10 best thriller movies you need to watch

Cinema is an art that has the power to transport viewers to unknown universes, involving us in complex and exciting plots. Among the various cinematic genres, suspense stands out for its ability to hold the audience's attention, leaving them tense and anxious for the story to unfold. 

10 best thriller movies you need to watch

Suspense is a cinematic genre that has the power to hold the audience's attention and make them anxious for the plot's outcome. Over the years, countless films in this genre have captivated viewers from all over the world, offering thrilling experiences full of twists and turns.

Psychosis (1960)

"Psycho" is an undisputed milestone not only in the thriller genre, but also in cinema as a whole. Directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1960, the film became an instant classic and a must-see for any movie lover. Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch, "Psycho" tells the story of Marion Crane, a secretary who steals a considerable amount of money and decides to take refuge in an isolated hotel run by Norman Bates.

One of the most striking features of "Psycho" is its ability to create an atmosphere of suspense and tension that permeates the entire narrative. From the very first minutes of the film, Hitchcock uses masterful directing techniques to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, preparing them for the moments of shock and surprise to come. Bernard Herrmann's soundtrack, with its iconic violin theme, contributes significantly to building this sinister and enveloping atmosphere.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

"The Silence of the Lambs" is a movie that transcends the suspense genre and has become a landmark in contemporary cinema. Directed by Jonathan Demme and released in 1991, the film is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris and features a complex plot full of twists and turns.

The story revolves around FBI agent Clarice Starling, played brilliantly by Jodie Foster, who is recruited to interview the manipulative and brilliant cannibal psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played masterfully by Anthony Hopkins. The reason for the interview is to gain insight into the mind of another serial killer, known as Buffalo Bill, who is terrorizing the country with his crimes.

What makes "The Silence of the Lambs" so captivating is the dynamic between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter. The relationship between the two characters is complex and full of nuances, with Lecter exerting a subtle psychological control over Clarice as she seeks to unravel the mysteries that surround him. Anthony Hopkins' masterful performance as Lecter earned him an Oscar for Best Actor, even with only a few minutes of screen time.

Seven - The Seven Capital Crimes (1995)

"Seven is a gripping psychological thriller that stands out as one of the most remarkable films of the 1990s. Directed by David Fincher and released in 1995, the film is set in a gloomy, rainy city where two detectives, played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, are tasked with investigating a series of grotesque murders based on the seven deadly sins.

What makes "Seven" so striking is its oppressive atmosphere and its dark, uncompromising approach to its themes. Right from the start, the movie plunges the viewer into a world of depravity and despair, where evil always seems to be lurking in the shadows. David Fincher's masterful direction contributes to this atmosphere, creating a sense of claustrophobia and unease that permeates the entire narrative.

The plot of "Seven" is built around the seven deadly sins - lust, gluttony, avarice, sloth, wrath, envy and vanity - and each crime committed by the killer reflects one of these sins. As detectives Mills (Pitt) and Somerset (Freeman) delve deeper into the investigation, they find themselves confronted with the darker side of human nature, leading them to question their own faith in humanity.

Wild Instinct (1992)

"Wild Instinct", directed by Paul Verhoeven and released in 1992, is an erotic thriller that has left its mark on pop culture and contemporary cinema. Starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, the movie presents a plot full of mystery, seduction and unexpected twists.

The story of "Wild Instinct" revolves around detective Nick Curran, played by Michael Douglas, who is tasked with investigating a brutal murder committed during a sexual encounter. As the main suspect, he meets Catherine Tramell, a writer of erotic novels played by Sharon Stone, whose enigmatic and seductive behavior leads him to question his own convictions and desires.

What makes "Wild Instinct" so captivating is the dynamic between the main characters and the atmosphere of sexual tension that permeates the entire narrative. Catherine Tramell is portrayed as a modern femme fatale, whose beauty and intelligence hide a dark and dangerous side. Her relationship with Nick Curran is complex and full of power plays, with both characters involved in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

The Others (2001)

"The Others", directed by Alejandro Amenábar and released in 2001, is a supernatural thriller film that stands out for its chilling atmosphere, surprising twists and memorable performances. Set in an isolated mansion on the island of Jersey after the Second World War, the movie follows the story of Grace Stewart, a woman who lives with her two children in a house shrouded in mystery and dark secrets.

What makes "The Others" so captivating is the way director Alejandro Amenábar builds the oppressive and mysterious atmosphere around the mansion, creating a sense of isolation and unease that permeates the entire narrative. From the very first minutes of the film, we are immersed in a world of shadows and secrets, where nothing is what it seems to be.

The plot of "The Others" is full of unexpected twists and turns that challenge the viewer's expectations and take the story down unexpected paths. As Grace begins to unravel the dark secrets of the mansion and her own family, we are led to question the nature of reality and the true identity of the characters.

The Origin (2010)

"Inception", directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2010, is a masterpiece of contemporary cinema that challenges the boundaries of reality and perception. The movie presents a complex and intricate plot, full of science fiction and psychology concepts, which keeps the viewer completely involved from start to finish.

