30 Best Thriller Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb (2024)

Whether it’s mixed with action, crime, or even sci-fi, thrillers are meant to get viewers on the edge of their seats, waiting (or dreading) to see what happens next. The established genre definitely has countless fans who enjoy the suspense and tension that often accompany the twisty narratives from the greatest thriller movies.

IMDb – a platform for film buffs – has made it easy for fans of the genre who are looking for must-see thrillers. The highest-rated thriller movies on the site are almost always award-winning classics that represent the best that the genre has to offer. These top thriller movies include genre-defining classics like Psycho, international hits like Parasite, and even gritty superhero movies like The Dark Knight. Fans who have gone through the top 10 thriller movies as voted by users on IMDb and are looking for more heart-pounding flicks to watch only need to go a bit further down the list to find more classic, critically acclaimed, and essential thrillers.

30 'Jurassic Park' (1993)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park is a thrilling sci-fi masterpiece that follows paleontologists Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) on a thrilling adventure. Invited by billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) to preview his theme park populated by cloned dinosaurs, the scientists suddenly have to fight for their survival when the park’s security system fails.

Jurassic Park wasn't just a blockbuster, it was a game-changer. Several factors contributed to its enduring success. For one, Spielberg's masterful direction builds suspense with iconic scenes like the T-Rex attack. Secondly, the film boasted groundbreaking special effects for its time. These effects created incredibly realistic dinosaurs that captivated audiences with their terrifying grandeur. It revolutionized filmmaking with its use of CGI and sparked a renewed fascination with dinosaurs, influencing countless movies, video games, and theme park attractions to this day.

Jurassic Park

PG-13

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Release Date

June 11, 1993

Director

Steven Spielberg

Cast

Sam Neill , Laura Dern , Jeff Goldblum , Richard Attenborough , Bob Peck , Martin Ferrero

Runtime

127

29 'No Country for Old Men' (2007)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

The unforgiving Texas landscape sets the stage for a brutal game of cat and mouse in No Country for Old Men. In the movie, Josh Brolin delivers a captivating performance as Llewelyn Moss, a man who makes a fateful decision that throws his life into chaos. He becomes the target of Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), a chillingly methodical hitman. As Moss desperately tries to outrun his pursuer, weary Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) wrestles with the violence that engulfs his once-peaceful jurisdiction.

The movie seamlessly blends action sequences with moments of quiet contemplation. One particularly memorable scene features Llewelyn’s desperate run through a deserted Texas border town. The silence is shattered by bursts of violence, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, unsure of what horror awaits Moss around every corner. No Country for Old Men’s dark elements are presented without judgment, leaving viewers to grapple with their own existential dread.

No Country for Old Men

R

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Release Date

November 8, 2007

Director

Ethan Coen , Joel Coen

Cast

Tommy Lee Jones , Javier Bardem , Josh Brolin , Woody Harrelson , Kelly Macdonald , Garret Dillahunt

Runtime

122 Minutes

28 'Kill Bill: Vol. 1' (2003)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 offers a blood-soaked good time for thriller fans. In it, a vengeful heroine named the Bride (Uma Thurman), wakes up from a coma with one thing on her mind: payback. Her hit list includes the formidable O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu), the Yakuza boss who favors a katana, and the cunning Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), whose weapon of choice is poison. But eliminating them is only part of the mission — the Bride's ultimate goal is to find her former lover, the architect of her suffering.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 offers viewers an original story and action-packed visuals as it is the director’s first audacious approach to the revenge thriller genre. The film cleverly pays tribute to classic martial arts and film noir, which is further elevated by Thurman’s captivating performance as the Bride. The movie’s stylized violence, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable soundtrack have contributed to the film's instant cult classic status.

Kill Bill Vol. 1

R

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Release Date

October 10, 2003

Director

Quentin Tarantino

Cast

Uma Thurman , Lucy Liu , Vivica A. Fox , Daryl Hannah , David Carradine , Michael Madsen

Runtime

111 minutes

27 'L.A. Confidential' (1997)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

L.A. Confidential is a neo-noir movie based on James Ellroy's acclaimed novel. It takes viewers on a thrilling ride through a city brimming with corruption and violence, following three LAPD officers who find themselves at the center of a brutal murder investigation. However, the detectives soon find that they’re in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens to bring the entire department down.

The movie successfully gets under the viewers' skin with its juxtaposition of classic noir elements with heart-pounding action sequences, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. But beyond the thrills, the film offers a nuanced exploration of human nature. A powerful scene featuring Exley's (Guy Pearce) confrontation with Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger) exposes the darkness lurking beneath the glamorous facade of 1950s Los Angeles. L.A. Confidential’s eerie cinematography and meticulous production design will transport viewers right back to a dark and captivating era.

