30 Best Thriller Series of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb

Though viewers spend hours arguing with friends over which series is better than the other, IMDb has provided fans with the definitive top 10 best thriller series of all time. With new seasons of thriller TV series always affecting ratings, it's not surprising that IMDb's ranking of the best thriller series to watch is constantly shifting. As audiences discover new shows or revisit classic series, ratings on the platform continue to change to reflect viewers' current tastes when it comes to riveting TV thrillers.

30 'The Following' (2012–2015)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Starring Kevin Bacon as FBI agent Ryan Hardy, The Following narrates his relentless pursuit of an escaped serial killer, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), whose notoriety has led to a cult of fanatical killers. The first two seasons focus on finding Carroll while also exploring the rise of another dangerous cult, while the third season deals with a new serial killer on the rise.

The Following is a dark, psychological thriller that is often considered one of the most frightening, violent, and twisted thriller series made on broadcast networks. If you are a genre fan, you will surely enjoy the show’s plot twists and the gritty narrative that overlaps horror and suspense, giving it a very Silence of the Lambs vibe. Despite the familiar concept, The Following's storytelling feels more gripping for its well-designed, earnest characters, especially Purefoy’s Charles Manson-esque Joe Carroll and Bacon’s wounded but determined Agent Hardy, which makes their chase more exciting. — Maddie P

29 'You' (2018–)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Based on the books of the same name by Caroline Kepnes, the psychological thriller follows a charming but dangerously obsessive man named Joe Goldberg. His compulsive behavior makes him take extreme actions towards people he falls in love with, leading to dangerous outcomes. In each new season of You, Joe assumes new identities and a new life to chase a new object of obsession, transforming him from a bookstore manager to a stalker, serial killer, and more.

You revolves around themes like social media horror, stalking, and compulsive behavior, and maintains the subversive tension in every season, making it an addictive thriller. Penn Badgley delivers an unforgettable portrayal as the protagonist—the twisted yet charming and endearing Joe Goldberg, which became his breakthrough performance. Running since 2018, You has garnered widespread acclaim and great viewership, with high anticipation of the show’s fifth and final season arriving in 2025. — Maddie P

28 'Squid Game' (2021–)

IMDb Rating: 8/10

Since its premiere in 2021, Squid Game has become a sensation, garnering critical acclaim and recognition worldwide for its concept, storytelling, and cast performance. The South Korean dystopian survival thriller revolves around 456 cash-strapped people who accept an invitation to a secret contest. All they have to do is compete in children’s games for a chance to win ₩45.6 billion (US$39.86 million), but they quickly learn that the games are deadly, and their lives are at stake.

Squid Game made history as the first non-English-language series to earn a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Best Drama, among 13 other nominations. The series draws from the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk’s personal experiences and delivers sharp social commentaries. A highly engaging thriller exploring class disparity, capitalism, and economic struggles, Squid Game's setup of a deadly survival game is what makes it truly terrifying. — Maddie P

27 'Criminal Minds' (2005–)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Among the best crime procedurals of the 2000s and 2010s, Criminal Minds can easily be called one of the most popular ones. Created by Jeff Davis, the crime thriller series follows a Behavioral Analyst team who profile criminals and dive deeper into their personalities and psyche to solve crimes. Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Lola Glaudini, A. J. Cook, Paget Brewster, and Joe Mantegna play some of the main characters, and their portrayals have become the main appeal of the show.

Premiered in 2005, Criminal Minds quickly joined the network’s “most-watched” list and has become somewhat of a legacy, and later revived as Criminal Minds: Evolution. Across its 18-year run, the crime procedural has undergone several transformations, from casting to narrative style, but has remained an intelligent and engaging crime thriller series. The show’s success led to three spin-off series, a Korean TV adaptation, video games, and a true-crime series in development. — Maddie P

26 'How to Get Away with Murder' (2014–2020)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

With Viola Davis leading the show as star protagonist – Annalise Keating, this legal thriller not only manages to get away with murder but numerous awards and accolades, season after season. How to Get Away with Murder follows Annalise as the brilliant lawyer and professor in Philadelphia who, along with her five students, use their legal learning, intelligence, and individual skills to cover up a murder. Every season the plot thickens with newer characters threatening ‘The Keating 5’ upending everyone’s life, as well as the legal and social system.

