Sign in to your Collider account
Image by Federico Napoli
Whether it’s mixed with action, crime, or even sci-fi, thrillers are meant to get viewers on the edge of their seats, waiting (or dreading) to see what happens next. The established genre definitely has countless fans who enjoy the suspense and tension that often accompany the twisty narratives from the greatest thriller movies.
IMDb – a platform for film buffs – has made it easy for fans of the genre who are looking for must-see thrillers. The highest-rated thriller movies on the site are almost always award-winning classics that represent the best that the genre has to offer. These top thriller movies include genre-defining classics like Psycho, international hits like Parasite, and even gritty superhero movies like The Dark Knight. Fans who have gone through the top 10 thriller movies as voted by users on IMDb and are looking for more heart-pounding flicks to watch only need to go a bit further down the list to find more classic, critically acclaimed, and essential thrillers.
40 'Gone Girl' (2014)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Image via 20th Century Studios
One of many exceptional thrillers from acclaimed director David Fincher, Gone Girl has proven to be one of his most prolific and acclaimed works during the 2010s, balancing tension and dread with the difficulties of a failing marriage. The film follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who soon finds himself at the center of a media frenzy when his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike)'s disappearance becomes a massive news story. The public soon begins to suspect that Nick is not an innocent party, yet the truth proves to be much more complicated.
Much like the greatest mystery thrillers out there, Gone Girl doesn't lose any of its impact or depth even after being aware of its major twist, with its context and full picture only further elevating the entire experience as a whole. Both Affleck and Pike bring it their all in terms of brilliant performances, further elevating the exceptional filmmaking to create one of the most effective and standout mystery thrillers of the 2010s.
Release Date October 1, 2014
Runtime 2h 29m
39 'Die Hard' (1988)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via 20th Century Fox
In terms of action-thrillers that manage to be as tense and high-stakes as they are exciting and high-energy, few films are as iconic and influential to the genre as a whole as the original Die Hard. The film sees Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York City policeman who finds himself at the center of a hostile takeover when visiting the headquarters of a business that his estranged wife works for. With little help from outside the building, McClane becomes the only person who can put a stop to the vicious terrorists and save the hostages.
Die Hard is one of the most influential thrillers of the 80s, with John McClane being an iconic figure in action filmmaking and propelling Bruce Willis as one of the most recognizable actors in action. Especially with its increasing legacy as an unexpected Christmas classic, the film constantly finds itself in the conversation as one of the most recognizable and timeless thrillers of all time. Even after the various Die Hard sequels that have been released over the years, none of them hold a candle to the inherent mastery and genius of the original film.
Release Date July 15, 1988
Runtime 132 minutes
38 'The Great Escape' (1963)
IMDb Score: 8.2/10
Image via United Artists
One of the defining films of the 60s, The Great Escape made massive waves through its combination of the striking and powerful World War II backdrop with a legendary real-life escape story. The film follows a group of Allied prisoners who frequently find themselves escaping Nazi prison camps, now being relocated to a high-security camp that is built to be "escape-proof" where they will stay for the rest of the war. However, this doesn't stop this group of brave soldiers, who devise a daring plan to enact one of the most ambitious and dangerous escape attempts in history.
The Great Escape has continued to stay an action thriller classic for over 60 years for good reason, as its fundamental understanding of the genre and its stakes still give it a timeless, enthralling energy. For a relatively long film, it manages to be exceptionally paced and keeps audiences engaged throughout its entire runtime, allowing you to feel for the characters' low points and get amped up as they narrowly find the way to succeed despite the odds.
The Great Escape
Release Date July 4, 1963
Director John Sturges
Runtime 172 Minutes
37 'The Secret in Their Eyes' (2009)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Distribution Company
The Secret in Their Eyes is an Argentinian crime thriller that was able to make massive waves across the world with its exceptional pacing and engaging central story, even winning the Academy Award for Best International Film. The film follows retired criminal investigator Benjamin Esposito, who in an attempt to finally put the past of a grueling case behind him, decides to write a novel based on the unsolved mystery of a newlywed's rape and murder. As he delves deeper into the past of the case, he attempts to finally find some solace and truth of what actually happened.
