Looking for an adrenaline-pumping movie night? Dive into the heart-pounding world of thrillers with our curated list of the best thriller movies on Netflix you should watch today.
From mind-bending mysteries to pulse-pounding suspense, these films deliver non-stop excitement and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re in the mood for psychological twists or intense action, our selection has something for every thriller enthusiast.
Don’t miss out on these gripping tales that will leave you guessing until the very end. Get ready to immerse yourself in a thrilling cinematic experience right from the comfort of your own home.
#1. Fair Play (2023)
“Fair Play” (2023) is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of ambition, power dynamics, and the dark side of corporate culture. The film centers around a young couple whose relationship unravels after one of them receives an unexpected promotion at a highly competitive hedge fund. As professional and personal boundaries blur, the couple navigates a tense and increasingly volatile environment, revealing hidden truths and testing their loyalty to each other. Directed by Chloe Domont, “Fair Play” offers a sharp critique of ambition and success, featuring compelling performances and a storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Initial release: 20 January 2023
- Director: Chloe Domont
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Cinematography: Menno Mans
- Edited by: Franklin Peterson
- Music by: Brian McOmber
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#2. Society of the Snow (2023)
“Society of the Snow” (2023) is a dramatic retelling of the harrowing true story of the 1972 Andes plane crash and the subsequent struggle for survival faced by its passengers. Directed by J.A. Bayona, the film meticulously portrays the ordeal of the Uruguayan rugby team and other passengers who were stranded in the snow-covered mountains. Battling extreme cold, avalanches, and dwindling supplies, the survivors’ resilience and determination are pushed to the limits as they make unimaginable sacrifices to stay alive. The film is a poignant exploration of human endurance, solidarity, and the will to survive against overwhelming odds.
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Release date: 15 December 2023 (Spain)
- Director: J. A. Bayona
- Language: Spanish
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Based on: La sociedad de la nieve; by Pablo Vierci
- Budget: €60 million; (USD$65 million)
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#3. Missing (2023)
- IMDb: 7.1/10
- Release date: 20 January 2023 (USA)
- Directors: Nicholas D. Johnson, Will Merrick
- Story by: Sev Ohanian; Aneesh Chaganty
- Distributed by: Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Releasing
- Budget: $7 million
- Cinematography: Steven Holleran
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#4. The Good Nurse (2022)
“The Good Nurse” (2022) is a gripping drama based on the true story of Amy Loughren, a compassionate nurse who uncovers the shocking truth about her colleague, Charles Cullen, a serial killer responsible for the deaths of numerous patients. Directed by Tobias Lindholm, the film stars Jessica Chastain as Amy and Eddie Redmayne as Cullen, delivering powerful performances that delve into the complexities of trust, ethics, and justice within the healthcare system. As Amy navigates the moral dilemmas and personal risks involved in bringing Cullen to justice, “The Good Nurse” provides a tense and thought-provoking exploration of crime and integrity in the medical profession.
- IMDb: 6.8/10
- Initial release: 11 September 2022
- Director: Tobias Lindholm
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Based on: The Good Nurse; by Charles Graeber
- Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes
- Music by: Biosphere
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#5. Emily the Criminal (2022)
“Emily the Criminal” (2022) is a gritty crime thriller that stars Aubrey Plaza as Emily, a down-on-her-luck woman burdened by student debt and a criminal record that prevents her from securing a decent job. Desperate for money, she becomes involved in a credit card scam, which quickly escalates into a dangerous world of crime. Directed by John Patton Ford, the film explores themes of economic desperation, the allure of quick money, and the moral ambiguities of survival. Plaza’s intense performance anchors the film, offering a raw and compelling portrayal of a woman pushed to her limits.
- IMDb: 6.7/10
- Release date: 12 August 2022 (USA)
- Director: John Patton Ford
- Distributed by: Roadside Attractions, Universal Pictures, Vertical
- Budget: $1.5–2 million
- Cinematography: Jeff Bierman
- Produced by: Tyler Davidson; Aubrey Plaza; Drew Sykes
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#6. Lou (2022)
“Lou (2022)” is a poignant exploration of human connection and resilience set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. Directed by Alex Garland, the film follows the journey of Lou, portrayed with raw vulnerability by Saoirse Ronan, as she navigates a desolate landscape in search of her missing family. As she encounters various survivors, including a mysterious traveler played by Lakeith Stanfield, Lou grapples with her own fears and desires while confronting the harsh realities of survival. Through stunning cinematography and a haunting score, “Lou” delves deep into themes of loss, hope, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.
