I’ve included all the must-watch titles spanning varied genres, including horror, mystery, action, romance, and more. So grab some snacks (and some company) for comfort and tune in to these top thriller movies on Netflix.
1. Spiderhead (2022)
Genre: Sci-fi thriller Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett Director: Joseph Kosinski We’re quite habituated to seeing Chris Hemsworth in action avatars, whether it’s the Thor movies or his role in Extraction. However, Spiderhead brings a new direction to Chris Hemsworth’s acting abilities. Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett also deliver exceptional performances to make this sci-fi thriller one worth a try. The movie is based on George Saunder’s story “Escape from Spiderhead”. This movie isn’t like any other prison thriller that you’ve watched. In the movie, instead of convicts serving life sentences in prison, they’re fed mind-altering experimental drugs to study their effects on the human body. Moreover, Chris Hemsworth is the tech billionaire and savant who heads this program. Jeff (Miles Teller) and Lizzy (Jurnee Smollett) are convicted and sent to the prison. While serving their sentences, their interactions with each other lead to a bond unseen before in convicts. This bond hampers with Steve Abnesti’s (Chris Hemsworth) experiments. What follows is a blend of psychological thriller and sci-fi blend that will keep you at the edge of your seats. While the movie has received polarising reception based on its execution, nobody can deny the interesting story and stellar performances of the actors. Hemsworth receives special notice here, thanks to his portrayal of Steve Abnesti. If you’re in the mood to experiment with your binge and watch a thriller movie on Netflix, give Spiderhead a shot! Watch now
2. The Gray Man (2022)
Genre: Adventure thriller Cast: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, Dhanush Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo The Russo brothers have constantly entertained us with excellent movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Other movies include Extraction and Cherry, which did quite well both critically and commercially. This time, the brothers delivered an adaptation of Mark Greaney’s novel, The Gray Man. The film features an ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Wagner Moura, and Chris Evans. Gosling plays the leading role of Agent Six, who, in a mission collaborated with the CIA, has to kill certain targets. Six discovers he might be killing someone innocent. The shock of the nature of his work drives him to uncover the deepest secrets of his organization. In the process, the organization sends in multiple assassins from all over the world to stop Agent Six’s efforts. The Gray Man is one of Netflix’s most expensive films and for good reasons. The movie features some excellent action and exotic locations to boot. If you’re in the mood for watching a thriller with action and spy elements that make for a decent watch, The Gray Man should be on your list. While it often feels like such a huge ensemble cast could’ve been used better, the action and pacing of the movie deliver in spades! Watch now
3. Red Notice (2021)
Genre: Comedy thriller Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber Here’s a star-studded and lighthearted Netflix action thriller that quickly broke into Netflix’s Top 10 Most Popular English Films of all time. Red Notice is like the love child of Indiana Jones and Mission Impossible! It’s full of little references to both these iconic franchises that will have fans smiling. It’s just the lightweight art heist romp we need to escape the stresses of life right now. Thanks to the quirky, punchy dialog, it’s a treat to watch and will tickle your funny bone. I appreciate how it is perfectly balanced between comedy and thrills. Each actor is ideal for their role and does not disappoint. It is one of the most expensive Netflix films and lives up to the hype despite lackluster reviews from critics. The end hints at a sequel, and I sure hope it happens. Watch now
4. The Guilty (2021)
Genre: Crime thriller Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke, Riley Keough Director: Antoine Fuqua This one’s an American remake of an acclaimed 2018 Danish film of the same name. According to critics, it doesn’t match the merit of the original; but I think it’s still one of the best thriller movies on Netflix, especially if you haven’t seen the original Danish version. The entire plot unfolds over a single day at the emergency call center. The high drama of the phone calls will keep you at the edge of your seat, and you’ll be vouching for Joe and the woman he’s trying to save. The performances really drive this film, and there are a few surprise voice cameos over the phone that will leave you stunned. Overall, director Antoine Fuqua does a remarkable job, and the sharp dialog keeps things engaging despite most of the scenes unfolding at the same location. Watch now
5. Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
Genre: Action thriller Cast: Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, Carla Gugino Director: Navot Papushado Gunpowder Milkshake is one of the latest thriller action movies on Netflix and boasts snazzy action sequences with strong female leads. It’s all about a young hit-woman abandoned by her mother as a teenager and raised by The Firm, a crime syndicate her mother once worked for. Although it’s not particularly unique in its treatment, Gunpowder Milkshake is highly entertaining, full of wild action and jaw-dropping stunts. I especially loved the clever humor and sarcastic cynicism that makes it reminiscent of a comic book. It’s detached from reality, but that’s what makes it a great watch for a fun night in. Ladies, gather your gal pals and tune in! Watch now
6. Night Teeth (2021)
Genre: Mystery thriller Cast: Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Debby Ryan, Lucy Fry Director: Adam Randall This one’s for you, my fellow vampire fans! As the name suggests, Night Teeth is all about a night that leads to a pair of beautiful, powerful vampires baring their fangs and wreaking havoc. It’s got a sexy-yet-creepy vibe that highlights the world’s weirdness and oozes fun. I loved the dialog and suspense that has you chuckling one moment and squirming the next. This movie is best viewed as a love letter of sorts to the vampire genre. It plays on the cliches and tropes that we’ve seen before, and that’s what makes it a good time for fans of the fangs! Watch now
7. Blood Red Sky (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Action Cast: Peri Baumeiste, Dominic Purcell Director: Peter Thorwarth Brace yourself for some good old-fashioned gore, delirious surprises, and preposterously creepy moments that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Blood Red Sky is an action-horror spectacle about a plane hijacking that’s one of the best high-altitude (pun-intended) thrillers I’ve watched recently. I love how the plot begins defying exactions from the get-go and combines the supernatural with the relatable premise of familial bonds. It might lack the deeper psychological proddings that I enjoy in thrillers, but it’s full of the kind of havoc that makes such movies so much fun. I’ll certainly be thinking of it the next time I step on an airplane! Watch now
8. Security (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Drama Cast: Marco D’Amore, Maya Sansa Director: Peter Chelsom Right from the opening scene of a seaside town accompanied by a voiceover, this movie has a haunting quality that gets more intense as the plot unfolds. It walks the tightrope between keeping you engaged and offering just the right balance of thrills and chills. The protagonist, Roberto, is the man behind the extensive camera and alarm systems protecting most of the gated villas of the resort town of Forte del Marmi. This makes him privy to insider information that begins weighing on him and turns his life upside down. Security might be a bit of a forgettable name, but the movie will stay with you. It’s stylishly directed and tightly woven to be an interesting study of how we harbor objective truths in a modern age of persistent surveillance. Watch now
9. Prime Time (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Drama Cast: Bartosz Bielenia, Magdalena Poplawska, Andrzej Kłak Director: Jakub Piatek There’s nothing like an edgy hostage drama to keep my eyes glued to the screen! Prime Time sure delivers in this regard, albeit focusing on hints and subtleties than blatant in-your-face storytelling. This Polish thriller premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021 and is a promising debut. What makes this movie worth watching is the brilliant performances and mind-blowing plot that never judges the protagonist’s motives. It instead takes an exploratory lens to depict themes of visibility and control. Though the drama itself could have played out better, it raises some poignant questions. Watch now
10. The Woman in the Window (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Mystery Cast: Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman Director: Joe Wright If you’re looking for the best psychological thrillers on Netflix, The Woman in the Window deserves your attention. It’s about Anna Fox, a child psychologist who has agoraphobia and inadvertently gets involved in a criminal case. I was enthralled by how the protagonist depicts her instability through panicked trembles and manic cackles, yet with a muted wisdom underneath. Shocking secrets are revealed, and nothing is what it first seems in this movie based on A. J. Finn’s bestselling novel, and adapted for the screen by Tracy Letts, Watch now
