Thrillersare the cinematic equivalent of a roller-coaster ride. They grab your attention with their heart-pounding action, mind-bending plot twists, and an irresistible mystery at the center of it all. It doesn’t matter if you’ve devoured the length and breadth of the genre or if you’re a newcomer, there is something truly appealing about the way these movies keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting impatiently to uncover the truth amidstone unexpected turn of events after another.
As a genre, thrillers consist of a wide range of sub-categories. From psychological thrillers, which dive into the deepest crevices of the human mind, to crime thrillers that pit elusive criminals against seasoned detectives, to spy thrillers that pull you into a plot of international intrigue. And the best part is, they can all blend in to create a viewing experience that’s wildly entertaining.
That said, not all the thrillers out there are polished enough to gain the highest order of praise. Some are simply decent enough to make you want to get to the end. This list contains 10 “pretty good” thrillers that may have not set the box office on fire with their numbers, but have still managed to captivate audiences.
10’The Last of Sheila' (1973)
The Last of Sheila
A year after his wife Sheila’s mysterious death, an eccentric movie producer named Clinton Green invites a group of his closest friends on a week-long luxurious yacht vacation, unaware ofthe fact that they all harbor dark secrets. As the trip progresses, it becomes clear that Clinton has orchestrated a complex game of mystery and deception that puts each guest in the middle of a challenge that forces them to confront their pasts.
Intricately Plotted High-Stakes Thriller
The Last of Sheila, directed by Herbert Ross, cleverly combines the elements of mystery and thriller with a sharp, witty script co-written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. The plot itself is gripping, and paired with the fast-paced narrative, the complex characters, the skeletons in their closet, and clever plot twists, it keeps you on the edge from start to finish. The movie features an ensemble cast including James Coburn, Dyan Cannon, and Richard Benjamin, who bring humor and suspense to the proceedings.
9’The Fourth Protocol' (1987)
The Fourth Protocol
A Cold War espionage thriller based on the 1984 novel of the same name by Frederick Forsyth,The Fourth Protocolrevolves around dedicated British MI5 agent John Preston, who discovers a secret Soviet plot to detonate a nuclear bomb in the heart of England, disguising it as an American attack and aiming to sow chaos between the superpowers. As Preston pieces together clues in the diabolical scheme, he also comes face-to-face with KGB mastermind Major Valeri Petrofsky.
Always Tense and Thoroughly Entertaining
The Fourth Protocolis an incredibly tense spy thriller that captures the essence of Cold War paranoia and the stakes and consequences associated with international espionage on a human level. It has received praise for its tight, suspenseful storyline and the outstanding performances by Michael Caine and Pierce Brosnan. Directed by John Mackenzie, it is filled with double-crosses, misdirection, and a race against time to prevent a catastrophic event. It’s not as popular as other spy thrillers, but it’s definitely entertaining.
8’The Game' (1997)
Beforehe came to be recognized as the directorofFight Club,The Social Network, andGone Girl, David Fincher madeThe Game. The movie begins with Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy and distant investment banker receiving an unusual gift from his estranged brother, Conrad – a ticket to participate in a mysterious game created by a shadowy organization. What starts as a harmless diversion from an ordinary life soon spirals into a nightmare for Nicholas.
Offers an Unpredictable Experience
Humming along like a well-oiled machine,The Gamereveals a chaotic barrage of paranoia and deception, eventually blurring the lines between what is real and what is part of the game. Fincher is a master of control and chaos, and the balance he strikes with this meticulously planned movie, the way he plucks Nicholas’ life apart, dismantles it in a way beyond understanding, is truly fascinating to watch. Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger and James Rebhorn’s performances make it an immersive watch.
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7’Exam' (2009)
Imagine being trapped in a room with strangers and vying for a prestigious job at a secretive organization. That’s the premise ofExam, a psychological thriller that centers on eight candidates confined within a single examination room with no windows, given a simple yet perplexing task – to answer one question within 80 minutes. As the clock ticks, the candidates realize that the instructions are baffling and they turn against each other, revealing the true nature and purpose of the exam.
A Claustrophobia-Inducing Thriller
Examis a clever and thought-provoking pressure-cooker thriller that will make you anxious but also leave you captivated. Directed by Stuart Hazeldine, it iscelebrated for its minimalist settingand a clear focus on character interactions. The tension it creates is palpable because it’s impossible not to feel the growing desperation of the characters as the claustrophobia and the cluelessness eats at them. Despite its low-budget production, Exams manages to be a delight for fans of cerebral thrillers.
6’The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' (2011)
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Adapted from Stieg Larsson’s 2005 novel of the same name,The Girl with the Dragon Tattoofollows Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced journalist, who is hired by a wealthy industrialist to investigate the decades-old disappearance of his niece, Harriet. Mikael teams up with Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant computer hacker, and the two delve into the dark and twisted history of the family, only to find themselves entangled in a web of lies and corruption.
