Are you in the mood for some heart-pounding suspense, those jaw-dropping twists that make you cling to the edge of your seat? Well, look no further than the thrilling movies on Netflix, waiting to be watched! From mind-bending psychological roller coasters to action-packed adventures, Netflix boasts an array of the absolute best thriller movies that will leave you utterly captivated and gasping for breath.
In the boundless world of cinema, thriller movies are the Rockstars, the ones that keep us glued to the screen, hearts racing with anticipation. And when it comes to finding the crème de la crème of these cin gems, Netflix is your ultimate destination. So, what are the best thriller movies on Netflix, you ask? Let’s dive right into some of the top choices that promise an adrenaline rush like no other.
You also must check out our top picks for best romantic movies on Netflix, best TV series on Netflix and best zombie movies on Netflix.
Emily The Criminal
Emily The Criminal | ||
Genre Drama, Crime, Thriller | Runtime 1 hr 33 minutes | |
Director John Patton Ford | 6.7/10 | |
Cast Aubrey Plaza, Theo Rossi, John Billingsley, Bernardo Badillo |
Emily the Criminal is like a wild ride down the rabbit hole of relatable woes. Imagine a young woman drowning in student loan debt, desperately job-hunting but hitting walls due to a pesky felony conviction. It’s a story of rejection from all but the sketchiest gigs, pushing her into the shady world of credit card scammers for survival.
This film doesn’t hold back, shining a spotlight on how corporations and predatory lenders tap-dance on the working class. It’s a peek into how poverty can lead to some unexpected career choices.
Luckiest Girl Alive
Luckiest Girl Alive | ||
Genre Drama, Mystery | Runtime 1 hr 55 minutes | |
Director Mike Barker | 6.4/10 | |
Cast Mila Kunis, Chiara Aurelia, Finn Wittrock, Connie Britton, Scoot McNairy |
Luckiest Girl Alive, born from Jessica Knoll’s gripping bestseller, thrusts us into the world of Ani. She’s a New York City hotshot journalist with a life that appears straight out of a glossy magazine. But hold onto your hats because her whole universe goes BOOM when she’s tapped for a true-crime documentary about a high school drama that still haunts her.
The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs | ||
Genre Thriller, Horror | Runtime 1 hour 58 minutes | |
Directed by Jonathan Demme | 8.6/10 | |
Cast Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Ted Levine |
The Silence of the Lambs emerges as a cinematic masterpiece that opens the door to the chilling psyche of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who has devolved into a cannibalistic serial killer. Amidst the shadows of this psychological thriller, a young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, steps into the limelight. Her pursuit of insights from the incarcerated Lecter becomes the linchpin in her quest to apprehend another deranged killer. What unfolds is an intricate dance of manipulation, a cat-and-mouse game where the boundaries between hunter and hunted blur. As Clarice delves deeper into the enigma that is Lecter, she must confront not only the horrors of the criminal mind but also her own vulnerabilities.
Gone Girl
Gone Girl | ||
Genre Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 59 minutes | |
Directed by David Fincher | 8.2/10 | |
Cast Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon |
Gone Girl skillfully navigates the intricate maze of a marriage that has veered off course. Amy Dunne’s sudden disappearance casts a shadow of suspicion upon her husband, triggering a whirlwind of investigations and media frenzy. As the layers of their relationship are peeled back, the film unveils a narrative rife with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. With each revelation, the story evolves into a suspenseful exploration of manipulation, deceit, and the façade of a seemingly perfect partnership.
The Old Guard
The Old Guard | ||
Genre Action, Fantasy, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 5 minutes | |
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood | 7.1/10 | |
Cast Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Harry Melling, Veronica Ngo |
The Old Guard ushers us into a world where time’s grasp is defied by a group of immortal mercenaries, each carrying centuries of experience and untold tales. Their longevity is their greatest strength and vulnerability, as they navigate an existence shrouded in secrecy. When the discovery of a new immortal disrupts their equilibrium, the group is thrust into uncharted territory. As they grapple with their newfound companion’s arrival, they are also forced to confront fresh challenges and adversaries who covet their unique abilities.