Crime procedurals always make for engaging and gripping thriller experiences, with The Secret in Their Eyes having a fundamental understanding of pacing and timing to make each reveal and revelation that much more impactful. The film is incredibly approachable and universal in scope despite being spoken in a foreign language, with anyone being able to instantly understand and connect with the characters and their struggles.
Release Date August 13, 2009
Director Juan Jose Campanella
Cast Soledad Villamil , Ricardo Darin , Carla Quevedo , Pablo Rago , Javier Godino , Bárbara Palladino
Runtime 129 Minutes
36 'Dial M for Murder' (1954)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Warner Bros.
One of many masterful thrillers from the master of suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock, Dial M for Murder is one of the most legendary films in his entire filmography, a crime thriller that would revolutionize the entire genre. The film follows retired tennis pro Tony Wendice, who after hearing word that his wife has been having an affair with a crime-fiction writer, begins to plot the murder of his own wife to inherit her fortune. However, the plan ends up being screwed up, leaving his wife alive and forcing him to weasel his way out of this conundrum, outwitting the police and doing everything he can to hide his crime from being brought to light.
Hitchcock is a master when it comes to rising suspense and keeping audiences guessing and on edge as to what will happen next, with Dial M for Murder being one of the director's most legendary titles and one of the most influential mystery thrillers of all time. Even 70 years later, the film still works wonders thanks to the timeless direction from Hitchcock, with many of the classic conventions of thrillers and mysteries that are still used today being executed perfectly within this all-time classic.
Dial M for Murder
Release Date May 29, 1954
Runtime 105 minutes
35 'The Sixth Sense' (1999)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Buena Vista Pictures
While director M. Night Shyamalan has had a shaky and largely mixed filmography over the years, it is near-unanimously considered that his original foray into the thriller genre created a modern masterpiece of thrills and twists. The Sixth Sense is a psychological thriller that follows the perspective of Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a child psychologist who after a painful event in his past, finds himself caring for Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a nine-year-old who reminds him of a patient he failed in the past. However, as the supernatural occurrences surrounding Cole appear to have some truth behind them, Malcolm is forced to face his demons in order to be able to help Cole fight his own.
The Sixth Sense is the type of masterful thriller where everything comes together to create a cinematic opus of suspense, mystery, and emotion; everything one would want from a thriller. The film blends together its deeper psychological themes with its spooky, ghostly premise to be the perfect supernatural thriller, making the most of multiple genres an experience that anyone could get hooked on. The duo of performances from Willis and Osment is the final piece of the puzzle that brings everything together, as they elevate the already great material into all-time status.
Release Date August 6, 1999
Runtime 107 minutes
34 'Yojimbo' (1961)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Toho
One of many samurai film masterpieces by legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, Yojimbo has proven to be wildly influential and fundamental to the core structure of modern action-thriller films. The film follows a nameless samurai with no master to his name, finding himself in the middle of a struggle as a small village is home to two rival businessmen struggling for control of the local gambling trade. The samurai soon convinces both businessmen to hire him as their personal bodyguard, setting into motion a full-scale battle between the two men.
From engaging swordplay action to an exciting story of greed and deception between parties, it's easy to have an exhilarating and great time watching Yojimbo, as is the case with many of Kurosawa's classic samurai thrillers. The film uses the intricacies and strengths of the period to tackle a timeless struggle that is even found in the modern-day and could apply to any number of different time periods and settings. The film's premise proved to be so effective that it was soon after unofficially remade by Sergio Leone in one of the most acclaimed westerns of all time, A Fistful of Dollars.
