Going to the movies and immersing ourselves in suspense and excitement has always been a beloved pastime for audiences. But hold onto your seats, because modern thriller movies have taken it to a whole new level of awesomeness. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a wave of mind-blowing and boundary-pushing films in this genre.
Thrillers have an irresistible allure because they tap into our primal instincts. For a couple of hours, they keep us teetering on the edge of our seats, making us tense up, hold our breath, and grip the armrests with excitement. And when it all culminates, there’s that incredible moment of release that lets us finally unwind. It’s a thrilling sensation that only the best modern thriller movies can deliver, playing with our emotions like a masterful musician.
The beauty of today’s thrillers lies in their versatility. They come in a variety of forms, some that could totally happen in real life, while others draw inspiration from historical events. And get this, some even combine the suspenseful thrills with another genre, resulting in a mesmerizing and heart-pounding experience. It’s no wonder these new thriller movies are gaining more popularity than ever before.
So, make sure to keep coming back to discover the latest and greatest thriller movies as they’re released. You don’t want to miss out on the excitement!
1. Parasite
This incredible story is all about a poor family’s clever plan to infiltrate a wealthy household. They pretend to be unrelated people to land jobs in the fancy mansion. As they settle in, dark secrets start to unravel and unexpected twists come to light. The screenplay is absolutely captivating, the acting is top-notch, and the direction is simply brilliant. It’s no wonder this South Korean masterpiece has received countless accolades.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
Actors: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-gyun, Jo Yeo-jeong
2. Ready or Not
In this chilling tale, a newlywed finds herself unwillingly caught in a twisted family tradition, transforming a harmless game into a deadly cat-and-mouse chase. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of suspense as she fights to survive. This film will have you gripping the edge of your seat with its heart-pounding chases and shocking plot twists. And guess what? It doesn’t stop there – this horror-comedy also sprinkles in some dark humor, managing to both entertain and terrify you all at once.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Actors: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien
3. Joker
This film is an intense character study that takes a deep dive into the mind of an iconic comic book villain. As we watch the protagonist descend into madness, we are given a disturbing glimpse into his evolution from a struggling comedian to the most feared enemy of Gotham. The performances in this movie are incredibly powerful, and the score adds a chilling atmosphere to the whole experience. It’s safe to say that this psychological thriller will leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz
4. Midsommar
Prepare to be captivated by a riveting tale of mystery and suspense. A grieving woman embarks on a summer adventure to a secluded Swedish village alongside her boyfriend. Little do they know, this journey will take an unexpected turn. As they arrive in this seemingly perfect community, they soon discover that beneath the surface of carefree festivities lies a dark and sinister secret, shrouded by ancient traditions. Brace yourself for an unsettling experience as this folk horror drama unfolds, offering breathtaking visuals and spine-chilling scenes that will leave audiences thoroughly unnerved.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Ari Aster
Actors: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper
5. Us
Get ready to be captivated by a bone-chilling tale that revolves around doppelgangers. This gripping story follows a family as they are confronted with terrifying versions of themselves. These sinister doubles display unsettling behaviors and have mysterious intentions, setting the stage for a fight for survival. Brace yourself for a psychological thriller that will keep you questioning reality until the very end. The masterful storytelling and compelling performances in this film are sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Jordan Peele
Actors: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss
6. A Quiet Place: Part II
Get ready for a heart-pounding sequel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Humanity is still teetering on the brink of extinction in a world that has been torn apart by terrifying sound-sensitive monsters. This time around, survivors will face new dangers and have to rely on their resourcefulness and perseverance to make it through.
The action in this movie is intense, with sequences that will have you gripping your seat. The tension is palpable, keeping you hooked from start to finish. Fans of the original film will definitely appreciate the enthralling experience that awaits them.
Released: 2021
Directed by: John Krasinski
Actors: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds
7. The Platform
This Spanish thriller takes place in a dystopian prison that delves into the depths of human nature. The prison’s distinctive vertical structure adds a twist, as food descends through the floors, igniting desperation and unleashing savagery among the inmates. The film not only captivates with its striking visuals, but also delivers a powerful social message that lingers in the minds of its viewers.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Actors: Emilio Buale, Zorion Eguileor, Alexandra Masangkay
8. Doctor Sleep
This adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is truly gripping. It serves as a worthy sequel to The Shining, diving into the adult life of Danny Torrance. He’s dealing with substance abuse and haunted by demons from his past. But everything changes when he crosses paths with a young girl who also possesses psychic powers. She’s in danger, targeted by a menacing cult. To keep her safe, Danny must confront his own childhood trauma. The film masterfully builds tension and skillfully pays homage to its predecessor.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Mike Flanagan
Actors: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran
9. The Hunt
Political satire and horror collide in this gripping movie that follows the harrowing journey of twelve strangers who unexpectedly become the prey of a group of elitists. With their lives on the line, the tension escalates to heart-pounding levels, constantly surprising us with unexpected plot twists. The film’s controversial premise and dark humor only serve to heighten its captivating and suspenseful appeal.
Released: 2020
Directed by: Craig Zobel
Actors: Ike Barinholtz, Betty Gilpin, Emma Roberts
10. Uncut Gems
In the fast-paced world of New York City, a jeweler finds himself caught in a web of greed, desperation, and deceit. His once-thriving business becomes entangled in a high-stakes gamble centered around a precious gem. As the story unfolds, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, anxiously witnessing the protagonist’s life spiral out of control. With an electrifying performance and relentless suspense, this film has earned its place as a modern crime thriller classic.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Ben Safdie, Joshua Safdie
Actors: Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox
11. Escape Room
In this gripping film, six strangers with their own hidden secrets become unwilling participants in a dangerous escape room game. It’s a life-or-death situation where survival is the only option. Brace yourself for an exhilarating ride as they encounter clever puzzles and terrifying traps lurking around every turn. This thrilling addition to the “trapped” subgenre will keep you on the edge of your seat, second-guessing until its shocking conclusion. Get ready for non-stop adrenaline-pumping excitement!
Released: 2019
Directed by: Adam Robitel
Actors: Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Deborah Ann Woll