Carter refuses to let her go. He begins to stalk her, and Leah must fight for her survival. The film highlights how quickly a seemingly perfect relationship can turn into a terrifying nightmare.

Enough (2002)

Jennifer Lopez stars as Slim, a waitress who believes she has found her perfect match in a charming and wealthy contractor named Mitch. They get married and have a daughter, living what appears to be an idyllic life. However, Slim soon discovers that Mitch is controlling and abusive.

When Slim decides to flee with her daughter, Mitch uses his resources to track her down relentlessly. No matter where she goes or how she changes her identity, he finds her. Realizing she can never truly escape, Slim decides to stop running and fight back. She trains in self-defense to turn the tables on her stalker and protect herself and her child.

Swimfan (2002)

This teen thriller centers on Ben Cronin, a high school senior with a promising future as a swimmer. He has a great girlfriend and a college scholarship on the horizon. His life is going according to plan until a new student named Madison Bell arrives at his school.

After a one-night stand with Madison, Ben wants to forget it ever happened. But Madison becomes obsessed with him. She begins to systematically dismantle his life, sabotaging his relationships and his swimming career. Ben finds himself in a desperate struggle to prove his innocence and reclaim his life from his obsessive stalker.

Unforgettable (2017)

This thriller tells the story of Tessa Connover, who is struggling to cope with the end of her marriage. Her ex-husband, David, is now happily engaged to a woman named Julia Banks. Julia moves into the home they once shared and tries to settle into her new life as a stepmother to their daughter, Lily.

Tessa’s jealousy turns into a pathological obsession. She is determined to turn Julia’s dream into a nightmare. Tessa uses her knowledge of the house and her manipulative skills to torment Julia, making her question her own sanity. The situation escalates into a dangerous confrontation between the two women.

When a Stranger Calls (2006)

This horror film is a remake of the 1979 classic. It follows Jill Johnson, a high school student who is babysitting for a wealthy family in their remote, high-tech home. After the children are asleep, Jill begins to receive a series of unsettling phone calls from an unknown man.

At first, the calls are prank-like, but they soon become menacing and threatening. The caller’s persistence makes Jill realize he can see her every move. With the help of the police, she traces the calls and discovers to her horror that they are coming from inside the house. Jill must fight for her life against an intruder who has been stalking her all along.

Ma (2019)

Octavia Spencer stars as Sue Ann, a lonely veterinary aide in a quiet Ohio town. A group of teenagers asks her to buy them alcohol, and she agrees. She then offers them her basement as a safe place to hang out and party. She has only a few rules: one of the kids has to stay sober, don’t curse, and never go upstairs. They affectionately call her “Ma.”

Ma’s hospitality soon turns into a dangerous obsession. She begins to insert herself into the teenagers’ lives, stalking them on social media and showing up uninvited. The teens soon discover that Ma has a dark past and that her friendly gestures are part of a vengeful and terrifying plan.

The Resident (2011)

Hilary Swank stars as Dr. Juliet Devereau, a young emergency room surgeon who finds a spacious and affordable apartment in New York City. The apartment seems too good to be true, and she moves in, happy to have found such a great place. The landlord is a handsome and charming man named Max.

Juliet soon starts to feel that she is not alone in her new home. She experiences strange noises and the feeling of being watched. She discovers that Max is obsessed with her and has been using secret passages and two-way mirrors to spy on her. Her dream apartment quickly becomes a terrifying prison.

P2 (2007)

This thriller takes place on Christmas Eve. A young businesswoman named Angela is the last one to leave her office building. When she gets to the P2 level of the underground parking garage, she finds that her car won’t start. The friendly security guard, Thomas, offers to help.

However, Thomas’s help is not what it seems. He knocks Angela unconscious and chains her to a table in his office. He reveals that he has been watching her on the security cameras for months and has developed a delusional obsession with her. Angela must use her wits to escape her captor and the deserted parking garage.

Creep (2014)

This found-footage horror film follows a freelance videographer named Aaron. He accepts an online ad for a one-day job in a remote mountain town. His client is a man named Josef, who claims he is dying of cancer and wants to make a video diary for his unborn son.

As the day goes on, Josef’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre and unsettling. Aaron becomes uncomfortable, but he tries to finish the job. He soon realizes that Josef is not who he says he is and that he has walked into a dangerous trap. The film documents Aaron’s growing terror as he uncovers the truth about his creepy client.

Watcher (2022)

This psychological thriller stars Maika Monroe as Julia, an American woman who moves to Bucharest with her husband. Left alone in their new apartment most of the day, Julia becomes increasingly isolated. She soon notices a mysterious man watching her from the apartment building across the street.

At the same time, a serial killer known as “The Spider” is murdering women in the city. Julia becomes convinced that the man watching her is the killer. As her fear and paranoia grow, she struggles to convince her husband and the police that she is in real danger. The film builds suspense around whether her stalker is real or a figment of her imagination.

The King of Comedy (1982)

This Martin Scorsese film is a dark satire about celebrity worship. Robert De Niro plays Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring but delusional stand-up comedian. He is obsessed with a famous late-night talk show host named Jerry Langford, played by Jerry Lewis.

Rupert believes that an appearance on Langford’s show will be his big break. After being politely rejected by Langford, Rupert’s obsession deepens. He stalks the comedian and, with the help of another obsessed fan, kidnaps him. Rupert’s demand is a guest spot on the show, and he is willing to do anything to get it.

Unlawful Entry (1992)

This thriller follows a married couple, Michael and Karen Carr, whose home is burglarized. One of the responding police officers, Pete Davis, is particularly helpful and kind. He helps them install a security system and becomes a friend to the couple.

However, Officer Davis’s interest in the couple, particularly in Karen, becomes an obsession. He begins to stalk them, using his authority as a police officer to intimidate Michael and insert himself into their lives. The couple finds themselves terrorized by the very person who was supposed to protect them.

The Following (2013-2015)

This television series stars Kevin Bacon as former FBI agent Ryan Hardy. Years ago, he captured a notorious serial killer and literature professor, Joe Carroll. Carroll, who is obsessed with the works of Edgar Allan Poe, escapes from death row and begins a new killing spree.

What makes Carroll so dangerous is his charismatic personality, which he used to cultivate a cult of followers. These followers are willing to do anything for him, including acting as his eyes and ears and carrying out his violent plans. Hardy finds himself hunting not just one man, but a network of devoted stalkers who are always one step ahead.

Dirty John (2018-2020)

This true-crime anthology series is based on a popular podcast. The first season tells the story of Debra Newell, a successful interior designer who falls for a charismatic and handsome doctor named John Meehan. Despite warnings from her daughters, Debra is swept up in a whirlwind romance and quickly marries him.

Debra soon discovers that John is a con artist and a master manipulator with a long history of stalking and terrorizing women. When she tries to leave him, his charming facade disappears, and he becomes a dangerous and relentless stalker. The series shows the real-life consequences of falling for the wrong person.

Chloe (2022)

This British psychological thriller series follows Becky Green, a young woman living with her mother and working a temp job. She spends her free time obsessively scrolling through the perfect social media posts of a woman named Chloe Fairbourne. When Chloe suddenly dies, Becky decides to find out why.

Becky assumes a new identity and infiltrates Chloe’s group of friends. She creates a new, more exciting version of herself to get closer to the life she has only watched from afar. As Becky’s lies pile up, the line between her two identities blurs, and her obsession pulls her into a dangerous world that is far from perfect.