Release Date April 25, 1961
Director Akira Kurosawa
Cast Toshiro Mifune , Tatsuya Nakadai , Yôko Tsukasa , Isuzu Yamada , Daisuke Katô , Seizaburô Kawazu
Runtime 110 minutes
33 'Shutter Island' (2010)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Paramount Pictures
Director Martin Scorsese has a lot of experience bringing to life genre-defying thrillers that continue to leave meaningful impacts on audiences well after the credits roll, with Shutter Island being one of the best examples. The film follows the story of WWII soldier turned Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), who has been tasked with solving the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane. However, as he gets closer and closer to the truth, several seemingly unexplainable visions begin to haunt Teddy, seemingly fighting to keep him away from the harsh truth.
Shutter Island is the type of film where the majority of conversation around it revolves around its masterful final act twist, one that completely recontextualizes the entire film and places it in a new light. Even outside this iconic twist, Shutter Island's ability to keep the audience on edge and second-guessing themselves up until the moment the twist is revealed is what makes it such a compelling and rewatchable thriller. Scorsese is a master of tension and character building, with Shutter Island being the type of story that allows him to fully explore the horrors and limitless possibilities of psychosis.
Shutter Island
Release Date February 19, 2010
Runtime 138 minutes
32 'Jurassic Park' (1993)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Universal Studios
Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park is a thrilling sci-fi masterpiece that follows paleontologists Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) on a thrilling adventure. Invited by billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) to preview his theme park populated by cloned dinosaurs, the scientists suddenly have to fight for their survival when the park’s security system fails.
Jurassic Park wasn't just a blockbuster, it was a game-changer. Several factors contributed to its enduring success. For one, Spielberg's masterful direction builds suspense with iconic scenes like the T-Rex attack. Secondly, the film boasted groundbreaking special effects for its time. These effects created incredibly realistic dinosaurs that captivated audiences with their terrifying grandeur. It revolutionized filmmaking with its use of CGI and sparked a renewed fascination with dinosaurs, influencing countless movies, video games, and theme park attractions to this day.
Jurassic Park
Release Date June 11, 1993
Runtime 127 minutes
31 'A Man Escaped' (1956)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Gaumont Film Company
Prison escape stories have always lent themselves to highly anxious and high-stakes stories in the world of film, especially when in the confines and emotional turmoil of war. One of the greatest and most acclaimed of these prison escape thrillers is A Man Escaped, the legendary French film that follows the real-life story of a captured French Resistance fighter creating a daunting escape from a German prison in WWII. The film goes well beyond simply being an exceptional prison escape thriller, but is also one of the most acclaimed and greatest war movies of all time.
A Man Escaped doesn't find its thrills and excellence in the elevated and high-octane interpretation of its miraculous story, but by sticking to the meticulous details and slowly building tension of human resilience in the face of despair. It's about as simple and clear-cut as a prison escape story can get, yet its masterful execution and emphatic moments have made it a staple of cinematic excellence for decades upon decades.
Release Date August 26, 1957
Director Robert Bresson
Cast François Leterrier , Charles Le Clainche , Maurice Beerblock , Roland Monod , Jacques Ertaud , Jean Paul Delhumeau , Roger Treherne , Jean Philippe Delamarre
Runtime 101 Minutes
30 'No Country for Old Men' (2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Miramax Films
The unforgiving Texas landscape sets the stage for a brutal game of cat and mouse in No Country for Old Men. In the movie, Josh Brolin delivers a captivating performance as Llewelyn Moss, a man who makes a fateful decision that throws his life into chaos. He becomes the target of Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), a chillingly methodical hitman. As Moss desperately tries to outrun his pursuer, weary Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) wrestles with the violence that engulfs his once-peaceful jurisdiction.
The movie seamlessly blends action sequences with moments of quiet contemplation. One particularly memorable scene features Llewelyn’s desperate run through a deserted Texas border town. The silence is shattered by bursts of violence, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, unsure of what horror awaits Moss around every corner. No Country for Old Men’s dark elements are presented without judgment, leaving viewers to grapple with their own existential dread.
