50 Best Thriller Movies To Watch

50 Best Thriller Movies To Watch

Thriller films account for a large portion of films, from action blockbusters to gut-wrenching psychological epics. However, if one were to define what counts as a thriller film, it is those that are filled with conflict, surprise turns, and tension that keep you on the edge of your seat.

This list of the best thriller movies to watch selects films from all genres, including spy thrillers such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E, psychological thrillers such as Black Swan, and blockbusters such as Inception.

Whether you’re looking for a heart-pounding action thriller, a suspenseful psychological thriller, or you just have a favorite movie director or actor in mind, there’s something on this list for everyone.

1. Gone Girl (2014)

Based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl is directed by David Fincher, a master in thrillers. The movie is credited for sticking with the original source material and bringing Flynn’s story to life in its best form.

Gone Girl tells the story of Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), a man who becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike). As the film progresses, we learn more about Nick and Amy’s relationship, and it becomes clear that things are not as they seem.

The movie is a well-crafted and suspenseful film with a complex and unforgettable protagonist. The mystery coupled with the brilliant cast of characters will keep you at the edge of your seat for the entire 149 minutes of the film.

2. Parasite (2019)

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Parasite is a South Korean black comedy thriller film released in 2019. It tells the story of the Kim family, a poor family who schemes to become employed by the wealthy Park family by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals.

The film is a tense and suspenseful ride, with a plot that is full of twists and turns. It is also a darkly funny and insightful social commentary, exploring themes of class inequality, poverty, and exploitation.

After its release, Parasite was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $263 million worldwide. It has won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards.

These include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film. A must-watch if ever there was any!

Parasite is brought to life by a cast of talents that includes some of South Korea’s best and most famous actors. 

3. Fight Club (1999)

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“The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club.” This is a quote from Fight Club, that has been used time and time again in various movies and TV shows. That’s just a glimpse of how influential and timeless the movie is.

1991’s Fight Club is a classic, starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. It tells the story of the underground fighting club that the movie’s protagonist, Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt), starts.

The club is a place where men can come to let go of their anger and frustration in a primal way, and the first rule is to ensure that the club remains a secret.

Fight Club is a dark and disturbing film, but it is also incredibly captivating and suspenseful. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

4. Memento (2000)

Memento is arguably (to some), Christopher Nolan’s best work and that’s saying something considering how impressive Nolan’s body of work is. It is a psychological thriller starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Joe Pantoliano.

The movie tells the story of Leonard Shelby, a man who has anterograde amnesia, which means that he cannot form new memories. This prevents him from remembering who killed his wife, which he is trying to avenge.

Memento is a unique and innovative film that tells its story in reverse chronological order. This forces the viewer to piece together the events of the film as Leonard does, which creates a sense of suspense and mystery.

5. The Departed (2006)

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The Departed is an Oscar-winning crime action thriller directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie is a remake of a 2002 Hong Kong film known as Internal Affairs and is loosely based on the real-life Boston Winter Hill Gang.

The film follows two men on opposite sides of the law who are planted as moles in each other’s organizations: Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), a State Police officer who infiltrates the Irish Mob, and Colin Sullivan (Damon), a mobster who infiltrates the State Police.

The thrilling story is brought to life by a talented star-studded cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, and Alec Baldwin.

6. Bird Box (2018)

A movie that has birthed countless memes, Birdbox is truly a modern classic! The incredible Sandra Bullock gives a riveting performance as a woman named Malorie Hayes who must protect two children from a deadly and mysterious force.

The film is full of suspense and edge-of-your-seat moments. One of the things that makes Bird Box so captivating is its unique premise. The idea of creatures that can drive people insane simply by being seen is both terrifying and intriguing.

7. Life (2017)

Imagine Predator but so much more dangerous and in a spaceship. That’s 2017’s Life in a nutshell.

It tells the story of a team of scientists who discovered an alien life form on Mars. The life form is initially thought to be harmless, but it soon becomes clear that it is highly intelligent and dangerous.

