The 100+ Best Foreign Thrillers, Ranked
- 1Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
Considered a classic of South Korean cinema, this intense revenge tale follows the story of a man who's been mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years and is suddenly released, setting him on a brutal quest for vengeance. The film showcases a disturbing yet enthralling narrative, anchored by a powerful central performance from Choi Min-sik. With its bold visual style, unapologetic brutality, and unforgettable twist ending, it holds a special place among thriller enthusiasts as a must-see film.
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- #92 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
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- 2Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo
A daring and provocative South Korean thriller, this film tells the story of a young pickpocket and her con-artist mentor who hatch a plan to steal the fortune of a wealthy Japanese heiress. The film is known for its intricate plotting, gorgeous cinematography, and deeply erotic portrayal of desire and deception. A powerful exploration of love, betrayal, and sexual politics, it has been hailed as a modern masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of the genre.
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- 3Mario Casas, Ana Wagener, Jose Coronado
This Spanish film masterfully weaves a tale of a successful businessman accused of murder, with a shocking twist that keeps the audience captivated until the very end. Known for its intricate plot and chilling atmosphere, it presents a thrilling exploration of themes like guilt, deception and revenge in a way that only the best foreign thrillers can. By making audiences question their own preconceived notions and expectations, this film has cemented itself as one of the best thrillers of all time.
- 4Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-gyun, Jo Yeo-jeong
Hailing from South Korea, this genre-bending masterpiece mixes elements of black comedy and thriller to expose the class divide and social inequality within Korean society. It's a gripping tale centered around two families, one rich and one poor, whose lives become entwined in a heart-stoppingly tense series of events. With its relentless pacing, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and razor-sharp social commentary, it's easy to see why this film has earned high praise from critics and audiences alike.
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- 5Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi, Ma Dong-seok
This riveting South Korean zombie film tells the story of a father and daughter trying to survive a zombie outbreak while aboard a train bound for Busan. Known for its breakneck pacing and tense action sequences, the film expertly marries traditional horror elements with an exploration of societal breakdown and what it means to be human. A thrilling cinematic experience, it has cemented itself as a modern classic in the world of foreign thrillers.
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- 6Ricardo Darín, Mariano Argento, Soledad Villamil
An Argentine crime drama, this film centers on a retired legal counselor who becomes obsessed with solving the 25-year-old rape and murder case of a young woman. With its intricate narrative, skillful direction, and powerful performances, it offers a profound examination of themes like justice, obsession, and loss. As a prime example of Argentine cinema at its finest, it's no wonder this film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
- 7
The Body
José Coronado, Hugo Silva, Belén RuedaThis Spanish thriller tells the tale of a detective searching for a missing corpse, as the suspect attempts to unravel the truth behind his wife's apparent death. Known for its riveting twists and turns, the film draws viewers deeper into a web of deceit and betrayal. Its analysis of themes such as love, obsession and guilt makes it a must-watch for those drawn to intelligent, thought-provoking thrillers.
- 8Lee Byung-hun, Choi Min-sik, Jeon Gook-hwan
In this brutal South Korean revenge film, a secret agent embarks on a relentless pursuit of a sadistic serial killer who murdered his fiancée. The film is both shocking and mesmerizing in its depiction of the thin line between good and evil, questioning whether vengeance can ever truly satisfy one's need for justice. With its captivating narrative, intense performances, and visceral visuals, it leaves a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
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- 9Noomi Rapace, Marika Lagercrantz, Lena Endre
A Swedish adaptation of Stieg Larsson's best-selling novel, this film weaves a gripping tale of a journalist and a troubled hacker who join forces to solve the decades-old mystery of a missing heiress. It's a compelling thriller that delves into themes of power, corruption, and violence against women, all while maintaining a chilling atmosphere that's hard to shake. Widely praised for its captivating storytelling and strong performances, it's undeniably earned its place among the best foreign thrillers.
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- 10Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Aksel Hennie, Baard Owe
This Norwegian thriller follows a successful corporate headhunter who moonlights as an art thief and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. The film's tense, action-packed narrative is driven by its protagonist's desire for wealth and status, encapsulating the darker corners of the human psyche. With its unpredictable twists and dark humor, it firmly establishes itself as an essential watch for thriller fans.