Release Date November 21, 2007
Director Joel Coen , Ethan Coen
Runtime 122 minutes
29 'Kill Bill: Vol. 1' (2003)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Miramax Films
Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 offers a blood-soaked good time for thriller fans. In it, a vengeful heroine named the Bride (Uma Thurman), wakes up from a coma with one thing on her mind: payback. Her hit list includes the formidable O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu), the Yakuza boss who favors a katana, and the cunning Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), whose weapon of choice is poison. But eliminating them is only part of the mission — the Bride's ultimate goal is to find her former lover, the architect of her suffering.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 offers viewers an original story and action-packed visuals as it is the director’s first audacious approach to the revenge thriller genre. The film cleverly pays tribute to classic martial arts and film noir, which is further elevated by Thurman’s captivating performance as the Bride. The movie’s stylized violence, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable soundtrack have contributed to the film's instant cult classic status.
28 'L.A. Confidential' (1997)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
L.A. Confidential is a neo-noir movie based on James Ellroy's acclaimed novel. It takes viewers on a thrilling ride through a city brimming with corruption and violence, following three LAPD officers who find themselves at the center of a brutal murder investigation. However, the detectives soon find that they’re in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens to bring the entire department down.
The movie successfully gets under the viewers' skin with its juxtaposition of classic noir elements with heart-pounding action sequences, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. But beyond the thrills, the film offers a nuanced exploration of human nature. A powerful scene featuring Exley's (Guy Pearce) confrontation with Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger) exposes the darkness lurking beneath the glamorous facade of 1950s Los Angeles. L.A. Confidential’s eerie cinematography and meticulous production design will transport viewers right back to a dark and captivating era.
Release Date September 19, 1997
Director Curtis Hanson
Runtime 138 Minutes
Main Genre Crime
27 'Prisoners' (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image via Warner Bros.
Prisoners is a gripping abduction thriller movie by director Denis Villeneuve. The protagonist of the movie is Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), a man whose world crumbles when his daughter and her friend disappear. Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) leads the investigation, but with no leads, frustration grows. Facing an unyielding police force and a seemingly hopeless situation, Keller takes drastic measures, driven by his unwavering love for his child.
The film is filled with suspenseful moments, like the brutal interrogation of Keller by the prime suspect. Another turning point arrives when Loki unearths a key piece of evidence, setting the stage for a revelation that has shocked viewers. Prisoners transcends the typical thriller genre by refusing to offer easy answers and instead presenting a morally complex scenario that will surely stay with viewers.
Release Date September 20, 2013
Director Denis Villeneuve
Runtime 153 minutes
26 'Double Indemnity' (1944)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Image via Paramount Pictures
Director Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity is a classic crime thriller and standard-setting film noir that stars Fred MacMurray as insurance salesman Walter Neff. The film follows the protagonist as he is ensnared in a deadly web of deceit after meeting the seductive Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). Together, they come up with a plan to murder her husband and claim a hefty insurance payout through a double indemnity policy.
A quintessential example of the film noir genre, Double Indemnity has a timeless appeal bolstered by moody cinematography, morally ambiguous characters, and suspenseful atmosphere. While it's more noir than thriller, it undeniably falls into both categories and is a fantastic example of old films that have held up well.
Double Indemnity
Release Date July 3, 1944
Director Billy Wilder
Cast Fred MacMurray , Barbara Stanwyck , Edward G. Robinson , Porter Hall
Runtime 107 Minutes
25 'North by Northwest' (1959)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Image via MGM
North by Northwest is a gripping spy thriller movie that fully explores a story of mistaken identity. One of the best Alfred Hitchcock movies of all time, it revolves around Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), an advertising executive who is mistaken for a government agent and thrust into a perilous world of espionage and intrigue.