How to Get Away with Murder is a powerful concoction of courtroom drama, crime thriller, murder mystery, and psychological drama with strong social messaging. With the plot and characters constantly swerving between desire and fear, self-doubt and resolve, hope and despair, the series manages to evoke all possible emotions. With its taut narrative, exciting plot twists, and remarkable character transformations, HTGAWM is one of the most addictive and intimidating legal dramas. — Maddie P

25 'The Walking Dead' (2010–2022)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Twelve years and 11 seasons later, The Walking Dead is nothing short of a modern television legacy. Based on the popular comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, the post-apocalyptic horror drama is set during a zombie apocalypse and follows a group of survivors struggling to stay alive. In their pursuit of safety and shelter, and escaping the undead, the survivors encounter dangerous rival groups, hard choices, and unseen forces.

The first show’s success turned The Walking Dead into a massive franchise with several spin-off series, games, and novels. The horror thriller stands out for taking an intelligent spin on the popular zombie trope and delivering an intense human drama in an action-horror narrative. Every season of The Walking Dead brings new elements, but the show can consistently thrilled fans with its gripping plot twists and great cast performances by Andrew Lincoln, Melissa McBride, Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira, Steven Yeun, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, to name a few. — Maddie P

24 'Slow Horses' (2022–)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

A modern spy thriller of a kind, Slow Horses quickly became a success. Based on Mick Herron’s Slough House book series, the British hit series follows a group of failed and rejected agents within MI5, who are sent to Slough House in a dreary, paper-pushing, role to sit out their dying careers, supervised by the disgruntled, cantankerous Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). But when the nation faces inexplicable threats, the underdogs, led by Lamb, set out to prove their worth, and take on dangerous missions.

Slow Horses is designed as a classic spy thriller but set in current times, written with smart and witty one-liners, across all seasons. One of the best features of this Apple TV+ original is its raw, honest, and understated depiction of intelligence agents and their lives, devoid of fancy toys and gizmos. Gary Oldman’s performance of the reluctant, discouraged Jackson Lamb, who, despite all odds, protects his team, earned him a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and an Emmy nomination. — Maddie P

23 'Luther' (2010–2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Created by Neil Cross from his eponymous novel, Luther follows the pursuits of the titular detective, John Luther, who has a reputation for taking down violent and brutal criminals. But he can also be obsessive and violent, consumed by the crimes he solves, and must navigate his personal demons while simultaneously dealing with an off-again-on-again arch-nemesis. Idris Alba earned widespread recognition for his portrayal of the brilliant and conflicted John Luther, as did Ruth Wilson for her depiction of his nemesis, Alice Morgan.

Luther is designed like a police procedural but brings an uncommon angle to the genre with a dark psychological thriller narrative. Supported by powerhouse performances and strong characters, the BBC series makes for a gripping crime thriller. The series has earned critical acclaim for its story, narrative, and production. But particularly for making it a classic, hardboiled detective story featuring a compelling protagonist and his moral dilemmas. — Maddie P

22 'Ozark' (2017–2022)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Ozark is a suspense-filled drama that explores the themes of survival and the far-reaching consequences of criminal activity. The series centers on Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial advisor whose life takes a dangerous turn. Forced to relocate his family to the Missouri Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel goes wrong, Marty finds himself in a desperate struggle for survival.

Marty must carefully tread the ruthless criminal world while protecting his family. It shows the difficult decisions Marty has to make, with most of them having devastating consequences and even heartbreaking deaths. Critical praise for Ozark is focused on its stellar acting performances and its exploration of moral complexities, as well as its dark and moody atmosphere that complements the narrative.

21 'Mr. Robot' (2015–2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

In Mr. Robot, Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a brilliant but troubled cybersecurity engineer, joins a clandestine hacking group. Elliot struggles with social anxiety and delusions, blurring the lines between reality and his own perceptions. With the help of the enigmatic Mr. Robot (Christian Slater), Elliot tries to bring down E Corp, a powerful conglomerate he believes is responsible for societal ills.