Although it has a simple premise, Life is a well-paced and suspenseful film with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The story is also helped greatly by the star-studded cast that includes, Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Hiroyuki Sanada.

The ending will leave you satisfied yet yearning for more!

8. Se7en (1995)

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Se7en (1995) is a neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. It stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as two homicide detectives, David Mills and William Somerset, who track down a serial killer who stages the murders of his victims in accordance with the seven deadly sins.

Released in 1995, this police procedural has become somewhat of a cult classic. With its hand-crafted opening titles captivating story, great acting, and a heart-stopping finale, Se7en is a definite must-watch.

Besides Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, the movie has a star-studded cast that includes, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow, John C. McGinley, and Richard Roundtree.

9. Inception (2010)

Yet another entry from the incredible Christopher Nolan! Inception is a mind-bending film that explores the world of dreams and the possibilities of dream-sharing.

The film follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a thief who is hired to steal an idea from the mind of Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), the heir to a powerful energy conglomerate. To do this, Cobb and his team must enter Fischer’s subconscious and plant the idea there.

Inception is a visually stunning film with a complex and intriguing plot that will leave you questioning your own reality afterward. The film has an incredible cast that includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, and Ellen Page.

Nolan produced a masterpiece with Inception and it is hailed as one of his best works to date.

10. The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige (2006) is one of the most critically acclaimed and captivating thriller movies of all time. It is a complex and suspenseful film that tells the story of two rival magicians, Alfred Borden and Robert Angier, who are locked in a bitter feud to create the greatest magic trick ever seen.

The film is set in Victorian London, and it follows Borden and Angier as they compete to outdo each other with their increasingly elaborate and dangerous tricks. As their rivalry intensifies, the two magicians become obsessed with their work, and they are willing to sacrifice everything in pursuit of victory.

Director Christopher Nolan creates a world that is both beautiful and dangerous. This coupled with an amazing cast that includes Christian Bale, and Hugh Jackman as the leads, with supporting roles for the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, and Rebecca Hall, The Prestidge is a definite must-watch!

11. The Guilty (2021)

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The Guilty (2021) is a captivating thriller film about Joe Baylor (Jake Gyllenhaal), a disgraced police officer who is demoted to work as a 911 dispatcher. One night, Joe receives a call from a terrified woman named Emily, who claims to have been kidnapped.

Joe must use all of his skills and resources to try to save Emily, even though he is confined to the confines of his dispatch center. Director Antoine Fuqua does a masterful job of creating a claustrophobic and claustrophobic atmosphere, as the audience is trapped alongside Joe in the dispatch center.

The film’s script is also incredibly tight and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing.

12. Joker (2019)

The Joker is a fascinating character from DC Comics who has been portrayed in various films to great critical acclaim. However, most of these have been as the villain in Batman films.

2019’s Joker, on the other hand, is focused solely on the origin of the Joker. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Philips, the movie follows an unstable stand-up comedian who starts a downward trajectory that produces the famous villain.

While the absence of the caped crusader is notable, he is not missed at all. Joker is a dark and disturbing film, but it is also incredibly compelling and thought-provoking. It is a masterclass in suspense and atmosphere, and it features some of the most iconic performances of recent years.

Like all The Joker before him, Joaquin does leave the viewer with some memorable quotes. 

13. Arrival (2016)

Arrival (2016) blends science fiction, linguistics, and human drama to create a truly unique and captivating experience. The film follows Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a linguist who is tasked by the US government to communicate with a mysterious alien race that has arrived on Earth.

As Banks and her team learn more about the aliens and their language, they begin to uncover a secret that could have profound implications for the future of humanity.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his ability to create a sense of dread and atmosphere in his films, Arrival is no different. It has stunning visuals and the sound design is incredibly immersive.

The audience is constantly kept on the edge of their seats as Banks and her team race against time to decipher the aliens’ language and save humanity.

Here are some more must-watch movies about aliens.

14. Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Nocturnal Animals (2016) is a gripping and suspenseful thriller directed by Tom Ford and starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michael Shannon. The film follows the story of Susan Morrow, a wealthy art gallery owner who is haunted by her ex-husband’s novel, a violent thriller that she interprets as a symbolic revenge tale.

Ford’s direction is stylish and atmospheric, and the performances from the cast are all top-notch. Adams is particularly good as Susan, a woman who is struggling to come to terms with her past and her own dark desires.

15. Good Time (2017)

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Good Time follows Connie Nikas (Robert Pattinson), a low-level criminal who is trying to rob a bank to bail his brother, Nick (Ben Safdie), out of jail. When the robbery goes wrong, Connie is forced to embark on a desperate race against time to save his brother’s life.

Good Time has a compelling story and maintains a profound sense of tension and anxiety throughout. The film’s gritty setting and its complex, morally ambiguous characters make it an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience.

Pattison delivers arguably a career-best performance as Connie, a man who is both desperate and resourceful.

16. The Lighthouse (2019)

The Lighthouse (2019) is a psychological thriller film directed by Robert Eggers and starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. The film tells the story of two lighthouse keepers, Thomas Wake (Dafoe) and Ephraim Winslow (Pattinson), who are stationed on a remote and mysterious island off the coast of New England in the 1890s.

As the two men become increasingly isolated and paranoid, they begin to experience strange and terrifying visions. Eggers’ direction is masterful, and he creates a truly unsettling and claustrophobic atmosphere that will have you terrified and excited to know what is next.

17. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020) is a unique and captivating thriller film that is sure to stay with you long after you watch it. The film is directed by Charlie Kaufman, who is known for his mind-bending films such as Being John Malkovich (1999) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).

This movie follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley) who is thinking of breaking up with her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) as they drive to his remote family farm for a weekend visit. However, as the film progresses, the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur, and the viewer is left to question what is actually happening.

18. No Country for Old Men (2007)

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Imagine that you are walking down a dark alleyway. You can hear footsteps behind you, but you don’t dare turn around. You know that if you do, it will not end well. This is how it feels to watch No Country for Old Men.

No Country for Old Men (2007) is a gripping thriller film that explores the themes of violence, morality, and fate. It tells the story of Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong in the Texas desert.

He takes the drug money but soon finds himself pursued by a ruthless killer named Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem). Chigurh is a terrifying antagonist who is completely devoid of empathy. He kills without hesitation, and he takes a sadistic pleasure in tormenting his victims.

Moss is constantly behind Chigurh as he tries to survive, leading to a very suspenseful and gripping watch. The film also has some Hollywood bigwigs including, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson, and Garret Dillahunt among others.

19. Sicario (2015)

Sicario is a Spanish word that translates to ‘hitman’. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, 2015’s Sicario is a dark and suspenseful action film that is a definite must-watch.

The movie tells its story from the point of view of Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), an FBI agent who is recruited by a government task force to take down a drug cartel in Mexico. Macer is quickly disillusioned by the brutality of the drug war and the moral compromises that are made by those fighting it.

The film features a cast of morally ambiguous characters who are all fighting their own personal battles. Macer is struggling to maintain her idealism in the face of the brutality of the drug war.

Alejandro Gillick, a mysterious consultant who is hired by the task force, is haunted by his past and is willing to do whatever it takes to win the war against drugs.

“There are things worse than death.” – Alejandro Gillick. Following its success, there was a sequel in 2018; Sicario: Day of the Soldado.

20. Nightcrawler (2014)

Nightcrawler (2014) is a thrilling movie that follows the story of Lou Bloom, a desperate man who finds success in the competitive world of local news by being the first to film gruesome crime scenes.

The movie is a dark and twisted look at the media’s obsession with violence and the lengths that some people will go to get ahead. Jake Gyllenhaal, delivers a compelling and thrilling performance, as Lou, a sociopath, and an inherently unlikeable character.

He is selfish, manipulative, and has no regard for human life. But he is also incredibly intelligent and driven.

21. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) is a mystery thriller based on a 2005 novel by Swedish writer Stieg Larsson. It’s about a disgraced journalist named Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) who is hired by a wealthy industrialist to investigate the disappearance of his niece 40 years ago.

Blomkvist teams up with a brilliant but troubled hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), and together they uncover a dark web of secrets and lies.

The movie is suspenseful and atmospheric, with a complex and well-developed plot. The characters are complex and believable, and the performances are top-notch.

22. Black Swan (2010)

2010’s Black Swan is a psychological thriller film that treads the line between what counts as a drama and an outright horror film. The movie explores the dark side of perfectionism and obsession.

It tells the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a talented ballerina who is cast in the dual role of the White Swan and the Black Swan in a production of Swan Lake. Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, but she struggles to embody the dark and sensual Black Swan.

Black Swan is a visually stunning film with a dark and atmospheric score. It is also a powerful and disturbing exploration of the human psyche. The exceptional Natalie Portman shines as Nina perfectly capturing the character’s descent into madness.

23. The Dark Knight (2008)

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Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight (2008) in more ways than one redefined superhero films.

It follows Batman (Christian Bale) as he teams up with Police Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to take down the Joker (Heath Ledger), a chaotic and anarchistic mastermind who threatens to tear Gotham City apart.

The film was a commercial and critical success and became only the fourth film in history to gross over $1 billion. However, The Dark Knight will forever be remembered for Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as the Joker.

“Why so serious?” – Heath Ledger’s Joker

24. Get Out (2017)

Get Out tells the story of Chris Washington, a young Black man who visits the family of his white girlfriend, Rose. At first, everything seems fine, but Chris soon realizes that something is very wrong with the Armitage family.

Directed by the talented Jordan Peele, Get Out can be described as a psychological thriller that has both elements of a comedy and a horror film. It is a suspenseful and unsettling watch that will have you invested from the get-go.

25. Die Hard (1988)

Not your typical Christmas movie, Die Hard (1988) is one of the most iconic action thriller movies ever made, and its success spawned a franchise that is celebrated to this day.

Die Hard follows the story of John McClane (Bruce Willis), a New York City cop who visits his wife’s office building in Los Angeles for Christmas Eve only to find it being held hostage by a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman).

McClane must use his wits and courage to stop the terrorists and save the hostages, including his wife. Die Hard was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $138 million worldwide.

Its success led to the start of a franchise that has four other films. These are, Die Hard 2 (1990), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), and A Good Day to Die Hard (2013).

26. Training Day (2001)

Featuring an Oscar-winning performance from Denzel Washington, Training Day follows rookie police officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) on his first day of training with veteran Detective Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington).

Harris is a corrupt detective who uses his position to enrich himself, and he quickly puts Hoyt to the test, forcing him to make questionable ethical decisions.

The film also features perhaps the most iconic performance of Denzel Washington’s career. Washington won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Harris.

His monologue in the final moments is one to behold! Here are some of the best Denzel Washington movies to watch!

27. The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Sixth Sense is a masterfully crafted film that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film tells the story of a child psychologist, Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), who is treating a young boy named Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) who claims to see dead people.

Crowe initially dismisses Cole’s claims as delusions, but he soon begins to believe that Cole is telling the truth. Crowe and Cole are constantly racing against time to solve the mystery of the dead people and save Cole from himself.

It is a thought-provoking film that raises questions about the nature of life and death. The film suggests that there may be more to this world than we can see or understand.

28. North by Northwest (1959)

North by Northwest is classic in every sense of the word. The movie is a spy thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint.

The film follows Roger O. Thornhill, an advertising executive who is mistaken for a government agent and pursued by a group of spies. North by Northwest is a masterclass in suspense and Hitchcockian thrills. Hitchcock uses a variety of techniques to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, from misdirection to suspenseful set pieces and MacGuffins.

29. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

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Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Reservoir Dogs (1992) is a classic crime thriller about a group of six criminals who are hired to rob a jewelry store.

However, things do not go as smoothly as expected. One of the things that makes Reservoir Dogs so interesting is its unique structure. It applies non-linear storytelling, stylish visuals, and sharp dialogue.

