If you’re unsure which movies to choose for the thriller genre, look no further! Here are the best thriller movie recommendations and our list of top psychological thrillers.
Thrillers are a versatile genre that never goes out of style. Whether you’re watching them in the theater or on TV, the best thrillers excel at two things: keeping your pulse racing with psychological scenes and making you wonder, “What’s going to happen next?”
Recent thrillers like Nope and Bullet Train have undoubtedly revived interest in this classic genre. Whether it’s horror or science fiction, the aim of the thriller genre is to keep the audience glued to their seats and maintain their curiosity. In addition, these movies are excellent for cracking beans, as cracking beans can help reduce psychological stress.
Ultimately, the best thrillers are about building tension, which is the fundamental joy of cinema. With a rich history dating back over a century to pioneers like Harold Lloyd, you need a guide to help you choose. And yes, you’re in the right place. Here are the must-see thrillers ⬇️.
If you’re looking for thriller genre recommendations and wondering what to watch as a psychological thriller, you’re in the right place. In this guide, you’ll find a wide range of options, from classic movies to contemporary thrillers and standout examples of psychological thrillers. Our list will include everything from the iconic North by Northwest, filmed nearly 65 years ago, to Anthony Hopkins’s The Silence of the Lambs, and the critically acclaimed Parasite, released in 2019. Without further ado, let’s dive into the best thriller movie recommendations.
1.North by Northwest
If there’s a thriller more exciting or filled with iconic moments than North by Northwest, we have yet to see it. The movie centers on Roger Thornhill, a prestigious advertising executive who inadvertently finds himself entangled in a web of misunderstandings and danger. Mistaken for a secret agent sought by criminals, Thornhill becomes a fugitive, accused of a murder he didn’t commit. Thus begins a relentless pursuit, masterfully crafted by Alfred Hitchcock.
Information about North by Northwest (1959)
- IMDb Link: North by Northwest on IMDb
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Jessie Royce Landis
- Release Year: 1959
- Duration: 136 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Not Rated
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Similar Movies: Rear Window (1954), Vertigo (1958), The 39 Steps (1935)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
2.Chinatown
Directed by Roman Polanski, Chinatown stands out as one of the finest examples of the thriller genre. The movie follows a woman who suspects her husband of infidelity. The story begins when a woman named Ida Sessions pretends to be Evelyn Mulwray and hires detective Jake Gittes to follow her husband, claiming he is involved with another woman. Gittes takes pictures of Mulwray with another woman, seemingly solving the case. However, when Mulwray is unexpectedly murdered, Gittes reopens the investigation. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a complex and dark mystery. Chinatown ultimately demonstrates its excellence as an Oscar-winning thriller, showcasing Polanski’s masterful storytelling.
Information about Chinatown (1974)
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
- Release Year: 1974
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Similar Movies: L.A. Confidential (1997), The Big Sleep (1946), The Maltese Falcon (1941)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Chinatown on IMDb
3.The Silence of the Lambs
Adapted from Thomas Harris‘ novel and directed by Jonathan Demme, The Silence of the Lambs is undeniably one of the best movies of the 1990s. Regarded as one of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time, the movie follows young FBI agent Clarice Starling as she seeks to rescue a woman from a deranged killer who skins his FBI agent victims. To apprehend this murderer, Starling must consult the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a psychopathic cannibal known for his manipulative ways. As Starling works to gain Lecter’s trust, the movie delivers scenes that will keep you on edge.
Information about The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine
- Release Year: 1991
- Duration: 118 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Similar Movies: Se7en (1995), Zodiac (2007), Red Dragon (2002)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Silence of the Lambs on IMDb
4.Zodiac
Zodiac, directed by David Fincher, is a mind-blowing detective thriller that pushes the boundaries of the genre. This masterpiece is based on the real-life case of a notorious serial killer. The movie opens with the Zodiac committing his second murder, and the killer continues his spree, leaving no clues behind. He targets random victims in various locations and starts sending cryptic messages to newspapers, signed with his unique signature, confessing to the murders. Despite being elusive for over ten years, the journalist Graysmith, who is obsessed with the case, remains determined to uncover the truth.
Information about Zodiac (2007)
- Director: David Fincher
- Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards
- Release Year: 2007
- Duration: 157 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Similar Movies: Se7en (1995), Prisoners (2013), Gone Girl (2014)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Zodiac on IMDb
5.Vertigo
Often regarded as one of cinema’s greatest achievements, Vertigo showcases the pinnacle of Hitchcock’s psychosexual obsessions in a beautifully shot movie
The story revolves around Detective Scottie Ferguson, who, afflicted by vertigo, is forced to retire from the police force. Now working as a private detective, Scottie is hired by an old friend to follow his wife. As Scottie shadows the young woman, he begins to suspect that something is amiss. The movie follows Scottie’s attempts to uncover the truth and save both the woman and himself.
