There's nothing like the thrill of a good movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, gets your heart racing, and keeps your mind racing with thoughts of the plot.
I've spent countless nights scrolling through Netflix, searching for the next thrilling movie that will stick in my head for days. If you're like me, you know how hard it is to find the perfect thriller, one that balances suspense, mystery, and just the right amount of psychological tension.
After many nights spent watching multiple movies on repeat on one of the best streaming servicesI've created a list of the top five thrillers on Netflix that you absolutely need to watch right now. Trust me, these picks are worth every minute of your time.
“The Stranger”
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“The Stranger” is based on true events and follows the story of a covert police operation to capture a suspected child murderer. Mark (Joel Edgerton) is an undercover cop who befriends Henry Teague (Sean Harris), the prime suspect in a long-unsolved child abduction case. Through a series of interactions, Mark gains Henry's trust, leading him deeper into a web of deception. Tensions mount as the cops work to extract a confession without revealing their true identities.
“The Stranger” is an atmospheric, slow-burning thriller that explores the psychological complexities of its characters and involves a high-stakes investigation that blurs the lines between good and evil. It’s definitely one of those movies that will captivate you and won’t let go until the credits roll.
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“Dark Waters”
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“Dark Waters” is a legal thriller based on true events. Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) is a corporate lawyer who takes on an environmental lawsuit against chemical giant DuPont. Bilott, who usually defends chemical companies, is approached by a farmer in Parkersburg, West Virginia, who believes his cattle are dying because of chemical contamination in the water. Digging deeper, Bilott uncovers a massive cover-up involving the toxic chemical PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), used in the production of Teflon. His investigation reveals that DuPont knowingly contaminated the water supply, causing widespread illness among the local population.
“Dark Waters” does an excellent job of showing the devastating environmental and health impacts of corporate negligence, as well as the personal and professional sacrifices Bilott endures in his fight to hold DuPont accountable.
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“The Killer”
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In “The Killer,” Michael Fassbender plays a cold, methodical assassin who follows a strict code to ensure his success in a world filled with moral ambiguity and danger. The plot revolves around an anonymous assassin, known simply as “The Killer,” who meticulously plans and executes his hits with uncanny precision. However, after a botched mission, he finds himself on the run, facing unexpected challenges as he attempts to navigate a world where he becomes the target. The story delves into his psyche and the struggle to maintain control of his emotions and work ethic in a chaotic environment.
If you're in the mood for a tense and atmospheric film, then this is the movie for you. It's marked by David Fincher's signature style: dark, melancholic visuals and a strong focus on character-driven storytelling.
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“A simple favor”
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If you're looking for something a little lighter with comedic elements, then “A Simple Favor” should be your next thriller. It stars Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers, a small-town mom vlogger, and Blake Lively as Emily Nelson, a glamorous and mysterious PR executive.
The story begins when Stephanie befriends the enigmatic Emily after their sons become friends at school. Their friendship seems unlikely, given Emily's sophisticated and secretive nature, but they quickly grow closer. One day, Emily asks Stephanie for a simple favor: to pick up her son from school. But when Emily disappears without a trace, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate the mystery.
As Stephanie delves into Emily's life, she uncovers shocking secrets, including Emily's troubled past and potential criminal activities. The plot thickens as Stephanie tries to piece together what really happened, leading to a suspenseful and surprising conclusion.
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“Leave the world behind”
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“Leave the World Behind” follows a family — Amanda (Julia Roberts), her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke) and their two teenage children — who rent a luxurious vacation home in a remote location for a much-needed break. Their peaceful getaway is abruptly interrupted when the home’s owners, GH (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la), show up unexpectedly, claiming that a massive power outage has hit the town and that they must take refuge in their home.
As tensions escalate between the two families, they struggle to trust each other amid growing fear and uncertainty. With no reliable information about what's happening in the world beyond their isolated location, paranoia sets in and the sense of impending doom intensifies.
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