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20 Dark and Suspenseful Thriller Movies That Are All About The Build Up

By Anubha Das

Updated - May 9, 202416 min read

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Some movie nights you feel like laughing at an epic comedy, but other nights you're wanting to be on the edge of your seat, biting your nails while watching an amazing thriller movie.

All movies are great in their own way, but let's be real: thrillers are the best. It's because they have the best elements of every genre. A little bit of fear, without diving into horror. All the speed of action, but with more plot. And dashes of drama and comedy without having to fully commit to either. It requires your full attention because it's everything, wrapped into one.

 

Here are the 10 best thriller movies that'll Scare the bejeesus outta you:

 

1. The Departed

 

Director

Martin Scorsese

 

Star Cast 

Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson

 

IMDb Rating

8.5/10

 

Whenever we talk about classic thriller movies the name, Martin Scorsese comes to our mind. Martin Scorsese has been the Director of many thriller flicks, but he finally won his Oscar for this thriller classic that some felt was too old-school to be profound. With casts like Leonardo Dicaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson The Departed is a long but a well-crafted gangster movie that gives an insightful look into life as an undercover agent. The movie revolves around Leonardo DiCaprio who is a cop but pretending to be the opposite. Partly during the movie, Scorsese hits us with the cruel glimpses of the fact that corruption starts from childhood itself. With this motion picture, Martin Scorsese demonstrated again that he is the ace of the urban storyteller-and of thrillingly intense filmmaking.

 

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Image Courtesy: Empire

 

Rent @ INR 109

 

 

 

2. The Italian Job

 

Director

F. Gary Gray

 

Star Cast 

Donald Sutherland, Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton

 

IMDb Rating

7.0/10

 

If this sleek, ticking remake of the 1969 film starring Michael Caine and Noël Coward follows the conventions of the genre without major deviations, it still puts together the familiar elements with an impressive skill and considerable wit. Totally hilarious as only a combination of English humor and Italian culture could pull off. It gathers speed, literally and figuratively, as the film progresses. With its impeccable timing, steady kinetic drive and superbly choreographed chase sequences through the canals of Venice and the streets of Los Angeles, the movie, directed by F. Gary Gray, feels a like smooth, exciting whoosh down a ski slope. Not sure what it is about Italian Job, but it's one of those movies you can see hundreds of times and it'll feel like the first time watching it.

 

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Image Courtesy: Prime Video

 

Rent @ INR 79

 

 

 

3. Once Upon a Time in Mexico

 

Director

Robert Rodriguez

 

Star Cast 

Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp

 

IMDb Rating

6.5/10

 

Once Upon a Time in Mexico is the third in a trilogy of motion pictures (preceded by El Mariachi and Desperado) about the guitar-and-gun slinging El Mariachi. In it, unbeknownst to him, the president of Mexico’s life is in danger and a coup d’etat is in the works. Behind the plot is evil drug lord Barillo. To foil the assassination, CIA agent Sands—who is as corrupt and morally bankrupt as Barillo—seeks the assistance of Mariachi who has withdrawn into a life of solitude following personal tragedy. Though the storyline barely made any sense to an average viewer, it sure is fun to watch. So full of thrill and action that it keep you at the edge of your seat.

 

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Image Courtesy: IMDb

 

Rent @ INR 39

 

 

 

4. The Day Of The Jackal

 

Director

Fred Zinnemann

 

Star Cast 

Edward Fox, Terence Alexander, Michel Auclair

 

IMDb Rating

7.8/10

 

Unlike most movies adapted from books, this one remained quite faithful to the book by Federick Forsythe. This movie proved that you don't need big names and lots of action, violence and sex to sell the movie; just good storytelling. Fiction or reality, British or French, at its core "The Day of the Jackal" puts into question virtues that are highly prized by society. The pursuance of excellence, meticulous organization, dedication to cause, single-mindedness, and suchlike virtues are prerequisites of the super man. But these virtues may also be found in the man who can posit himself as someone of high repute, when in truth he is a work of the devil.

 

 best-thriller-movies-online

Image Courtesy: HOME Manchester 

 

Rent @ INR 89

 

 

 

 

5. Body Of Lies

 

Director

Ridley Scott

 

Star Cast 

Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong

 

IMDb Rating

7.1/10

 

Ridley Scott has directed this top spy movie on with style, and it's visible throughout the direction. This is one of those best thriller movies online where Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe have played their part well. You'll be intrigued by Body of Lies first-rate action sequences which are visually breathtaking and overall exhilarating. The major highlight of the film is that it rightly conveys our prejudiced mindset, preconceived notions and exposes the greed and arrogance of the superpowers.