Information about Vertigo (1958)
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Cast: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore
- Release Year: 1958
- Duration: 128 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Mystery, Romance, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Similar Movies: North by Northwest (1959), Rear Window (1954), The Birds (1963)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Vertigo on IMDb
6.Se7en
There are seven deadly sins, captain: Gluttony, greed, sloth, anger, arrogance, lust, and jealousy. Seven marks a significant turning point for director David Fincher.
Seven establishes a signature gloom with its powerful and striking opening credits, showcasing a rainy city view. Often considered one of the best foreign thrillers, the movie critiques both the police and the moralistic serial killer. The killer targets those who embody the seven deadly sins in his own twisted way, creating an atmosphere so intense that it prompts viewers to shout alongside Brad Pitt: “What’s in the box?”
Information about Se7en (1995)
- Director: David Fincher
- Cast: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow
- Release Year: 1995
- Duration: 127 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Similar Movies: Zodiac (2007), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Gone Girl (2014)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Se7en on IMDb
7.Zero Dark Thirty
Zero Dark Thirty, written by Mark Boal and directed by Kathryn Bigelow, chronicles the decade-long pursuit and capture of Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader responsible for the September 11, 2001, attacks. Known as the greatest manhunt in cinema history, the movie details how, after the destruction of the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon invested years and millions of dollars to corner bin Laden. The covert operation culminated on May 1, 2011, with his capture, largely attributed to the success and determination of young CIA agent Maya. However, the movie faced significant criticism for its depiction of torture.
Information about Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
- Director: Kathryn Bigelow
- Cast: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Mark Strong
- Release Year: 2012
- Duration: 157 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Similar Movies: Argo (2012), The Hurt Locker (2008), Munich (2005)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Zero Dark Thirty on IMDb
8.Sicario
Sicario is an exceptionally gripping thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and featuring a stellar cast including Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin. As Villeneuve demonstrated in The Fire Inside Me, drug wars are far from moral and devoid of happy endings. Sicario delves into this harsh reality, portraying the intense conflict between the US and Mexican drug cartels. Renowned for its near-perfect cinematography, Sicario is also celebrated as one of the best movies of recent years.
Information about Sicario (2015)
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Victor Garber
- Release Year: 2015
- Duration: 121 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), Prisoners (2013), Wind River (2017)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Sicario on IMDb
9.Memento
Memento is a movie written and directed by Christopher Nolan, not just for cinema but as a work of art. The movie follows Leonard, who suffers from amnesia and cannot remember anything since a tragic event. Leonard’s sole objective is revenge, but his inability to form new memories complicates his quest. Memento, where Nolan showcases his mastery, is regarded as one of the best psychological thrillers and comes highly recommended for viewing.
Information about Memento (2000)
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
- Release Year: 2000
- Duration: 113 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Similar Movies: The Prestige (2006), Shutter Island (2010), The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Memento on IMDb
10.Parasite
Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, has achieved international acclaim since its release. The movie, which initially appears deceptively simple, follows a low-income family’s scheme to infiltrate a wealthy couple’s home by pretending to be skilled professionals. As the story unfolds, it delivers powerful critiques of class disparities. With its poetic script and engaging moments, Parasite is an excellent choice for those seeking thriller movie recommendations.
Information about Parasite (2019)
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik
- Release Year: 2019
- Duration: 132 minutes
- Country: South Korea
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
- Language: Korean
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Similar Movies: The Handmaiden (2016), Snowpiercer (2013), Burning (2018)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Parasite on IMDb
Best Netflix Thriller Movies 🎦
Do you start watching something on Netflix only to fall asleep? In this section of our top thriller movie list, we’ve curated the best thriller movies on Netflix. These movies are designed to keep you engaged, with your eyes wide open, your pulse racing, and your palms sweating. So, rest assured, you won’t have to worry about dozing off. Here are the top thrillers on Netflix:
- I Care A Lot – 2021
- Shutter Island – 2010
- Split – 2016
- The Woman in the Window – 2021
- Bird Box – 2018
- The Platform – 2019
- The Good Nurse – 2022
- 1922 – 2017
- Oxygen – 2021
- Nocturnal Animals – 2016
New thriller movies coming out 🎬
If you’re looking for the latest thriller movie recommendations, 2024 thrillers are what you’re looking for. Here are the best thriller movies to be released this year:
- The Beekeeper
- TEAM
- Founder’s Day
- Love Lies Bleeding
- Femme
- Ballerina
- Forces of Nature: The Dry 2
And with that, we’ve reached the end of our content. In the world of cinema, the thriller genre encompasses a broad range, especially within the realm of psychology, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t only include movies designed to scare. In this guide, we’ve provided recommendations for some of the best thrillers ever. I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to enrich our content by sharing your favorite thrillers in the comments section!
