There are people who consider curling up in bed with a heartwarming tale of romance playing on the screen, to be an ideal Friday night activity. There are also those who love nothing more than a movie that makes them laugh to their heart's content. And then there are fans of the thriller genre, people who won't consider a film worth their time, unless it makes their heart race, their pulse quicken and their teeth gnaw at their nails in anticipation of what's to come.
While there's no denying that I do enjoy a great rom-com every now and then, lately it's been the last category of movies I've looked forward to. Especially right now with a better part of the world stuck indoors, and dopamine levels running dangerously low, an adrenaline rush inducing movie is just what we all need sometimes. And suffice it to say, the temporary shut-down of normal life has given me a lot of time to explore the thriller genre, and explore it thoroughly.
So, I thought I should share what I'd classify under the 30 best thriller movies on Netflix India, for those obsessed with high-octane, pulse-quickening film experiences: February, 2024
Action Thriller and Horror Movies
1. The Town
Director: Ben Affleck
Star Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Blake Lively
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Image Courtesy: JustWatch
One of the best thriller movies on Netflix currently, The Town is a fast-paced story revolving around a bank robbery, and the leader of the group planning the heist. It's surprisingly emotionally loaded despite being one of those high-speed action movies on Netflix India. The movie is also packed with stellar performances, and Ben Affleck's role as an actor, director as well as the writer is perfectly executed. Without a shadow of a doubt, this film qualifies as one of the finest ensemble movies to come out in recent times. You can also watch it on Amazon Prime India.
2. The Bourne Ultimatum
Director: Paul Greengrass
Star Cast: Matt Damon, Edgar Ramírez, Joan Allen
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Image Courtesy: Moviemania
If you claim to be a veteran thriller fan, chances are you've already seen this Matt Damon starring blockbuster. If not, boy are you in for a ride! It's more often than not purported to be one of the best action thriller movies on Netflix India, and in the general world of movies, thanks to its intelligent, gripping storyline and fantastic, suspenseful screenplay. The final instalment of the Bourne trilogy is usually considered to be the favourite pick, and once you witness the slick, action-packed film it quickly becomes clear why. Also, Matt Damon guys! Also, if you do not have a Netflix subscription, you can always watch it on Amazon Prime.
3. The Commuter
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Star Cast: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Image Courtesy: The New Yorker
How many times have you spent your time travelling to work, day-dreaming about something uber-cool and thrilling happening to you mid-commute? Thankfully, here's a movie that will fuel your imagination further! This intense action thriller revolves around an ex-cop who gets caught in the middle of a menacing conspiracy, while commuting to his current job as an insurance salesman. Liam Neeson has got to be the master of the genre of action-thrillers, and his role as a total badass in this movie is no different.
4. Non-Stop
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Star Cast: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Image Courtesy: Netflix
Case in point, Liam Neeson might be one-dimensional in his roles, but he plays that one dimension like nobody else can! This action-packed film is a classic "who dun it", and does a brilliant job at keeping you guessing till the very end. A thriller on a plane might come across as a bit of a cliche, which is why this movie tends to pleasantly surprise its viewers with unique content. It's full of edge-of-the-seat scenes and has plenty of shady characters to pin your suspicions on.
5. Body Of Lies
Director: Ridley Scott
Star Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Image Courtesy: Netflix
Look, I know CIA plots are overdone to death in American cinema, but those who do manage to crack it end up giving us exceptional films. And that's pretty much the case with this Leonardo Di Caprio starring action-thriller flick. Body Of Lies is an espionage film, that's a cut about the rest of its kind, and that's not just due to the remarkable cast performances. It's an intense movie with a storyline that sucks you right in, and the clever execution of the script is all the more enamouring!
Crime Thriller Movies
1. Zodiac
Director: David Fincher
Star Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Image Courtesy: CinemaBlend
As someone whose favourite relaxing activity is reading about deranged serial murderers, I might be a tad biased to this subgenre. And Zodiac is the central point of this obsession. I'll be honest here, I'd pretty much watch anything with Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey, and Mark Ruffalo individually, so the fact that the three team up in this insanely intriguing movie was a sure-shot reinforcement. But, the hair-raising slow burn is so unexpectedly brilliant, you end up binging through it with your mouth agape. If you have the attention span of a gold-fish, this might not be the thriller for you, but if the brutal, diabolical Zodiac killer has ever caught your attention, I'd highly recommend you stream this one-of-a-kind serial killer movie. Also, in my humble opinion, anything directed by David Fincher HAS to be checked out!