The story of "The Origin" revolves around Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a thief who specializes in stealing secrets from people's subconscious through their dreams. However, he is hired to carry out an even more challenging task: implanting an idea in the mind of a powerful CEO, played by Cillian Murphy. To carry out this seemingly impossible mission, Cobb and his team plunge into a world of dreams within dreams, where time and reality are distorted and nothing is what it seems to be.

What makes "Inception" so fascinating is the way Christopher Nolan explores the concepts of dream, reality and memory in an inventive and visually stunning way. The movie features spectacular action sequences and impressive visual effects that transport us to different levels of consciousness and leave us questioning what is real and what is just a dream.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

"The Sixth Sense", directed by M. Night Shyamalan and released in 1999, is a psychological thriller that stands out for its ingenious plot, surprising twists and chilling atmosphere. The film tells the story of Cole Sear, a boy who has the ability to see and interact with the spirits of the dead, and child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe, who tries to help him deal with this gift.

From the very first minutes, "The Sixth Sense" establishes an atmosphere of mystery and suspense that involves the viewer in a complex and thrilling puzzle. M. Night Shyamalan's skillful direction creates a sense of mounting tension, while the viewer is led to question the nature of the supernatural events that haunt Cole and the true motivation behind Dr. Crowe's actions.

What makes "The Sixth Sense" so captivating is its final twist, which has become one of the most famous and impactful in the history of cinema. Without revealing spoilers for those who haven't seen the film, it's safe to say that the revelation about the true nature of the relationship between Cole and Dr. Crowe recontextualizes the entire narrative and leads the viewer to review everything they've seen so far.

Black Swan (2010)

"Black Swan", directed by Darren Aronofsky and released in 2010, is an intense psychological thriller that delves into the depths of the mind of a ballerina obsessed with perfection. The film presents a complex and visually stunning narrative that explores themes such as the quest for perfection, the duality of human nature and the limits of sanity.

The story of "Black Swan" revolves around Nina Sayers, a talented ballerina who lands the lead role in a production of "Swan Lake". As she prepares to play both the White Swan, which represents innocence and purity, and the Black Swan, which represents seduction and malice, Nina is consumed by pressure and an obsession with becoming perfect.

What makes "Black Swan" so impactful is the way Darren Aronofsky delves into the psyche of his protagonist and takes us on a harrowing and surreal journey through her fears and delusions. The film mixes elements of psychological horror with drama and thriller, creating an atmosphere of suspense and tension that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

Indiscreet Window (1954)

"Indiscreet Window" is a movie classic directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1954. This film is a brilliant example of cinematic suspense and is often cited as one of Hitchcock's best works. Set almost entirely inside the apartment of a disabled photographer, the film is a masterful exploration of obsession, voyeurism and mystery.

The plot revolves around L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies, played by James Stewart, a photographer confined to a wheelchair due to a broken leg. To pass the time, Jeff starts observing his neighbors through their apartment windows, and his attention is quickly captured by a couple who seem to have something suspicious going on in their home. Convinced that he has witnessed a crime, Jeff recruits his girlfriend Lisa, played by Grace Kelly, and her detective friend to investigate.

What makes "Indiscreet Window" so remarkable is the way Hitchcock uses the limited setting of Jeff's apartment to create an atmosphere of claustrophobia and suspense. By confining the action to a single location, Hitchcock intensifies the sense of voyeurism and paranoia, making the viewer feel as if they are spying along with the protagonist.

The Shining (1980)

"The Shining", directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980, is one of the most iconic and influential suspense and horror films of all time. Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, the film is a masterpiece of the genre, known for its sinister atmosphere, memorable performances and complex symbolism.

The story revolves around Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, a writer and alcoholic ex-teacher who takes a job as a winter janitor at an isolated hotel, the Overlook Hotel. Jack moves into the hotel with his wife Wendy, played by Shelley Duvall, and their son Danny, played by Danny Lloyd, who possesses special psychic abilities known as "the glow". As winter progresses, the hotel begins to reveal its dark secrets, and Jack is consumed by the evil influence that inhabits its corridors.

What makes "The Shining" so striking is the way Stanley Kubrick creates an atmosphere of tension and terror that permeates the entire narrative. From the very first moments of the film, we are plunged into a world of mystery and paranoia, where every dark corridor and empty room seems to hide imminent dangers. Kubrick uses the hotel's unique architecture and meticulously crafted photography to create a sense of isolation and oppression that gradually increases throughout the film.

The best thriller movies 

These are just some of the best thrillers that cinema has to offer. Each of these movies offers a unique and thrilling experience, full of twists, mysteries and unforgettable moments. 

If you're a fan of the thriller genre, be sure to check out these movies that are sure to keep you glued to the screen from start to finish. Prepare the popcorn, turn off the lights and embark on this thrilling journey through the world of cinematic suspense.

April 1st, 2024