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40 Best suspense movies as per IMDb that will keep you hooked
Horror suspense or thriller - the best thing about suspense movies is that they keep your heart and mind edgy. Here is a list of top suspense movies as per IMDb that will keep your tensions at bay!
Suspense movies are underrated gems. They take any genre like romance, horror, mystery, or drama and add suspense, making them more exciting and successful. A great suspense film has strong characters, conflict, fast pacing, hints of what's to come, high stakes, and a thrilling vibe. Adding a twist of romance or horror makes it even better than clichéd love stories or boring dramas. People crave excitement in their lives, and suspense movies provide that. They engage viewers, making them think and talk about the plot, creating lively conversations and sleepless nights. IMDb ratings make it easy to pick a great one. So, grab some snacks and enjoy!
40 Best suspense movies as per IMDb: Watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+Hotstar, YouTube
1. The Silence of the Lambs
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Year of Release: 1991
- Run time: 118 minutes (1 hr 58 mins)
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Writer: Jonathan Demme
- Movie Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, and Lawrence A. Bonney
- Awards won: 5 Oscars
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
The psychological horror movie The Silence of the Lambs from 1991 is considered one of the best and most influential movies of all time by reviewers, directors, and general audiences. The "Big Five Awards" at the Oscars were won by the movie, making it the first and only horror picture to badge the most prestigious title. The story covers a tale of Clarice Starling, an outstanding student at the FBI training program, portrayed by Jodie Foster. Dr. Hannibal Lecter is a brilliant psychiatrist who is a vicious psychopath serving a life sentence for several murders and cannibalism that he has committed. The turning point of the story begins with Jack Crawford's request for Clarice to interview him. Crawford thinks that Lecter could have information on a case and that Starling, a beautiful young lady, might be the perfect lure to entice him, which then gives the movie its suspenseful drive.
2. Se7en
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Year of Release: 1995
- Run time: 127 minutes (2 hrs 7 mins)
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: David Fincher
- Movie Cast: Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, and Brad Pitt
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
A series of sophisticated and horrifying killings are discovered as retiring police investigator William Somerset and newly transferred cop David Mills, played by Brad Pitt, work together on their final case. They immediately realize that they are dealing with a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who is selecting victims to represent one of the seven deadly sins. In addition, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow), Mills' wife, becomes a friend of Somerset which makes Tracy concerned about parenting her expectant child in the dangerous city which then fuels the suspense of what William might do further.
3. Psycho
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Year of Release: 1960
- Run Time: 100 minutes (1 hr 49 mins)
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Writer: Alfred Hitchcock
- Movie Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Psycho is a 1960 American psychological horror film that is filled with thrills, created and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Which has also garnered four Academy Award nominations, including best director for Hitchcock and best supporting actress for Leigh. The story centers on a meeting between shy motel proprietor Norman Bates (Perkins) and fugitive embezzler Marion Crane (Leigh). The plot thickens when a private investigator (Balsam), Marion's lover Sam Loomis (Gavin), and her sister Lila (Miles) investigate Marion's disappearance. This is what starts the real story of the movie, which is mixed with all kinds of emotions and won't let your eyes move from one side to the other. In a quest to find Marion, the two meet on a path that is decided by their faith.
4. The Usual Suspects
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Year of Release: 1995
- Run time: 106 minutes (1 hr 46 mins)
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Writer: Bryan Singer
- Movie Cast: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Chazz Palminteri
- Awards won: 2 Oscars
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Nearring Sebastian Koch and Martina Gedeck. The film itflix
The mystery components are mixed with an interesting plot and Spacey's acting which has received accolades. The Academy Award was won by McQuarrie. As this mystery plot revolves around the questioning of small-time con artist Roger "Verbal" Kint, one of only two people who survived a slaughter and fire aboard a ship berthed in the Port of Los Angeles. Kint provides an interrogator with a complicated account of the circumstances that brought him and his band of criminals to the boat as well as information about a mystery crime boss named Keyser Söze who oversaw them through the use of flashback and narrative. The movie's original title was adapted from a column in Spy magazine called 'The Usual Suspects' with a twist that you will never forget or get out of your mind.