2. Se7en
Director: David Fincher
Star Cast: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Image Courtesy: IMDb
I will never, not recommend this movie. One of my personal all-time favourite thrillers I've ever had the fortune of watching and being amazed by, this David Fincher directed flick is an absolute class act. It's one of those crime thrillers on Netflix that end up messing with your head, but in a great way. It's not your typical cop action film, but rather a gripping, dark tale that is exceptionally crafted, and clever with its revelations. The cast is fantastic, with powerhouses like Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey presenting some of their finest performances to date.
3. Raat Akeli Hain
Director: Honey Trehan
Star Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Aditya Srivastav
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Image Courtesy: Film Companion
The genre of thrillers in Bollywood is cheesy and predictable more often than not, which is what makes this 2020 release such a remarkably pleasant surprise. It's a dark murder mystery, that's been elevated to a permanent feature under lists of the best thriller movies on Netflix India, thanks to the gritty performances by Nawazzudin and Radhika Apte. Raat Akeli Hai is a great representation of the transition in Indian cinema, from cliched romantic love-triangles to well-executed stories and meaningful content.
4. The Interview
Director: Craig Monahan
Star Cast: Hugo Weaving, Tony Martin, Aaron Jeffery
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Image Courtesy: Netflix
For whatever reason, this movie does not get half the credit it deserves as one of the best crime thrillers on Netflix. But trust us when we say this, this one is absolutely unmissable. This Australian mind-bending thriller is certainly not for the weak-hearted and keeps you questioning every person that you encounter until the very end of the movie. The Interview revolves around the interrogation that takes place between a detective and a suspect believed to be involved in gruesome serial slayings, and does so with extraordinary finesse, intelligent plot twists, and a riveting plotline.
5. The Departed
Director: Martin Scorsese
Star Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Image Courtesy: USA Today
Arguably one of the most famous thriller movies on this list, The Departed has more than earned its outstanding reputation as an exceptional film. If you're looking for an exhilarating thriller, picking something by Martin Scorsese is guaranteed to be a great decision, and this flick is no different. No mincing words, this movie does get violent and bloody, but it's not a story you will watch for the gore, but rather despite it. Let's just say, there's a reason The Departed is considered to be one of the cinematic masterpieces of the 21st century. It is also one more the most watched movie on Amazon Prime.
Also Read: The 25 Best Shows To Binge-Watch On Netflix India
Political Thrillers
1. Argo
Director: Ben Affleck
Star Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Image Courtesy: Boston Magazine
If you love nail-biters and movies full of suspense, this political thriller on Netflix India deserves to be on your radar. Argo is an intense movie based on the 1979 Iranian hostage situation involving 6 Americans. True to his form, Ben Affleck stands out as an actor, as well as the director, and Argo is every bit visually astounding. If that isn't enough motivation, Argo's cast has Bryan Cranston being someone other than Walter White!
2. Madras Cafe
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Star Cast: John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri, Raashi Khanna
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Image Courtesy: Youtube HD Link
Madras Cafe is a seriously underrated Bollywood movie, one that deserves a lot more recognition and praise for its intellectual, riveting script and brilliant execution as one of the best political thrillers to have graced Bollywood. It's a gripping retelling of factual events, upheld by striking visuals, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and a certain ability to make you squirm in anticipation. Another such movie is Balta House, which you can watch on Amazon Prime.
