Looking for a dose of thrill and suspense? Netflix has the best suspense and thriller movies that will keep you on the edge. We’ve curated an updated list of the most gripping thriller movies available on the streaming service, ensuring you will only spend your time on options that deliver a different level of excitement. These movies are not just stories; they are heart-pounding experiences that will leave you breathless.
Here are our picks of the best suspense thriller movies you can watch on Netflix.
Best Suspense Thriller Movies On Netflix Right Now
Bird Box (2018)
Bird Box, a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller, offers a unique twist where sight becomes a dangerous liability. Led by the talented Sandra Bullock as the determined and resourceful Malorie Hayes, the film follows her mission to guide two young children down a treacherous river while blindfolded, shielding them from the entities that drive people to suicide upon being seen.
Director Susanne Bier’s masterful storytelling weaves between past and present, building suspense and relying on a remarkable ensemble cast. Released alongside the popular A Quiet Place, Bird Box, with its blend of sci-fi and horror, offers a compelling option for fans of both genres.
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Under the Shadow (2016)
Babak Anvari’s remarkable directorial debut, Under the Shadow, engages viewers in a chilling tale that blurs the boundaries between supernatural terror and the haunting realities of the real world. Set against the backdrop of war-torn 1980s Tehran, the film follows medical student Shideh (Narges Rashidi) as she faces the personal challenges of The War of the Cities.
Tasked with protecting her daughter Dorsa (Avin Manshadi) while being haunted by an evil genie, Shideh’s struggle becomes increasingly suffocating. Anvari’s experiences, which he brings to life in this intense portrayal of a culture on the brink, lend authenticity and depth to the film. With powerful performances and impeccable filmmaking, this haunting gem is a must-see.
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I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
Jessie Buckley, Following her standout performance in Wild Rose, gives us another captivating performance in Charlie Kaufman’s darkly comic psychological thriller, I’m Thinking of Ending Things. Adapted from a novel, the film takes viewers on a thought-provoking road trip with a young couple. While some may find it intellectually challenging, this intriguing puzzle film remains a compelling watch. With its blend of wit and suspense, it’s a must-see for fans of mind-bending cinema.
Gerald’s Game (2017)
Director Mike Flanagan, known for chilling films like Oculus and Hush, delivers another psychological thriller with “Gerald’s Game” (2017). A couple on a romantic getaway attempts to reignite the spark with a handcuff game. Things take a horrifying turn when the husband unexpectedly dies, leaving the wife trapped and alone, forced to confront her inner demons and fight for survival in a desperate struggle against the elements and her mind.
At its heart, Gerald’s Game is a beautiful film that explores the theme of surviving trauma. However, it also ventures into the realm of a gritty survival story, culminating in a climactic scene notorious for its shocking impact, leaving audiences audibly astounded in movie theatres. The intensity of that particular moment, which was challenging to read and even more difficult to watch, stands out as a remarkable standout in eliciting strong reactions from viewers.
The Devil All the Time (2020)
In Antonio Campos’ Netflix original suspense thriller, The Devil All the Time, audiences are transported to the interconnected lives of various individuals in two small towns in Southern Ohio. Spanning the post-World War II era to the mid-1960s, the narrative weaves together themes of religion, war, corruption, suicide, abandonment, and serial murder. With a talented ensemble of young Hollywood stars, the film adopts its dark subject matter and melodrama to deliver a captivating exploration of human sin.
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El Camino (2019)
Breaking Bad fans jubilate as the iconic duo of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman takes centre stage in El Camino, a thrilling film that continues the story of AMC’s acclaimed series. Focusing on Jesse’s character, the film seamlessly weaves through time, revisiting pivotal moments from the show. Familiar faces like Jane, Skinny Pete, and Badger make appearances, but it’s Nazi Todd who drives the plot forward. Aaron Paul shines as Jesse, allowing fans to witness his character’s emotional journey. While the passage of time is evident, the film delivers a satisfying exploration of Jesse’s post-Breaking Bad life.