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight | ||
Genre Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 32 minutes | |
Directed by Christopher Nolan | 9.0/10 | |
Cast Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal |
The Dark Knight stands as a riveting superhero thriller that thrusts Batman into a battle of wits against the Joker’s malevolent machinations. The film not only showcases the caped crusader’s struggle to maintain order in Gotham City but also delves into the chaos orchestrated by the enigmatic Joker. Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker injects an unparalleled intensity, giving rise to a character that is both chilling and captivating. As the Joker’s unpredictable and anarchic plans unfold, the clash between light and darkness takes center stage, challenging Batman’s resolve and the very essence of justice.
Memento
Memento | ||
Genre Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 1 hour 53 minutes | |
Directed by Christopher Nolan | 8.4/10 | |
Cast Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano |
Memento delves into the mind of Leonard, a man plagued by short-term memory loss, on an unyielding quest for vengeance following his wife’s murder. The film’s unique narrative structure unfolds in reverse, propelling the audience into Leonard’s disoriented reality. As he relies on polaroid, tattoos, and notes to piece together his shattered memory, viewers are ensnared in a web of uncertainty. Every revelation brings fresh questions, making us reevaluate what we think we know.
The storyline’s reverse progression isn’t just a cinematic technique; it mirrors Leonard’s fractured psyche, forcing us to grapple with the fractured nature of truth and memory. This gripping approach doesn’t just keep us on our toes; it immerses us in Leonard’s tumultuous world, where trust and perception are as elusive as his memory. As the pieces gradually fall into place, Memento becomes an enthralling exploration of identity, deception, and the intricate dance between fact and fiction.
Fight Club
Fight Club | ||
Genre Drama, Psychological Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 19 minutes | |
Directed by David Fincher | 8.8/10 | |
Cast Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter |
Fight Club intricately weaves the tale of an insomniac office worker and a charismatic soap salesman who unite to create something far more sinister than meets the eye: an underground fight club. The story delves into the dark corners of human existence, where disenchantment with society and a quest for identity converge. As the fight club gains momentum, its allure goes beyond mere physical combat – it becomes a symbol of rebellion against a mundane world. Yet, beneath the raw violence lies a profound exploration of masculinity, consumerism, and the yearning for a genuine connection.
Bird Box
Bird Box | ||
Genre Horror, Mystery, Thriller | Runtime 2 hours 02 minutes | |
Directed by Susanne Bier | 6.8/10 | |
Cast Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, John Malkovich, Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver |
Bird Box takes us into a chilling post-apocalyptic world where an unseen terror haunts humanity. Supernatural entities roam the earth, inducing lethal visions in those who lay eyes on them. To survive, the remaining few must navigate their perilous existence blindfolded, relying on their other senses and instincts. As the tension escalates, the true horror doesn’t merely stem from the creatures lurking just beyond sight, but from the unrelenting uncertainty that shrouds their intentions.
In a landscape where trust is scarce and danger is constant, the film delves deep into the human psyche, examining how fear and desperation can shape the choices we make under the most extreme circumstances. With every step taken, every decision made, the characters in Bird Box confront their inner demons as much as the external threat.
Netflix recently released a sequel to the movie, Bird Box Barcelona that is equally thrilling and captivating.
The Sixth Sense
The Sixth Sense | ||
Genre Psychological thriller, Drama | Runtime 1 hour 47 minutes | |
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan | 8.1/10 | |
Cast Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Donnie Wahlberg |
The Sixth Sense introduces a young boy named Cole Sear, portrayed brilliantly by Haley Joel Osment, who possesses a unique and haunting ability: he claims to see and communicate with the dead. As the weight of this extraordinary gift burdens him, his innocence and vulnerability shine through. Dr. Malcolm Crowe, portrayed by Bruce Willis, is a child psychologist who becomes determined to aid Cole.
As Dr. Crowe forms a bond with the young boy, he grapples with his own doubts and fears, haunted by a past failure to connect with a former patient. Their connection becomes a pivotal exploration of trust, empathy, and the uncharted territories of the supernatural. With each encounter, Cole’s revelations not only uncover a world beyond the living but also reveal the inner struggles of those he encounters.
Wrap Up!
Netflix is like a treasure box full of the absolute best thriller movies, each catering to different tastes and cravings. Whether you’re into mind-bending psychological puzzles, heart-pounding action, brain-teasing mysteries, or reality-bending sci-fi. These films aren’t just your run-of-the-mill thrillers; they’re storytelling at its finest. When you dive into these nail-biting narratives, you’re not just a passive observer – you’re right there in the thick of the action, the suspense, and the excitement. So, gear up for an unforgettable rollercoaster ride of suspense, all thanks to Netflix!