Reservoir Dogs is such a joyful film to experience and re-experience: every line crackles like electricity and every performance is punchy perfection. It was Tarantino’s breakthrough and his signature styles are all over it.

30. V for Vendetta (2006)

V for Vendetta is a dystopian political thriller film set in a totalitarian future where a masked vigilante named V fights against the oppressive government. The film is a powerful and timely exploration of the importance of freedom and the dangers of tyranny.

The film is also notable for its iconic imagery, such as V’s Guy Fawkes mask and his signature catchphrase, “Remember, remember, the fifth of November.”

V for Vendetta has become a symbol of resistance and hope for people all over the world with his iconic mask often used to represent standing up against oppression.

31. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge of Tomorrow is a thrilling, thought-provoking, and heart-pounding science fiction action film starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.

In Edge of Tomorrow, Cruise plays Major William Cage, a public relations officer with no combat experience who is forced to join a suicide mission against an alien race. When Cage is killed in battle, he finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.

At first, Cage is trapped in a nightmarish loop, but he eventually uses his newfound ability to learn from his mistakes and become a skilled fighter.

Edge of Tomorrow is a visually stunning film with incredible action sequences. However, what really sets it apart is its intelligent and thought-provoking story.

32. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

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Most movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe can simply be categorized as Sci-fi/ action adventures. However, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, while an action-adventure, has all the hallmarks of a spy thriller.

This is the second movie in the Captain America film series after 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger. The film is set in a world where S.H.I.E.L.D., the government agency that Captain America (Chris Evans) works for, has been infiltrated by Hydra, a Nazi organization that was thought to have been defeated decades ago.

This discovery forces Captain America to question everything he thought he knew about his world and to go on the run from the very people he is supposed to be protecting.

It is a fast-paced, action-packed film with a complex and suspenseful plot and features a stellar cast, including Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Robert Redford.

33. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) is a stylish and action-packed spy thriller. The film follows the adventures of Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill), a suave American CIA agent, and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), a rugged Russian KGB agent, who are forced to team up to stop a criminal organization from developing nuclear weapons.

The movie is set at the height of the Cold War, and it perfectly captures the atmosphere of the era with its stylish costumes, retro-futuristic sets, and catchy soundtrack. The chemistry between Cavill and Hammer is electric, and they make a great pair of unlikely heroes.

 34. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

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Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic action film that is full of suspense, excitement, and stunning visuals.

The film follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) as he teams up with a group of rebels to escape from the tyrannical dictator Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne).

The film’s car chases are some of the most intense and visually stunning ever put on screen. Fury Road also features a number of memorable characters, including the fierce and determined Furiosa (Charlize Theron).

There have been several other films in the Mad Max franchise including Mad Max (1979), Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981), and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985).

35. Deep Water (2022)

Deep Water, a thrilling cinematic masterpiece released in 2022, is a heart-pounding rollercoaster of suspense that’s not to be missed. Starring the mesmerizing couple of Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, this psychological thriller offers an intricate dance of love, obsession, and deception.

As we dive headfirst into the lives of Vic and Melinda, we’re taken on a suspenseful journey where trust is a precious commodity, and secrets lurk in the depths. Deep Water masterfully blurs the lines between love and danger, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly guessing what will happen next.

36. Jaws (1975)

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Today, Steven Spielberg is a famous and critically acclaimed director. Jaws is only his second feature-length film and to date, some consider it among his best works.

The movie has a rather simple premise; a giant shark attacks a beach resort town, and the local police chief must work with a marine biologist to stop it. Jaws is full of iconic moments, from the chilling opening scene in which a young woman is attacked by the shark, to the final showdown between the shark and the police chief.

However, what really makes Jaws so special is its atmosphere of suspense and dread. Director Steven Spielberg masterfully builds tension throughout the film, using everything from the ominous musical numbers to the shark’s underwater POV shots to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

37. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

“Do not always trust an innocent face!” Colin Farrel’s character Steven Murphy should have taken heed of this piece of advice in 2017’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017).

