Thriller movies have always been popular, tempting audiences with suspenseful stories and unexpected twists. They continue to evolve, pushing boundaries and reshaping our expectations. What makes a great thriller is its ability to tap into our primal instincts, instilling fear, paranoia, excitement, and catharsis. With the abundance of films available on streaming services like HBO Max, finding the best ones can be challenging.
However, HBO Max stands out by offering a wide selection of gripping thrillers. Thanks to its focus on mature releases and access to the extensive Warner Bros. catalog, HBO Max is a valuable source for thrilling movies.
Best Suspense Thrillers on HBO Max Right Now
The Assistant (2020)
Filmmaker Kitty Green, known for her acclaimed documentary “Ukraine Is Not a Brothel,” steps into the world of scripted drama with “The Assistant.” In this powerful film, Green serves as the writer, director, and editor. The story revolves around a young executive assistant, portrayed by Julia Garner from “Ozark,” as she navigates a challenging day filled with workplace harassment, sexual misconduct, and discrimination.
Struggling to maintain professionalism in a cut-throat corporate environment, the assistant needs to work on keeping her job and meeting her financial obligations. Green skillfully captures the harsh realities faced by low-status workers in such environments.
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The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Do you think your life’s perfect? Doctor Steven Murphy did, too—until a strange teen connected to a past mistake enters his life. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” isn’t your typical revenge story. This darkly funny thriller is a mind-bender where reality warps and unsettling rituals unfold. Did we mention it won Best Screenplay at Cannes? Get ready for a wild ride that’ll leave you questioning everything.
The Night Manager (2016)
Ever dreamt of being a spy? Tom Hiddleston lives that dream (kind of) in “The Night Manager.” This isn’t your dad’s spy flick. Think James Bond with a moral compass, forced undercover to infiltrate the inner circle of a ruthless arms dealer. It’s a world of glamour, danger, and shocking betrayals. Did you know the real-life inspiration for the villain sold more weapons than most countries? Buckle up for a suspenseful ride where loyalty and trust are tested in the most luxurious, deadly way possible.
Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky. It stars Natalie Portman as a ballerina competing for the lead role in a production of Swan Lake who gradually descends into madness. Black Swan premiered at the 2010 Venice International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its direction and performances. The movie was a major global success, earning over $300 million on a budget of just $13 million.
Natalie Portman delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a troubled artist on the brink of insanity, which is arguably one of the best performances of her career. Aronofsky’s masterful direction blends reality and illusion into a heady, surreal mix, which further highlights Portman’s performance. The film takes the viewer on a troubling journey to the darkest corners of the human mind.
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Sharp Objects (2018)
Miss dark mysteries that crawl under your skin? “Sharp Objects” isn’t your typical whodunit. This HBO gem stars Amy Adams as a troubled reporter returning to her suffocating hometown to investigate the murders of two young girls. But the deeper she digs, the more she uncovers a darkness that mirrors her own fractured past. Fun fact: director Jean-Marc Vallée refused to use traditional jump scares, relying on psychological dread to keep you glued to the screen. Prepare to confront your demons alongside Camille Preaker in this haunting, suspenseful masterpiece.
The Body (2012)
Bodies go missing all the time, right? But what if the missing body is the key to a murder you didn’t commit? “The Body” throws you into a heart-pounding Spanish thriller where a security guard and a wealthy businessman are locked in a deadly game. A missing corpse, a suspicious wife, and a web of lies – this film will have you questioning everything. Fun fact: The Body’s ending has divided audiences for years, sparking endless debates and theories. Ready to unravel the truth? Dive into this suspenseful ride and see if you can crack the code before the shocking twist.
The Girl Before (2021)
Crave a psychological thriller that messes with your mind? Dive into “The Girl Before.” This neo-noir mystery centers on a minimalist dream apartment. But the catch? The architect enforces bizarre rules, and a mysterious death hangs over the place. Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars as the new tenant, inexplicably drawn to the life of the woman who vanished before her. Is history repeating itself? This mind-bender will have you questioning reality and everything you think you know. Did we mention it’s based on a best-selling novel with a shocking twist you won’t see coming?