A Sophisticated Adaptation
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoodid not achieve the same level of mainstream success as other thrillers of the time, but its dark and character-driven storyline is a huge draw. Also directed by David Fincher, it features a moody and visually stunning aesthetic to dive straight into the serial killer trail, dating back generations, as Mikael and Lisbeth use their exceptional skills to uncover the mystery. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara deliver unforgettable turns, capturing their characters’ complex psyche and the film’s overall suspense.
5’Non-Stop' (2014)
A list of decent thrillers that are also entertaining from start to finish would be incompletewithout mentioning Liam Neeson. He stars inNon-Stopas Bill Marks, a burned-out Air Marshal who boards a transatlantic flight completely oblivious to the nightmare that was coming. As the plane crosses the ocean, Marks starts receiving a series of cryptic text messages demanding a $150 million ransom and threatening to kill one passenger every 20 minutes if the demand is not met.
Pulse-Pounding Thriller in the Sky
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra,Non-Stopis an engaging thriller that sees Neeson doing what he does best – racing against the clock to identify a mysterious criminal and prevent a catastrophic disaster. Only this time, he’s inside an airplane. It serves as a perfect backdrop for a relentless game of wits between Neeson’s protagonist and an unknown antagonist. The plot twists, red herrings, and shifting loyalties keep you hooked until the very end.
4’The Gift' (2015)
Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall star inThe Giftas Simon and Robyn, a young married couple who find their lives disrupted after an unexpected encounter with Gordo, a former high school acquaintance of Simon. He sends them a mysterious gift, and it all appears to be an innocent reunion. But Gordo’s behavior becomes increasingly intrusive, and he makes cryptic references to Simon’s past, which leads to the revelation of old secrets.
Controlled and Unnerving
The Giftmay be a slow-burn psychological thriller, but the way it burrows under your skin compels you to watch it with utmost dedication. Written and directed by Joel Edgerton (who also stars as Gordo) in his feature directorial debut, the movie is a masterclass in building tension and unease. The unexpected twists and strong performances constantly keep viewers on the edge. The movie has received immense praise for its direction and writing, as well as its exploration of guilt, revenge, and past actions.
3’The Girl on the Train' (2016)
The Girl on the Train
Based on the best-selling novel by Paula Hawkins,The Girl on the Trainfollows Rachel Watson, a troubled divorcée who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation. Every day, Rachel takes a train that passes by her former home and is fixated on a couple, Megan and Scott. She becomes obsessed with their seemingly perfect lives, and when Megan goes missing, Rachel is drawn into the case herself, determined to uncover the truth.
Filled With Twists and Turns
The Girl on the Trainis directed by Tate Taylor. It is a twisted thriller that’s also suspenseful from start to finish, thanks in part to the haunting performance of Emily Blunt as Rachel. She captures the character’s vulnerability, flaws, and determination perfectly. The non-linear narrative structure and the unreliable nature of the protagonist’s perspective sends the viewers off-balance several times, which only elevates the plot. It’s not as loved by critics, but it’s worth watching.
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2’A Simple Favor' (2018)
A Simple Favor
A Simple Favorrevolves around Stephanie, a quirky vlogger who makes fun content targeted at mothers. She becomes friends with one of her son’s classmate’s mother, the glamorous and enigmatic Emily. The two bond almost immediately, but when Emily disappears, Stephanie teams up with her husband, Sean, and takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, which leads to her discovering shocking truths about Emily’s secretive life.
Stylish Direction and Clever Plot Twists
Directed by Paul Feig and starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding,A Simple Favoris a lean combination of dark comedy, mystery, romance, thriller, and even a touch of film noir. It crafts a phenomenal story and the plot twists are plenty enough to keep viewers entertained. At the heart of the story is the characters’ dynamic and the evolving relationship between Stephanie and Emily,which is original and refreshing, proving that even a “pretty good thriller” can be appealing to fans.
1’Kimi' (2022)
Finally, a good thriller that remains criminally underseen in Steven Soderbergh’sKimi. It centers on Angela Childs, an agoraphobic tech worker whose job is to monitor streams of data from Kimi, a voice-activated assistant. When she comes across an audio recording of a violent crime, Angela is determined to find the truth and report the assault. But in order to do that, she must confront her greatest fears and venture into the physical world.
Timely Thriller About Technology
Kimiis a taut thriller that taps into the modern anxieties around technology and privacy. Zoë Kravitz shines as Angele, using her tech-savvy skills to find the truth and blow the whistle on a cover-up while the stakes keep skyrocketing. She’s also incredible in the climactic fight sequences, using her wits to evade the deadly efforts of those who wish to silence her. The movie’s innovative use of the pandemic setting paired with its commentary on societal issues makes it a standout in the thriller genre.