Leave the World Behind
“Leave the World Behind” is a psychological thriller film based on a novel by Rumaan Alam, published in 2020. The story revolves around Amanda, played by Julia Roberts, who decides to take her family for an unplanned trip to an Airbnb on Long Island. Amanda’s husband Clay, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, and her children Archie and Rose, played by Charlie Evans and Farrah Mackenzie, respectively, join her on the sudden adventure.
However, their vacation takes a strange turn as they lose Wi-Fi, an oil tanker crashes into the beach, and an unusual amount of deer appear in their yard. The presence of the deer is especially unsettling as the family is reminded of their horror-movie context, as demonstrated in the movie “Get Out.” Things get even stranger when the Airbnb owner, George, played by Mahershala Ali, and his daughter Ruth, portrayed by Myha’la, arrive unannounced.
Society of the Snow
Society of the Snow tells the story of a Uruguayan rugby team in 1972. Their flight to Chile crashes into the treacherous Andes Mountains, leaving them stranded. Faced with the harsh reality of their situation, they are forced to take extreme measures to survive and find their way back home. It’s a harrowing tale of resilience and determination against all odds.
The Killer 2023
The Killer is a gripping and intense drama film directed by David Fincher and based on the French graphic novel series by Alexis “Matz” Nolent. Michael Fassbender delivers a powerful performance in the lead role as an elite assassin who is hunted internationally after a job goes wrong. The movie also stars Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, and Tilda Swinton. The movie’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring compositions by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and music by the English rock band the Smiths.
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Emily the Criminal (2022)
John Patton Ford, the writer and director, has made his feature directorial debut with “Emily the Criminal,” an award-winning crime thriller featuring Aubrey Plaza (The White Lotus). The movie tells the unsettlingly relatable story of a young woman drowning in student loan debts, unable to find a sustainable job due to a felony conviction. The constant rejection from most jobs forces her to turn to an underground network of credit card scammers to make money. The film is a scathing critique of corporations and predatory lenders exploiting the working class. It is a realistic portrayal of how poverty is one of the leading causes of crime.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) offers a refreshing departure from many other movies’ “dark and gritty” tone. Instead, Rian Johnson’s sequel to Knives Out (2019) is an exhilarating thriller that incorporates humour. The film’s comedy arises from the satirical portrayals of its cast of suspects. These characters’ lives are interlinked in a complex, multi-layered, obvious, and unnoticeable history, much like the “Glass Onion.”
Daniel Craig plays the world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc, who is invited to a weekend on an eccentric billionaire’s private island. The host, Edward Norton, has planned a murder mystery game for his closest friends. However, when a real murder occurs, Blanc must solve the case, which has its roots in the pasts of all the people assembled.
The plot is a brilliantly crafted classic whodunit, but what sets Glass Onion apart is the sheer style that Johnson brings to his mystery sequel. Everything from the costumes to the set design is top-notch, creating a well-made, well-crafted film that audiences of all types can enjoy.
Extraction 2 (2023)
Extraction 2 reunites Chris Hemsworth, Joe Russo, and Sam Hargrave for another high-octane adventure. Hemsworth returns as the skilled mercenary Tyler Rake, enjoying a quiet life in Austria. However, his peace is short-lived when he is approached with a dangerous mission: to rescue a mother and her daughters from a heavily guarded Georgian prison.
With the Russo-Hargrave collaboration, fans can expect a thrilling rollercoaster of pulse-pounding action sequences and nail-biting chases, delivering an adrenaline-fueled escort mission to keep viewers on edge.
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It Follows (2015)
It Follows, a 2014 horror thriller, masterfully amplifies tension through a simple premise. As Jay (Maika Monroe) becomes tormented by a curse after a sexual encounter, a relentless and mysterious force starts hunting her. The film takes audiences on a paranoid journey, where every unfamiliar face holds potential danger. With outstanding performances, especially Maika Monroe’s breakout role, It Follows is a gripping and must-see thriller for genre fans, delivering palpable suspense and a chilling atmosphere.
Fall (2022)
Directed by Scott Mann and starring Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner, Fall is a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around best friends Becky and Hunter, who are on a daring climb up a remote radio tower. However, their adventure worsens when they become stranded at the top, facing the harsh elements and a desperate fight for survival. With its simple yet thrilling premise and a nerve-wracking conclusion, Fall offers an entertaining and exhilarating cinematic experience that will captivate audiences.