5. The Prestige
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Year of Release: 2006
- Run time: 130 minutes (2 hrs 10 mins)
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Christopher Nolan
- Movie Cast: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, and Scarlett Johansson
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
In this period piece set in Edwardian London, two rival magicians who had previously been partners but split up when one of them performed the ultimate magic trick—teleportation—remained friends until the tragic death of a stagehand during a performance. His opponent engages in dangerous new scientific research, pushing himself to the brink of insanity and sacrificing the lives of those near him in a desperate bid to discover the secret of his routine, which then gives a mind-blowing twist and is filled with suspense to see what is discovered and how the deadly magic comes into play.
6. The Lives Of Others
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Year of Release: 2006
- Run time: 137 minutes (2 hrs 17 mins)
- Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
- Writer: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
- Movie Cast: Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, and Sebastian Koch
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
The story revolves around - The playwright Georg Dreyman and his girlfriend Christa-Maria Sieland following the 2006 German drama. Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and starring Sebastian Koch and Martina Gedeck. The film is set in East Germany between 1984 and 1991. In 1984, The Lives of Others begins. The Stasi (the East German Secret Police) employed 100,000 operatives and enlisted some 200,000 informants, according to the opening title. Their aim was to learn everything about other people's lives. Which then put them into a deeper threat, making it difficult to come out of the situation.
7. Momento
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Year of Release: 2000
- Run time: 113 minutes (1 hr 53 mins)
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Christopher Nolan
- Movie Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Joe Pantoliano
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
The central theme of this film is the pursuit of vengeance. Leonard Shelby, an insurance investigator, has anterograde amnesia and searches for the person he believes who killed his wife—the last thing he can recall—using notes and tattoos. The fact that he has a rare, incurable kind of memory loss, however, makes it more challenging to find his wife's killer. Leonard is able to recollect specifics of his life before the accident, but he is unable to recall what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he is going, or why. The suspense that keeps the movie going is whether he will remember his wife's killer and finally take revenge. That is what will make the audience go head over heels for this movie.
8. North by Northwest
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Year of Release: 1959
- Run time: 136 minutes (2 hrs 16 mins)
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- Writer: Alfred Hitchcock
- Movie Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
This film is built around an impossible dilemma that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. In this classic thriller, Cary Grant plays advertising mogul Roger O. Thornhill, who is pursued by spy Phillip Vandamm, played by James Mason. The story starts when he is considered a government agent. Thornhill chooses to go cross-country since he is being hounded brutally by Vandamm's thugs. It is at this time that he meets the stunning and mysterious Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint). Vandamm's thugs are drawing near, putting Thornhill in immediate danger and igniting a number of classic action sequences mixed with romance.
9. To Kill a Mockingbird
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Year of Release: 1962
- Run time: 129 minutes (2 hrs 9 mins)
- Director: Robert Mulligan
- Writer: Robert Mulligan
- Movie Cast: Gregory Peck, John Megna, and Frank Overton
- Awards won: 3 Oscars
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
To Kill a Mockingbird which was penned by American author Harper Lee. When it was published in 1960, it immediately gained popularity. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of a little girl coming of age, as well as a darker drama about the causes and repercussions of racism and prejudice. It also examines how good and evil may coexist inside one community or individual which keeps the suspense of the movie to find the quest for 'Good, and evil'.
10. Shutter Island
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Year of Release: 2010
- Run time: 138 minutes (2 hrs 18 mins)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Writer: Martin Scorsese
- Movie Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, and Mark Ruffalo
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
Your mind will not let you escape from this movie. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new colleague (Mark Ruffalo) are sent to Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like mental institution on a far-off, windswept island, after the improbable escape of a clever murderess. There are indications that awful acts were perhaps carried out inside the hospital's walls, and the lady appears to have disappeared from a closed chamber. As the inquiry progresses, Teddy comes to the realization that if he wants to survive on the island, he will need to face his own dark fears.