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The Machinist (2004)
Can’t sleep? You won’t want to after “The Machinist.” Christian Bale delivers a bone-chilling performance as a haunted factory worker trapped in a waking nightmare. He hasn’t slept in a year, his world crumbling around him. Is it real or a twisted delusion? This psychological thriller will have you questioning everything as hallucinations blur with reality. Did you know Bale lost over 60 pounds for the role? This commitment to the character fuels the film’s raw intensity. Prepare to be unsettled.
Under the Skin (2013)
Ever feel like you’re just not human? Dive into the enigmatic “Under the Skin.” Scarlett Johansson stars as a mysterious alien cruising the bleak Scottish landscape, luring men to a chilling fate. This sci-fi head trip is a visual feast, a slow burn that will mess with your mind. But is she predator or prey? The film needs easy answers, leaving you with more questions than you started with. Did you know director Jonathan Glazer used thermal cameras and honest conversations with strangers to create a hauntingly realistic alien encounter? Prepare for a journey unlike any other, a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Feeling isolated? Claustrophobic? Strap in for “The Lighthouse.” This black-and-white psychological thriller throws Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson into a pressure cooker of madness. Two lighthouse keepers, stranded on a remote rock, descend into boozy paranoia and hallucinatory nightmares. Is there a monstrous secret lurking in the fog, or are they unraveling each other’s minds?
This film is a sensory assault, shot in a claustrophobic, almost square aspect ratio that mirrors their deteriorating sanity. Did you know director Robert Eggers used genuine whale oil lamps for lighting, creating an authentic, unsettling atmosphere?
Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
Director Olivia Wilde brings us the enthralling and suspenseful film “Don’t Worry Darling,” which is making waves both on and off-screen. Set in a seemingly perfect utopian town, the story takes a dark turn as Florence Pugh’s character, Alice, begins to suspect that her idyllic world is hiding something sinister. Pugh’s captivating performance as the loving housewife holds the movie together, even in intense scenes opposite Chris Pine. With thought-provoking questions and a mountain of intrigue, “Don’t Worry Darling” is a must-see dramatic thriller.
Meg 2: The Trench (2023)
Remember that crazy movie “The Meg” with the giant prehistoric shark? Well, buckle up for round two! “Meg 2: The Trench” takes Jason Statham and his crew even deeper into the ocean than before. This time, they’re not just facing off against a giant shark; they’re exploring a whole new world of underwater monsters! The movie’s packed with stunning visuals that’ll make you feel like you’re right there with them, surrounded by miles of deep blue… and hungry teeth. It’s a popcorn flick through and through, pure entertainment with no deep thinking required. If you want a wild ride with tons of action and zero chills, “Meg 2: The Trench” is your jam.
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Reality (2023)
Director and playwright Tina Satter has adapted her stage play Is This a Room, based on the real transcripts of an FBI investigation into leaked classified documents. The story revolves around Reality Winner, a young US Air Force member and NSA translator who becomes the center of the investigation.
The film captures her tense encounter with the FBI and is masterfully brought to life by up-and-coming talent Sydney Sweeney (known for her role in Euphoria). The docudrama is a beautiful showcase for Satter as her film directorial debut, and she couldn’t have picked a better lead in Sweeney. Sweeney is so natural and grounded in this role that it makes your heart race with every question she has to face. You can feel the tension as a single misplaced word could mean the end for Winner.
Ex Machina (2014)
Enter the captivating world of “Ex Machina,” a thought-provoking science-fiction thriller written and directed by Alex Garland, known for “Annihilation.” Domhnall Gleeson portrays Caleb, an engineer who was offered a unique opportunity to collaborate with artificial intelligence. However, as Caleb delves deeper, he discovers that things are not what they appear.
The film showcases exceptional performances from the talented Oscar Isaac and the underrated Gleeson. Yet, it is Alicia Vikander’s mesmerizing portrayal of Ava, an android, that genuinely shines, drawing audiences into this intriguing exploration of humanity and technology.