 

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Image Courtesy: Reel Film Reviews

 

Rent @ INR 109

 

 

 

6. The Pelican Brief

 

Director

Alan J. Pakula

 

Star Cast 

Julia Roberts, Danzel Washington, Sam Shepard

 

IMDb Rating

6.6/10

 

Probably one of the best Grisham adaptations, if not the best. Solid, credible performances by Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, as well as the rest of the cast. "The Pelican Brief" is the Christmas Grisham, halfway round the year from "The Firm," which was the Fourth of July Grisham. It is about as good, but in a different way. While "The Firm" was a muscular thriller with action sequences, "The Pelican Brief" takes place more quietly, in corners, shadows and secret hotel rooms. It is definetely a must watch. 

 

 best-thriller-movies-online

Image Courtesy: Corndog Chats

 

Rent @ INR 109

 

 

 

7. Alone

 

Director

John Hyams

 

Star Cast 

Jules Willcox, Marc Menchaca, Anthony Heald

 

IMDb Rating

6.2/10

 

A woman driving alone across the remote highways of Oregon's backcountry is targeted and hunted by a creepy and sick predator. The plot is familiar and predictable, but filled with suspense and tension that builds throughout the movie. This is reinforced by strong cinematography, an isolated vulnerable setting, and light yet impactful background music. Menchaca plays a convincing well mannered, yet violent psychopath. Wilcox's performance draws us in to share in her terror. The movie does a great job balancing out scenes and perspectives from each character, and has chapters, which is also a nice little bonus.

 

 best-thriller-movies-online

Image Courtesy: YouTube

 

Rent @ INR 89

 

 

 

8. A Few Good Men

 

Director

Rob Reiner

 

Star Cast 

Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore

 

IMDb Rating

7.7/10

 

Rob Reiner's "A Few Good Men" is one of those movies that tells you what it's going to do, does it, and then tells you what it did. A riveting display of talent fills this film. The list of really good actors is long, but Cruise always shines the brightest in each scene - with the exception of Nicholson who goes toe to toe with impressive power. Cruise's best trait as an actor in all his films is to execute a dramatic character arc and he does it pretty well in this. The plot revolves around Daniel Kaffee, a US military lawyer, who defends two US marines charged with murdering a fellow marine at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. The needle of suspicion, thus, points to a colonel.

 

 best-thriller-movies-online

Image Courtesy: Rotten Tomatoes

 

Rent @ INR 39

 

 

 

9. Uri: The Surgical Strike

 

Director

Aditya Dhar

 

Star Cast 

Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Mohit Raina

 

IMDb Rating

8.2/10

 

Uri is a work of many achievements. It is a film about national pride without a single shot of the Indian flag. Based on the Surgical strike carried out by Indian army in 2016, the movie is indeed a pleasure to watch. It is well paced and keeps you engrossed throughout. Although the story is predictable (since we all have read about the utter successful mission) but the movie still keeps you glued. There are moments which will give goosebumps, make you laugh, will moist your eyes but surely make you feel immensely proud of our national heroes and their capabilities.

 

 best-thriller-movies-online

Image Courtesy: Times of India

 

Watch It Here @ Zee5

 

 

 

10. NH10

 

Director

Navdeep Singh

 

Star Cast 

Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Darshan Kumaar

 

IMDb Rating

7.2/10

 

NH10 a highway that was suppose to lead merra and arjun to their sweet romantic destination turns out to be haunting road for them. This movie shows you the rural India or better "Real India". As the boundaries of Urban India ends, the true face of India initiates. This movie shows the need for reforms in Rural India.This is not just a road trip as the title suggests NH10,it is something beyond imagination.

 

 best-thriller-movies-online

Image Courtesy: Times of India

 

Watch It Here @ Zee5

 

 

 

11. The Town

 

Director

Ben Affleck

 

Star Cast 

Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Blake Lively

 

IMDb Rating 

7.5/10

 

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Image Courtesy: JustWatch

 

One of the best thriller movies on Netflix currently, The Town is a fast-paced story revolving around a bank robbery, and the leader of the group planning the heist. It's surprisingly emotionally loaded despite being one of those high-speed action movies on Amazon Prime India. The action movie online is also packed with stellar performances, and Ben Affleck's role as an actor, director as well as the writer is perfectly executed. Without a shadow of a doubt, this film qualifies as one of the finest ensemble movies to come out in recent times. 

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

12. The Bourne Ultimatum

 

Director

Paul Greengrass

 

Star Cast 

Matt Damon, Edgar Ramírez, Joan Allen

 

IMDb Rating 

8/10

 

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Image Courtesy: Moviemania

 

If you claim to be a veteran thriller fan, chances are you've already seen this Matt Damon starring blockbuster. If not, boy are you in for a ride! It's more often than not purported to be one of the best action thriller movies on Netflix India, and in the general world of movies, thanks to its intelligent, gripping storyline and fantastic, suspenseful screenplay. The final instalment of the Bourne trilogy is usually considered to be the favourite pick, and once you witness the slick, action-packed film it quickly becomes clear why. Also, Matt Damon guys! 

