They are loved because nothing stimulates the adrenaline rush, as well as a thrilling suspense novel that makes one’s hands get clammy, the brow wet, and the neurons worked to the bone. It may be fragmented psycho-thrillers, high-octane action sequences or intense teasing suspense, thrillers bring out a little of everything. Well, sit back, relax, and let Open Cult bring you the list of 20 best thrillers. Prepare for the cinematic ride of your living room couch.
Ok, before we begin, it’s time to address what constitutes the essence of a thrilling thriller. It has to do with the feeling of something bad coming, whether it be an explosion or a sinister villain (although that does make a difference). Most of all, it’s about tension – that excited pause when you’re biting your nails and waiting to see which way it will go and whether you will like the end – or not. It will just help add in some good acting, clever writers, and some plot twists that will drop your jaw, and you have a formula for a great suspense movie, not unlike horror movies.
You would not talk of thrillers without mentioning the classic thrillers, some of which are some of the most iconic. You have to watch Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho to the end of the film, not only because of numerous legends, including the famous scene with a shower but also because it is one of the films that set new standards of suspense. Next up is Silence of the Lambs, I found myself almost supporting the ‘cannibal’, that is until they do something like cut a man’s face off. And who could forget Se7en? I can definitely say that the horror movie “What’s in the box?” will be stuck in your head for as long as you can remember.
Looking at the present and future now, one will not be surprised to see directors using new techniques to trick the mind. Take Gone Girl, for example. It is an incredible mix of romance and either some kind of mind-bending game/show or all-out mental instability, and it will make you question marriage. But can 2019 come close? Sure, it can, and it’s in the form of a thrilling Parasite, which is like five movies put into one. There are quite literally moments of pure joy alongside gasps and second thoughts about the fact one is part of the wealthy first world exploiting the third world for cheap labor.
For those who like thrillers with a side of action, Sicario delivers intense border drama, while Uncut Gems is just two hours of Adam Sandler making the absolute worst decisions of his life. Spoiler alert: you’ll need a drink after that one.
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Some of the best thrillers come from outside the Hollywood bubble. Take The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo—both the Swedish original and the English remake are dark, gritty, and unforgettable. And if you haven’t watched Oldboy (the Korean version, not the remake), do yourself a favor and prepare for one of the most shocking twists in cinematic history.
Another must-watch is Train to Busan. Yes, it’s technically a zombie movie, but the suspense, emotional depth, and relentless pacing make it a thriller masterpiece.
If you like movies that make you question everything, psychological thrillers are your jam. Shutter Island is a masterclass in unreliable narration—by the end, you won’t know what’s real. Then there’s The Sixth Sense, which is so famous for its twist that even people who haven’t seen it know the ending (but watch it anyway; it’s brilliant).
Another standout is Black Swan, which combines the pressures of artistic perfection with surreal, creepy visuals. And for a newer pick, The Invisible Man redefines paranoia, making you feel like someone’s watching you even when you’re alone.
Sometimes you just want your thrillers to come with car chases, fistfights, and explosions. Look no further than Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s two hours of adrenaline with barely any dialogue, and yet it’s perfect. For something a bit grittier, Heat brings together Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in a cat-and-mouse game for the ages.
Oh, and John Wick? Pure action gold. Watching Keanu Reeves take down bad guys in increasingly creative ways is oddly soothing.
Some thrillers take the concept of time and throw it out the window. Memento is a brilliant puzzle told in reverse—you’ll want to rewatch it immediately. Then there’s Tenet, which is basically Christopher Nolan saying, “What if we made time travel cool and confusing?”
And if you want a bit of romance with your time-bending thriller, The Lake House is…okay, fine, that one’s more of a love story. But hey, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock—what’s not to love?
There’s something about thrillers that taps into our primal instincts. The suspense gets our adrenaline going, the twists keep us guessing, and the characters make us question what we’d do in their shoes. Plus, there’s a weird satisfaction in figuring out a plot twist before it’s revealed. It’s like being smarter than the characters, and who doesn’t love that?
With so many great options, picking a thriller can feel overwhelming. Start by deciding what kind of suspense you’re in the mood for. Want something dark and cerebral? Go for a psychological thriller. Craving action? Pick one with explosions galore. And if you’re just here for the plot twists, choose a movie known for its “Wait, WHAT?!” moments.
Let’s not forget the essentials for a proper movie night. Get cozy—blankets are a must. Stock up on snacks (bonus points for popcorn and candy). And, most importantly, turn off your phone. The last thing you want is a text ruining the tension during a pivotal scene.
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Sometimes, one thriller just doesn’t cut it, and that’s where the thriller series comes in to save the day. Shows like Breaking Bad keep the tension simmering over multiple seasons. Watching Walter White’s transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a morally ambiguous drug lord is the kind of slow-burn suspense that will keep you glued to your couch for days.
And let’s not forget Mindhunter, which dives deep into the minds of serial killers. Based on real events, it’s equally fascinating and chilling. If psychological thrillers are your thing, this one will have you binge-watching into the wee hours.
If you’re craving something darker, The Killing offers brooding detectives, endless rain, and a murder mystery that unfolds with agonizing precision. For fans of political suspense, House of Cards (at least the early seasons) is a masterclass in scheming, betrayal, and drama.
Thrillers are more than just entertainment—they’re an experience. They make you think, feel, and sometimes scream at the screen. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller fan or new to the genre, there’s something for everyone on this list. So go ahead, pick a movie, and let the suspense begin. Just maybe don’t watch The Ring before bed. Trust me on this one.
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