Whether it’s mixed with action, crime, or even sci-fi, thrillers are meant to get viewers on the edge of their seats, waiting (or dreading) to see what happens next. The established genre definitely has countless fans who enjoy the suspense and tension that often accompany the twisty narratives from the greatest thriller movies.

IMDb – a platform for film buffs – has made it easy for fans of the genre who are looking for must-see thrillers. The highest-rated thriller movies on the site are almost always award-winning classics that represent the best that the genre has to offer. These top 10 thriller movies include genre-defining classics like Psycho, international hits like Parasite, and even gritty superhero movies like The Dark Knight. Fans who have gone through the top 10 thriller movies as voted by users on IMDb and are looking for more heart-pounding flicks to watch only need to go a bit further down the list to find more classic, critically acclaimed, and essential thrillers.

25 'Double Indemnity' (1944)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Director Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity is a classic crime thriller and standard-setting film noir that stars Fred MacMurray as insurance salesman Walter Neff. The film follows the protagonist as he is ensnared in a deadly web of deceit after meeting the seductive Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck). Together, they come up with a plan to murder her husband and claim a hefty insurance payout through a double indemnity policy.

A quintessential example of the film noir genre, Double Indemnity has a timeless appeal bolstered by moody cinematography, morally ambiguous characters, and suspenseful atmosphere. While it's more noir than thriller, it undeniably falls into both categories and is a fantastic example of old films that have held up well.

24 'North by Northwest' (1959)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

North by Northwest is a gripping spy thriller movie that fully explores a story of mistaken identity. One of the best Alfred Hitchcock movies of all time, it revolves around Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), an advertising executive who is mistaken for a government agent and thrust into a perilous world of espionage and intrigue.

As the protagonist attempts to clear his name and survive a relentless pursuit, viewers are taken along for the wild ride, featuring some iconic American landmarks. Setting a new benchmark for the thriller genre, Hitchcock's meticulous craftsmanship shines through in every scene, from the iconic crop-dusting sequence to the thrilling climax on Mount Rushmore. It's a wild ride from start to finish, and one that must be seen to be believed.

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23 'M' (1931)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

M is a chilling and groundbreaking classic German thriller that stars Peter Lorre as Hans Beckert, a child murderer in a German city. It follows the relentless pursuit of Beckert by both the police and the criminal underworld, where his heinous actions have earned him a bad reputation among other criminals.

Directed by Fritz Lang, the film combines elements from the suspense, thriller, and mystery genres to weave its absorbing manhunt-centered story. It was notable for being Lang's first sound film and for its cinematographic innovations like long tracking shots, which is a technique that's still used today. Its controversial topic was also groundbreaking for its time, lending the film a dark and intriguing vibe that garnered it attention from both curious viewers and critics.

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22 'Vertigo' (1958)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

A classic psychological thriller by director Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo follows former police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson (James Stewart), whose fear of heights has led to his retirement from the force. When he's hired by an acquaintance to investigate his wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak), things start to get strange. What's initially supposed to be an easy investigation turns into a mind-bending mystery that begins to play with his mind.

Known for its iconic visual effects, the 1958 film originated the famous "vertigo effect" that was achieved with a dolly zoom. This perfectly complements Vertigo's twisty story and dreamlike sequences, which seamlessly create a wholly unique and Hitchcock-ian viewing experience (one that is still regarded among his very best).

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21 'Reservoir Dogs' (1992)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Director Quentin Tarantino's 1992 feature-length directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, is a visceral neo-noir crime thriller that left an indelible mark on cinema, and would hint at his massive success and recognizable trademarks in the future. This ensemble crime film revolves around a group of criminals, each identified by a color-coded alias, who are brought together for a heist. However, when the robbery goes awry and trust issues emerge, the film turns into a suspenseful whodunit between the thieves.

Tarantino's unique directorial style is already obvious in the movie, with its razor-sharp dialogue and intensely violent scenes likely being familiar to the filmmaker's fans. It has earned its cult classic status for its offbeat portrayal of the criminal underworld, making it a must-see for those who want something a bit different from the thriller genre.

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20 'Oldboy' (2003)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Oldboy, the director's most infamous film, helped establish Park Chan-wook's reputation for creating disturbing movies with unexpected twists and turns. Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), the protagonist of the neo-noir action film, has just been released from jail when he discovers that he is enmeshed in an extensive plot that is being manipulated by unknown influences.

It is in viewers' best interest to walk into this film with as little prior information as possible about the complicated and provocative events that have contributed to the film's notoriety. Oldboy offers viewers the opportunity to experience a seamless integration of heart-wrenching drama paired with flawlessly choreographed action sequences, all of which contribute to the film's status as an engrossing one that no remake will ever be able to replicate.