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

13. Raat Akeli Hain 

 

Director

Honey Trehan

 

Star Cast 

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Aditya Srivastav 

 

IMDb Rating 

7.5/10

 

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Image Courtesy: Film Companion

 

The genre of thrillers in Bollywood is cheesy and predictable more often than not, which is what makes this 2020 release such a remarkably pleasant surprise. It's a dark murder mystery, that's been elevated to a permanent feature under lists of the best thriller movies on Netflix India, thanks to the gritty performances by Nawazzudin and Radhika Apte. Raat Akeli Hai is a great representation of the transition in Indian cinema, from cliched romantic love-triangles to well-executed stories and meaningful content. 

 

14. The Reluctant Fundamentalist

 

Director

Mira Nair

 

Star Cast 

Riz Ahmed, Liev Schreiber, Kiefer Sutherland 

 

IMDb Rating 

6.9/10

 

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Image Courtesy: Monmouth University

 

A magnificently crafted thriller movie online that does not shy away from the truth one bit, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is one of those extremely clever political thrillers on Netflix India that drive their point across by intriguing you thoroughly. Think of this movie as the initiation of a dialogue that's been long overdue, and with this film we get to witness the side of the story often neglected. The story is about a young Pakistani immigrant whose thriving life as a Wallstreet corporate professional comes to a halt in the wake of 9/11. 

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

 

15. Zero Dark Thirty

 

Director

Kathryn Bigelow

 

Star Cast 

Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt 

 

IMDb Rating 

7.4/10

 

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Image Courtesy: Davis Enterprise

 

Ever been curious about how the most notorious terrorist in history, was successfully hunted? If you answered in affirmative, you need to watch this thriller movie on Netflix India. A high-quality and commendably realistic depiction of the CIA's long search for Osama Bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty is delightfully dark and gritty. 

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

 

16. Gone Girl 

 

Director

David Fincher

 

Star Cast 

Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

 

IMDb Rating 

8.1/10

 

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Image Courtesy: Time Magazine

 

Gone Girl is the embodiment of a perfect psychological thriller, packed with engrossing content, heartwrenching scenes, and shocking disclosures. It's truly one of the best thriller movies on Amazon Prime India, one that will surely keep you guessing till the very end. Each twist and turn in the movie is a powerful shove for the viewer, enhanced remarkably by the excellent cast performances. Also, this thriller movie online reiterates what I said earlier, very few can parallel David Fincher's awe-inspiring brilliance as a director. 

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

 

17. Shutter Island 

 

Director

Martin Scorsese

 

Star Cast 

Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo

 

IMDb Rating 

8.2/10

 

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Image Courtesy: IndieWire

 

Another classic by Scorsese, Shutter Island is a movie that you just won't be able to fathom until the end credits begin to roll. It defines the notion of an ideal psychological drama, full of beguiling questions that remain largely unanswered until the last couple of minutes of the movie. The twists are the kind that can give you whiplash, and the entire movie will mess with your mind big time and trust me, you will love every minute of it! 

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

 

18. Gravity 

 

Director

Alfonso Cuarón

 

Star Cast 

Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris

 

IMDb Rating 

7.7/10

 

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Image Courtesy: The Verge

 

Imagine if you were stranded in space with just another person. Can't? Well, Gravity will do it for you! Full of great visuals, mind-boggling special effects, and profound messages related to humanity, Gravity is well-worth all the hype that surrounded the film when it first released. It's the accurate portrayal of the frightening surreal beauty of space that makes Gravity a must-watch for lovers of sci-fi thrillers

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

 

19. Drishyam

 

Director

Nishikant Kamat

 

Star Cast 

Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Tabu 

 

IMDb Rating 

8.2/10

 

best-thriller-movies-online_drishyam

Image Courtesy: ImdB

 

"Is this movie as good as they say it is?" No, it's not. It's better. I'm not going to say anything, but if you haven't watched this Bollywood mystery masterpiece yet, do yourself a favour and stream it right away! 

 

20. London Has Fallen

 

Director

Babak Najafi

 

Star Cast 

Alon AboutboulWaleed ZuaiterAdel Bencherif

 

IMDb Rating

6.0/10

 

One of the most exciting of the pack is the star of London Has Fallen, Gerard Butler. After surviving a kidnapping attempt in the thrilling, Olympus Has Fallen, President Asher (Aaron Eckhart) won't go anywhere without Mike Banning (Butler) by his side. Despite a lot of chatter, the pair travel to London for a world summit, where terrorists plan on doing a lot more than talking. They plan to distract the high police and military presence by attacking the city, thereby leaving President Asher vulnerable to assassination

 

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Image Courtesy: Imdb

 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Here

 

 

 


These movies are bound to get you buzzing with excitement, emotion and exhilaration. Just take your pick and watch the flick!