11. I Am All Girls (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Mystery Cast: Erica Wessels, Hlubi Mboya Director: Donovan Marsh Here’s a South African mystery thriller film that’s dark, gritty, and emotionally draining yet a must-watch for everyone. A trigger warning is warranted as the story brilliantly shines a light on the horrors of human trafficking in a sensitive but gutting way. It’s based on true events and is set in multiple timelines in South Africa during the apartheid and the present. I love this movie because it depicts women pursuing justice on their terms. This is a welcome departure from most revenge and vigilante movies, where men are the heroes doing all the heavy lifting. The two characters at the tale’s heart are bound together in a powerful friendship that adds an extra special touch to the story. In addition, both follow journeys of their own that come to life, thanks to the moving performances by the lead actors. Overall, if you’re wondering what is the best crime thriller on Netflix, this movie could be the answer. It does an exceptional job of portraying a delicate topic like the sex trafficking of young children with nuance and sensitivity. It’s intelligently woven and absorbing in every frame. Watch now
12. Oxygen (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Horror Cast: Mélanie Laurent, Anne Hathaway Director: Alexandre Aja What an apt film for our literally suffocating pandemic times! This French survival thriller will make you feel claustrophobia and anxiety as you watch from the edge of your seat. Our protagonist wakes up in a suffocating coffin-like enclosure without recollection of how she got there. The only hints she has are disorienting flashbacks of a hospital gurney and lab rats. Her sole point of human contact is the AI voice of an operating system that keeps delivering distressing news of the dwindling oxygen supply in the chamber she’s trapped within. Not exactly helpful! Director Alexandre Aja is an intelligent and effective storyteller known for the classic horror The Hills Have Eyes. In Oxygen, he skillfully demonstrates how it’s not always necessary to flood the screen with action and effects to create a gripping thriller. Watch now
13. Ferry (2021)
Genre: Crime thriller Cast: Frank Lammers, Elise Schaap Director: Cecilia Verheyden This one’s a Dutch crime drama that’s fun and engaging in a way that violent gangster movies seldom are. It’s the origin story of Ferry Bouman, the drug lord character from the popular Belgian-Dutch crime series Undercover. We follow his journey from a tough traumatic childhood in a trailer park to falling for pretty, feisty Danielle, the woman who makes him wonder if there’s more to life than the one he’s been leading. Ferry might be riddled with gangster cliches, but there are just enough twists to keep you hooked. It doesn’t surprise but still manages to hold its own among good thriller movies on Netflix. Watch now
14. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Horror Cast: Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons Director: Charlie Kaufman Fans of the famed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will especially enjoy this flick from the same director. It’s adapted from Iain Reid’s acclaimed novel of the same name and follows the story of a woman visiting her boyfriend’s parents on a secluded farm. As a snowy day turns into a dangerous night, psychological horror unfolds, moving back and forth between reality and a dreamlike – or nightmarish – commentary on human connection. The lead character is introduced as Lucy, but she takes on other names and identities as the narrative progresses. The labyrinthine surrealism can be a bit confusing to follow, but therein lies the film’s profound impact. You’ll feel the mounting panic, and the story – or what you make of it – will keep playing in your mind long after the end credits have rolled. Watch now
15. Homunculus (2021)
Genre: Mystery Thriller Cast:Ryo Narita, Gō Ayano, Anna Ishii, Yukino Kishii Director: Takashi Shimizu Japanese and Korean thrillers have some of the best storylines I have ever witnessed. Japanese thrillers are on the scientific side, keeping you engrossed over the possibilities of it happening in real life. And homunculus is no exception. Despite some extremely dark scenes, the film depicts what the human brain can achieve if used to its full potential. The lead actor does a stellar job embracing his power to help people heal their worst traumas. The visual effects add another dimension of uniqueness. The twists will keep you glued, and the occasional moment of amusement will take you by surprise. But as you proceed towards the end, you will be pondering a lot of emotional aspects of your and your loved ones’ lives. Also, what happens to the lead actor? Tune in to the film to find out! Watch now