The Guest 2014
Directed by Adam Wingard and featuring a stellar cast including Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, and Lance Reddick, The Guest is a thrilling must-watch on Netflix. This action-packed film delivers unexpected plot twists and a darkly humorous tone that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
The story centres around David, a soldier who arrives unannounced at the Petersons’ home, claiming to be a friend of their deceased son. As mysterious deaths occur in the area, their daughter Anna grows suspicious.
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Gone Girl 2014
Directed by the acclaimed David Fincher and featuring a stellar cast including Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, and Emily Ratajkowski, Gone Girl is a groundbreaking thriller that has already achieved classic status. With its unexpected twists, ruthless intensity, and mind-blowing narrative, it has become one of the past decade’s most captivating and widely discussed psychological thrillers.
Penned by renowned author Gillian Flynn, the film delves into the unsettling disappearance of Amy Dunne (Pike), leaving her husband Nick (Affleck) as the prime suspect. Behind their seemingly idyllic marriage lies a web of secrets that will keep audiences gripped until the end.
The Little Things (2021)
Set in early 1990s Los Angeles, this intense thriller follows two detectives: Joe “Deke” Deacon (played by Denzel Washington) and Jim Baxter (portrayed by Rami Malek).
Deke, a seasoned Kern County deputy sheriff, has an uncanny knack for spotting the “little things” – subtle clues others might overlook. His dedication to solving cases often leads him down dark and dangerous paths. A sharp-witted Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detective, Baxter joins forces with Deke. Together, they form an unlikely duo, determined to capture the elusive serial killer responsible for the bloodshed.
Enter Albert Sparma (played by Jared Leto), a strange loner who becomes the prime suspect. Sparma revels in taunting Deke and Baxter, leaving cryptic hints about his involvement in the murders. The victims share a common thread: they are sex workers, and Sparma’s eerie behaviour raises suspicions. Deke and Baxter find themselves torn between following the rules and taking matters into their own hands as the tension escalates.
Fair Play 2023
Fair Play, directed by Chloe Domont, portrays the story of Emily and Luke, a newly engaged couple in New York City. Initially consumed by their love for each other, their relationship turns dark when a highly sought-after promotion at a ruthless financial firm catalyses change. The once-supportive exchanges between the couple transform into something sinister as power dynamics shift. As they confront the consequences of success and the unsettling boundaries of ambition, Luke and Emily are forced to confront the true cost of their choices.
Infernal Affairs 2002
It is set in the endless conflict between the Hong Kong police and the Triads; this movie is about the lives of two undercover operatives. Chan, a cop within the Triads, and Lau, a secret member of the Triads infiltrating the police force, find themselves torn between loyalty to their respective organisations and the bonds they form with their comrades. As the pressure mounts and the risk of exposure looms, their survival becomes a race against time. Their fates hang in the balance with mounting tension and a constant threat of discovery.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 2009
With 1 BAFTA Award and, 18 wins and 35 nominations, this exceptional film is a chilling mystery that spans four decades. When Harriet Vanger vanishes from her family’s island gathering, her uncle suspects foul play within their secretive and dysfunctional clan. Enter Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced journalist, and Lisbeth Salander, a formidable computer hacker. As they delve into Harriet’s disappearance and its connection to a string of horrifying murders, they uncover a disturbing family history and face the consequences of unmasking long-held secrets. Prepare for a gripping and dark exploration of the Vangers’ sinister cover-ups and the lengths they will go to protect themselves.
The Pale Blue Eye (2023)
Each appreciation of the mystery and thriller genres would only be complete by acknowledging the profound influence of Edgar Allan Poe, the iconic American writer. Although The Pale Blue Eye isn’t a direct adaptation of Poe’s work, it viewers in a fictional detective tale set during Poe’s troubled years at West Point Military Academy.
This period piece masterfully blends elements of horror and mystery, commencing with the shocking discovery of a cadet’s apparent suicide—his heart gruesomely removed from his chest. Christian Bale delivers a brilliant performance as the grizzled detective, but Harry Melling shines as the enigmatic Edgar Allan Poe.