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19 'High and Low' (1963)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, High and Low is a police procedural crime thriller centered on a kidnapping that targets a wealthy man's family. It gets even more complicated when the target, Kingo Gondo (Toshiro Mifune), realizes that the kidnapper has taken the wrong kid, abducting his chauffeur's child instead.

The rest of the movie, which is based on the 1959 novel King's Ransom by Ed McBain, is a nail-biting display of the family and authorities' attempts at safely retrieving the victim. At the same time, it's one of the best crime thriller movies because it tackles the antagonist's motivation, which is inextricably linked to the wealth gap in the country. Every second of the film's runtime benefits from Kurosawa's masterful direction, as there's not a line, visual aspect, or action out of place.

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18 'Witness for the Prosecution' (1957)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Based on the eponymous 1953 play by Agatha Christie, Witness for the Prosecution is a classic legal mystery thriller that depicts a twisty trial centered on Leonard Vole (Tyrone Pole). Set in the Old Bailey in London, the film follows his case after he's accused of murder, with the talented lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) choosing to defend him.

Aside from being a surprisingly heart-pounding thriller, Witness for the Prosecution also has elements of film noir and black comedy to go with its well-written story. It's a masterpiece from the '50s that set the standard for many tropes seen in modern legal thrillers, with its characters influencing notable roles in recent times. That just means that for any cinephile, the 1957 film is one that's worth seeing again today.

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17 'The Lives of Others' (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The Lives of Others marked an important moment in German cinematic history, as it was the first film to tackle the fall of the Berlin Wall with a serious tone. Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the film is set in 1983 East Berlin and follows the experiences of Stasi officer Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), who is tasked with spying on a couple suspected to be traitors to the Communist Party. In the process, he begins to become sympathetic towards them.

A slow-paced thriller, The Lives of Others doesn't rely on action sequences to induce nervousness and fear in viewers. Instead, it looks at the very real consequences of situations outside of individuals' control (like the political climate) on an intimate scale, and how, in the end, humanity can transform hopeless circumstances.

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16 'Memento' (2000)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In the neo-noir psychological thriller film Memento, the main character, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), is a man who lives with anterograde amnesia, which means he is unable to form new memories. The former insurance investigator goes on a complicated journey after being brutally assaulted by two assailants who also took his wife's life, which is what prompted him to go on a mission to exact revenge.

The unconventional narrative of Christopher Nolan's mind-bending film is presented in a non-linear form, and the film's two seemingly unrelated tales are meant to symbolize the protagonist's fractured point of view. As Leonard stitches together evidence via his method, which involves the use of Polaroid images and tattoos, since it is the only way for him to recall what he discovers about the assailant, they ultimately start to make more sense.

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15 'Aliens' (1986)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In this terrific sequel to Alien, Sigourney Weaver reprises her legendary role as Ellen Ripley, who is ultimately rescued after spending decades floating around in space in cryogenic sleep. She quickly becomes a member of a team that is sent to a colony of colonists on a planet that may be inhabited by extraterrestrial beings, and she is disheartened to discover that everyone around her appears to be underestimating the monsters.

James Cameron's Aliens is able to successfully give audiences a wider and more captivating narrative since it has much improved visual effects, expanded ways for world-building, and insight into its characters' motivations. Weaver is also a marvel to watch as an even more badass alien-killing female lead, who forms a heartwarming bond with a kid along the way.

14 'Come and See' (1985)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

One of the highest-rated films on Letterboxd, Come and See is an unflinching anti-war film directed by Elem Klimov. It follows the harrowing journey of the young Florya (Aleksey Kravchenko), who joins the Resistance fighters after German forces continue to invade villages around Byelorussia. The enemies soon hit too close to home.

Come and See uses artistic visuals and sound design to build an overwhelming and disturbing atmosphere. The suspense in the movie only builds as the protagonist is increasingly horrified by his experiences, which highlight the cruelty and absurdity of war. It successfully utilizes both hyperrealism and surrealism to create what is essentially a non-stop vivid nightmare that's a challenge to get through, but a necessary one nonetheless.

13 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Director Christopher Nolan's final entry in his legendary superhero trilogy and also one of the top thriller movies ever, The Dark Knight Rises depicts the end of Batman's (Christian Bale) years of exile. Clearly affected by his perceived role in Harvey Dent's (Aaron Eckhart) fate, Batman is coaxed out of hiding by a potential new ally and a new villain who intends to ruin Gotham, Bane (Tom Hardy).

While it didn't reach the same heights that The Dark Knight did, the 2012 film did a fantastic job of ending the renowned trilogy with its exhilarating story. Bane continues to be an unforgettable antagonist who's still referenced in pop culture today, while Batman is a character that enjoys its enduring reputation as one of the greatest anti-heroes to ever make it from the comic books to the big screen.