- IMDb: 6.1/10
- Initial release: 23 September 2022
- Director: Anna Foerster
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Cinematography: Michael McDonough
- Music by: Nima Fakhrara
- Produced by: J.J. Abrams; Jon Cohen; Hannah Minghella
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#7. I Care A Lot (2021)
“I Care A Lot (2021)” is a darkly comedic thriller that shines a spotlight on the ruthless world of guardianship abuse. Directed by J Blakeson, the film follows Marla Grayson, portrayed with icy determination by Rosamund Pike, a cunning and manipulative legal guardian who preys on the elderly to exploit their assets. Pike delivers a tour de force performance, oozing charisma and menace in equal measure. As Marla’s schemes escalate, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a formidable adversary, played with intensity by Peter Dinklage. With its sharp wit, stylish visuals, and biting social commentary, “I Care A Lot” is a thrilling ride that challenges perceptions of power, morality, and the lengths one will go to for success.
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Release date: 19 February 2021 (USA)
- Director: J Blakeson
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Box office: $1.3 million
- Production companies: STXfilms; Black Bear Pictures; Crimple Beck
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#8. The Novice (2021)
“The Novice (2021)” is a gripping psychological drama that follows the tumultuous journey of Alex Dall, portrayed with intensity by Isabelle Fuhrman, as she immerses herself in the cutthroat world of collegiate rowing. Directed by Lauren Hadaway, the film delves into Alex’s relentless pursuit of perfection and her descent into obsession, as she pushes herself to the brink of physical and mental exhaustion in her quest for success. Fuhrman delivers a mesmerizing performance, capturing the complex layers of Alex’s character with nuance and depth. With its stunning cinematography and visceral storytelling, “The Novice” is a riveting exploration of ambition, identity, and the high price of achievement.
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Initial release: 13 June 2021
- Director: Lauren Hadaway
- Distributed by: IFC Films
- Cinematography: Todd Martin
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#9. Oxygen (2021)
“Oxygen (2021)” is a gripping sci-fi thriller that unfolds within the confines of a high-tech cryogenic chamber. Directed by Alexandre Aja, the film follows a woman (Mélanie Laurent) who wakes up inside a cryogenic unit with no memory of who she is or how she got there, only to discover she’s rapidly running out of oxygen. Trapped in a race against time, she must piece together her identity and find a way to escape before it’s too late. Laurent delivers a riveting performance, capturing the desperation and determination of her character with remarkable intensity. With its claustrophobic setting, taut suspense, and mind-bending twists, “Oxygen” is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Release date: 12 May 2021 (USA)
- Director: Alexandre Aja
- Language: French
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Music by: ROB
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#10. The Devil All the Time (2020)
“The Devil All the Time (2020)” is a dark and sprawling Southern Gothic tale that weaves together the lives of various characters in post-World War II America. Directed by Antonio Campos and based on the novel by Donald Ray Pollock, the film explores themes of faith, violence, and the cyclical nature of sin. Through a complex narrative structure, viewers are introduced to a cast of morally ambiguous characters, including a disturbed war veteran (Tom Holland), a corrupt preacher (Robert Pattinson), and a troubled couple (Jason Clarke and Riley Keough), whose lives intersect in unexpected and often tragic ways. With its atmospheric cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and powerhouse performances from its ensemble cast, “The Devil All the Time” is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the darkness that lurks within the human soul.
