From well-known classics likeShutter Islandto treasured international films such asOldboy, some of the best films in the thriller mystery genre have captured the hearts of many over the years. This is especially true when they feature a compelling, brainy narrative that keeps audiences invested and on the edge of their seats, which is the case for the entries mentioned on this list.
When feeling bored, a film that switches on every part of our brain is the perfect way to keep boredom at bay. From a mystery killer to an intriguing character on the loose,the best thriller mystery movies are the ones that pull you into their world with ease and make you live like you’re the protagonist. Finding such compelling works might be difficult in today’s commercialized movie business, but there are still some gems that can brighten up a dull mind. With so many great movies in the mystery thriller genre, it can be hard to pick where to start. As such, we have gathered some of the best mystery thriller movies that audiences most definitely do not want to miss, from the modernThe Luckiest Girl Aliveto the iconic psychological thrillerVertigo.
30. ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2022)
Directed by Olivia Wilde
The film received polarizing reviews, with most audiences liking it and critics hating it. What draws audiences in the most is its atmosphere, with its retro aesthetic and dreadful narrative.Pugh’s incredible acting skillsand portrayal of Alice’s descent into paranoia deserved a lot of praise, butOlivia Wilde’s direction and the movie’s half-baked twist was heavily criticized. That said,Don’t Worry Darlingfelt especially relevant in our current climate, forcing viewers to grapple with the pervasive nature of patriarchy and control in modern society.
Don’t Worry Darling
29. ‘Blink Twice’ (2024)
Directed by Zoë Kravitz
InBlink Twice, Frida (Naomi Ackie) and Jess (Alia Shawkat) find themselves trapped in a luxurious nightmare orchestrated by the enigmatic Slater King (Channing Tatum). But what begins as a dream vacation quickly turns sinister as the women realize they are isolated and cut off from the outside world. The disappearance of Jess sends Frida down a rabbit hole of suspicion and paranoia, leading her to uncover a shocking revelation.
Zoë Kravitzproves that she’s a multi-hyphenate just like her father with her directorial debut film. She masterfully juxtaposes the allure of wealth and luxury with the unsettling feeling that something is terribly wrong.What makesBlink Twicea thought-provoking mystery thriller is its exploration of the dark side of powerin a male-dominated world, leaving viewers to think about the insidious ways in which control can be exerted.
Blink Twice
28. ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’ (2019)
Directed by Dan Gilroy
InVelvet Buzzsaw, when a stash of paintings by an unknown artist is discovered, an ambitious gallery owner, Rhodora (Rene Russo), and her assistant, Josephina (Zawe Ashton),use them to showcase them in their gallery for immediate exposure. But when their art critic friend, Morf (Jake Gyllenhaal),starts researching the artist for profiling, he discovers the unsettling history of the dead painter, and mysterious deaths and uncanny occurrences target them one by one.
Reuniting directorDan Gilroyand actor Jake Gyllenhaal from 2014’sNightcrawler,Velvet Buzzsawlives up to the expectations of aslasher thriller with plenty of jump-scare moments. But at its core, the film is more of a dark satire that explores the contemporary art scene of Los Angeles andsatirizes how popular artists and high-end collectors blur the lines between the purpose of art and commercialization. Told as a supernatural thriller, the film makes you wonder about lost art and the artists. —Maddie P
Velvet Buzzsaw
27. ‘Before I Go to Sleep’ (2014)
Directed by Rowan Joffé
Based on the eponymous novel byS.J. Watson,Before I Go to Sleepfollows Christine Lucas,played by Nicole Kidman, who wakes up every day with no memories of her past days or events in her life, including her husband, Ben (Colin Firth). As advised by her neuropsychologist, Dr. Nasch (Mark Strong), Christine records her daily events and soon begins to question everything about her past, uncovering terrifying truths about her forgotten life. Nicole Kidman steals all the attention in this psychological mystery thriller as the amnesiac protagonist, portraying the character’s helplessness and determination with equal conviction.
A thrilling narrative on themes of sense of self, memory, and trauma,Before I Go to Sleepleaves the audience with philosophical thoughts and questions surrounding the continuity of self. Despite its genre clichés,Before I Go to Sleepis a well-paced, trendy, and well-performed psychological thriller, and can be compared to other films in the genre, likeShutter Island,Side Effects, andStonehearst Asylum. —Maddie P
Before I Go to Sleep
26. ‘Watcher’ (2022)
Directed by Chloe Okuno
Watcher, the debut feature film ofChloe Okunofollows Julia as she moves to Bucharest with her husband Francis (Karl Glusman) to Bucharest. What’s supposed to be a fresh start feels unnerving for ulia as she becomes increasingly disturbed by the feeling of being constantly watched. She finds a mysterious man in a neighboring building fixated on her, which then fuels her growing paranoia.