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12 'Joker' (2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

In the critically acclaimed psychological thriller film Joker, Arthur Fleck's (Joaquin Phoenix) traumatic past serves as the basis for the character's origin story. The film follows the protagonist as he goes from being a disillusioned local clown hired for parties to being a deranged criminal who stirs up a revolution in the city of Gotham.

When it was first released, the divisive movie received mixed reviews, and there is a good reason for that. Despite the fact that it is deserving of acclaim for its inventiveness and captivating atmosphere, the film does not quite succeed in executing some of its plot points during its most crucial moments. It fails to communicate a clear and conclusive message about the violence that the Joker incites because it pulls its punches when touching on critical themes like the role of institutions in providing help for mental health.

11 'Rear Window' (1954)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Audiences are encouraged to take a seat and observe the neighbors from the vantage point of the protagonist, Jeff (James Stewart), in Rear Window. The mystery thriller depicts the narrative of what the injured photographer observes through his window as he rests, which includes a skilled pianist and a mysterious man who seemingly kills his wife. This last observation horrifies the photographer, who conducts an investigation from his room.

Often considered one of director Alfred Hitchcock’s best films, the exciting mystery thriller has perfect pacing and visual storytelling, not to mention outstanding one-liners from its likable characters. The engaging movie presents one puzzling clue after another – while serving as clever meta-commentary on voyeurism – all of which lead to the film's ultimately rewarding resolution.

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10 'The Usual Suspects' (1995)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Anyone looking for good thriller movies should see The Usual Suspects, a legendary drama with an unreliable narrator, Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), who seemingly assists investigators after a recent violent crime. The authorities struggle to determine the truth about the mysterious Keyser Soze, who has been linked to an explosion in San Pedro harbor. According to Verbal, Keyser is behind the ambitious heist and roped him and four others into the disastrous crime.

Directed by Bryan Singer, the classic film is best seen knowing little to nothing about its well-written plot and major twist. The thrilling flashbacks in The Usual Suspects and the way investigators put the puzzle together will have audiences glued to their screens until its iconic ending. It's a masterclass in presenting plot twists in interesting ways and has certainly influenced future filmmakers to try the same.

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9 'Léon: The Professional' (1994)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Director Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional is centered on the unique relationship that develops between twelve-year-old Mathilda Lando (Natalie Portman), who loses her parents in a questionable DEA raid, and the titular hitman, who takes her under his wing. Léon (Jean Reno) teaches Mathilda how to use weapons, which soon reignites her desire for revenge.

The action-thriller film heavily relies on the unusual bond between the hesitant Léon and the immature and soon-to-be talented female movie assassin Mathilda. It becomes impossible not to root for them during the intense action sequences when fans learn more about the similarities in their tragic pasts. Portman is mesmerizing in her powerful film debut, which already highlights her bright future as a talented actress in the industry.

8 'Psycho' (1960)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Arguably Hitchcock's most iconic movie, Psycho revolves around an unfortunate encounter between a runaway embezzler, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), and a strange motel proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Things at the motel seem odd, and Marion soon finds out in the worst way that things are about to get much worse.

The black-and-white movie is a genre-defining thriller that tackled taboos and produced iconic moments like the shower scene. Psycho is unsurprisingly still among one of the best suspense movies today and the highest-rated films on IMDb despite premiering over sixty years ago, as it’s both an important and rewatchable masterpiece. It opened up the possibilities for the genre not just by tackling taboos, but also by presenting Hitchcock's trademarks at their very best, which have gone on to influence countless horror, mystery, and thriller films.

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7 'The Prestige' (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Based on the eponymous 1995 novel by Christopher Priest, The Prestige follows the rivalry between two stage magicians, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale). Directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie is set at the end of the 19th century, when the two protagonists find themselves competing in increasingly risky ways. In their attempts to outdo each other, they begin to become legitimate threats to themselves and those around them.

The psychological thriller by Nolan delves into the deadly contest the two magicians engage in as they strive for bigger, bolder, and wilder acts. With no other priority than to come out on top, viewers will be both eager and afraid to see where their obsession takes them, which includes some unlikely real-life historical figures (and perhaps to one of the most iconic movie twists ever).

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6 'The Departed' (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

A daring infiltration of South Boston’s Irish Mafia by sending an undercover officer is at the center of director Martin Scorsese’s The Departed. Unfortunately, the criminals have the same idea and send an undercover agent of their own. When both sides realize what’s happening, a race to uncover the representatives’ identities begins.

With its fast-paced sequences and frantic camerawork, the critically acclaimed film is a masterclass in what an excellent thriller should be. Viewers are taken along for a nerve-wracking ride full of perfectly framed shots and flawless action scenes in The Departed, as well as career-best performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon. The tension only escalates as the two opposing sides begin to overlap and culminate in truly jaw-dropping ways.

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