So, if you’re seeking thrills, let’s get specific. While thrillers can be intense and horror can certainly be thrilling, their distinction lies in their intentions. Horror films aim to frighten with malevolent forces to confront or escape. In contrast, thrillers thrive on unpredictability, using tension to keep you on the edge and deliver that thrilling experience you crave.
there’s a lot out there: psychological dramas, mysteries, high-stakes operations (think action, crime, legal, political, spy, sci-fi save-the-world stuff). The best thrillers will keep you glued to the screen, heart racing, sweat inducing, totally captivating—you won’t even want to pause, even if you’ve been needing a bathroom break for the last seven minutes.
These are the thrillers that are absolutely worth your time—and definitely worth being on this list. So, here are 13 of the top thrillers you can stream right now. (But watch out for your bladder!)
7 (Good),
8 (Very Good),
9 (Excellent) or
a (Perfect) 10.
“The Silence of the Lambs (1991)”
Release Year: 1991
Rating: 18
Duration: 1h 58m
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Plot Summary
A young F.B.I. cadet seeks the assistance of an incarcerated and manipulative cannibal killer to apprehend another serial killer—a deranged individual who skins his victims alive.
Director
Jonathan Demme
Stars
- Jodie Foster
- Anthony Hopkins
- Scott Glenn
Description
Multi-Oscar-winning classic adapted from Thomas Harris’s bestseller. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter redefines the depiction of serial killers. Renowned for its taut suspense and psychological depth, it remains one of the most chilling psychological thrillers ever produced.
The Call
2020 | Maturity Rating:U/A 16+ | 1h 52m | Thriller IMDb RATING-7.1/10
Starring: Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo
Plot Summary
In “The Call” (2020), Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) returns to her childhood home and stumbles upon an old phone that inexplicably connects her to Yeong-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), a woman living in the same house but 20 years in the past. Their mysterious phone calls transcend time, forging an unexpected bond between them. As they delve deeper into each other’s lives, a small decision made across the timelines sets off a chain of events with profound and perilous consequences.
Global Setting
“The Call” spans various countries, including Ecuador, Egypt, Hong Kong, Israel, Thailand, Taiwan, and South Africa, offering a diverse backdrop to its suspenseful narrative.
Bird Box (2018): A Journey of Survival
2018 ,2h 4m,IMDb RATING-6.6/10,
Director: Susanne Bier
Writers: Eric Heisserer, Josh Malerman
Stars: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich
Synopsis
In “Bird Box” (2018), the world is gripped by an unseen terror that induces suicidal impulses upon sight. Malorie Hayes (Sandra Bullock), pregnant and fighting for survival, navigates this apocalyptic landscape where looking means death. Alongside two children, she embarks on a perilous journey blindfolded, seeking sanctuary amidst chaos.
Plot
The film starts with a pregnant Malorie preparing for an uncertain future as society collapses under the threat of mysterious suicides triggered by unseen entities. As she grapples with survival, Malorie forms uneasy alliances with fellow survivors, including Tom (Trevante Rhodes) and Douglas (John Malkovich). Together, they confront the dire consequences of curiosity in a world where even a glance can be fatal.
Themes and Impact
“Bird Box” explores themes of fear, resilience, and the human instinct to survive against overwhelming odds. The suspenseful narrative and compelling performances draw viewers into a tense journey where every decision could mean life or death.
Cinematic Experience
With its intense premise and gripping storyline, “Bird Box” captivates audiences with a chilling portrayal of a post-apocalyptic struggle for survival, urging viewers to ponder the limits of human endurance in the face of the unknown.
Fractured: A Psychological Thriller
2019,1h 39m
Fractured: A Psychological Thriller
Synopsis
In “Fractured,” Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington) and his wife Joanne (Lily Rabe) face a terrifying ordeal after their daughter Peri (Lucy Capri) mysteriously disappears during a road trip pit stop. What begins as a routine family outing turns into a nightmare when Peri falls into a pit at a deserted construction site. Desperate to find help, Ray takes Peri to a nearby hospital, but upon awakening from a nap, he discovers that both his daughter and wife have vanished without a trace.
Plot
The film follows Ray’s frantic search for answers as he navigates a hospital that denies any knowledge of his family’s existence. Driven by desperation and disbelief, Ray delves deeper into a surreal labyrinth of uncertainty, grappling with his own sanity as he uncovers disturbing truths about his past and the sinister forces at play.
Themes and Atmosphere
“Fractured” explores themes of paranoia, gaslighting, and the unraveling of reality in the face of psychological trauma. The tense atmosphere and intricate plot twists keep viewers on edge, questioning what is real and what is imagined in Ray’s desperate quest for the truth.
Cinematic Experience
With its gripping narrative and chilling suspense, “Fractured” grips audiences with a relentless psychological thriller that probes the depths of fear and deception. Sam Worthington’s compelling performance drives the film’s exploration of psychological breakdown amidst a maze of mysteries and uncertainties.
Hold the Dark (2018)
Runtime
2h 5m
IMDb Rating
5.6/10
Thriller Subgenre
Action Adventure
Synopsis
In “Hold the Dark,” Russell Core (Jeffrey Wright), a writer and wolf expert, is summoned to the remote and fictional town of Keelut, Alaska, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three small children. Medora Slone (Riley Keough) is convinced that wolves are responsible for taking her 6-year-old son, Bailey.
Plot
While Medora’s husband, Vernon (Alexander Skarsgård), is serving overseas in Iraq, a severe injury and the news of Bailey’s disappearance bring him back home. As Vernon returns, the search for Bailey intensifies, involving the local police, led by Chief Donald Marium (James Badge Dale), and native villagers, including Vernon’s friend, Cheeon (Julian Black Antelope). Each character forms their own theories about the eerie occurrences in their small community.
Themes and Atmosphere
The film navigates the fine line between human and animal savagery, as the grisly and suspense-filled narrative unfolds. The tension escalates, leaving viewers questioning who or what is truly responsible for the horrors in Keelut.
Cinematic Experience
“Hold the Dark” delivers a chilling exploration of primal instincts and human nature, wrapped in a dark and atmospheric thriller. The film’s suspenseful storytelling and intense performances make it a gripping watch for fans of action and adventure thrillers.