As the protagonist attempts to clear his name and survive a relentless pursuit, viewers are taken along for the wild ride, featuring some iconic American landmarks. Setting a new benchmark for the thriller genre, Hitchcock's meticulous craftsmanship shines through in every scene, from the iconic crop-dusting sequence to the thrilling climax on Mount Rushmore. It's a wild ride from start to finish, and one that must be seen to be believed.
Release Date September 8, 1959
Runtime 136 minutes
24 'M' (1931)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
.jpg)
Image via Vereinigte Star-Film GmbH
M is a chilling and groundbreaking classic German thriller that stars Peter Lorre as Hans Beckert, a child murderer in a German city. It follows the relentless pursuit of Beckert by both the police and the criminal underworld, where his heinous actions have earned him a bad reputation among other criminals.
Directed by Fritz Lang, the film combines elements from the suspense, thriller, and mystery genres to weave its absorbing manhunt-centered story. It was notable for being Lang's first sound film and for its cinematographic innovations like long tracking shots, which is a technique that's still used today. Its controversial topic was also groundbreaking for its time, lending the film a dark and intriguing vibe that garnered it attention from both curious viewers and critics.
Release Date May 11, 1931
Director Fritz Lang
Cast Peter Lorre , Ellen Widmann , Inge Landgut , Otto Wernicke , Theodor Loos
Runtime 99 Minutes
23 'Vertigo' (1958)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Image via Paramount Pictures
A classic psychological thriller by director Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo follows former police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson (James Stewart), whose fear of heights has led to his retirement from the force. When he's hired by an acquaintance to investigate his wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak), things start to get strange. What's initially supposed to be an easy investigation turns into a mind-bending mystery that begins to play with his mind.
Known for its iconic visual effects, the 1958 film originated the famous "vertigo effect" that was achieved with a dolly zoom. This perfectly complements Vertigo's twisty story and dreamlike sequences, which seamlessly create a wholly unique and Hitchcock-ian viewing experience (one that is still regarded among his very best).
Release Date May 9, 1958
Cast Tom Helmore , Barbara Bel Geddes , Kim Novak , James Stewart , Henry Jones
Runtime 128 minutes
22 'Reservoir Dogs' (1992)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Image via Miramax Films
Director Quentin Tarantino's 1992 feature-length directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, is a visceral neo-noir crime thriller that left an indelible mark on cinema, and would hint at his massive success and recognizable trademarks in the future. This ensemble crime film revolves around a group of criminals, each identified by a color-coded alias, who are brought together for a heist. However, when the robbery goes awry and trust issues emerge, the film turns into a suspenseful whodunit between the thieves.
Tarantino's unique directorial style is already obvious in the movie, with its razor-sharp dialogue and intensely violent scenes likely being familiar to the filmmaker's fans. It has earned its cult classic status for its offbeat portrayal of the criminal underworld, making it a must-see for those who want something a bit different from the thriller genre.
Release Date October 9, 1992
Runtime 99 minutes
21 'Come and See' (1985)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
One of the highest-rated films on Letterboxd, Come and See is an unflinching anti-war film directed by Elem Klimov. It follows the harrowing journey of the young Florya (Aleksey Kravchenko), who joins the Resistance fighters after German forces continue to invade villages around Byelorussia. The enemies soon hit too close to home.
Come and See uses artistic visuals and sound design to build an overwhelming and disturbing atmosphere. The suspense in the movie only builds as the protagonist is increasingly horrified by his experiences, which highlight the cruelty and absurdity of war. It successfully utilizes both hyperrealism and surrealism to create what is essentially a non-stop vivid nightmare that's a challenge to get through, but a necessary one nonetheless.
Come And See
Release Date October 17, 1985
Director Elem Klimov
Cast Aleksei Kravchenko , Olga Mironova , Liubomiras Laucevicius , Vladas Bagdonas , Jüri Lumiste
Runtime 142 Minutes
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25825874/fortnite_festival_multiplayer.png)
English (US) ·