- IMDb: 7.1/10
- Release date: 11 September 2020 (USA)
- Director: Antonio Campos
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Adapted from: The Devil All the Time
- Cinematography: Lol Crawley
- Music by: Danny Bensi; Saunder Jurriaans
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#11. Bird Box (2018)
“Bird Box (2018)” is a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller that plunges viewers into a world ravaged by an unseen force that drives people to madness and suicide when they look at it. Directed by Susanne Bier and based on the novel by Josh Malerman, the film follows Malorie (Sandra Bullock) as she embarks on a perilous journey to safety with her two young children, all while blindfolded to shield themselves from the mysterious entity. Through tense and harrowing sequences, the film explores themes of motherhood, survival, and the human instinct to persevere in the face of unimaginable horror. With its atmospheric tension, skillful direction, and Bullock’s compelling performance at its center, “Bird Box” is a chilling and suspenseful ride that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Release date: 14 December 2018 (USA)
- Director: Susanne Bier
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Adapted from: Bird Box
- Cinematography: Salvatore Totino
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#12. The Mule (2018)
“The Mule (2018)” is a compelling crime drama directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the film as Earl Stone, an elderly horticulturist who becomes a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. Based on a true story, the film follows Earl as he navigates the dangerous world of drug trafficking, all while trying to reconcile with his estranged family and his own moral compass. Eastwood delivers a nuanced and poignant performance, capturing the complexity of Earl’s character as he grapples with the consequences of his choices. With its exploration of themes such as redemption, family, and the consequences of one’s actions, “The Mule” is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that leaves a lasting impact.
- IMDb: 7/10
- Release date: 14 December 2018 (USA)
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Distributed by: Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures
- Based on: “The Sinaloa Cartel’s 90-Year-Old Drug Mule”; by Sam Dolnick
- Cinematography: Yves Bélanger
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#13. I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore (2017)
“I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)” is a darkly comedic thriller directed by Macon Blair, which follows the misadventures of Ruth (Melanie Lynskey), a nursing assistant who becomes fed up with the apathy and injustice she encounters in her everyday life. After her home is burglarized, Ruth teams up with her eccentric neighbor Tony (Elijah Wood) to track down the thieves, leading them on a journey into the seedy underbelly of their suburban community. Blending elements of comedy, crime, and existential angst, the film offers a biting commentary on contemporary society while also exploring themes of alienation, moral ambiguity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Lynskey and Wood deliver standout performances, infusing their characters with depth and vulnerability, while Blair’s sharp direction keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” is a darkly humorous and thought-provoking film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
- IMDb: 6.9/10
- Release date: 24 February 2017 (USA)
- Director: Macon Blair
- Distributed by: Netflix
- Cinematography: Larkin Seiple
- Music by: Brooke Blair; Will Blair
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#14. The Gift (2015)
“The Gift (2015)” is a chilling psychological thriller directed by Joel Edgerton, who also stars in the film alongside Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall. The story revolves around a seemingly happily married couple, Simon (Bateman) and Robyn (Hall), whose lives take a dark turn when they encounter an old acquaintance from Simon’s past, Gordo (Edgerton). As Gordo becomes increasingly intrusive and mysterious, secrets from the couple’s past are unearthed, leading to a tense and gripping battle of wits. Edgerton’s direction keeps viewers on edge as the film explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the consequences of past actions. With its taut suspense, expertly crafted twists, and stellar performances from its leads, “The Gift” is a riveting and unsettling thriller that leaves a lasting impression.
- IMDb: 7/10
- Release date: 7 August 2015 (USA)
- Director: Joel Edgerton
- Distributed by: STX Entertainment
- Cinematography: Eduard Grau
- Edited by: Luke Doolan
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#15. Oldboy (2003)
“Oldboy (2003)” is a visceral and provocative South Korean thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, based on the Japanese manga of the same name. The film follows Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), a man inexplicably imprisoned in a cell for fifteen years, only to be suddenly released and plunged into a twisted game of revenge and redemption. As Dae-su embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind his captivity, he finds himself ensnared in a web of conspiracy and violence that challenges his sanity and morality. Park’s masterful direction infuses every frame with a sense of unease and intensity, while Choi delivers a powerhouse performance that captures the full spectrum of Dae-su’s emotions, from rage to vulnerability. With its jaw-dropping plot twists, striking visuals, and haunting score, “Oldboy” is a cinematic tour de force that remains a landmark in international cinema.
- IMDb: 8.3/10
- Release date: 21 November 2003 (South Korea)
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Distributed by: Show East
- Adapted from: Old Boy
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