Part 1
Thrillers offer a unique and exciting movie experience, immersing viewers in gripping suspense and adrenaline-fueled scenarios. Thrillers encompass a wide range of genres from psychological horror, to crime and suspense, to even science fiction and action. So, with so many choices, what are the best thriller movies?
Well, depending on your tastes, a great starting point is looking at some of the top rated thriller movies. The psychological horror film “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), directed by Jonathan Demme, is an all-time classic, holding the rare distinction of winning the five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film stars Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster and tells the story of a young FBI agent tasked with searching out a dangerous serial killer known as “Buffalo Bill”. The creeping suspense and unforgettable story are still effective today, over 25 years after its release.
Other must-see classics include the Alfred Hitchcock thriller “Psycho” (1960), about the deranged Norman Bates and his now-iconic motel of horror, the neo-noir “Blade Runner” (1982), directed by Ridley Scott, and the science fiction actioner “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), famous for its spectacular special effects and classic one-liners.
More recent thrillers are also worth checking out. The mystery drama “Memento” (2000), directed by Christopher Nolan, follows a man with short-term memory loss attempts to track down his wife’s murderer, while the psychological thriller “Shutter Island” (2010), starring Leonardo DiCaprio, tells the story of a US Marshal investigating a mysterious island – complete with a twisted, shocking ending.
But what do the experts have to say? According to film and TV critic Deborah Ross, “The best thrillers keep you right on the edge of your seat, playing with moviegoers’ emotions and suspenseful moments. They provide not only a gripping narrative, but plenty of substance and complexity to draw you into the world and make you care about the characters and story.”
Clint Worthington, a freelance film critic, is equally lavish in his praise: “A great thriller movie is a roller coaster for the mind, sending viewers on a wild ride that only ends when the credits roll. There are enough twists and turns — both expected and unexpected — to keep viewers guessing until the very end, but also enough of a sense of narrative momentum that you’re never taken out of the movie.”
Part 2
In light of these expert opinions, let’s look at some of the best thrillers of the last ten years. The action-packed “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015) is often cited as one of the top action thrillers of the decade while “Gone Girl” (2014) is a thrilling, suspenseful look at the dynamics of a marriage gone wrong. The sci-fi horror flick “10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016) is also a standout, with its creepy setting and intense atmosphere.
Other recent popular thrillers include the Stephen King adaptation “It” (2017), the true-story based “The Imitation Game” (2014) and the political action film “The Kingdom” (2007), starring Jamie Foxx. The crime drama “No Country for Old Men” (2007), starring Tommy Lee Jones, is a classic Coen brothers thriller with a shocking twist, while Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island” (2010) takes audiences on a mind-bending journey.
However, the best thriller movies aren’t confined to recent releases. From Alfred Hitchcock’s classic suspenseful film “Rear Window” (1954) to more modern efforts such as “Us” (2019), directed by Jordan Peele, there are plenty of thrilling movies from which to choose.
So, what makes a great thriller? According to David Finnegan-Hosey, a former producer of THRILLERFEST, the best thrillers “create a unique setting in which a compelling story can unfold and characters whose motivations align with those of the audience.” He adds, “The elements of suspense – surprise, anticipation, uncertainty – should be used to enhance the stakes and engagement, while the ‘thrilling’ moments should be balanced with character growth and empathy. It is these elements that make a thriller truly memorable.”
Part 3
Regardless of the time period or genre, a great thriller will always captivate and engage viewers, taking them on a thrilling journey that they won’t soon forget. Whether it’s a classic like “Psycho” or a modern masterpiece such as “Gone Girl”, a well-crafted thriller will draw viewers in and keep them hooked throughout.
For viewers looking for a thrilling experience, there is a wide variety of great thriller movies to choose from. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which ones to watch – which is why experts recommend doing some research and reading reviews before settling on a movie. After all, the best thriller is the one that captures your imagination and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
With so many thrilling stories and characters to explore, it’s no wonder that thrillers are a staple of the movie industry. From classic gems to modern blockbusters, these emotionally charged, adrenaline-fuelled stories can provide an escape into unknown worlds while also challenging viewers to think critically and confront difficult moral issues.
Viewers seeking to explore the genre further can begin by familiarizing themselves with the many subgenres of thriller. These include psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, sci-fi thrillers, horror thrillers, and much more. With the right guidance, viewers can find the perfect movie that will keep them hooked until the very end.
Part 4
Now that we have an understanding of the genre, let’s explore how thrillers have evolved over the years. Through the decades, the genre has seen drastic changes, from the “Whodunit”-style crime thrillers of the 1940s to the science fiction blockbusters of the 1980s.
More recently, the genre has seen a focus on the psychological side, with movies such as “Memento”, “Gone Girl”, and “Shutter Island”. These films are often characterized by their unique settings and characters, as well as their dark themes and unexpected plot twists. While these films may have a different tone than the classic thrillers, they tend to focus on deeper themes, such as morality or mental illness.
Of course, there are also countless thriller films that focus on suspense, being billed as “edge-of-your-seat” experiences. These films provide viewers with a roller coaster of tension and thrills, as they try to unravel the mystery while avoiding certain death. This can be seen in films such as “The Silence of the Lambs”, “Face/Off”, and “Die Hard”.
But no matter the genre, a great thriller movie has the power to captivate and excite viewers. It’s no wonder that thrillers are some of the most popular films of all time. With so many options, it’s easy to find a thrilling story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seat.
Part 5
So, which are the best thriller movies? As always, that depends on personal taste. For those looking for a classic thriller experience, there are plenty of films to choose from, such as “Psycho” and “Rear Window”. For those seeking something a bit more modern, there are films such as “Gone Girl” and “The Imitation Game”.
Those looking to explore further still can find great thrillers from across the decades and from around the world. Some must-see films include “Vertigo” (1958), “The Conversation” (1974), “Duel” (1971), “La Femme Nikita” (1990), “Seven” (1995), “The Departed” (2006), and “The Conjuring” series (2013-2016).
When it comes to thrillers, the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s a classic or a modern masterpiece, the right thriller can provide an unforgettable experience. So, if you’re looking for a movie to get your heart racing, a thriller is always a great choice.