As the film meticulously unravels its narrative, it unveils tantalising secrets at every twist and turn, continually defying expectations. When you think you’ve identified the killer, another surprise lurks.
Spiderhead 2022
In 2022, Director Joseph Kosinski left an indelible mark with Top Gun: Maverick and his Netflix thriller Spiderhead is equally captivating. Set within a private research facility turned prison, the film showcases Chris Hemsworth as a mysterious scientist conducting chemical experiments on inmates. Miles Teller delivers a compelling performance as one of the prisoners, questioning the purpose behind these tests. With a carefully crafted narrative, Spiderhead gradually builds tension, culminating in an unexpected twist. The chemistry between Teller and Hemsworth is palpable, while Jurnee Smollett’s layered portrayal adds depth to the film. Spiderhead stands out as one of Netflix’s finest releases this year, its premise offering a chilling glimpse into a potential future.
Operation Mincemeat (2022)
Operation Mincemeat, an enthralling historical war drama, delves into a remarkable true story that played a pivotal role in the Allied victory during World War II. Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen deliver compelling performances as intelligence operatives who orchestrate an audacious deception, utilising a deceased body to divert attention from the Allies’ Sicilian offensive.
While not as pulse-pounding as some counterparts, Operation Mincemeat weaves a web of twists and turns, presenting numerous challenges during the operation’s planning and execution. The film balances spy drama and character-driven moments, offering intriguing insights into the relationships forged amidst the scheme.
I Care A Lot (2021)
Looking for a twisted thrill ride? This 2020 dark comedy, starring Rosamund Pike in a Golden Globe-winning performance, won’t disappoint. Pike plays Marla Grayson, a cunning con artist who uses the court system to fleece older people. Marla becomes a court-appointed guardian, exploiting her legal power to seize her victims’ assets. But her web of deceit unravels when her latest target, Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), turns out to be entangled with a ruthless gangster (played by Peter Dinklage). Packed with dark humour, sharp social commentary, and an unpredictable plot, “I Care a Lot” is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good thriller with a wicked edge.
The Platform (2020)
A brutal prison: a single tower, one cell per floor, two inmates each. Every day, a feast descends, a king’s ransom of food. Those on top devour it, leaving only scraps for those below. The twist? Each month, you’re reassigned to a random floor. One month feasting, the next starving. This is The Platform, a social experiment in verticality, where hope and hunger battle for survival.
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Oxygen 2021
Alexandre Aja’s “Oxygen” throws you into a claustrophobic nightmare. A woman wakes up with amnesia inside a cryogenic pod, her oxygen rapidly depleting. Forced to rely on a cryptic AI for answers, she desperately searches her fragmented memories to unlock the secrets of her imprisonment. In a race against time, she fights to survive and uncover the shocking truth behind her predicament.
While Oxygen may not always deliver twists before viewers anticipate them, Alexandre Aja’s adeptness at raising tension ensures a heart-pounding experience. Whether or not you predict the next turn in the narrative, Aja’s skill at building suspense will leave you on the edge of your seat, your stomach churning with anticipation.
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
In the intense Los Angeles art scene, mysterious paintings by an unknown artist trigger a vengeful force against the greed-driven players. Art critic Morf Vandewalt (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his friend Josephina (Zawe Ashton) unearth the dark legacy of deceased artist Vetril Dease.
Rhodora Haze (Rene Russo) exhibits Dease’s captivating, partially destroyed paintings, drawing in everyone from curator Gretchen (Toni Collette) to emerging artist Damrish (Daveed Diggs). But secrets lie within the artwork, and tragedy strikes as a supernatural presence takes hold. As the line between art and horror blurs, can anyone escape the curse embedded in Dease’s haunting brushstrokes?
Apostle (2018)
Prepare yourself for a gripping and intense experience with Apostle, the horror-thriller helmed by Gareth Evans, known for his adrenaline-pumping action in The Raid. Shifting gears, Evans delivers stomach-churning tension as Dan Stevens, of Legion fame, delivers a powerful performance as a man infiltrating a rural cult to rescue his captive sister.