16. Deadly Illusions (2021)
Genre: Erotic Thriller Drama Cast: Greer Grammer, Kristin Davis, Dermot Mulroney Director: Anna Elizabeth James An easy way to get a thriller movie to the top of the chartbusters is spicing it up with seduction and revenge. Well, the temperature goes higher if you have the leading lady from Sex and the City being the center of these sexual fantasies. The star cast has done complete justice to their roles; however, the story has many loopholes and is a blend of all the elements that make it too predictable and mainstream. The murder was unnecessary, the nanny is fake, and the writer fails to understand the difference between her dream and reality, expecting too much from a fake nanny. However, it is a must-watch for all the Kristin Davis fans, for she has done quite a remarkable job as a thriller novelist, which helps her break the charming, delicate stereotype. The sensuality used doesn’t feel forced and is not vulgar. Indeed, one of the blockbuster thriller movies on Netflix. Watch now
17. Things Heard And Seen (2021)
Genre: Thriller/Horror Cast: James Norton, Natalia Dyer, Amanda Seyfried. Director: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini Based on Elizabeth Brundage’s 2016 novel, All Things Cease To Appear, this Netflix film is undoubtedly here to give you The Shining chills. An art enthusiast couple leading to a smaller town for a husband’s career leads to the wife interacting with ghosts in their house. Some people start acting weird, and every human soul feels an eerie presence in the house. The negativity gets so strong that the daughter refuses to sleep alone and insists on sleeping in the parent’s room. This movie will be a treat for the 90s kid, for it stars one of the mean girls (you know who it is!). Using a painting as a metaphor is a cinematic genius, and the subtle ghoulish presence makes it a classic horror film. I really admire Natalia Dyler’s performance in the film too; you might remember her from Yes, God, Yes. This is one of the finest horror-thriller films that 2021 has received; consider watching it over the weekend. Watch now
18. Red Dot (2021)
Genre: Drama, horror, thriller Cast: Nanna Blondell, Johannes Kuhnke, Anastasios Soulis Director: Alain Darborg Red Dot is a terrifying thriller that makes you question your sanctity for the protagonists. Written by Alain Darborg and Per Dickson, the movie tells the story of Nadja and David, a married couple. The sadistic hunt brings on the couple’s past, scarier than the killer chasing them. Red Dot is one of the best horror-thriller movies on Netflix, particularly for fans of hard and fast survival stories. It’s high on adrenaline and d horrifically vicious – a tense, disturbing, and well-made movie. Watch now
19. Below Zero (2021)
Genre: Action Thriller Cast: Javier Gutiérrez, Karra Elejalde, Luis Callejo Director: Lluís Quílez Below Zero is a Spanish film that’s one of the best suspense thriller movies on Netflix. The story revolves around Martin, a newly transferred police officer who drives the transport van over a chilly night. Six prisoners, an unknown assailant, and a lot of strength are what keep the movie pretty top-notch. The story development and characters’ evolution are on-point. The twists and turns in the plot will keep you on your toes and are on the entertaining side. It is not a dark film, but do not empathize with Martin too much, else you will end up pondering over it for days to come. Watch now
20. I Care A Lot (2020)
Genre: Thriller/Comedy Cast: Rosamund Pike, Eiza González, Peter Dinklage Director: J Blakeson This comic thriller is based on Marla Grayson, a caretaker whose job is to care for lonely older people. Apparently, she is too good a caretaker, as she sells their properties and makes a living out of the commission money. And guess what, this lady is legally chosen to be their guardian! Moreover, there couldn’t have been a better choice than Rosamund Pike for the character. Her flawless work in Gone Girl stands testimony to it. She keeps you hooked to the TV screen. This entertainer is the extremities of profanity. Although its core lies in its humor, the foul language, the vicious game plans, and no sense of morality make it one of the must-watch thriller movies on Netflix. Peter Dinklage is a delight to watch and will remind you of that loyal friend you always had in college. Watch now
21. A Fall From Grace (2020)