But as Elliot becomes enmeshed in society's mission to dismantle E Corp, he grapples with his own mental health, making viewers question the nature of truth and reality throughout the series. The show was praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and unique blend of a cyber-thriller plot with a deep dive into the protagonist's psychology. Mr. Robot also tackles relevant issues like corporate greed, mental health, and the influence of technology, making it a must-binge show for every thriller fan.

20 'Hannibal' (2013–2015)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Mads Mikkelsen delivers one of his most iconic performances as the titular forensic psychiatrist, who is also secretly a cannibal and a serial killer. Hannibal follows the complicated, manipulative therapist-patient relationship between the mysterious Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mikkelsen) and his troubled patient and FBI profiler, William Graham (Hugh Dancy), where Lecter tries to push the limits of Graham’s already fragile sanity. Though it’s based on Thomas Harris’ 1981 novel, Red Dragon, Hannibal also takes characters and plot elements from the follow-up novels.

Hannibal excels with its intellectual challenge rather than being visually gore, thus delivering a sophisticated and stylish narrative of a psychological thriller/horror. During its run, the series earned widespread critical acclaim and several awards, for its convoluted and haunting plot, and remains one of the best psychological thriller series on television. Mikkelsen and Dancy’s brilliant performance and their compelling on-screen chemistry earned both actors several awards and nominations, with critical praise for their characterization. — Maddie P

19 'Sons of Anarchy' (2008–2014)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Sons of Anarchy follows the adventures of SAMCRO, a motorcycle club in Charming, California. Led by Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the club walks a tightrope between a seemingly ordinary motorcycle repair business and a brutal underworld of illegal arms dealing and turf wars. The show explores the complex dynamics within the club, where brotherhood and loyalty clash with criminal activity and dark secrets — all of which threaten to tear the entire organization apart.

Thrill-seeking viewers won't want to miss Sons of Anarchy. The show's relentless pacing, high-stakes situations, and intricate plot twists create an addictive viewing experience. It has plenty of adrenaline-pumping action sequences with emotional depth, keeping audiences hooked from episode to episode, with scenes like the intense abduction of Jax’s son to Opie’s (Ryan Hurst) brutal death in prison.

18 'Mindhunter' (2017–2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Mindhunter is a gripping thriller that takes a look at the birth of criminal profiling in the FBI. Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a critical period in criminal justice, the series follows FBI agents and a psychologist who challenge conventional methods. Through interviews with incarcerated serial killers like Ed Kemper (Cameron Britton) and Charles Manson (Damon Herriman), they shed light on the psychology of these criminals.

Mindhunter not only offers a thrilling exploration of the criminal mind but also provides a valuable historical perspective on the development of criminal profiling techniques used by law enforcement today. It eschews gratuitous violence for a more cerebral exploration of the criminal mind. The series meticulously recreates unsettling atmospheres, which perfectly harmonizes with David Fincher's masterful direction.

17 'Daredevil' (2015–2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Gritty and action-packed, Netflix’s Daredevil takes viewers into a crime-filled New York City. Charlie Cox portrays Matt Murdock, a lawyer by day who moonlights as the masked vigilante Daredevil. Blinded as a young boy, Matt's heightened senses make him a formidable force against the criminal underworld. The show chronicles his battles against powerful comic book villains like Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio), also known as the Kingpin.

Daredevil stands out from other superhero TV shows as it seamlessly blends elements of crime drama and superhero fiction. The dark atmosphere, intense fight choreography, and realistic portrayal of violence set also elevate the tension of the show. Daredevil also goes beyond mere thrills as it shows the ethical dilemmas Matt Murdock faces and explores the personal struggles that make him a remarkable superhero.

16 'Dexter' (2006–2013)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

The infamous TV serial killer, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), is a Florida-based blood splatter expert by day and a vigilante murderer by night. In Dexter, he balances his police work with this dangerous side gig, but his double life soon catches up to him in ways that could affect his closest relationships. The show sees the anti-hero evolve and do more heinous things, for which he keeps making bizarre rationalizations for, even as it hurts those around him.