11. L.A. Confidential
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Year of Release: 1997
- Run time:138 minutes (2 hrs 18 mins)
- Director: Curtis Hanson
- Writer: Curtis Hanson
- Movie Cast: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce
- Awards won: 2 Oscars
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
The ideological conflict of America not knowing what to do with itself after winning World War II is the central premise of practically every James Ellroy book. L.A. Confidential is a section of his L.A. Quartet, which has this as its central topic. Three LAPD investigators are at the center of the narrative as they look into several killings. The investigation uncovers corruption within their own department as they track down the culprits and the evidence. With its action and thriller storyline, this movie will keep you glued to your screen to know how it will end.
12. The Sixth Sense
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Year of Release: 1999
- Run time: 107 minutes (1 hr 47 mins)
- Director: M. Night Shyamalan
- Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
- Movie Cast: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, and Toni Collette
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist with a practice in Philadelphia, goes home with his wife Anna after receiving recognition for his achievements. Before killing Malcolm and then himself, Vincent Grey, a previous patient Malcolm had treated for hallucinations, barges into their home and accuses Malcolm of failing him, which then takes over the story as we witness what will happen next.
13. Memories of Murder
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Year of Release: 2003
- Run time: 132 minutes (2 hrs 12 mins)
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Writer: Bong Joon Ho
- Movie Cast: Song Kang Ho, Kim Sang Kyung, and Roe Ha Kim
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
When a double killing occurred in a South Korean region in 1986, two detectives named Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) were sent to investigate. After the murderer follows the same pattern of attacks several more times, the police recognize they are hunting the country's first known serial killer. In this true-crime thriller, Park and Jo work together to get the evidence and crack the case using nothing more than their rudimentary tools and skills.
14. Gone Girl
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Year of Release: 2014
- Run time: 149 minutes (2 hrs 29 mins)
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: David Fincher
- Movie Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, and Neil Patrick Harris
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
Formerly headquartered in New York, writer Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and his gorgeous wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) portray a picture of a happy marriage to the general public in Carthage, Missouri. However, Nick is the main suspect in Amy's abduction when she goes missing on the couple's fifth wedding anniversary. The Dunnes' portrayal of a blissful marriage breaks down as a result of police pressure and the media craze, raising intriguing doubts about Nick and Amy's true identities which keeps up the suspense on why he did it and the reason behind his act.
15. 12 Monkeys
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Year of Release: 1995
- Run time: 129 minutes (2 hrs 9 mins)
- Director: Terry Gilliam
- Writer: Terry Gilliam
- Movie Cast: Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
If time travel is on your to-do list, join the renowned Bruce Willis on his epic voyage. As James Cole (Bruce Willis) discovers the hard way, going back in time is not an easy task. James is enlisted for a mission that would return him to the 1990s while he is imprisoned in the 2030s. He is to go there and acquire information on a new epidemic that is due to wipe out the great bulk of humanity. However, except for the hysterical Jeffrey (Brad Pitt), he receives little support, including from medical gatekeepers like Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe) which keeps up the pace of the movie.
16. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Year of Released: 2011
- Run time: 158 minutes (2 hrs 38 mins)
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: David Fincher
- Movie Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, and Christopher Plummer
- Awards won: 1 Oscar
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
The story of journalist Mikael Blomkvist's quest to discover the fate of a wealthy family's missing daughter who vanished 40 years prior. Rooney Mara portrays Lisbeth Salander, while Daniel Craig plays Blomkvist. He asks Salander, a computer hacker, for help. But what keeps people's interest without making them shift their focus is when the two learn more than they had anticipated.
17. Zodiac
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Year of Release: 2007
- Run time: 157 minutes (2 hrs 37 mins)
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: David Fincher
- Movie Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
Robert Graysmith, a cartoonist, finds himself thinking a lot about the Zodiac killer. With the aid of his puzzle-solving skills, he makes progress in locating the murderer. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, San Francisco was gripped by fear as the Zodiac, a serial murderer, prowled the city's neighborhoods. Jake Gyllenhaal, Anthony Edwards, and Mark Ruffalo portray investigators and reporters who get obsessed with identifying the murderer and bringing him to justice. Zodiac continues to murder individuals while tormenting law enforcement with coded messages, cryptic phone conversations, and ciphers.
