10 Modern Thriller Shows That Are 10/10, No Notes

Out of all the many genres fans can choose, thrillers are the best at making the audience feel like they are part of the story, immersing them through dramatic storytelling, shocking moments, and suspenseful waiting. From shows such as Breaking Bad to The Wire, some of the most critically acclaimed TV shows are thrillers. However, the modern era isn't slacking either, providing a plethora of 10/10 series.

The past decade has been an excellent time for TV, with many new shows wowing audiences with their innovative stories. That is why this list will rank ten modern thrillers from the past ten years that are 10/10 based on story, acting, directing, originality, consistency, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. From 2016 to 2026, these ten shows should be on everyone's watchlist.

10 'Squid Game' (2021–2025)

Many of the TV series on this list are popular, but only a few have risen to worldwide acclaim, such as Squid Game. This sensation swept the globe with its intriguing premise, following a group of contestants who compete in deadly children's games for a prize. However, the drama only ramps up with every competition as each contestant is desperate for the money.

A lot of fans wouldn't say Squid Game is a perfect 10/10, as it does stumble a bit in the later seasons. But still, this show is grounded in an economic realism that instantly makes viewers empathize with the contestants, immersing viewers into the games. The deadly games and social commentary combine to create the most popular modern thriller series.

9 'Pluto' (2023)

Anime often gets overlooked by a general audience, but it also contains incredible thrillers. Naoki Urasawa is one of the most acclaimed manga authors, and his modern masterpiece, Pluto, is his most recent series. Set in the future when humans and robots coexist, a string of murders involving the most advanced machines stuns the world, leading a detective to investigate the mysterious deaths that may just involve him.

Pluto isn't like most anime; it abandons cliché tropes that hinder the medium in favor of pure storytelling and raw emotion. It is an incredible mystery that explores the world's history, lore, and past atrocities, involving each character and their tragic past. Pluto is one of the greatest anime series of all time because of how it manages its compelling thriller narrative and profoundly emotional and moving themes.

8 'The Handmaid's Tale' (2017–2025)

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale is set in a totalitarian society. As birth rates decline, the world has forced the few fertile women remaining to be sexual servants. However, Offred (Elisabeth Moss) plans to survive this cruel treatment and find the daughter who was taken from her.

After years of running, The Handmaid's Tale finally came to an end, concluding a 10/10 thriller that is as important as it is thrilling. Using visceral visual storytelling, this series creates an eerie and tense atmosphere through its cinematography alone, not to mention its dark story and gripping themes. The psychological and slow-burning elements add to the suspense as The Handmaid's Tale slowly builds towards its 10/10 status.

7 'Andor' (2022–2025)

Star Wars is an entertaining franchise, but most wouldn't consider it a thriller. That is, until Andor changed everyone's mind. Set during the Empire's reign, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) gets swept up in the start of the Rebellion against his will. However, he slowly starts to realize the injustices and growing power, taking part in the war that will change the galaxy.

No one expected Andor to be the hit that it did, becoming not only the best Star Wars TV series but one of the greatest modern stories. The set design, acting, and directing stand out to create Star Wars like fans have never seen before. Andor uses its political plot and sci-fi action to create a dramatic and suspenseful series that explodes with thrilling moments.

6 'Mindhunter' (2017–2019)

Most of the shows on this list are currently running or completed, but some never get the chance to end properly, such as Mindhunter. Canceled after two seasons, this Netflix original follows two FBI agents who get into the minds of their culprits to learn their patterns and solve crimes.

There is no doubt that Mindhunter would be higher on this list if it ever got a proper ending, but even without more seasons, it is still a legendary series. Instead of dazzling with big moments, Mindhunter's tension comes from its dialogue and conversation, with many significant moments being revealed through interviews. This psychological thriller is nothing less than a 10/10, and a must-watch for every fan.

5 'Slow Horses' (2022–Present)

Apple TV is one of the most underrated providers of thrillers, and the first one on this list is Slow Horses. When MI5 agents fail a mission, they are sent to Slough House, a den for rejects who messed up. Now, this group must endure mundane tasks and verbal abuse, but they still somehow get involved in crimes that threaten British safety.

As opposed to glamorous spy thrillers, Slow Horses flips the genre on its head with a gritty and messy thriller. Anchored by Gary Oldman's performance, his character is one of the best on TV right now. Slow Horses has some dark comedy to release tension occasionally, but it thrives through its low-stakes setting and high-stakes consequences as it explores bureaucratic survival.

4 'Ozark' (2017–2022)

Led by Jason Bateman, Ozark became an instant classic on Netflix because of its timeless dramatic story. After getting involved with the cartel by laundering money, the Byrde family relocates to the titular neighbourhood to avoid capture. As they hide from danger, the family itself must amend broken trust.

Even before the show gets into its compelling story, it uses a desaturated color palette to portray atmospheric dread, enhancing the tension. After Breaking Bad, everyone loves a good character transformation, and Ozark excellently delivers a moral decay that makes the character layered and intriguing. The stakes are relentless, keeping a thrilling pace that never stops or gives the audience time to breathe.

3 'Chernobyl' (2019)

Most thrillers are original stories, but some of the most gripping shows come from true stories, such as Chernobyl. This amazing miniseries is about the titular disaster, where the nuclear plant melted down. Following the first responders, firefighters, average civilians, and those trying to handle the disaster, this series gives a unique look at this moment in history.

Everyone knows how disastrous Chernobyl was, but this miniseries recontextualizes it to show the true mayhem and how it affected the ordinary person. From grotesque burns to tragic deaths, this show doesn't hold back on its horrific depiction of the event. The historical context and fascinating exploration of the human side of the disaster create a suspenseful masterpiece.

2 'Dark' (2017–2020)

Some of the best thrillers come from foreign productions, and Dark is one of the best ever. This German series is set in a small town where a mysterious disappearance sends the residents into a frenzy. Relating to a past event, many different townspeople learn separate truths that slowly combine to reveal the bigger picture.

With three seasons of pure perfection, Dark never misses, truly creating a modern masterpiece where every episode is 10/10. The building mystery is riveting and always unexpected, constantly surprising the audience. The story is complicated, but it uses time travel better than most shows. Dark's use of multiple characters and a mystery that spans times, worlds, and points of view is absolutely remarkable, leaving the viewers in constant anticipation.

1 'Severance' (2022–Present)

There are many modern thrillers, but none have enamored viewers like Severance. The controversial titular procedure divides an employee's memory based on a specific location, creating two separate personalities: an innie and an outie. While they try to ignore it, a handful of workers can't help but contemplate their mysterious work and begin investigating the dark truths that lie within it.

There are many great things about this show, and the only issue with Severance is that viewers have to wait years for the next season. Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro, Tramell Tillman, and Zach Cherry all give remarkable performances in this masterfully directed, written, and produced psychological thriller. With a unique vibe and high-premise concept, Severance explores twisted mysteries through ingenious moments and unexpected developments, creating the greatest modern thriller.