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26 'Prisoners' (2013)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Prisoners is a gripping abduction thriller movie by director Denis Villeneuve. The protagonist of the movie is Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), a man whose world crumbles when his daughter and her friend disappear. Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) leads the investigation, but with no leads, frustration grows. Facing an unyielding police force and a seemingly hopeless situation, Keller takes drastic measures, driven by his unwavering love for his child.

The film is filled with suspenseful moments, like the brutal interrogation of Keller by the prime suspect. Another turning point arrives when Loki unearths a key piece of evidence, setting the stage for a revelation that has shocked viewers. Prisoners transcends the typical thriller genre by refusing to offer easy answers and instead presenting a morally complex scenario that will surely stay with viewers.

Prisoners

R

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Release Date

September 18, 2013

Director

Denis Villeneuve

Cast

Hugh Jackman , Jake Gyllenhaal , Viola Davis , Maria Bello , Terrence Howard , Melissa Leo

Runtime

153

25 'Double Indemnity' (1944)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Director Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity is a classic crime thriller and standard-setting film noir that stars Fred MacMurray as insurance salesman Walter Neff. The film follows the protagonist as he is ensnared in a deadly web of deceit after meeting the seductive Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). Together, they come up with a plan to murder her husband and claim a hefty insurance payout through a double indemnity policy.

A quintessential example of the film noir genre, Double Indemnity has a timeless appeal bolstered by moody cinematography, morally ambiguous characters, and suspenseful atmosphere. While it's more noir than thriller, it undeniably falls into both categories and is a fantastic example of old films that have held up well.

Double Indemnity

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Release Date

July 6, 1944

Director

Billy Wilder

Cast

Fred MacMurray , Barbara Stanwyck , Edward G. Robinson , Byron Barr

Runtime

107 minutes

24 'North by Northwest' (1959)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

North by Northwest is a gripping spy thriller movie that fully explores a story of mistaken identity. One of the best Alfred Hitchco*ck movies of all time, it revolves around Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), an advertising executive who is mistaken for a government agent and thrust into a perilous world of espionage and intrigue.

As the protagonist attempts to clear his name and survive a relentless pursuit, viewers are taken along for the wild ride, featuring some iconic American landmarks. Setting a new benchmark for the thriller genre, Hitchco*ck's meticulous craftsmanship shines through in every scene, from the iconic crop-dusting sequence to the thrilling climax on Mount Rushmore. It's a wild ride from start to finish, and one that must be seen to be believed.

North By Northwest

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Release Date

December 18, 1959

Director

Alfred Hitchco*ck

Cast

Cary Grant , Eva Marie Saint , James Mason , Jessie Royce Landis , Leo G. Carroll , Josephine Hutchinson

Runtime

136 minutes

23 'M' (1931)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

M is a chilling and groundbreaking classic German thriller that stars Peter Lorre as Hans Beckert, a child murderer in a German city. It follows the relentless pursuit of Beckert by both the police and the criminal underworld, where his heinous actions have earned him a bad reputation among other criminals.

Directed by Fritz Lang, the film combines elements from the suspense, thriller, and mystery genres to weave its absorbing manhunt-centered story. It was notable for being Lang's first sound film and for its cinematographic innovations like long tracking shots, which is a technique that's still used today. Its controversial topic was also groundbreaking for its time, lending the film a dark and intriguing vibe that garnered it attention from both curious viewers and critics.

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22 'Vertigo' (1958)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

A classic psychological thriller by director Alfred Hitchco*ck, Vertigo follows former police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson (James Stewart), whose fear of heights has led to his retirement from the force. When he's hired by an acquaintance to investigate his wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak), things start to get strange. What's initially supposed to be an easy investigation turns into a mind-bending mystery that begins to play with his mind.

Known for its iconic visual effects, the 1958 film originated the famous "vertigo effect" that was achieved with a dolly zoom. This perfectly complements Vertigo's twisty story and dreamlike sequences, which seamlessly create a wholly unique and Hitchco*ck-ian viewing experience (one that is still regarded among his very best).

Vertigo

PG

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Release Date

May 28, 1958

Director

Alfred Hitchco*ck

Cast

James Stewart , Kim Novak , Barbara Bel Geddes , Tom Helmore , Henry Jones , Raymond Bailey

Runtime

128 mins

21 'Reservoir Dogs' (1992)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Director Quentin Tarantino's 1992 feature-length directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, is a visceral neo-noir crime thriller that left an indelible mark on cinema, and would hint at his massive success and recognizable trademarks in the future. This ensemble crime film revolves around a group of criminals, each identified by a color-coded alias, who are brought together for a heist. However, when the robbery goes awry and trust issues emerge, the film turns into a suspenseful whodunit between the thieves.