18. Minority Report
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Year of Release: 2002
- Run time: 145 minutes (2 hrs 25 mins)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Steven Spielberg
- Movie Cast: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, and Samantha Morton
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
The story revolves around how technology has made it possible for police to catch criminals before they do anything wrong. When John Anderton is accused of committing one of these acts, he sets out to refute the claim. The science fiction action thriller "Minority Report" is based on a story by renowned novelist Philip K. Dick and is set in Washington, D.C., in the year 2054. In this city, law enforcement officers catch and punish murderers before they commit their crimes using psychic technology. What sets the story is when Tom Cruise's character is held responsible for the upcoming murder of a guy he has never even met which leads to the quest to uncover discovery.
19. Identity
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Year of Release: 2003
- Run time: 90 minutes (1 hr 30 mins)
- Director: James Mangold
- Writer: James Mangold
- Movie Cast: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, and Amanda Peet
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
In a shocking storyline turn, it is revealed that Malcolm Rivers is actually the 10 strangers' various personalities and that everything is happening inside of his mind as an imagination. The show continues with a scene of ten individuals who are looking for safety at a remote hotel when a violent storm erupts in the Nevada desert. A serial murderer (Pruitt Taylor Vince) who is being treated by psychiatrist Doctor Mallick (Alfred Molina), who has recently discovered the perpetrator's revealing journal, is in the process of being executed for the murders of hotel guests. Limo driver Ed Dakota (John Cusack) makes an effort to stay alive and identify the culprit as the storm-stranded travelers realize they are being murdered one by one.
20. Side Effects
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Year of Release: 2013
- Run time:106 minutes (1 hr 46 mins)
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Writer: Steven Soderbergh
- Movie Cast: Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, and Jude Law
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
Doctor Jonathan Banks prescribes Emily a new drug when her problems don't go away. The subsequent events not only result in her husband's passing but also put Jonathan's future career in jeopardy. Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara) has been anticipating Martin Taylor's release from prison since he was imprisoned for insider trading four years ago. When Martin is finally let out of jail, Emily still feels awful and enters a deep state of melancholy. Following her attempted suicide attempt, psychiatrist Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) suggests a number of medications. He gives Emily new treatment when those don't work, but it kills people and damages lives.
21. Chinatown (1974)
- Genre: Mystery/Drama
- Star Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez, John Hillerman
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Writer: Roman Polanski
- Run time: 2h 10m
- Year of release: 1974
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
"Chinatown" (1974) is a classic American neo-noir film directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. Set in 1937 Los Angeles, it follows private investigator J.J. Gittes as he delves into a complex web of corruption, murder, and deceit within the city's Chinatown district. The film is known for its compelling storyline, evocative cinematography, and a haunting score by Jerry Goldsmith. "Chinatown" has earned its place as a cinematic masterpiece, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and the dark underbelly of society. Its iconic line, "Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown," has become an enduring symbol of moral ambiguity.
22. The Hunt for Red October (1990)
- Genre: Thriller/Action
- Star Cast: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill, James Earl Jones, Joss Ackland, Richard Jordan, Peter Firth.
- Director: John McTiernan
- Writer: Tom Clancy
- Run time: 2h 15m
- Year of release: 1990
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
"The Hunt for Red October" is the first movie based on Tom Clancy's work, and it's still considered the best. Jack Ryan makes his big-screen debut, and Sean Connery plays a Soviet submarine captain who goes rogue and defects to the United States. Ryan must prevent a nuclear war by establishing communication on the high seas. It's a gripping, technical thriller that showcases Clancy's strengths and appeal as a creator.