Genre: Psychological thriller Cast: Mehcad Brooks, Crystal Fox, Cicely Tyson, Tyler Perry Director: Tyler Perry A whirlwind romance ends in tragedy. This Netflix thriller is about divorced, middle-aged Grace who falls for a younger man, Shannon, only to be indicted for his murder a few months later. I did find the story a tad predictable, but the powerful performances hold it up. My favorite part is Crystal Fox getting her moment in the spotlight and totally shining. It’s hard to believe this is her first lead performance. Further, the romance, mystery, courtroom drama, and horror weaved into the story make this feel like multiple movies in one. What initially seems like a rather straightforward cautionary tale about the perils of trusting seductive strangers twists into a wild, violent and volatile thriller. It’s chilling, amusing, and enjoyable all at once. Watch now
22. Sky High (2020)
Director: Daniel Calparsoro Genre: Action Thriller, Gangster Cast: Miguel Herrán, Luis Tosar, Carolina Yuste, Patricia Vico Netflix acquired global rights to the action thriller Spanish film Sky High and redirected it in 2020. What’s the movie about? Well, it’s about a small group of thieves that manages to stay ahead of the Madrid police always through its wit, talent, and skills. The first impression seems like a classic action thriller with glamour, drama, and action-packed performances. What sets it apart is the character buildup, cinematography, and gorgeous locations. Watch now
23. Rebecca (2020)
Genre: Romantic Thriller Cast: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas Director: Ben Wheatley Imagine getting married to the love of your life and competing with your husband’s ex-wife’s ghost? An estate that one can only dream of turns out to be one of the biggest nightmares of her life. With the classic 1940s style, the gorgeous house, the beautiful bride, and the ghost Rebecca’s scary presence through comb engravings, the thriller has a lot of exciting things to offer. Do not miss the added flavor of romance in the content. Watch now
24. The Call (2020)
Genre: Thriller Director: Chung-Hyun Lee Cast: Park Shin-Hye, Jong-seo Jun, Sung-ryung Kim This one hits the sweet spot for lovers of serial killer flicks and twisted science fiction. Things are definitely not as they seem, and you won’t see the twists coming. Seo-Yeon doesn’t share a good relationship with her mother as she blames her for her father’s death. You will instantly sympathize with her, but it’ll leave you reeling when the truth is revealed. Things start pretty innocuously but soon twist into a captivating blend of sci-fi and slasher thrills. I appreciated how the plot takes time to establish Seo-Yeon’s world and her mental state. This allows the intrigue and tension to build up so that you’re left truly astonished by the end of it all. Watch now
25. Time To Hunt (2020)
Genre: Crime thriller Cast: Woo-sik Choi, Lee Je-hoon, Park Hae Soo Director: Yoon Sung-Hyun Check out this Korean drama that’s a heady mix of sci-fi, crime, and horror heist. The plot revolves around people nearing their financial crisis; pretty relatable, eh? Premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, Time to Hunt particularly hits a nerve thanks to its setting in a world riddled with economic hardship. South Korean movies are known for their hard-hitting dystopian themes eerily close to reality, and Time to Hunt is no exception. It embodies excellent craftsmanship with perfect acting, great cinematography, and of course, an intense adrenaline rush that’s expected of Korean cinema. Watch now
26. Extraction (2020)
Genre: Action Thriller Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda, Golshifteh Farahani Director: Sam Hargrave A black market mercenary sets out on a journey to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned crime god. Will he manage to free the son amidst an already existing ruckus of weapon dealers, drug traffickers? What problems does he face while dealing with the impossible? Named Tyler Rake, the superhero mercenary is our Thor himself. The action sequences scream entertainment, and the 116 minutes of run-time are just right. Every character has a back story of their own, which seals this flick’s place on the list of best thrillers to stream on Netflix. Watch now
27. His House (2020)
Genre: Mystery and Thriller, Horror Cast: Sope Dirisu, Wunmi Mosaku, Matt Smith Director: Remi Weekes This is what you need to watch if you’re looking for a thriller-horror movie. It has got all the suspense and terrifying drama that picks in as the lights fade out. Bol Major and his wife Rial are in for a Halloween ride at their new house. The thrill that unfolds as evil spirits luringly scare the couple to death is what will keep you glued to your seats, asking for more. The audio quality is just insane as the mystifying ghost-voices seem to hover down your ears. The reassuring character of Bol, even when things are going haywire, makes it seem as though he’s not the man who’d just get scared by some inanimate noises or creatures. That’s what makes it more interesting. The ghosts have to up their game, resulting in horrifying scenes that will haunt me for a while! Watch now