- 11Kim Yoon-seok, Ha Jung-woo, Seo Young-hee
In this thrilling South Korean crime film, an ex-detective turned pimp races against time to rescue one of his girls from a sadistic serial killer. As the line between hunter and hunted blurs, the film offers a nail-biting exploration of desperation and morality. Aided by its memorable characters, relentless pace, and gritty cinematography, it's become a shining example of crime thrillers from around the world.
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- 12Lee Young-ae, Song Kang-Ho, Choi Min-sik
The final installment in Park Chan-wook's famous Vengeance Trilogy, this South Korean film follows a woman who seeks bloody revenge on the man who framed her for murder and ruined her life. The film's stylistic and narrative prowess is matched only by its relentless exploration of the human thirst for retribution. Its powerful conclusion cements it as not only a fitting end to the trilogy but also a standout among the best foreign thrillers.
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- 13Daniel Henshall, Louise Harris, David Walker
Based on true events, this Australian crime thriller tells the story of a teenager who falls under the spell of a charismatic psychopath responsible for a series of brutal murders. The film presents a chilling examination of the seductive allure of violence and the grim reality of life on society's fringes. Its unflinching brutality, haunting atmosphere, and powerful performances make it a standout among foreign crime films.
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This Danish gem takes place entirely within the confines of an emergency dispatch center, following a police officer who receives a frantic call from a kidnapped woman. This gripping tale is known for its innovative storytelling and its intense focus on the protagonist as he struggles to piece together the puzzle and save the victim. The tension is palpable throughout, demonstrating true mastery of suspense and establishing the film as a standout among foreign thrillers.
- 15Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roi-ha
Based on real events, this South Korean crime film follows a pair of detectives as they try to solve a series of brutal rapes and murders that shook their country in the 1980s. With its compelling narrative, masterful direction, and haunting visuals, it offers a chilling examination of the pursuit of justice in an era of political turmoil. Repeatedly lauded as one of the best foreign thrillers, it's a must-watch for fans of true-crime dramas.
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- 16Ulrich Tukur, Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck
Set in East Germany during the Cold War era, this German film follows a Stasi surveillance officer who becomes emotionally invested in the lives of the artists he's been assigned to spy on. A profoundly moving and suspenseful film, it delves into themes of privacy, art, and the human need for connection within a repressive regime. Its thought-provoking narrative and poignant performances have garnered it numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
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- 17Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin, Kim Min-jung
In this South Korean psychological thriller, a devoted single mother sets out to prove her mentally challenged son's innocence after he's accused of murder. The film examines themes of maternal love, sacrifice, and the depths one will go to protect their child. With its expertly woven narrative, powerful performances, and unsettling atmosphere, it's easy to see why it's considered one of the best foreign thrillers.
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- 18Won Bin, Kim Sae-ron, Young-chang Song
This South Korean action-thriller revolves around a former government agent who embarks on a violent quest for vengeance when a young girl he befriends is kidnapped. Blending thrilling action sequences with a deeply emotional core, the film takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride through the dark underbelly of society. With its visceral impact and palpable tension, it's a standout in the realm of action-thrillers.
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- #392 of 425 onThe Greatest Movies in World Cinema History
- #7 of 16 on16 Underrated Revenge Movies Where The Hero Goes Scorched-Earth
- 19
The Hidden Face
Clara Lago, Alexandra Stewart, Martina GarcíaA Spanish thriller about a man whose girlfriend mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to unravel the truth behind her disappearance. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a tangled web of paranoia, deceit, and jealousy. The film's chilling atmosphere and well-crafted suspense make it an unforgettable addition to the canon of foreign thrillers.
- 20Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, Inge Landgut
This German classic from director Fritz Lang tells the story of a serial child murderer who becomes the target of both the police and the criminal underworld. Hailed as an early masterpiece of suspense filmmaking, the movie presents a chilling examination of societal obsession with scapegoats and the blurred line between justice and vengeance. Its enduring influence and legendary status make it an essential viewing for any thriller aficionado.
