There is nothing quite like the feeling of watching a thriller. The tools skillfully utilised by the filmmakers of the genre are twists, turns, tension and anxiety. They are often much more emotional and nuanced than their savage cousins, the horror flick, but terrify you just as deeply. From the psychological thriller to the mystery thriller, we bring you the best thriller movies of the genre.
1. The Killing of a Sacred Dear (2017)
This is a seriously dark watch. When a surgeon played by Colin Farrell and his wife played by Nicole Kidman entrust a young boy who has an uncanny link to his past, things turn sinister.
2. The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)
This film is chilling, with great fashion and an all-star cast to boot! Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, with Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman in supporting roles. I mean come on, there's a reason why this film has become a cult 90s film after all. This is a psychological thriller set in sun-drenched Italy that will make you never want to trust a stranger again.
3. Vertigo (1958)
This Alfred Hitchcock classic film noir psychological thriller is the classic story of love and obsession. Previously the winner of Sight and Sound Magazine's once-a-decade poll of greatest films of all time, Vertigo had many hearts won. As the plot goes, John has retired from the police force due to a terrifying fear of heights. He unexpectedly falls in love with Madeleine played by Kim Novak before witnessing her suicide before meeting Judy Barton, also played by Novak who he tries to single white female Madeleine. Don't let us spoil the twist at the end, watch it yourself.
4. Compliance (2012)
Based on a true story, this is one of those thrillers that you will never forget. Set in a fast food joint, an unknown caller accuses one of the employees played by Dreama Walker of stealing from a customer. The caller gets the manager, Ann Dowd and other employees involved asking them to do questionable things to the employee before they start to question the true intentions of the person on the other end of the line.
5. HIGH-RISE (2016)
This film starring Tom Hiddleston is a visual feast. Set solely in a London skyscraper, the film explores the class divide, among the floors. HIGH-RISE brings hedonism and mystery with a very sexy cast. Watch for your fix of architecture porn with a side of anarchy.
6. Fight Club (1999)
This 1999 classic is Brad Pitt at his finest. When a young man grows apathetic towards his dead-end job, he serendipitously meets a friend who relieves his frustration. Together, the two young men form a club to relieve their empty feelings towards life. More on the dramatic side of the thriller spectrum, this film is a must-watch.
7. Shutter Island (2010)
Shutter Island is a Martin Scorsese neo-noir psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the final seconds. Leonardo Dicaprio is on an island investigating a psychiatric facility when one of the patients goes missing.
8. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a psychological thriller of the ballet persuasion. As a committed dancer played by Natalie Portman prepared to perform the famous ballet 'Swan Lake,' she grapples with the confines of her reality.
9. Mullholland Drive (2001)
This warped and wonderful classic by David Lynch stars Naomi Watts and Justin Theroux. When a woman loses her memory following a crash, she seeks solace in a woman's apartment who tries to help her rediscover her identity.
10. Uncut Gems (2019)
This American crime thriller starring Adam Sandler, a smooth-talking jeweller and gambling addict running awry in NYC is pure stress for the entirety of the film. With Julia Fox in a supporting, it's a must-see for anyone who likes thrillers and diamonds.
11. The Platform (2019)
The Platform is a chilling Spanish film about a vertical prison with 'prisoners' living on each level. It's highly anxiety-inducing and extremely powerful. Don't say we didn't warn you!
