Whether you’re in the mood for an edge-of-your-seat experience or just looking to get your heart racing, thrillers are the way to go. With that in mind, here are some of the best thriller movies to get your heart racing.
The Usual Suspects
The Usual Suspects is a 1995 neo-noir film directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie and has been widely regarded as one of the best thriller movies of all time. After a mysterious and deadly explosion on a boat, a group of criminals find themselves linked to the incident, and they must use their wit, guile and luck to stay one-step ahead of the police. Featuring an all-star cast, a dreamy score, and a twist you won’t forget, The Usual Suspects is a modern classic that is at the top of the list of must-see thriller movies.
Se7en
Released in 1995 and directed by David Fincher, Se7en follows Detectives David Mills (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) as they try to track down a mysterious serial killer who chooses to go by the name “John Doe.” The killer’s victims are selected based on the Seven Deadly Sins, making for a story filled with suspense and intrigue. Featuring powerhouse performances, especially from Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, and a gripping story, Se7en is truly a modern classic of the thriller genre.
Inception
Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film Inception follows a team of “extractors” led by Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) as they attempt to perform a seemingly impossible heist: the extraction of an idea from the subconscious of its owner. This story blends science-fiction and thrillers in order to present a unique take on the heist genre. From the thrilling set pieces to the layers of mystery and deception, Inception is filled with Hitchcock-esque twists and turns that will have you at the edge of your seat.
The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme in 1991, is an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she attempts to track down the infamous serial killer known as “Buffalo Bill.” The Silence of the Lambs is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and chilling performances, especially from Anthony Hopkins in his Academy-Award-winning role as Hannibal Lecter. This film seamlessly blends horror and psychological thriller elements to create a truly gripping experience.
A Clockwork Orange
A Clockwork Orange, released in 1971, is a dystopian crime film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Set in a future where crime is rampant, the story follows a youth gang leader (Malcolm McDowell) as he participates in “ultra-violence” and disturbance of the peace. This twisted tale features raw and brutally honest performances, a unique visual style, and a truly unforgettable soundtrack. A Clockwork Orange is one of the most shocking and suspenseful thrillers to ever be released.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Released in 2011, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an adaptation of the best-selling novel by Stieg Larsson. Based on the novel’s tale of mystery and murder, the film follows investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) and ace computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) as they investigate a suspected cold case. With its atmosphere of crime and suspense, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a thrilling detective story is a must-see movie for fans of thrillers and mystery.
Shutter Island
Directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 2010, Shutter Island is a compelling story of supernatural mystery, psychological madness, and gripping suspense. Set in 1954 and based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island is the story of U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a mental patient from a remote island prison. As the investigation progresses, Daniels finds himself deeper and deeper in the mystery of the island, plunging him into a world of dark secrets and twisted allegiances.
Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler is a 2014 crime-thriller released and directed by Dan Gilroy and starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The story follows Lou Bloom (Gyllenhaal), a driven young man desperate for success and willing to do whatever it takes to make it. When he discovers the lucrative world of freelance “nightcrawling,” in which crime scene footage is collected by individuals, Lou jumps at the chance to make a career out of it. With Gyllenhaal’s manic and unforgettable performance and a gripping plot, Nightcrawler is a thrilling story of ambition gone awry.
Gone Girl
Gone Girl, released in 2014, is a suspenseful and twisted murder mystery directed by David Fincher, based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. The story follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of his wife, all while battling the media, public perception, and his own inner demons. A taut and clever thriller brimming with suspense, Gone Girl is one of the most intricately crafted thrillers of the past decade.
Zodiac
Similar to Gone Girl, Zodiac, also directed by David Fincher and released in 2007, is an adaptation of Robert Graysmith’s historical true-crime novel of the same name. The story follows Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) as he investigates the unsolved case of the Zodiac killer, a murderer who terrorized San Francisco between 1967 and 1969. Featuring atmospherically tense scenes and excellent performances, Zodiac is a truly gripping and suspenseful thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
These are just some of the best thrillers to get your heart racing. From the classic suspense of The Usual Suspects to the neo-noir nightmares of Se7en, there are plenty of thrilling movies to choose from. So grab your popcorn and enjoy the ride.