3. The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Director: Mira Nair
Star Cast: Riz Ahmed, Liev Schreiber, Kiefer Sutherland
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Image Courtesy: Monmouth University
A magnificently crafted movie that does not shy away from the truth one bit, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is one of those extremely clever political thrillers on Netflix India that drive their point across by intriguing you thoroughly. Think of this movie as the initiation of a dialogue that's been long overdue, and with this film we get to witness the side of the story often neglected. The story is about a young Pakistani immigrant whose thriving life as a Wallstreet corporate professional comes to a halt in the wake of 9/11. Check this amazing movie on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
4. V For Vendetta
Director: James McTeigue
Star Cast: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image Courtesy: Amazon
If you haven't seen this genius movie yet, trust me you're missing out. V For Vendetta is considered to be one of the most spectacular thriller movies of all-time, and rightfully so. This politically charged thriller on Netflix India ends up making you question the idea of freedom, and the fight for it. V For Vendetta is exciting, it's thrilling and it's entirely heartbreaking. I don't want to give much away, but if you haven't experienced this masterpiece yet, stream it right away!
5. Zero Dark Thirty
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Star Cast: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Image Courtesy: Davis Enterprise
Ever been curious about how the most notorious terrorist in history, was successfully hunted? If you answered in affirmative, you need to watch this thriller movie on Netflix India. A high-quality and commendably realistic depiction of the CIA's long search for Osama Bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty is delightfully dark and gritty. You can also watch this best thriller movie on Amazon Prime.
Psychological Thriller Movies
1. The Platform
Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Star Cast: Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Image Courtesy: Polygon
I'm not really sure how to sum up this disturbing thriller, except for in terms of its undeniable ability to stimulate you cerebrally. The Platform is a tremendously intelligent and interesting movie, that opens up the doors for subjective interpretation. The plot is centred around the idea of a vertical prison, with a suspended level replacing the concept of a single cell. The movie is powerful and the plot gets bizarre at certain occasions but it's totally thrilling til the very last scene.
2. Gone Girl
Director: David Fincher
Star Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Image Courtesy: Time Magazine
Gone Girl is the embodiment of a perfect psychological thriller, packed with engrossing content, heartwrenching scenes, and shocking disclosures. It's truly one of the best thriller movies on Netflix India, one that will surely keep you guessing till the very end. Each twist and turn in the movie is a powerful shove for the viewer, enhanced remarkably by the excellent cast performances. Also, this movie reiterates what I said earlier, very few can parallel David Fincher's awe-inspiring brilliance as a director. It is also listed as one of the most watch movie on Amazon Prime.
3. Shutter Island
Director: Martin Scorsese
Star Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image Courtesy: IndieWire
Another classic by Scorsese, Shutter Island is a movie that you just won't be able to fathom until the end credits begin to roll. It defines the notion of an ideal psychological drama, full of beguiling questions that remain largely unanswered until the last couple of minutes of the movie. The twists are the kind that can give you whiplash, and the entire movie will mess with your mind big time and trust me, you will love every minute of it!
4. Room
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Star Cast: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Image Courtesy: Variety
Phenomenal acting, world-class screenplay and perfection in the form of cinematic direction, these are a few things that sum up Room's brilliance as one of the best psychological thrillers on Netflix India to be released in recent times. The plot is absolutely captivating, and that's putting it mildly. Based on the story of a boy and his mother who are held captive without so much as a glance into the outside world, for over 7 years, Room is emotionally striking and poignant, and makes for an infinitely deep experience you won't forget anytime soon.
5. Fracture
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Star Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, David Strathairn
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Image Courtesy: WordPress
Endlessly captivating, Fracture remains one of the most underrated psychological thrillers on Netflix India. It perfectly straddles the genres of crime, thriller, mystery, court drama and psychology, mixing the themes to churn out an elaborate yet authentic story. In all honesty, I started the film solely because of Ryan Gosling's presence (heart eyes) but walked away with a lot, LOT more than just the lead's good looks.
Also Read: Rely On The Best Inspirational Movies On Netflix To Get Your Motivation Up!
Sci-Fi Thrillers
1. A Quiet Place
Director: John Krasinski
Star Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Image Courtesy: The Jakarta Post
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski happen to be two of my most favourite people on the planet (leaving aside my family and close friends, of course) but that's not all that makes The Quiet Place a fascinating film. Needless to say, the cast performances are more than remarkable, but it's the steady unfurling of a highly engrossing premise that holds your attention captive throughout the entirety of the movie. Indisputably one of the best sci-fi thriller movies on Netflix India, A Quiet Place is an unsettling journey of a film you must set out on.
