There are plenty of fantastic thriller movies for a fun movie night, including psychological horror, murder mysteries, and intense criminal dramas. Thriller movies have the flexibility to blend with various genres such as horror, western, and superhero films, creating a narrative that generates anticipation and thrill among viewers. A thriller is defined by the audience's emotional reaction it provokes, whether it's a big-budget flick such as The Dark Knight or a smaller-budget movie like Se7en.
A great suspenseful film holds the viewers in suspense, leading them to an ending filled with unexpected plot turns. The top-notch thrillers boast powerful writing and often feature famous actors, yet the real test of the genre lies in the movie's capacity to capture its audience. An excellent suspenseful movie prioritizes the audience's emotions over the plot, creating a unique viewing experience. Presented here are the top ten thrillers currently available for viewing, showcasing some of cinema's finest works.
1. Joker
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The genesis of Joker's character in the movie is rooted in Arthur Fleck's (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix) troubled past. The movie tracks the main character as he transitions from a disenchanted entertainer hired for events to a maniacal villain who sparks a rebellion in Gotham City.
The divisive movie received both positive and negative feedback upon its initial release, and there is an explanation for the varying opinions. Although deserving of praise for its creativity and captivating atmosphere, the film fails to effectively execute certain plot elements during key scenes.
2. Get Out
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: Netflix
Jordan Peele's first film as a director, Get Out, is the most conventional horror film among the top thriller movies. In the movie, Daniel Kaluuya plays the role of Chris, who accompanies his girlfriend Rose to meet her parents for the first time. Initial awkward conversations between Chris and Rose's family develop into a terrifying horror experience filled with unexpected surprises. Get Out, featuring satirical elements, also showcases Peele's comedic side.
3. Shutter Island
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Martin Scorsese's movies are known for evoking strong feelings in viewers, while also featuring a fast pace and an intriguing ensemble of characters. Shutter Island is an intense thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and features Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal sent to a remote island mental hospital to find an escaped female murderer. As Daniels explores this puzzle, he starts to doubt his own existence, leading viewers on a reflective adventure with unexpected plot turns that will leave them pondering the movie for weeks.
4. Dark Knight
IMDb Rating: 9/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Dark Knight is commonly seen as one of the best superhero movies ever made because it stands out from the typical superhero film. Heath Ledger's Joker has always been the most discussed aspect of The Dark Knight, a gritty crime thriller featuring Batman. The Joker poses a threat right from the beginning of the movie, as he consistently outsmarts the superhero. The conclusion of The Dark Knight features battles that revolve around the philosophical ideologies that the Joker is trying to impose, leading to high stakes concerning the nature of humanity.
5. No Country for Old Men
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
No Country for Old Men, a movie in the neo-western genre directed by the Coen Brothers, follows a man who comes across $2 million following a violent drug transaction and has won an Academy Award for Best Picture. The excitement stems from the individual seeking the money, Anton Chigurh, who is an enigmatic and highly intelligent person. Chigurh, portrayed by Javier Bardem in a truly frightening villain role, stands out as the film's most memorable feature. No Country for Old Men is both deep and intricate, incorporating exciting gunfights and chase scenes.
Also Read: Top 10 Movies With the Most Shocking Plot Twists: From Identity to the Sixth Sense
6. The Prestige
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Although the idea of two rival magicians might seem ridiculous, Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale, and Hugh Jackman successfully deliver a captivating drama about obsession and revenge. The Prestige has the amazing performances and superb screenplay that one anticipates from a Christopher Nolan movie. The movie's central conflict leads to a series of intricate plots and surprising plot turns that will impress viewers upon repeat watchings.
7. The Departed
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a high-speed movie from beginning to end. The Boston crime saga is constantly justifying itself amidst brutal action and foul language, maintaining a steady rhythm until its twist-filled conclusion. Both Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio shine in the film, but The Departed's biggest asset is its screenplay, featuring excellent supporting characters, a complex plot, and incredibly impressive crime scenes.
8. Momento
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
In Momento, the main character Leonard Shelby (portrayed by Guy Pearce) suffers from anterograde amnesia, rendering him unable to form new memories. After being brutally attacked by two assailants who also murdered his wife, the ex-insurance investigator sets out on a dangerous journey for revenge.
The intricate storyline of Christopher Nolan's mind-bending film is meant to portray the main character's shattered perspective. As Leonard pieces together evidence using his unique method involving Polaroid photos and tattoos, things begin to make more sense in regards to the assailant he is trying to uncover.
9. Se7en
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
David Fincher's body of work, such as Gone Girl and Zodiac, is rich in captivating mystery suspense films. Se7en is a sinister, suspenseful murder mystery featuring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman portraying two detectives who probe a serial killer using the seven deadly sins to classify his murders. The climax of the Seven movie creates a tense atmosphere as the villain repeatedly hints at an impending event, keeping viewers on edge.
10. The Silence of the Lambs
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Silence of the Lambs is a thriller that heavily focuses on horror, and is considered the best Hannibal Lecter movie, featuring Anthony Hopkins as the iconic character and Jodie Foster as the talented FBI trainee Clarice. The FBI thinks Hannibal Lecter could assist in their current serial killer case, and they believe Clarice is the ideal person to persuade him to help. In Silence of the Lambs, Clarice and Lecter engage in a riveting and deadly game of cat and mouse.