Top 25 Thrillers to Watch on Netflix

Netflix offers a vast collection of thrillers that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. From psychological mind-benders to intense crime dramas, here are the top 25 thrillers you must watch on Netflix:

The Batman
Irrata
What Happened to Monday
Panic Room
Inception
Talvar
Blade Runner 2049
Badla
Maharaja
Joker
Gone Girl
Bird Box
Article 15
The Ritual
Searching
The Guilty
Gone Baby Gone
Super Deluxe
The Good Nurse
Karthik Calling Karthik
Kaminey
The Platform
Luckiest Girl Alive
I’m Thinking of Ending Things
Talaash

1. The Batman (2022) – Dir. Matt Reeves

Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” redefines the iconic superhero as a gritty detective in a crime-ridden Gotham City. Bruce Wayne, donning the cape and cowl, faces off against a chilling villain, the Riddler, who is systematically eliminating Gotham’s elite. As Batman explores deeper into the case, he uncovers shocking truths about the city’s corruption and his own family’s dark legacy.

This film is a visually stunning, atmospheric thriller that explores the thin line between justice and vengeance.

2. Irrata (2023) – Dir. Rohit M.G. Krishnan

In “Irrata,” a police investigation takes center stage, unraveling a web of deceit and moral ambiguity. This gripping tale explores into the complex nature of justice, where the lines between right and wrong blur. As the investigation progresses, dark secrets come to light, making it clear that truth can be as twisted as the crimes themselves.

3. What Happened to Monday (2017) – Dir. Tommy Wirkola

Set in a dystopian future where overpopulation has led to a one-child policy, “What Happened to Monday” follows seven identical sisters who live under one identity. When one of the sisters goes missing, the others must risk exposure to find her. This high-concept thriller combines elements of science fiction and action, delivering a tense and thought-provoking ride.

4. Panic Room (2002) – Dir. David Fincher

David Fincher’s “Panic Room” is a masterclass in suspense. A mother and daughter, played by Jodie Foster and a young Kristen Stewart, are trapped in a high-tech safe room by intruders who will stop at nothing to get what they want. The film’s claustrophobic setting and relentless pacing make it a nail-biting experience from start to finish.

5. Inception (2010) – Dir. Christopher Nolan

“Inception” is a mind-bending thriller that explores the boundaries of dreams and reality. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a thief who specializes in stealing secrets from within the subconscious.

To erase his criminal record, he must pull off the impossible: planting an idea in someone’s mind. Christopher Nolan’s direction, coupled with stunning visual effects, makes this film a cerebral and visually striking experience.

6. Talvar (2015) – Dir. Meghna Gulzar

Based on the real-life 2008 Noida double murder case, “Talvar” is a gripping crime drama that examines the investigation of a teenage girl’s brutal murder. The film presents multiple perspectives, leaving the audience to question what truly happened. With its intricate narrative and powerful performances, it’s a thought-provoking exploration of justice and truth.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – Dir. Denis Villeneuve

In “Blade Runner 2049,” a replicant blade runner uncovers a secret that threatens the fabric of society. His journey leads him to Rick Deckard, a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to the iconic “Blade Runner” is a visually stunning, existential thriller that explores into the nature of humanity and artificial life.

8. Badla (2019) – Dir. Sujoy Ghosh

“Badla” is a tense and twisty thriller where a successful businesswoman accused of murder hires a prestigious lawyer to clear her name. As the investigation unfolds, layers of deception are peeled back, leading to an unpredictable climax. This Indian remake of the Spanish thriller “The Invisible Guest” keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

9. Maharaja (2024) – Dir. Nithilan Swaminathan

In “Maharaja,” a barber seeks vengeance after his home is robbed. He informs the police that his “Lakshmi” has been stolen, leaving them to wonder if it’s a person or an object. The film is a suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected twists, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

10. Joker (2019) – Dir. Todd Phillips

“Joker” is a psychological thriller that explores into the origin of one of Gotham City’s most infamous villains. Arthur Fleck, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, is a mentally ill comedian who descends into madness and chaos, ultimately transforming into the Joker. The film is a dark and disturbing character study that challenges societal norms and the concept of sanity.

11. Gone Girl (2014) – Dir. David Fincher

David Fincher’s “Gone Girl” is a chilling thriller about the disappearance of a woman and the media frenzy that ensues. As the investigation progresses, shocking secrets about the marriage come to light, turning the story into a complex web of lies, deceit, and manipulation.