Tarantino's unique directorial style is already obvious in the movie, with its razor-sharp dialogue and intensely violent scenes likely being familiar to the filmmaker's fans. It has earned its cult classic status for its offbeat portrayal of the criminal underworld, making it a must-see for those who want something a bit different from the thriller genre.

Reservoir Dogs

R

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See Also

"You're gonna need a bigger boat." The 30 Best Thrillers of All Time, Ranked

Release Date

September 2, 1992

Director

Quentin Tarantino

Cast

Harvey Keitel , Tim Roth , Michael Madsen , Chris Penn , Steve Buscemi , Lawrence Tierney

Runtime

99

20 'Oldboy' (2003)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Oldboy, the director's most infamous film, helped establish Park Chan-wook's reputation for creating disturbing movies with unexpected twists and turns. Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), the protagonist of the neo-noir action film, has just been released from jail when he discovers that he is enmeshed in an extensive plot that is being manipulated by unknown influences.

It is in viewers' best interest to walk into this film with as little prior information as possible about the complicated and provocative events that have contributed to the film's notoriety. Oldboy offers viewers the opportunity to experience a seamless integration of heart-wrenching drama paired with flawlessly choreographed action sequences, all of which contribute to the film's status as an engrossing one that no remake will ever be able to replicate.

Oldboy (2003)

R

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Release Date

November 21, 2003

Director

Park Chan-wook

Cast

Choi Min-sik , Yoo Ji-tae , Kang Hye-jung

Runtime

120 minutes

19 'High and Low' (1963)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, High and Low is a police procedural crime thriller centered on a kidnapping that targets a wealthy man's family. It gets even more complicated when the target, Kingo Gondo (Toshiro Mifune), realizes that the kidnapper has taken the wrong kid, abducting his chauffeur's child instead.

The rest of the movie, which is based on the 1959 novel King's Ransom by Ed McBain, is a nail-biting display of the family and authorities' attempts at safely retrieving the victim. At the same time, it's one of the best crime thriller movies because it tackles the antagonist's motivation, which is inextricably linked to the wealth gap in the country. Every second of the film's runtime benefits from Kurosawa's masterful direction, as there's not a line, visual aspect, or action out of place.

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18 'Witness for the Prosecution' (1957)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Based on the eponymous 1953 play by Agatha Christie, Witness for the Prosecution is a classic legal mystery thriller that depicts a twisty trial centered on Leonard Vole (Tyrone Pole). Set in the Old Bailey in London, the film follows his case after he's accused of murder, with the talented lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) choosing to defend him.

Aside from being a surprisingly heart-pounding thriller, Witness for the Prosecution also has elements of film noir and black comedy to go with its well-written story. It's a masterpiece from the '50s that set the standard for many tropes seen in modern legal thrillers, with its characters influencing notable roles in recent times. That just means that for any cinephile, the 1957 film is one that's worth seeing again today.

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17 'The Lives of Others' (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The Lives of Others marked an important moment in German cinematic history, as it was the first film to tackle the fall of the Berlin Wall with a serious tone. Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the film is set in 1983 East Berlin and follows the experiences of Stasi officer Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), who is tasked with spying on a couple suspected to be traitors to the Communist Party. In the process, he begins to become sympathetic towards them.

A slow-paced thriller, The Lives of Others doesn't rely on action sequences to induce nervousness and fear in viewers. Instead, it looks at the very real consequences of situations outside of individuals' control (like the political climate) on an intimate scale, and how, in the end, humanity can transform hopeless circ*mstances.

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16 'Memento' (2000)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In the neo-noir psychological thriller film Memento, the main character, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), is a man who lives with anterograde amnesia, which means he is unable to form new memories. The former insurance investigator goes on a complicated journey after being brutally assaulted by two assailants who also took his wife's life, which is what prompted him to go on a mission to exact revenge.

The unconventional narrative of Christopher Nolan's mind-bending film is presented in a non-linear form, and the film's two seemingly unrelated tales are meant to symbolize the protagonist's fractured point of view. As Leonard stitches together evidence via his method, which involves the use of Polaroid images and tattoos, since it is the only way for him to recall what he discovers about the assailant, they ultimately start to make more sense.