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- 21Takako Matsu, Masaki Okada, Ai Hashimoto
A Japanese psychological thriller about a grieving mother who plots her own twisted form of justice against the students she believes killed her young daughter. Known for its stylish visuals and bone-chilling narration, the movie provides a disturbing look into the depths of human depravity and grief. It's a haunting and often shocking film that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.
- 22Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, Gene Bervoets, Johanna ter Steege
Hailing from the Netherlands, this chilling psychological thriller follows a man's obsessive search for his girlfriend, who disappeared during a vacation in France. Known for its unrelenting suspense, gripping narrative, and one of cinema's most memorable climaxes, the film presents a haunting examination of obsession, grief, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth. With its lasting impact on the thriller genre, it's no wonder the film has become a cult classic among cinephiles.
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- 23Kristin Scott Thomas, Harlan Coben, Guillaume Canet
A French adaptation of Harlan Coben's best-selling novel, this film follows a doctor who's framed for his wife's murder and embarks on a tension-filled quest to clear his name. The movie is lauded for its rapid-fire pacing, twist-filled plot, and emotionally resonant storytelling, offering a gripping exploration of love, loss, and redemption. It's no surprise that this riveting thriller has earned itself a passionate following among cinephiles worldwide.
- 24Vincent Cassel, Saïd Taghmaoui, Benoît Magimel
This French crime drama follows three friends from a Parisian banlieue as they navigate the aftermath of a local riot and the brutal police tactics used to suppress it. By placing the spotlight on themes of racial tension, police brutality, and social inequality, the film offers a harrowing and timely exploration of contemporary issues. Its gripping narrative, striking visuals, and fearless social commentary have cemented its status as a modern classic among foreign thrillers.
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- 25Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge-Yamam Serrano
Hailing from Spain, this horror-thriller follows a television reporter and her cameraman as they document the unfolding of a mysterious epidemic within a quarantined apartment building. Shot in a found-footage style, the film creates an immersive and claustrophobic atmosphere that amplifies the terror. With its relentless pacing, relentless scares, and innovative storytelling, it has become a genre-defining example of horror cinema.
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- 26Mads Mikkelsen, Alexandra Rapaport, Thomas Bo Larsen
Hailing from Denmark, this harrowing drama follows a kindergarten teacher who becomes the target of mass hysteria after being falsely accused of sexual misconduct. Centered around an astonishing performance from Mads Mikkelsen, the movie offers a gut-wrenching exploration of human nature and the consequences of mob mentality. Its powerful storytelling and haunting themes make it an unforgettable viewing experience for fans of thought-provoking thrillers.
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- 27Eihi Shiina, Renji Ishibashi, Ren Osugi
This disturbing Japanese thriller, directed by horror master Takashi Miike, tells the story of a widower who holds an audition to find a new wife, only to discover his chosen candidate harbors dark secrets. The film is celebrated for its unflinching exploration of obsession, gender roles, and the grotesque, with stomach-churning scenes that are not for the faint of heart. Its ability to shock and disturb viewers has earned it a dedicated following among fans of extreme cinema.
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- 28Antonio Banderas, Blanca Suárez, Elena Anaya
A dark and twisted Spanish thriller from acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar, this film follows a brilliant but disturbed plastic surgeon who develops an incredibly durable synthetic skin after his wife dies in a fiery car accident. As the truth behind his experiments emerges, the film delves into themes of obsession, identity, and the horrors of human manipulation. Its masterful storytelling, unsettling visuals, and haunting conclusion make it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
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- 29Park Shi Hoo, Kim Young-Ae, Jung Jae-young
In this South Korean thriller, a police detective is haunted by his failure to catch a serial killer 15 years prior when a man publishes a memoir claiming responsibility for the crimes. As the truth begins to unravel, the film delves into themes of obsession, closure, and the human desire for justice. Its gripping narrative and thought-provoking exploration of crime and punishment make it a standout among foreign thrillers.
- 30Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, Baykali Ganambarr
Set in 19th-century colonial Australia, this revenge thriller follows an Irish convict seeking to avenge the brutal attack on her family by a sadistic British officer. The film is known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and the emotional toll it takes on both the victim and the perpetrator. With its powerful themes, vivid storytelling, and mesmerizing performances, it stands as a striking example of foreign thrillers at their best.
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