What qualities distinguish a great thriller? It can be difficult to pinpoint an answer, in part because the definition of a thriller is constantly evolving. Some thrillers are also excellent action films, while others are excellent horror films, or at least horror-related. Thrillers exist in a grey area in the middle; they’re often entertaining, but not in the same way that action movies are, and they’re unsettling without being terrifying. The best thrillers actively contribute to the genre’s definition, which is what distinguishes them.
If you like popcorn spine-tingling suspense and heart-racing thrillers, we’ve got you covered with this curated list of the best suspense thriller movies. No need to waste time deciding what to watch (or re-watch). These cinematic gems have captivated audiences with their gripping plots and unforgettable twists, ranging from mind-bending dreams to psychological showdowns. So buckle your seatbelts and continue reading!
Best suspense-thriller movies:
5. Shutter Island:
Year of release: 2010
Director: Martin Scorsese
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
OTT platform: Netflix
Storyline: Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this psychological masterpiece. It delves deep into the human psyche, unravelling a puzzle of paranoia and dark secrets in a mysterious asylum on a remote island. Leonardo, aka Edward Teddy Daniels, is a U.S. Marshal investigating disappearances on this island that houses a psychiatric facility, only to discover a secret that is difficult for him to accept.
4. Seven:
Year of release: 1995
Director: David Fincher
IMDB rating: 8.6/10
OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: In David Fincher’s Seven, detectives Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman go on a terrifying cat-and-mouse chase with a sadistic serial killer. Gritty, intense, and full of shocking twists, this dark masterpiece will leave you breathless as the detectives piece together each macabre puzzle.
3. Drishyam:
Year of release: 2015
Director: Nishikant Kamat
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
OTT platform: Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar
Storyline: Drishyam is a gripping story about a common man who is forced to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his family. When the disappearance of a policewoman’s son threatens to destroy (Ajay Devgn) Vijay’s family, he goes to any length to protect his family.
2. Kahaani
Year of release: 2012
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video,
Storyline: This thriller, set in Kolkata, follows a riveting portrayal of a pregnant woman (Vidya Balan) who travels from London to Kolkata in search of her missing husband, uncovering secrets, conspiracies, and a mystery that keeps the audience guessing until the end.
1. Inception:
Year of release: 2010
Director: Christopher Nolan
IMDB rating: 8.8/10
OTT platform: Netflix
Storyline: The film Inception blurs the distinction between reality and illusion. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) leads a team of skilled thieves who enter their targets’ subconscious minds to steal their secrets.