23. Blow Out (1981)
- Genre: Thriller/Mystery
- Star Cast: John Travolta, Nancy Allen, John Lithgow, Dennis Franz, Peter Boyden
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Writer: Brian De Palma
- Run time: 1h 48m
- Year of release: 1981
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
"Blow Out" is a standout film by the talented Brian De Palma. John Travolta plays a sound expert investigating a political murder, and De Palma's style is incredible. The movie's visuals and sound are stunning. The story is complex and engaging, with great characters and acting from John Lithgow and Nancy Allen. "Blow Out" is inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni's "Blow-Up." Both are must-watches for film enthusiasts.
24. Set It Off (1996)
- Genre: Crime/Action
- Star Cast: Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise, John C. McGinley
- Director: F. Gary Gray
- Writer: Kate Lanier and Takashi Bufford
- Run time: 2h 3m
- Year of release: 1996
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10
"Set It Off" is a 1996 American crime drama film. It tells the story of four women, played by Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise, who turn to robbing banks out of desperation. They're facing financial struggles and unfair treatment. The film explores their struggles, friendships, and the consequences of their actions. Directed by F. Gary Gray, it's a gripping tale of empowerment and the lengths people might go to escape dire circumstances. "Set It Off" remains a classic in American cinema, known for its strong performances and social commentary on issues like inequality and poverty.
25. Promising Young Woman (2020)
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Star Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Clancy Brown, Adam Brody.
- Director: Emerald Fennell
- Writer: Emerald Fennell
- Run time: 1h 53m
- Year of release: 2020
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Emerald Fennell's debut film is a unique blend of candy-coated aesthetics and psychological depth. It's both funny and chilling, unlike anything you've seen before. Carey Mulligan, an Oscar-nominated actress, delivers an outstanding performance as a med school dropout coping with a terrible crime. Promising Young Woman boldly takes on cruelty and indecency, delivering entertainment and a memorable experience.
26. The Constant Gardener (2005)
- Genre: Drama/Drama
- Star Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston, Hubert Koundé, Daniele Harford
- Director: Fernando Meirelles
- Writer: Fernando Meirelles
- Run time: 2h 9m
- Year of release: 2005
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Ralph Fiennes stars in a movie by director Fernando Meirelles, known for City of God. The film is based on John le Carré's book. It's about a British diplomat looking for his wife's killers in Kenya. The same year, Fiennes played Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The Constant Gardener did well in reviews and at the box office. Rachel Weisz won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
27. Dirty Pretty Things (2002)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kriss Dosanjh, Israel Oyelumade, Yemi Goodman Ajibade
- Director: Stephen Frears
- Writer: Stephen Frears
- Run time: 1h 37m
- Year of release: 2002
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Just a year after her success in the international rom-com "Amélie," Audrey Tautou starred in a dark English thriller called "Dirty Pretty Things." She acted alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor from "12 Years a Slave." The movie was directed by Stephen Frears, known for "High Fidelity," and written by Steven Knight, who wrote "Spencer." The gripping and humane story is about immigrants working in a fancy London hotel. They make a shocking discovery: a human heart blocking a toilet. As they dig into this mystery, they uncover a conspiracy. The movie is not only an effective thriller but also a touching story that goes beyond just one genre.
28. Widows (2018)
- Genre: Drama/Drama
- Star Cast: Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Liam Neeson, Jon Bernthal
- Director: Steve McQueen
- Writer: Steve McQueen
- Run time: 2h 9m
- Year of release: 2018
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
Widows, a movie based on a 1980s British TV series, was co-adapted by director Steve McQueen and Gillian Flynn, known for Gone Girl. Viola Davis plays Veronica Rawlings, a representative for the Chicago Teachers Union. Her husband, Harry (played by Liam Neeson), is a high-end thief. In the movie, things go wrong on a job, and Harry's team is blown up in the opening scene. Although it didn't do well at the box office in 2018, Widows is a fantastic and entertaining film. It should be seen by more people. Steve McQueen, known for 12 Years a Slave and Shame, managed to create an action-packed movie that's suitable for a wide audience without losing his unique style.