The movie follows Steven Murphy, a successful cardiac surgeon, whose life is turned upside down when a mysterious teenage boy named Martin enters his life. Martin claims to be the son of a former patient of Steven’s who died on the operating table, and he demands that Steven make a terrible choice in order to atone for his sin.

The film is beautifully shot and features a stellar cast, including Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Barry Keoghan. A production of A24, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that you will at times watch through your fingers.

38. The Menu (2022)

As far as 2022 movies go, The Menu is a definite pick of the bunch. The Menu is a 2022 American dark comedy horror film directed by Mark Mylod (who directed HBO’s Succession) and written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy. It stars Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, and Hong Chau among others.

The film follows a young couple (Taylor-Joy and Hoult) who travel to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant helmed by a renowned chef (Fiennes). However, as the evening progresses, the guests realize that they are in for a night they will never forget.

The Menu satirizes foodie culture in a comedic and dark way that will stay with you for a while.

39. Level 16 (2018)

Level 16 (2018) is a psychological thriller that as per some critics, “Channels the Handmaid’s Tale (Popular TV Show) in the best possible ways. The film is set in a mysterious boarding school where young women are kept in isolation and subjected to a series of tests and procedures.

The protagonist, Vivien, begins to question her reality and the motives of her captors and plots her escape. The film’s atmosphere is dark and claustrophobic, and the performances are superb.

Vivien is a complex and compelling protagonist, and her journey is both horrific and inspiring.

40. Synchronic (2019)

Synchronic (2019) follows two paramedics, Steve and Dennis, who are called to a series of bizarre and gruesome accidents. They soon discover that the accidents are caused by a mysterious new drug called Synchronic, which allows users to travel through time.

Steve and Dennis become determined to stop the spread of Synchronic before it’s too late. But as they investigate, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous and mind-bending web of time travel.

Synchronic has a captivating premise and is a thrilling and suspenseful film that will make your palms sweaty. It stars Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan as two Paramedics.

41. Gold (2022)

Starring Zac Efron, Gold is a survival thriller about greed and what people are willing to do to get rich. Set in the harsh Australian outback, the film follows Virgil (Zac Efron), a down-on-his-luck prospector who stumbles upon the largest gold nugget ever found.

Virgil’s discovery sets off a chain of events that tests his greed, his survival skills, and his sanity. The movie received some negative reviews on release, but it is a captivating watch.

Effron puts in a captivating performance as Virgil as he makes you question humanity and whether his actions are worth the torture he endures.

42. Spiderhead (2022)

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Spiderhead is a 2022 science fiction psychological thriller film directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. It is based on the short story Escape from Spiderhead by George Saunders, and stars Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Jurnee Smollett.

The film follows a convicted criminal who is offered the chance to participate in a pharmaceutical company’s experimental drug trials. The drug, Spiderhead, allows the company to control the emotions of the participants.

The film explores the ethical implications of this technology and the dangers of giving too much power to one person.

43. The Usual Suspects (1995)

Directed by Bryan Singer, The Usual Suspects is a masterclass in storytelling. The film follows the story of Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey), a small-time criminal who is one of the only two survivors of a massacre on a ship docked in Los Angeles.

Kint is interrogated by a mysterious government agent (Chazz Palminteri) who tells him a convoluted story about how he and his criminal companions came to be on the boat, and about a mysterious crime lord known as Keyser Söze.

The film is full of twists and turns, and it keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The performances are all top-notch with a cast that includes, Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, and Stephen Baldwin.

44. The Father (2020)

Featuring an Oscar-winning performance from Anthony Hopkins, The Father is a masterpiece in more ways than one. The film tells the story of an aging man named Anthony (Anthony Hopkins) who is struggling with dementia.

His daughter, Anne (Olivia Colman), moves in with him to help care for him, but Anthony becomes increasingly suspicious of her motives. As the film progresses, the audience begins to question Anthony’s grip on reality and the true nature of his relationship with Anne.