2. Ender's Game
Director: Gavin Hood
Star Cast: Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Image Courtesy: NY Daily News
I'll admit I watched this movie after I watched Sex Education, which is what made Asa's excellent performance all the more striking. I'll also admit, that as someone who read the book before she watched the movie, I have an irreplaceable soft spot for the former. But the movie does come notably close to doing justice to the cinematic portrayal. The Ender's Game is an exciting science fiction adventure, especially recommended for those unaware of the story and how it ends.
3. Annihilation
Director: Alex Garland
Star Cast : Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Image Courtesy: The New Yorker
A refreshing, atmospheric science-fiction thriller on Netflix India, Annihilation is delightfully creepy. There's no denying the gaping plot holes in the film, but the movie is so entertaining it's entirely forgivable. It's an abstract, mesmerising film experience that awaits at the end of this thriller flick, and the scenes are visually stunning throughout.
4. Gravity
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Star Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Image Courtesy: The Verge
Imagine if you were stranded in space with just another person. Can't? Well, Gravity will do it for you! Full of great visuals, mind-boggling special effects, and profound messages related to humanity, Gravity is well-worth all the hype that surrounded the film when it first released. It's the accurate portrayal of the frightening surreal beauty of space that makes Gravity a must-watch for lovers of sci-fi thrillers.
5. Passengers
Director: Morten Tyldum
Star Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Image Courtesy: Empire
Jennifer Lawrence! Chris Pratt! Seriously, do you need more reasons? Passengers is a hauntingly beautiful sci-fi thriller, one that remains largely underrated despite its cinematic excellence. It's a highly enjoyable film that tends to catch you unawares with its meaningful musings. Passengers hits the sweet spot between science fiction, romance, thrill and intriguing drama, so trust the positive reviews and give this one a watch!
Mystery Movies
1. Primal Fear
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Star Cast: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Image Courtesy: WordPress
Primal Fear is one of the most famous classics under the category of great mystery movies, and there's a reason for that. This quintessential old-fashioned thriller comes with a surprisingly contemporary twist, and Edward Norton's top-notch performance in his film debut, manages to chill you to your very bones. Richard Gere isn't too far behind either, and his remarkably smooth execution of an arrogant lawyer adds a generous dollop of suave to the gritty film.
2. Mystic River
Director: Clint Eastwood
Star Cast: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Image Courtesy: Empire
A highly, HIGHLY underrated movie, this one honestly deserves a lot more recognition than it gets. This Clint Eastwood mystery flick is a superb portrayal of a tragic story, one that gives you a deceptive first impression and paves the way for puzzling questions. It's well-directed, and the cast performances are absolutely fantastic.
3. A Cure For Wellness
Director: Gore Verbinski
Star Cast: Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs, Mia Goth
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Image Courtesy: The New York Times
Creeeepy. This is one of those mystery movies on Netflix India that are a total treat to the eyes, full of stunning visuals and scenery. The premise is immensely interesting, centred around a young executive sent to fetch his CEO from a "wellness centre" in the Alps. The setting of this flick is truly enchanting, and the story is packed with smart Aha! moments.
4. Unknown
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Star Cast: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Image Courtesy: Collider
Surprise, surprise, Liam Neeson, again! Unknown is a classic mystery full of intriguing suspense, revolving around a man who finds his identity stolen after waking up from a coma. It's a finely constructed thriller that's certainly worth a bit more than what the reviews indicate. The older Liam Neeson gets, the more expertise he develops in his driven-madman thriller roles, and in Unknown we witness a lot of that brilliance.
5. Drishyam
Director: Nishikant Kamat
Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Tabu
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Image Courtesy - IMDb
"Is this movie as good as they say it is?" No, it's not. It's better. I'm not going to say anything, but if you haven't watched this Bollywood mystery masterpiece yet, do yourself a favour and stream it right away!
Also Read: An Inventory Of The 40 Best Bollywood Movies On Netflix India
These movies are bound to get you buzzing with excitement, emotion and exhilaration. Just take your pick and watch the flick!
FAQs:
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