29. Eastern Promises (2007)
- Genre: Thriller/Crime
- Star Cast: Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen, Armin Mueller-Stahl,Josef Altin
- Director: David Cronenberg
- Writer: Steven Knight
- Run time: 1h 40m
- Year of release: 2007
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
"Eastern Promises," one of David Cronenberg's most refined films, features Viggo Mortensen as a Russian criminal in London. He uncovers serious corruption with the help of a midwife, played by Naomi Watts. The most well-known scene involves Mortensen, completely naked, fighting off two attackers in a Turkish bath. This remarkable performance earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
30. Training Day (2001)
- Genre: Crime/Thriller
- Star Cast: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry, Cliff Curtis
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Writer: David Ayer
- Run time: 2h 2m
- Year of release: 2001
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke star in Antoine Fuqua's crime film. Washington plays a corrupt veteran cop, while Hawke is a rookie on his first day in the LAPD's inner-city narcotics unit. Washington won the Academy Award for Best Actor on a special night at the Oscars. Halle Berry also won Best Actress for "Monster's Ball," and Sidney Poitier received a lifetime achievement award. "Training Day" remains one of Denzel Washington's most iconic roles. He's one of Hollywood's most respected living actors.
31. Drive (2011)
- Genre: Action/Crime
- Star Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac
- Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
- Writer: Nicolas Winding Refn
- Run time: 1h 40m
- Year of release: 2011
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
"Drive" was Nicholas Winding Refn's big break, and many still consider it his best work. It's a movie where style takes the spotlight over the story. Ryan Gosling, though not very talkative, gives a spot-on performance as a stunt driver who gets caught up in the criminal world. What makes "Drive" stand out are the little things. While the basic plot is about crime, how the story unfolds is anything but typical. "Drive" is quietly thrilling, and Refn's direction was so impressive that he won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival.
32. Misery (1990)
- Genre: Horror/Thriller
- Star Cast: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Writer: Rob Reiner
- Run time: 1h 47m
- Year of release: 1990
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
The Academy usually doesn't give horror movies much attention. But, Kathy Bates won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in "Misery." She played a crazy fan who kidnaps her favorite author, James Caan, during a snowstorm. She forces him to write stories for her. Even though it's been almost 30 years since it came out, "Misery" is still a really scary movie. It's unsettling in a good way and can be tough to watch because of how intense it is.
33. The Handmaiden (2016)
- Genre: Romance/Drama
- Star Cast: Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong, Moon So-ri
- Director: Park Chan-wook
- Writer: Park Chan-wook
- Run time: 2h 24m
- Year of release: 2016
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
"The Handmaiden" is an exciting and surprising romantic thriller that might catch you off guard. It's about a rich Japanese woman and a Korean pickpocket who fall in love, but there are some powerful and controlling men in their way. If you don't mind reading subtitles, and you're okay with some intense scenes and a long runtime, you'll have a great time with this movie. It even won a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
34. Dressed to Kill (1980)
- Genre: Thriller/Mystery
- Star Cast: Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen, Keith Gordon, Dennis Franz, David Margulies, Ken Baker, Susanna Clemm.
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Writer: Brian De Palma
- Run time: 1h 46m
- Year of release: 1980
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Since 1960, many thrillers have been inspired by Psycho, but none quite as intriguing as De Palma's Dressed to Kill. This suspenseful movie features Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, and Nancy Allen in a gripping tale that's hard to take your eyes off. With captivating scenes, like a sensually charged visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a mix of sophistication and down-to-earth excitement, Dressed to Kill has become a beloved and puzzling cult classic.
35. Sorcerer (1977)
- Genre: Adventure/Drama
- Star Cast: Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal, and Amidou.
- Director: William Friedkin
- Writer: William Friedkin
- Run time: 2h 1m
- Year of release: 1977
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
"Sorcerer" is a 1977 movie where four men from different backgrounds are forced to transport highly explosive cargo through treacherous South American jungles. They face relentless danger, including rickety bridges and extreme weather, all while trying to save their own lives. The film is a suspenseful thriller, emphasizing the characters' struggle and their desperate mission. It's a test of their wits and courage, as they battle nature and their own pasts. "Sorcerer" keeps you on the edge of your seat, showcasing the intense human drama of survival against all odds.