It is a surprisingly suspenseful film, as the audience is never quite sure what is real and what is not.

45. Split (2016)

If you’re looking for a thriller movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Split (2016) is a great choice. The film follows the story of Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man with dissociative identity disorder (DID) who has 23 different personalities.

When Kevin kidnaps three teenage girls and imprisons them in his basement, the girls must find a way to escape before Kevin’s most dangerous personality, “The Beast,” takes over.

Split is a masterfully crafted thriller that is both suspenseful and disturbing. McAvoy gives an incredible performance as Kevin, and he is able to convincingly portray each of his 23 personalities.

The film’s director, M. Night Shyamalan, is known for his twist endings, and Split does not disappoint. Split is the second film from the Unbreakable film series.

The first is Unbreakable (2000) and the third is 2019’s Glass.

46. Stowaway (2021)

Stowaway (2021) is a captivating science fiction thriller that explores the ethical dilemmas of survival in space. The film follows three astronauts on a two-year mission to Mars when they discover a fourth person on board, a stowaway who has accidentally boarded the ship.

The crew now faces the difficult decision of whether to wake the stowaway up and risk jeopardizing the mission or leave them to die in cryosleep. Stowaway is a masterclass in tension and suspense, with a claustrophobic setting and a cast of characters who are all struggling with their own inner demons.

The story is brought to life by the incredible cast that includes, Shamier Anderson, Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim, and Toni Collette.

47. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Mavelus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In this investigative drama, Anthony Hopkins’ playing Dr. Hannibal Lecter, delivers one of the most chilling performances that is hailed as one of the best villains to date.  The movie is highly regarded and critically acclaimed, with an Oscar nomination to its name.

19991’s The Silence of the Lambs is an adaptation of the Thomas Harris book by the same name. This psychological thriller stars Jodie Foster as FBI trainee Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter.

The film follows Starling as she seeks the help of the incarcerated Hannibal to catch another active serial killer. The relationship between Starling and Lecter is one of the most iconic in film history, and their cat-and-mouse game is both thrilling and unsettling.

48. Uncut Gems (2019)

This is Adam Sandler in a way and form you’ve never seen him in before! Uncut Gems follows Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a New York City jeweler who is always looking for a big score.

When he gets his hands on a rare black opal, he sees a chance to make his dreams a reality. But when things start to go wrong, Howard must use all of his cunning and connections to stay one step ahead of his enemies.

Uncut Gems is a masterclass in suspense. The Safdie brothers, who wrote and directed the film, do an incredible job of creating a sense of tension and anxiety that builds throughout the film.

The film’s frenetic pace and Sandler’s electrifying performance as Howard keep you hooked until the very end.

49. American Psycho (2000)

American Psycho (2000) is a disturbing and yet captivating thriller film that follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a seemingly successful Wall Street investment banker who is also a serial killer. The film is a dark and twisted satire of American culture and its obsession with materialism and success.

Bateman is a complex and fascinating character. He is intelligent, charming, and successful on the outside, but he is also deeply disturbed on the inside.

He is driven by a need for perfection and control, and he takes out his frustrations on the people around him in the most violent and gruesome ways imaginable.

The movie is an adaptation of the 1991 Bret Easton Ellis novel, American Psycho.

50. Shutter Island (2010)

Directed by Martin Scorcese and Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Shutter Island tells the story of U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is sent to a remote island psychiatric facility to investigate the disappearance of a patient.

However, as Daniels delves deeper into the mystery, he begins to question his own sanity and the true nature of the facility.

Shutter Island is a masterfully crafted film that features a complex and suspenseful plot, stunning visuals, and superb performances from DiCaprio and the rest of the cast.

Thrillers offer more than just entertainment, although they are as entertaining as any other film category if not more. A thriller film will inflict anxiety, terror, and uncertainty all at once forcing a viewer to question themselves, their close ones, and even their own reality.

The films on this list will do just that and more. However, it should be noted this is not an exhaustive list and there are numerous more captivating films that have been left out.