28. The Platform (2019)
Genre: Sci-fi thriller Cast: Emilio Buale, Zorion Eguileor, Alexandra Masangkay Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia Who doesn’t love dystopian sci-fi thriller movies? There’s a good chance that you may not have heard of The Platform. Of course, as a Spanish movie, it hasn’t been given much of a spotlight in the mainstream movie scene. However, now’s your chance to watch one of the best Netflix thriller movies of all time. The Platform presents a unique concept. Essentially, people are trapped inside a monumental building with innumerable floors. Depending on the floor, the building residents either feast or have to face starvation. Moreover, the people living on the top floor are thriving, and the massive table holding the food is passed from one floor to another. As expected, when the table gets to the lower floors, there’s almost no food left. This leads to in-fighting amongst the residents to acquire as much food as possible. Furthermore, the residents are reshuffled to different floors after being knocked out. This leads to unexpected twists that change the dynamics of each floor. Additionally, the movie often flows between genres, making it almost impossible to categorize under a single banner. It also presents a rather dangerous and understandable look into how we’re moving forward as a society, albeit with some dramatic flair. Watch this movie for the mind-blowing concept! Watch now
29. Bird Box (2018)
Genre: Horror Thriller Cast: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Sarah Paulson Director: Susanne Bier Based on Josh Malerman’s novel, Bird Box is a uniquely horrific tale about a mysterious force decimating the world. If you see it, you die (the evil force, not the movie.) Bird Box flashes back ad forth between two time periods, five years after the end of the world and the initial days when everything started collapsing. The brutal mass suicides playing out on screen will haunt you for weeks to come. Sandra Bullock doesn’t miss a beat as the lead, and the story stays crisp, concise, and gripping. On a symbolic level, it’s an intense psychological thriller about how most people live metaphorically blindfolded and guarded against real emotions and true connection. Watch now
30. Apostle (2018)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Horror Cast: Dan Steevens, Michael Sheen, Lucy Boynton Director: Gareth Evans Here’s a thriller that weaves a gripping story centered around unique Pagan-like mythology steeped in blood and sacrifice. Brace yourself for folk horror laced with brutality and bloodthirst. Director Gareth Evans has done an excellent job putting Dan Stevens in the prominent role. The action star just kicks it in with his prodigious acting and heroic skills. He becomes an instant favorite to do some badass kicking and rescue his sister from the hands of the enemy. You would also get drawn into the world of these religious insomniacs as they are far too entertaining with their craziness and immoral beliefs. Watch now
31. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Genre: Psychological thriller Cast: Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Chiara Aurelia Director: Mike Flanagan A weekend getaway and a sexual fantasy gone wrong result in one of the best psychological thrillers on Netflix. Gerald’s Game is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. At one point in the movie, the protagonist Jessie talks to her dead husband’s spirit, discussing things she could have never discussed while he was alive. Meanwhile, a dog bites into the dead man’s body. If you’re a Stephen King fan, you know this is an expected level of gore from his tales. It’s grotesque, but Mike Flanagan’s excellent direction makes you keep watching and sharing in the characters’ anguish. It showcases how your mind can be your worst enemy and is hands down one of the best thriller novel adaptations. Watch now
Which thriller movies are you binge-watching on Netflix?
That wraps up my list of the top thriller movies on Netflix, but I’d love to hear from you. So share your recommendations in the comments below! And in case you don’t have time for a full movie, you should check out the new Play Something shuffle button feature on Netflix that lets you watch fun short content from the top flicks. You may like to read:
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