Introduction
Experience the best thriller movies on Netflix right now! Whether you crave heart-pounding action, enigmatic mysteries, or psychological twists, our top 10 picks have you sorted.
From neo-noir grit to supernatural chills, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a night of unforgettable suspense.
Table of Contents
#1 The Stranger (2022)
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Synopsis: Adam Price’s ordinary life takes a dark turn when a stranger unveils a shocking secret about his wife’s past. Fueled by a relentless quest for truth, Adam ventures into dangerous territory, risking everything he holds dear.
Why You Should Watch: This gripping thriller keeps you on edge until the very end. Stellar performances, especially by Adam Curtis, drive the tension sky-high. If you love twisty, character-driven narratives, The Stranger is a must-see, definitely one of the best thriller movies on Netflix.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 92%, IMDb: 8.4
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Director: Tom Wright
Cast: Adam Curtis, Hannah Arterton, Shaun Dooley
#2 Promising Young Woman (2020)
Genre: Dark Comedy Thriller
Synopsis: Cassie leads a double life, seeking vengeance against predatory men who prey on vulnerable women. But when her mission takes a perilous turn, Cassie faces a reckoning that challenges her convictions.
Why You Should Watch: Another best thriller movies on Netflix featuring a darkly comic thriller tackles societal issues with sharp wit. Carey Mulligan shines as Cassie, delivering a performance that’s both captivating and thought-provoking. Promising Young Woman is a must-watch for its entertainment value and social relevance.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 88%, IMDb: 7.5
Release Date: December 25, 2020
Director: Emerald Fennell
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Adam Brody, Connie Britton
#3 Parasite (2019)
Genre: Black Comedy Thriller
Synopsis: The Kim family seizes an opportunity to infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Park family, setting off a chain of events with unforeseen consequences. As secrets unravel, tensions escalate, leading to a shocking climax.
Why You Should Watch: Another best thriller movies on Netflix that blends humor, suspense, and social commentary seamlessly. Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Parasite captivates with its ingenious plot and exceptional performances.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 99%, IMDb: 8.6
Release Date: October 11, 2019
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Chang-sook Choi, Ki-taek Park
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#4 I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Synopsis: A young woman accompanies her boyfriend to his family’s remote farm, where reality blurs and unsettling truths come to light. As her doubts mount, she grapples with her perception of reality and the eerie behavior of those around her.
Why You Should Watch: Charlie Kaufman’s surreal storytelling offers a mind-bending journey into psychological intrigue. While slow-paced, I’m Thinking of Ending Things rewards patient viewers with its atmospheric tension and thought-provoking narrative.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 83%, IMDb: 6.7
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Director: Charlie Kaufman
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, Toni Collette
#5 The Night House (2020)
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Synopsis: Following her husband’s sudden suicide, Beth retreats to the isolated lakeside cabin they shared. Haunted by disturbing visions and unsettling noises, Beth uncovers a dark secret about her husband’s past and the sinister presence that may have driven him to take his own life.
Why You Should Watch: This atmospheric slow-burn chiller will keep you on the edge of your seat. Rebecca Hall delivers a powerful performance as Beth, a woman grappling with grief and a terrifying unknown. The film’s use of sound design and imagery creates a genuinely unsettling atmosphere, perfect for fans of classic ghost stories with a modern twist.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 86%, IMDb: 6.4
Release Date: July 20, 2020
Director: David Bruckner
Cast: Rebecca Hall, Sarah Jayne Dunn, Stacy Martin
#6 The Raid 2 (2014)
Genre: Action Thriller
Synopsis: Picking up right after the events of the first film, Rama, an undercover cop who infiltrated a Jakarta gang, is forced back into the criminal underworld. This time, he must navigate the treacherous alliances and brutal violence of rival gangs in order to take down the entire criminal organization and escape alive.
Why You Should Watch: This Indonesian martial arts masterpiece is a non-stop adrenaline rush. The action sequences are some of the best ever filmed, showcasing brutal yet balletic fight choreography. If you’re looking for a high-octane thriller with incredible action sequences, The Raid 2 is one of the best thriller movies on Netflix.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 96%, IMDb: 8.1
Release Date: April 18, 2014 (Indonesia)
Director: Gareth Evans
Cast: Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Arifin Putra
#7 Searching (2018)
Genre: Technological Thriller
Synopsis: This innovative thriller unfolds entirely through computer screens and video calls. David Kim, a widower estranged from his teenage daughter, searches for her after she mysteriously disappears. Using only the clues he finds on her laptop, David embarks on a desperate online search to uncover the truth.