12. Bird Box (2018) – Dir. Susanne Bier

In “Bird Box,” a post-apocalyptic thriller, a mother and her children must navigate through a world where unseen entities cause people to commit suicide upon sight. Blindfolded, they embark on a perilous journey to find safety. The film’s tension and atmosphere create a relentless sense of dread that keeps viewers hooked.

13. Article 15 (2019) – Dir. Anubhav Sinha

“Article 15” tackles the harsh realities of caste-based discrimination in rural India. The film follows a newly appointed police officer who investigates the disappearance of three young girls. As he uncovers the deep-seated corruption and injustice, he is faced with moral and ethical dilemmas that test his resolve.

14. The Ritual (2017) – Dir. David Bruckner

“The Ritual” is a horror-thriller that follows four friends on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness. When they encounter an ancient evil, they are forced to confront their darkest fears. The film’s eerie atmosphere and psychological tension make it a chilling experience.

15. Searching (2018) – Dir. Aneesh Chaganty

“Searching” is a unique thriller told entirely through digital screens. A father uses his daughter’s laptop to piece together clues about her disappearance, leading him down a rabbit hole of secrets. The film’s innovative storytelling and suspenseful narrative make it a standout in the genre.

16. The Guilty (2021) – Dir. Antoine Fuqua

“The Guilty” is a tense, single-location thriller where a demoted police officer working at a dispatch desk receives a distressing call about a kidnapping. With limited resources, he must race against time to save the victim. The film’s intense pacing and claustrophobic setting heighten the tension.

17. Gone Baby Gone (2007) – Dir. Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck’s directorial debut, “Gone Baby Gone,” is a gritty crime thriller set in Boston. Two private investigators search for a missing girl, uncovering a web of corruption and moral complexity. The film’s dark tone and ethical dilemmas make it a compelling watch.

18. Super Deluxe (2019) – Dir. Thiagarajan Kumararaja

“Super Deluxe” intertwines multiple stories over the course of a single day in Chennai. From a couple dealing with an unexpected event to a boy confronting his father’s hidden life, the film is a genre-bending thriller that explores societal norms and individual choices.

19. The Good Nurse (2022) – Dir. Tobias Lindholm

“The Good Nurse” tells the true story of a nurse who discovers that her colleague may be responsible for a series of suspicious patient deaths. As she digs deeper, she risks her life to uncover the truth. The film is a gripping exploration of trust, ethics, and the pursuit of justice.

20. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010) – Dir. Vijay Lalwani

In “Karthik Calling Karthik,” a reclusive man begins receiving mysterious phone calls from someone claiming to be himself. As he follows the caller’s instructions, his life takes dramatic and unforeseen turns. This psychological thriller keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

21. Kaminey (2009) – Dir. Vishal Bhardwaj

“Kaminey” is a gritty crime thriller about two estranged twin brothers who get embroiled in the Mumbai underworld. With a case of mistaken identity and a stolen drug consignment, the film is a rollercoaster of action, suspense, and dark humor.

22. The Platform (2019) – Dir. Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia

“The Platform” is a dystopian thriller set in a vertical prison where inmates are fed via a platform that descends through the levels. As the food runs out, survival becomes a brutal battle. The film is a stark commentary on social inequality and human nature.

23. Luckiest Girl Alive (2022) – Dir. Mike Barker

“Luckiest Girl Alive” follows a successful writer whose seemingly perfect life unravels as she confronts traumatic events from her past. The film is a psychological thriller that explores into themes of identity, trauma, and societal expectations.

24. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020) – Dir. Charlie Kaufman

Charlie Kaufman’s “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is a surreal and psychological thriller that challenges perceptions of reality. A young woman on a road trip with her boyfriend begins to question everything about their relationship and her own sanity.

As they visit his parents’ secluded farm, the lines between past, present, and future blur, leading to a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking experience. The film’s abstract narrative and haunting atmosphere make it a unique entry in the thriller genre.

25. Talaash (2012) – Dir. Reema Kagti

“Talaash” is a suspenseful thriller that combines elements of crime, mystery, and the supernatural. A police officer, played by Aamir Khan, investigates a high-profile murder that leads him to confront his own past traumas. As he explores deeper into the case, he encounters eerie occurrences that suggest something otherworldly is at play.

The film’s eerie tone, combined with its emotional depth, creates a captivating and haunting experience.

These 25 thrillers on Netflix offer a wide range of suspenseful and thrilling experiences, each with its own unique take on the genre. Whether you’re in the mood for a psychological mind-bender, a gritty crime drama, or a dystopian nightmare, this list has something for every thriller enthusiast.

So grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a binge-worthy journey through the darker side of cinema.

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