Memento

R

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Release Date

May 25, 2001

Director

Christopher Nolan

Cast

Guy Pearce , Carrie-Anne Moss , Joe Pantoliano

Runtime

113 minutes

15 'Aliens' (1986)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In this terrific sequel to Alien, Sigourney Weaver reprises her legendary role as Ellen Ripley, who is ultimately rescued after spending decades floating around in space in cryogenic sleep. She quickly becomes a member of a team that is sent to a colony of colonists on a planet that may be inhabited by extraterrestrial beings, and she is disheartened to discover that everyone around her appears to be underestimating the monsters.

James Cameron's Aliens is able to successfully give audiences a wider and more captivating narrative since it has much improved visual effects, expanded ways for world-building, and insight into its characters' motivations. Weaver is also a marvel to watch as an even more badass alien-killing female lead, who forms a heartwarming bond with a kid along the way.

Aliens

R

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Release Date

July 18, 1986

Director

James Cameron

Cast

Sigourney Weaver , Michael Biehn , William Hope , Jenette Goldstein , Carrie Henn , Paul Reiser , Lance Henriksen , Bill Paxton

Runtime

137 minutes

14 'Come and See' (1985)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

One of the highest-rated films on Letterboxd, Come and See is an unflinching anti-war film directed by Elem Klimov. It follows the harrowing journey of the young Florya (Aleksey Kravchenko), who joins the Resistance fighters after German forces continue to invade villages around Byelorussia. The enemies soon hit too close to home.

Come and See uses artistic visuals and sound design to build an overwhelming and disturbing atmosphere. The suspense in the movie only builds as the protagonist is increasingly horrified by his experiences, which highlight the cruelty and absurdity of war. It successfully utilizes both hyperrealism and surrealism to create what is essentially a non-stop vivid nightmare that's a challenge to get through, but a necessary one nonetheless.

Come And See (1985)

Not Rated

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Release Date

September 3, 1985

Director

Elem Klimov

Cast

Aleksey Kravchenko , Olga Mironova , Liubomiras Laucevicius , Vladas Bagdonas

Runtime

142 minutes

13 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Director Christopher Nolan's final entry in his legendary superhero trilogy and also one of the top thriller movies ever, The Dark Knight Rises depicts the end of Batman's (Christian Bale) years of exile. Clearly affected by his perceived role in Harvey Dent's (Aaron Eckhart) fate, Batman is coaxed out of hiding by a potential new ally and a new villain who intends to ruin Gotham, Bane (Tom Hardy).

While it didn't reach the same heights that The Dark Knight did, the 2012 film did a fantastic job of ending the renowned trilogy with its exhilarating story. Bane continues to be an unforgettable antagonist who's still referenced in pop culture today, while Batman is a character that enjoys its enduring reputation as one of the greatest anti-heroes to ever make it from the comic books to the big screen.

The Dark Knight Rises

PG-13

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Release Date

July 16, 2012

Director

Christopher Nolan

Cast

Tom Hardy , Christian Bale , Anne Hathaway , Liam Neeson , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Gary Oldman

Runtime

164 minutes

12 'Joker' (2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In the critically acclaimed psychological thriller film Joker, Arthur Fleck's (Joaquin Phoenix) traumatic past serves as the basis for the character's origin story. The film follows the protagonist as he goes from being a disillusioned local clown hired for parties to being a deranged criminal who stirs up a revolution in the city of Gotham.

When it was first released, the divisive movie received mixed reviews, and there is a good reason for that. Despite the fact that it is deserving of acclaim for its inventiveness and captivating atmosphere, the film does not quite succeed in executing some of its plot points during its most crucial moments. It fails to communicate a clear and conclusive message about the violence that the Joker incites because it pulls its punches when touching on critical themes like the role of institutions in providing help for mental health.

Joker (2019)

R

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Release Date

October 2, 2019

Director

Todd Phillips

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix , Robert De Niro , Zazie Beetz , Frances Conroy , Brett Cullen , Shea Whigham

Runtime

122

11 'Rear Window' (1954)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Audiences are encouraged to take a seat and observe the neighbors from the vantage point of the protagonist, Jeff (James Stewart), in Rear Window. The mystery thriller depicts the narrative of what the injured photographer observes through his window as he rests, which includes a skilled pianist and a mysterious man who seemingly kills his wife. This last observation horrifies the photographer, who conducts an investigation from his room.

Often considered one of director Alfred Hitchco*ck’s best films, the exciting mystery thriller has perfect pacing and visual storytelling, not to mention outstanding one-liners from its likable characters. The engaging movie presents one puzzling clue after another – while serving as clever meta-commentary on voyeurism – all of which lead to the film's ultimately rewarding resolution.

Rear Window

PG

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Release Date

September 1, 1954

Director

Alfred Hitchco*ck

Cast

James Stewart , Grace Kelly , Wendell Corey , Thelma Ritter , Raymond Burr

Runtime

112 minutes