Watcherfurther establishes Monroeas a horror it girl as it leaves viewers unnerved with its gradual dread and suggestive suspense. The cinematography successfully creates a sense of unease, often framing Julia as a small figure swallowed by the vast cityscape. It’s a movie that will stay with viewers long after they watch it, asit prompts them to reflect on the way fear invades the mind and the courage it takes to confront it.
A young American actress moves with her husband to Bucharest, and begins to suspect that a stranger who watches her from an apartment window may be a serial killer.
25. ‘Luckiest Girl Alive’ (2022)
Directed by Mike Barker
Based on the book of the same name, thisMike Barkerfilm tells the story of Ani FaNelli (Mila Kunis), who endured a shocking public humiliation at a prestigious school. Years later, she finds herself leading the life of her dreams. However, it all comes crashing down when Ana finds herself forced to face her trauma.
Netflix’sLuckiest Girl Aliveis an example of a great thriller movie in modern-day cinema. From the plot to the storytelling, the movie unfolds events in a very fascinating manner. It reveals necessary details while leaving you wanting more at the same time. The events of the film are separate yet linked so intricately that viewers can see a cascading domino effect that leads the characters in their respective actions. Furthermore,Mila Kunis made a smashing comebackwith this thrilling flick, delivering a career-best performance.
Luckiest Girl Alive
24. ‘Orphan’ (2009)
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
A one-of-a-kind movie with a thrilling premise,Orphanfollows the story of a killer kid who finds a home in a new family that looking to adopt. Unfortunately, everything comes crashing down when the 9-year-old Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) reveals her true dark nature. The shocking turn of events leaves audiences astonished and wondering what went wrong.
Orphanis based on a true storyand is rather intense. The entire quality of the film is terrific, with powerful performances, a fantastic script, and flawless production. The movie has a lot of suspense, and the twist is expertly executed and shocking to the audience. For a more rounded experience, viewers can check out the thrilling sequel that was released in 2022.
23. ‘A Haunting in Venice’ (2023)
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
In this most recent and well-receivedAgatha Christieadaptation set in post-World War II Venice,Kenneth Branaghsteps into the shoes of Hercule Poirot once more.A Haunting in Venicefinds the iconic character enjoying retirement when he reluctantly attends a seance. However, when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to uncover the killer again.
A Haunting in Veniceis objectively the best out of the three films in the franchise(it also features the highest scores on bothIMDbandRotten Tomatoes). It manages to capture the brilliance ofBranagh in both acting and directing, making for a thoroughly entertainingmust-see whodunit filmthat combines elements of mystery and the supernatural to great results.
A Haunting in Venice
22. ‘Predestination’ (2014)
Directed by Michael and Peter Spierig
Based on the 1959 short story,"'—All You Zombies—'“byRobert A. Heinlein,Predestinationfollows a time-traveling agent, Agent Doe, on his last mission, who travels back in time to 1970 to apprehend a notorious terrorist named Fizzle Bomber. But when the agent encounters a strange customer while working undercover as a barkeeper, his mission takes a completely different direction.Sarah Snook delivers a memorable performanceas the protagonist, supported by a well-acted Agent Doe fromEthan Hawke.
Predestinationisa complex, layered film that explores the impossibility of temporal paradox in a unique narrative. A well-paced, suspenseful story of time travel, peppered with horrific moments of discovery, this Australian sci-fi thriller goes above and beyond average films in the genre. But most importantly, wherePredestinationsucceeds is leaving the audience with the biggest question: whether the future can be changed. —Maddie P
Predestination
21. ‘The Machinist’ (2004)
Equal parts gripping and intense,Brad Anderson’s cult classic has captured the attention of many, whether because ofChristian Bale’s impeccable acting effortsor the fascinating way it delves into the human psyche and its complexities. The movie follows a factory worker suffering from insomnia, which eventually leads to an extreme decline in physical and mental health.
Those who enjoy a thought-provoking psychological drama that will keep boredom at bay are probably going to want to give this complex Anderson picture a try.The Machinistis a layered character study that focuses on isolation and alienation, delving into the impact of unresolved psychological trauma and the scary ways it can manifest in one’s life. What’s more, the movie’s storytelling is non-linear, making it an even more captivating watch.
