New Delhi: Thriller movies are not for the faint-hearted. They are different from horror, because as the name of the genre suggests, they are meant to ‘thrill’ and not just scare. As unpredictable and tension-building the thriller genre is, it is a must watch. So, drive away mid-week blues with our top 7 suggestions for the best thriller movies on Netflix out there.
China Town( 1974)
This Roman Polanski is a must-watch thriller in every genre fan’s watchlist. Revolving around a private detective who is hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles, and how he gets caught up in a web of corruption, murder and deceit is what ‘China Town’ has to offer. This neo-noir mystery thriller stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. The film was inspired by the Califoria water wars, disputes over southern California water at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Silence of the Lambs( 1991)
With an IMDb rating of 8.6, ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ is a 1991 American pyschological horror thriller film adapted from 1988’s novel of the same name. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film stars Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins.
This thriller is about a young FBI trainee who is hunting a serial killer named ‘Buffalo Bill’ who skins female victims. To catch him, she seeks the advice of the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal lecter, a genius psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer.
Oldboy( 2003)
South Korea’s ‘Oldboy’, not the American version by Spike Lee, is considered to be not just among the best thrillers but also ranks among the greatest films ever made. The film revolves around a businessman( Choi Min-sik), who has spent 15 years in captivity with no idea who his kidnapper is or what they want with him. After his release, he has only five days to hunt down his captor, from whom he wants vengeance.
The plot twist, action and the use of a living octopus are among the many reasons why the film is beyond memorable.
American Pyscho(2000)
‘American Psycho’, more of a satirical horror than thriller, is adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’ controversial 1999 novel of the same name. While Ellis considered his novel unfilmable, the film was made with Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, an investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer.
A big blockbuster that has also acquired a cult following over the years. the film is a must watch on Netflix for all the thriller-film genre fans out there.
Captain Phillips( 2013)
An American biographical action-thriller film starring Tom Hanks in the titular role, the film was based on the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking. The film is about the story of American merchant mariner Captain Richard Phillips who is taken hostage by Somali pirates. The film was a major box office success and also won critical acclaim. It received six Academy Award nominations.
El Camino(2019)
‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ is a 2019 American neo-Western crime thriller that serves as a sequel and epilogue to the TV series ‘Breaking Bad’. The film continues the story of Jesse Pinkman, who partnered with former teacher Walter White throughout the series to build a crystal meth empire based in Albuquerque.
The film received a positive response from both critics and audiences alike.
Fair Play( 2023)
Not the most common sub-genre film to receive great response from audiences and critics alike, ‘Fair Play’ is an erotic psychological thriller written and directed by Chloe Domont as her feature directorial debut. The film is about a young couple whose relationship begins to change following an unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund firm.
Society of the Snow(2023)
An uncommon survival drama thriller directed by JA Bayona, based on Pablo Verci’s 2009 book of the same name, the film chronicles the true story of a Uruguayan rugby team’s experience in 1972 after Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed in the Andes.
The film was theatrically released in Uruguay, Spain and the Us before making it to Netflix, where it has received more acclaim.