Why You Should Watch: Searching is a unique and suspenseful experience. The film’s use of technology as its storytelling device creates a realistic and immersive experience. John Cho delivers a powerful performance as a father determined to find his daughter, making this one of the best thriller movies on Netflix for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a technological twist.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 92%, IMDb: 7.6
Release Date: August 30, 2018
Director: Aneesh Chaganty
Cast: John Cho, Debra Messing, Michelle La
#8 The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Synopsis: This unsettling and darkly comedic film is not for everyone. Yorgos Lanthimos’ signature style, with its deadpan humor and bizarre situations, creates a truly unique and unsettling atmosphere. Colin Farrell delivers a compelling performance as a successful surgeon whose life takes a dark turn when a mysterious teenage boy enters the picture.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: If you’re looking for a disturbing and thought-provoking thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a must-watch. Just be prepared for a wild ride in this best thriller movies on Netflix.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 67%, IMDb: 7.0
Release Date: November 3, 2017
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan
#9 Heart of the Hunter (2024)
Genre: Spy Thriller
Synopsis: Alia Hassan, a former CIA operative, is drawn back into the world of espionage when her mentor is abducted. Tasked with a perilous mission, Alia must rely on her formidable skills and shadowy past to rescue her mentor and unravel a global conspiracy with deadly implications.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: This adrenaline-fueled spy thriller features a compelling female protagonist and a plot ripped straight from current events. Jing Lu delivers a mesmerizing performance as Alia, a character both complex and capable. For fans of contemporary international espionage, Heart of the Hunter is a must-see in 2024.
Rating: IMDb: 7.8 (as of April 4, 2024)
Release Date: March 29, 2024
Director: Mika Kurihara
Cast: Jing Lu, Daniel Wu, Akira Takano
#10 The Wages of Fear (2024)
Genre: Neo-Noir Thriller
Synopsis: Set in a near-future city depleted of resources, four desperate criminals are offered a perilous proposition: transport a volatile substance across a hazardous wasteland for a lucrative payoff. As tensions mount during the hazardous journey, dark secrets from their pasts threaten to unravel their fragile alliance.
Why It’s a Must-Watch: This gritty and stylish thriller pays homage to classic neo-noir cinema. With its bleak atmosphere and stellar ensemble cast delivering powerhouse performances, The Wages of Fear offers a gripping and suspenseful crime narrative. For viewers seeking a dark and compelling tale, this film is one of the best thriller movies on Netflix in 2024.
Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 82% (as of April 4, 2024)
Release Date: March 29, 2024
Director: John David Cole
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Emile Hirsch, Selena Gomez
Dive Deeper: Subgenre Spotlights
- Psychological Thrillers: These films explore the dark side of the human psyche, often putting characters in situations that test their sanity and morality.
- Shutter Island (2010): Two U.S. marshals investigate the disappearance of a patient from a mental hospital on a remote island, but reality starts to unravel as they uncover a sinister truth.
- Vertigo (1958): A former detective with a fear of heights is hired to follow a woman who may be possessed by the spirit of her ancestor.
- Foreign-Language Thrillers: Don’t limit yourself to Hollywood! There’s a whole world of fantastic thrillers out there in other.
- Vertigo (1958): A former detective with a fear of heights is hired to follow a woman who may be possessed by the spirit of her ancestor.
- Shutter Island (2010): Two U.S. marshals investigate the disappearance of a patient from a mental hospital on a remote island, but reality starts to unravel as they uncover a sinister truth.
Tips for Finding Thrillers on Netflix
Here are some pointers to help you find the perfect thrillers on Netflix:
- Utilize Search Filters: Narrow down your options by using Netflix’s search filters. Filter by genre (Thriller), release year (opt for newer releases in 2024!), or specific content ratings.
- Explore Curated Lists: Netflix provides curated lists tailored to different genres and moods. Check out the Thrillers or Suspenseful Films lists to uncover hidden gems you might have overlooked.
- Follow “Because You Watched” Recommendations: Netflix’s recommendation algorithm tailors suggestions based on your viewing history. Delve into these personalized recommendations—you might stumble upon a captivating thriller you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Take a look at these recommendations – you might stumble upon a fantastic thriller you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise!
Conclusion
The best thriller movies on Netflix are full of excitement and suspense. This list gives you a glimpse of what’s available, from intense psychological stories to action-packed adventures and spooky tales. Whether you like to think deeply about characters or just want a thrilling ride, Netflix has something for you.
Take a look at our list, find some hidden gems, and tell us in the comments which movie gave you chills! We’re excited to hear about the thrills you discover.
Keep checking back because we’ll keep adding new thrilling movies to this list as they come to Netflix. Happy watching!