36. Nocturnal Animals (2016)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Andrea Riseborough
- Director: Tom Ford
- Writer: Tom Ford
- Run time: 1h 56m
- Year of release: 2016
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
"Nocturnal Animals," a movie from 2016, is like two stories in one. In the first story, a woman receives a book from her ex-husband. When she reads it, the second story unfolds in her mind. This story is about a man who faces a dangerous situation while traveling with his family. The movie switches between these two stories, creating suspense and drama. It's like a puzzle where you need to figure out how the two stories are connected. The film explores themes of love, regret, and revenge, making it a gripping and thought-provoking watch.
37. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
- Star Cast: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jack Davenport, James Rebhorn, Sergio Rubini.
- Director: Anthony Minghella
- Writer: Anthony Minghella
- Run time: 2h 19m
- Year of release: 1999
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
"The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a 1999 movie about a guy named Tom Ripley. He's kind of a loner and not very well off. But things change when he gets a job to go to Italy and convince a rich guy's son to come back home. Tom starts living a fancy life with this rich family and becomes obsessed with the son's life. But here's the twist: he starts lying and doing bad things to keep living this high life. He even takes on the son's identity. It's a thriller because you're always wondering if Tom will get caught. It's like a game of secrets and lies.
38. Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
- Genre: Crime/Drama
- Star Cast: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Penelope Allen, Sully Boyar
- Director: Sidney Lumet
- Writer: Sidney Lumet
- Run time: 2h 4m
- Year of release: 1975
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 8/10
"Dog Day Afternoon" is a 1975 movie that tells a wild true story. It's like a rollercoaster of a bank robbery gone wrong. Two guys try to rob a bank, but things get crazy fast. The cops surround the bank, and the robbers are stuck inside with hostages. It's a hot summer day, so tensions rise. The movie is about the robbers' crazy antics, their demands, and how the whole situation turns into a media circus. It's filled with drama, humor, and intense moments. Al Pacino gives an amazing performance. It's a classic crime film that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
39. Hell or High Water (2016)
- Genre: Western/Crime
- Star Cast: Dale Dickey, Ben Foster, Chris Pine, William Sterchi
- Director: David Mackenzie
- Writer: Taylor Sheridan
- Run time: 1h 42m
- Year of release: 2016
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Director David Mackenzie and screenwriter Taylor Sheridan's heist movie/drama was a breath of fresh air for Western films in recent times. Jeff Bridges plays a lawman who's about to retire, chasing after two brothers, played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster, who are robbing banks. This movie got nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Jeff Bridges.
40. Bullitt (1968)
- Genre: Action/Drama
- Star Cast: Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, Don Gordon, Robert Duvall, Simon Oakland and Norman Fell.
- Director: Peter Yates
- Writer: Peter Yates
- Run time: 1h 53m
- Year of release: 1968
- Where to watch/OTT Platform: NA
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
"Bullitt," released in 1968, is a classic American film known for its thrilling action and iconic car chase scenes. The movie follows Steve McQueen as a cool and determined police detective, Bullitt, who's on a mission to protect a key witness. The film stands out for its realistic portrayal of law enforcement work, gripping suspense, and one of the most famous car chases in cinema history. The story revolves around Bullitt navigating the dangerous streets of San Francisco to uncover the truth, making it a must-see for fans of suspenseful crime dramas and adrenaline-pumping action sequences.
Bookmark this list for the next time you struggle with what to watch, whether you're looking for binge-worthy content to escape from daily struggles, to spice up your monotonous schedule, to distract yourself on a bad day, or to feel instantaneous satisfaction. With its stellar cast, intense emotions, and captivating plot, this movie will capture your interest and keep you seated. Because suspense movies are usually on everyone's "must-watch" list, we've provided you with content you shouldn't miss.
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