Inspiring a limited series, Dexter: New Blood, and an upcoming prequel series titled Dexter: Origins, it's not an overstatement to say that Dexter is among the most beloved crime-drama shows out there. Its compelling premise gets a little old sometimes, but its core narrative is interesting enough to keep viewers coming back. Although it didn't always manage to stick the landing with some of its storylines, it more than makes up for its misses with a truly wild ride.

15 'House of Cards' (2013–2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Adapted from the 1990 British series of the same name, Netflix’s House of Cards is a twisted and thrilling political drama that follows the rise and fall of the unscrupulous politician, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). When Frank is passed over for his coveted position of Secretary of State, he uses his status, connection, and influence, along with his conniving wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), and chief of staff, Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly), to hatch an elaborate scheme to gain power.

House of Cards is slick, cinematically rich, and delivers an engaging narrative with a Shakespearean touch. Often compared to recent shows like Billions and Succession, the popular thriller series deals with themes of manipulation, betrayal, ruthless power, pragmatism, and political exploitation. A multi-award-winning political thriller, House of Cards earned critical acclaim for its ensemble cast and their performance, with executive producer and director David Fincher winning a Primetime Emmy. — Maddie P

14 'Dark' (2017–2020)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Anyone who appreciates a good thriller series is likely already familiar with Dark, a German sci-fi thriller series co-created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. Set in Winden, Germany, the show chronicles the residents' experiences after children begin to go missing. What follows is a mind-bending tale that spans generations of families who are seemingly involved in a massive conspiracy.

Gritty, bizarre, and genuinely unpredictable, Dark is a compelling show that will keep audiences glued to their screens. It's now considered among the best Netflix original series ever, with the show gaining a reputation for its twisty and often unsettling narrative that's often unpredictable. The intensity of each episode only continues to build as more pieces of the puzzle come together, which makes for a completely engaging viewing experience unlike any other.

13 'The Last of Us' (2023–)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

HBO's The Last of Us is a great adaptation of the 2013 video game of the same name. Set in an alternative 2023, the zombie thriller depicts a world overrun with Infected, initially promoted by a mass fungal pandemic. It follows Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), a jaded smuggler who embarks on a mission to transport the wisecracking teenager, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), across the country. While he initially sees it as a transactional relationship, Joel's past soon makes it impossible to ignore the connection he forms in the present.

The Last of Us amazed everyone with its best episodes that featured stunning set pieces, flawless visuals, and stellar performances from its cast. Of course, the most impressive part of the series is its faithful adaptation of the original, even managing to make the tear-jerking stories better through excellent world-building and complex characters (like Bill and Frank). While it may take a while for another season of the high-budget series to make it to small screens, fans will undeniably be eagerly waiting.

12 'Severance' (2022–)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

A criminally underrated sci-fi psychological thriller directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle, Severance has a fascinating premise – it's set in a dystopian world where office workers' memories and consciousness can be surgically divided between the workplace and their personal lives. It follows Mark (Adam Scott), an employee who has undergone the procedure and now works for Lumon Industries, which turns out to be hiding a horrific secret.

With mesmerizing and stylistic visuals, fantastic performances from its cast, and a wholly original and intriguing story that seems to get more messed up with each new episode, it's a must-see for fans of the genre. Severance provides a chilling commentary on corporate greed and "work-life balance" initiatives, presenting a scary yet familiar dystopian future that isn't too far from reality.

11 'Black Mirror' (2011–)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Black Mirror has proved to the world that Charlie Brooker, creator of the series and writer of most episodes, is one of the most creative people in the TV industry. The anthology series explores the dangers of technology in which humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide. It does so by imagining and exaggerating the capacity of tech any viewer will recognize – whether that's social media or tracking devices – turning the dial up to the extreme and crafting terrifying versions of the future with these items.

Across its five seasons, the series has featured a plethora of huge stars, including Daniel Kaluuya, Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Hayley Atwell, to name just a few. It has had numerous iconic episodes, from the surprisingly light-hearted "San Junipero" to the frightening "Hated in the Nation." Black Mirror's sixth season changed the formula in an exciting (and divisive) way, making it worth watching.