Craving some suspense and excitement? In a world seemingly dominated by true-crime documentaries and TV series, the allure of a captivating cinematic thriller remains timeless. Sometimes, you’re in the mood for a pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat experience that unfolds in the span of a movie. Luckily, HBO Max has a treasure trove of heart-racing thriller movies ready for you to enjoy. Let’s delve into a selection of gripping thrillers currently available on the streaming platform.
Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
 | Don’t Worry Darling (2022) | |
| Genre Drama, Psychological thriller, Mystery | Runtime 2 hours and 23 minutes | |
| Directed by Olivia Wilde | 7.2/10 | |
| Cast Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine | ||
Step into the intriguing world of director Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling, a film that’s as enthralling off-screen as it is on. Within the facade of a seemingly perfect utopian town lies a web of mysteries and secrets. Florence Pugh (Black Widow) shines as Alice, a devoted housewife who begins to unravel a reality far from what she anticipated. Paired with the charismatic Harry Styles (My Policeman), Pugh’s performance keeps you glued to the screen, even in intense scenes with the talented Chris Pine (Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves). Don’t Worry Darling crafts a landscape of intrigue and poses thought-provoking questions that linger long after the credits roll.
Reality (2023)
 | Reality (2023) | |
| Genre Drama, thriller | Runtime 1 hour 23 min | |
| Directed by Tina Satter | 6.7/10 | |
| Cast Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, Marchánt Davis | ||
Director and playwright Tina Satter brings her stage play, “Is This a Room,” to life in this docudrama. Based on real transcripts from an FBI investigation into leaked classified documents, the film revolves around Reality Winner, portrayed with brilliance by rising star Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria). Satter’s directorial debut shines a spotlight on Sweeney’s impeccable portrayal of a young Air Force member caught in a tense encounter with the FBI. Every moment of questioning is charged with emotion, as the stakes couldn’t be higher. The film masterfully captures the essence of vulnerability and the pressure of a single choice.
Under the Skin (2013)
 | Under the Skin (2013) | |
| Genre Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour and 49 minutes | |
| Directed by Jonathan Glazer | 7.2/10 | |
| Cast Scarlett Johansson, Adam Pearson, Paul Brannigan, Douglas Booth | ||
Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin is a mesmerizing science-fiction thriller that seamlessly blends an otherworldly premise with a captivating music video aesthetic. Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) takes on the role of an enigmatic entity that assumes the form of a beguiling young woman, drawing isolated men into a surreal dimension. Set against the backdrop of Scotland, the film delves into the complexities of humanity through an eerie yet undeniably alluring lens. Glazer’s unique vision and Johansson’s performance combine to create an unforgettable exploration of suspense and sensuality.
Gone Girl (2014)
 | Gone Girl (2014) | |
| Genre Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours and 29 minutes | |
| Directed by David Fincher | 8.1/10 | |
| Cast Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry | ||
From the mind of author Gillian Flynn and skillfully directed by David Fincher, Gone Girl takes audiences on a psychological rollercoaster. Ben Affleck (Justice League) and Rosamund Pike (The Wheel of Time) portray Nick and Amy, a couple whose seemingly perfect marriage becomes marred by suspicion and intrigue. As Amy vanishes, Nick finds himself thrust into a world of police scrutiny, media frenzy, and societal pressures. Flynn’s gripping narrative and Fincher’s deft direction create a thrilling experience that exposes the fragility of appearances and the power of deception.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
 | Pulp Fiction (1994) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, thriller | Runtime 2 hours and 34 minutes | |
| Directed by Quentin Tarantino | 8.9/10 | |
| Cast John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis | ||
Enter the iconic world of Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece that forever altered the cinematic landscape. This film catapulted Tarantino to superstardom and left an indelible mark on storytelling. Its influence can be seen in the widespread adoption of non-linear narratives across both film and television. Tarantino’s innovative approach to storytelling is paired with a cast of characters and events that have become pop culture touchstones. Pulp Fiction is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its undeniable coolness and narrative brilliance.
Thoroughbreds (2017)
 | Thoroughbreds (2017) | |
| Genre Crime, Drama, Mystery | Runtime 1 hour and 38 minutes | |
| Directed by Cory Finley | 7.3/10 | |
| Cast Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Yelchin, Paul Sparks | ||
From the mind of writer/director Cory Finley comes Thoroughbreds, a darkly comedic exploration of upper-class teenage friends Amanda and Lily, portrayed impeccably by Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy (The New Mutants). Their plot to deal with life’s challenges takes a chilling turn as they contemplate the unthinkable. Finley’s skillful storytelling weaves together mystery, tension, and uproarious dialogue to create a one-of-a-kind dark comedy. The performances, including the late Anton Yelchin (Star Trek), elevate the film’s brilliance, resulting in an unforgettable cinematic experience that evokes echoes of classic films like American Psycho and Heathers.
Confidence (2003)
 | Confidence (2003) | |
| Genre Crime, Comedy, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour and 43 minutes | |
| Directed by James Foley | 6.7/10 | |
| Cast Edward Burns, Vince Vaughn, Rachel Weisz, Paul Giamatti | ||
Confidence is a high-octane, heist-filled crime drama that keeps you guessing from start to finish. Starring Edward Burns, Dustin Hoffman (Hook), and Andy Garcia (Ocean’s Eleven), this fast-paced thrill ride explores the world of con artists as they navigate danger and deceit. Doug Jung’s riveting script perfectly complements the powerhouse performances, creating a suspenseful escapade filled with twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Ex Machina (2014)
 | Ex Machina (2014) | |
| Genre Sci-Fi, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour and 48 minutes | |
| Directed by Alex Garland | 7.7/10 | |
| Cast Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, Sonoya Mizuno | ||
Written and directed by Alex Garland (Annihilation), Ex Machina delves into the murky waters of isolation, obsession, and technology. Domhnall Gleeson (The Rise of Skywalker) stars as Caleb, an engineer invited to work on a project involving synthetic intelligence. As the story unfolds, layers of mystery are peeled back to reveal a world of uncertainty and intrigue. The film’s standout performance comes from Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider), who captivates as the enigmatic android Ava. Garland’s exploration of humanity and artificial intelligence is as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful.
Wrapping it up!
So, if you’re seeking an adrenaline rush and an unforgettable cinematic experience, look no further than HBO Max‘s impressive lineup of thrilling films. These selections merely scratch the surface of the suspenseful adventures waiting for you to discover. Happy watching!
