So you’re looking for a thrill? While thrillers can be scary and horror can be thrilling, the difference is clear. Horror films aim to horrify you, whereas thrillers are unpredictable, building tension meant to — you guessed it — thrill you. Explore the ultimate collection of must-watch thrillers currently streaming on Netflix. From mind-bending psychological dramas to gripping crime mysteries, find out which films will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2024 Releases
Leave the World Behind
In this apocalyptic thriller, Amanda Sandford (Julia Roberts) and her husband, Clay (Ethan Hawke), take their kids on a weekend family getaway to Long Island, only to have their bliss interrupted by the sudden arrival of the homeowner, G.H. Scott (Mahershala Ali), and his daughter, Ruth (Myha’la). Amidst citywide blackouts in New York City, G.H. suspects something bigger is at play, forcing both families to trust each other to survive.
2023 Releases
Fair Play
In this romantic thriller, Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) are financial analysts and a newly engaged couple working at One Crest Capital, a cutthroat hedge fund. When Emily unexpectedly gets a promotion that Luke had hoped for, their relationship faces a power struggle that threatens their future together.
Luther: The Fallen Sun
Idris Elba returns as DCI John Luther in this crime thriller. Luther finds himself in jail due to his unorthodox methods of pursuing justice but escapes to solve an unsolved murder. The film pits Luther against a cyber killer (Andy Serkis) in a gripping cat-and-mouse game.
2022 Releases
Reptile
In this crime thriller, Detective Tom Nichols (Benicio Del Toro) investigates the murder of a young real estate agent, uncovering a web of corruption. Nichols’ life unravels as he delves deeper into the case, with standout performances by Justin Timberlake and Alicia Silverstone.
2021 Releases
The Weekend Away
In this crime thriller, best friends Beth (Leighton Meester) and Kate (Christina Wolfe) go on a glamorous trip to Croatia. After a drunken night, Beth wakes to find Kate missing and blood on the floor. With the police suspecting Beth, she must piece together the events with the help of a taxi driver, Zain (Ziad Bakri).
2020 Releases
The Platform
This sci-fi social commentary thriller follows Goreng (Iván Massagué) as he finds himself in “The Pit,” a vertical prison where food is delivered via a platform from top to bottom. Those on the lower levels rely on leftovers, and anyone caught hoarding food faces dire consequences. This intense tale critiques capitalism and wealth distribution.
2019 Releases
Fractured
In this psychological thriller, Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington) takes his injured daughter, Peri, to a hospital, but when he wakes up, he discovers his family has disappeared and the hospital has no record of them. Ray’s search for answers leads him into a psychological nightmare.
Hold the Dark
In this action-adventure thriller, wolf expert Russell Core (Jeffrey Wright) is called to a remote Alaskan town to investigate the disappearance of children believed to have been taken by wolves. As Core delves into the mystery, he faces dangers from both humans and nature.
Spiderhead
In this psychological sci-fi thriller, inmates Jeff (Miles Teller) and Lizzy (Jurnee Smollett) volunteer as test subjects for mood-altering drugs in a luxurious prison overseen by Steve Abnesti (Chris Hemsworth). They soon uncover the sinister purpose behind the experiments, leading to a gripping tale of control and rebellion.
2018 Releases
Bird Box
In this post-apocalyptic thriller, Malorie Hayes (Sandra Bullock) must navigate a world where unseen entities cause people to commit suicide if they look at them. Malorie’s journey of survival, accompanied by two children, is filled with tension and unexpected allies.
2017 Releases
The Call
In this sci-fi mystery thriller, Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) reconnects with an old phone at her childhood home and begins receiving calls from Yeong-sook (Jun Jong-seo), who is living in the same house 20 years earlier. Their friendship across time takes a dark turn as their choices affect both timelines.
2016 Releases
The Occupant
In this psychological thriller, former ad executive Javier Muñoz (Javier Gutiérrez) becomes obsessed with reclaiming his old apartment after losing his job and being forced to move. His obsession turns into a dangerous scheme to take back his former life from the new occupants.
These thrilling films on Netflix offer a mix of suspense, psychological tension, and gripping mysteries that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
(Note: Availability may vary by region.)