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A Most Violent Year (2014)
New York City, 1981 – the year with the most murders ever. “A Most Violent Year” isn’t your typical gangster flick. This atmospheric thriller plunges you into the brutal world of Oscar Isaac, an immigrant fuel supplier struggling to keep his business afloat. Hijackings, corruption, and a desperate fight for survival – this film is a slow burn that builds tension like a ticking time bomb. Think “Heat” meets “The Godfather” with a moral compass on the fritz. Ready to see how far someone will go to protect their dreams in a city on the brink?
Kimi (2022)
Feeling stuck at home and craving a good cyber-thriller? “Kimi” is your glitch in the matrix! Zoë Kravitz slays as an agoraphobic tech worker who stumbles upon a violent crime hidden in a data stream. But here’s the twist: this crime is committed by a virtual assistant, just like Alexa or Siri. Suddenly, her haven becomes a launchpad for a high-stakes investigation. Is anyone safe in a world where even your home devices can be used for evil? “Kimi” is a suspenseful ride that will make you question the tech we trust every day.
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The Wages of Fear (1953)
Strap in for a white-knuckle ride with “The Wages of Fear” (1953). This French thriller isn’t your average heist flick. Imagine four desperate men down on their luck in a dusty South American town. Their only shot at salvation? Driving nitroglycerin, a cargo that explodes on impact, across treacherous mountain roads.
The tension is thicker than the sweat dripping down their faces. One wrong bump, one pothole, and it’s all over. This film isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you crave a raw, suspenseful experience that will leave you breathless, “The Wages of Fear” delivers. Did you know the director achieved nitroglycerin’s realism by using a mixture of gasoline and soap? Now, that’s a commitment to a sweat-inducing scene!
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Hitch who? Alfred Hitchcock, master of suspense, directed this 1938 gem, “The Lady Vanishes.” Imagine this: you meet a charming older lady on a train, only to find she’s mysteriously disappeared hours later. Everyone denies ever seeing her! Is Iris, our plucky heroine, losing her mind, or is there a deeper conspiracy at play? This witty, suspenseful classic will have you questioning everything and laughing out loud at the same time. Did you know Hitchcock himself considered this one of his most perfect films?
The Menu (2022)
Foodie dreams turn into a twisted nightmare in “The Menu” (2022). Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult star as a young couple venturing to a remote island for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. Chef Slowik, played by the ever-creepy Ralph Fiennes, prepares a lavish, multi-course extravaganza.
But as the night unfolds, the food takes on a disturbing edge, and the guests become more like ingredients than diners. Is this a dark satire on foodie culture or something more sinister? This darkly comedic thriller will have you questioning your next fancy dinner reservation. Fun fact: Director Mark Mylod originally envisioned the film as a horror comedy, but the final product leans more towards suspenseful satire.
Gone Girl (2014)
David Fincher is widely regarded as one of today’s top thriller directors, with hits like “Se7en,” “The Game,” and “Zodiac” under his belt. Among his notable works, “Gone Girl” stands out as a significant success. Released in 2014, the film revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne, with her husband as the prime suspect.
What sets “Gone Girl” apart is its non-linear storytelling, where the first half unfolds from Nicholas Dunne’s perspective and the second half from Amy’s. This mind-bending thriller features a solid female lead and plays out like a real-time puzzle. It became Fincher’s highest-grossing film, earning $369 million worldwide.
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Parasite (2019)
“Parasite” is a thriller that focuses on the theme of “Kill the rich,” which has become popular in recent years. However, it stands out from other movies in the subgenre as it combines elements of dark comedy and social commentary. The plot follows the Kim family, who infiltrate the household of a wealthy family, leading to an exploration of class division and societal tensions. Despite its serious themes, the movie also has moments of sharp wit. In fact, it made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2019.
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
“The Silence of the Lambs” is a horror-thriller movie that tells the story of FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who is on a mission to catch a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. However, Clarice’s mission gets complicated and dangerous when she seeks the assistance of a cannibalistic and deranged killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
This movie has set a unique record as one of the few horror movies that have ever been nominated for the Best Picture award at The Academy Awards, and it won all five major categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is considered one of the best psychological thrillers, and it remains a benchmark in the industry. Currently, “The Silence of the Lambs” is available to watch on HBO Max and is highly recommended for thriller enthusiasts.