Unveiling the disturbing truths beneath the cult’s seemingly idyllic façade, Evans expertly builds suspense until it culminates in a blood-soaked finale that oscillates between nail-biting suspense and unrelenting carnage. Brace yourself for a visceral and thrilling ride that demands a strong stomach.
Creep 2014
Mark Duplass delivers an unexpectedly chilling performance in Creep, a psychological thriller directed, co-written, and co-starring Patrick Bice. Duplass embodies “Josef,” an enigmatic and deeply unsettling man seeking emotional connection through a Craigslist ad for a filmmaker to document his peculiar tale. As Aaron (played by Bice) takes on the job, he becomes entangled in an uncomfortable and unpredictable situation that teeters on the edge of chaos.
Duplass masterfully portrays Josef’s captivating yet disturbing charm, leaving viewers questioning whether he is a killer or simply an eccentric individual impossible to refuse. Bice and Duplass skillfully toy with audience expectations, building tension until the satisfying finale that lingers long after the credits roll. And the good news doesn’t end there—Creep’s sequel is equally outstanding.
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In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
In the Shadow of the Moon (2019) is a gripping sci-fi thriller that follows Philadelphia police officer Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook). He becomes obsessed with solving bizarre murders that occur in different years but always on the same day. As Lockhart delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a shocking truth that defies all logic and challenges his perception of reality. The film skillfully weaves elements of mystery, time travel, and psychological suspense, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. With compelling performances and a thought-provoking narrative, In the Shadow of the Moon explores obsession and the consequences of unyielding determination.
Red Eye 2005
In the 2005 thriller “Red Eye,” prepare for a nail-biting ride with Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy. McAdams plays Lisa, a young woman who meets Murphy’s character, Jackson, on a plane. Little does she know Jackson is a ruthless terrorist with a chilling plan. As the flight takes off, Lisa becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. With heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists, “Red Eye” keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment.
Firestarter 2022 (Leaving Soon)
Firestarter (2022), based on Stephen King’s classic novel, follows the gripping tale of a young girl named Charlene “Charlie” McGee. Charlie mysteriously develops pyrokinetic abilities—the power to set things ablaze with her mind. Abducted by a secret government agency known as The Shop, she becomes their prized weapon. Her father, Andy McGee, also experiments with her gained psychic powers. As Charlie turns 11, her fire-controlling abilities become increasingly volatile.
Secret Obsession (2022)
Secret Obsession (2022) unfolds as a gripping thriller. After a seemingly innocent one-night stand, Eric Strong is trapped in an unending nightmare. The woman he encounters believes she’s been scorned, and her obsession spirals into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. As secrets unravel and danger escalates, Eric must confront the consequences of that fateful encounter.
Lost In the Stars 2022
Lost in the Stars (2022) is a Chinese mystery crime film that plunges viewers into a web of intrigue. He Fei and his wife, Li Muzi, celebrate their first anniversary on a secluded island resort in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Barlandia. But when Muzi vanishes without a trace, He Fei’s desperate search leads him to a mysterious woman who claims to be his wife. As top lawyer Chen Mai delves into this bizarre case, secrets unravel, identities blur, and the chilling truth emerges.
Flatliners
In Flatliners (2022), Chicago medical student Nelson (Kiefer Sutherland) embarks on a daring experiment with his fellow pupils. Seeking answers about the afterlife, they temporarily induce their deaths, hoping to glimpse what lies beyond. Atheist David (Kevin Bacon), playboy Joe (William Baldwin), and troubled Rachel (Julia Roberts) join this difficult journey, each forced to confront the paranormal consequences of trespassing into the unknown. As their experiments intensify, the line between life and death blurs, revealing secrets that defy the natural order.
Tau
In the sci-fi thriller “Tau,” a young woman named Julia (Maika Monroe) finds herself imprisoned in a high-tech smart house run by an advanced artificial intelligence named Tau (voiced by Gary Oldman). As Julia desperately seeks to escape, she forms an unlikely bond with Tau, who begins to develop a curiosity about the human experience. Together, they navigate a dangerous world of deception and betrayal with Julia’s life in balance. “Tau” offers a suspenseful exploration of the boundaries between humanity and technology, filled with twists and turns that keep viewers captivated until the end.
