Intense movies like Straw where characters have truly terrible days
Tyler Perry’s Straw has ignited a whirlwind of conversation across streaming platforms and social media. Starring Taraji P. Henson, the psychological thriller follows a mother at her breaking point. After a shocking workplace robbery, her life spirals into a psychological and emotional breakdown—mirroring the tension and trauma audiences crave in dark, human-centered dramas.
Taraji P. Henson in 'Straw.'
Chip Bergmann/Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy Netflix
With Straw holding a divisive 50% critics score and an impressive 71% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear the film resonates with viewers—especially those drawn to tales of ordinary people facing extraordinary pressure. If you’re one of them, here are 10 harrowing movies like Straw where characters suffer through unforgettable, catastrophic days.
1. Straw Dogs (1971)
Sam Peckinpah’s gritty, controversial thriller stars Dustin Hoffman as a man pushed to violence in rural England. Like Straw, the movie explores what happens when a quiet life turns into a nightmare, forcing a protagonist to defend what little stability they have left. It’s a visceral portrayal of masculinity, isolation, and trauma.
2. Eye for an Eye (1996)
Sally Field’s performance as a grieving mother hunting her daughter’s killer mirrors the raw emotion found in Straw. With Kiefer Sutherland playing one of the most chilling villains of the 1990s, the film tackles justice, grief, and the moral cost of revenge.
3. Timecrimes (2007)
What starts as a mundane afternoon quickly turns into a time-travel nightmare. This Spanish sci-fi thriller directed by Nacho Vigalondo finds its protagonist stuck in a loop of violence and confusion. Its low budget is overshadowed by a brilliant script and mounting tension.
4. The Invitation (2015)
Dinner parties don’t get more uncomfortable—or terrifying—than this. When a grieving man visits his ex-wife’s home, strange philosophies and veiled threats escalate into full-blown horror. Like Straw, the film explores mental unraveling in high-stress environments.
5. Christine (2016)
Rebecca Hall gives a haunting performance as real-life news reporter Christine Chubbuck, whose life and career disintegrate under the weight of unrelenting pressure. If you’re drawn to tragic, character-driven stories of inner breakdown like Straw, this is a must-watch.
6. Unhinged (2020)
Russell Crowe is unrecognizable in this road-rage thriller, where one honk spirals into bloodshed. The film taps into everyday tensions and explodes them into chaos, echoing Straw’s theme of how one moment can ruin everything.
7. Death Wish (1974)
Charles Bronson’s architect-turned-vigilante is born from tragedy after his wife and daughter are brutally attacked. The film’s embrace of vigilante justice is morally complex—and controversial—but undeniably gripping for fans of emotionally charged retribution.
8. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx go head-to-head in a high-stakes game of justice and revenge. When the justice system fails him, Butler’s character decides to take down everyone responsible—even from behind bars. For Straw fans, the escalating stakes and moral ambiguity will feel familiar.
9. John Q (2002)
What lengths would you go to for your child? Denzel Washington gives a heart-wrenching performance as a desperate father who takes a hospital hostage after learning his son won’t receive a life-saving transplant. A potent mix of social commentary and emotional power.
10. Falling Down (1993)
Michael Douglas’s descent into madness is one of the most iconic “bad day” stories in film history. From LA traffic to fast-food frustrations, every moment pushes him closer to a violent breaking point. If Straw hit a nerve, Falling Down will resonate even deeper.
Why Audiences Love Watching a Bad Day Spiral
Films like Straw resonate because they tap into a universal fear—losing control. Whether it’s grief, injustice, or just a moment of bad luck, seeing characters endure the worst day of their lives can feel cathartic, compelling, and disturbingly relatable. These 10 films prove that one moment really can change everything—and not always for the better.
