The Best Slow Burn Movies That Won't Burn You Out

Jason Bancroft
Updated April 1, 2024 65 items
Ranked By
892 votes
76 voters
Latest additions: Memories of Murder, The Neon Demon, Brawl in Cell Block 99
Most divisive: The Conversation
Over 70 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Slow Burn Movies That Won't Burn You Out

Good slow burn movies lull audiences into a false sense of comfortability with their low energy but engaging storylines only to deliver an unforgettable ending. They often build to a crescendo that changes your entire perspective of the film up to that point. Maybe it has to do with an unreliable narrator like Memento or  The Usual Suspects. One might ever consider the slow, deliberate, and methodical pace of The Batman to be a slow burn superhero movie. Arrival and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy certainly take their time getting to the ending but it's well worth it. Now it's time to determine the best slow burn movie of all time with the help of your votes.

Vote up your favorite slow burning films, you can also vote down other movies that you think other fans should skip. Be sure to check new and up coming slow burn movies as they are released and added to this list.

  • Parasite
    1

    Parasite

    Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-gyun, Jo Yeo-jeong
    48 votes

    With its darkly comedic undertones and exceptional storytelling, Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning masterpiece Parasite juxtaposes two families at opposite ends of Korea’s social ladder. This unpredictable thriller gradually builds tension throughout as it uncovers layers of deceit and moral ambiguity beneath the seemingly ordinary lives of its characters. Boasting excellent cinematography and masterful direction from Joon-ho himself, Parasite delivers an unforgettable viewing experience that leaves audiences questioning society’s constructs long after the final scene.

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  • Old Henry
    2

    Old Henry

    Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze, Gavin Lewis
    8 votes

    Old Henry showcases a mesmerizing tale of an aging farmer who discovers a wounded outlaw on his property, leading to a suspenseful battle of wits and survival. The film masterfully unravels the complex relationship between morality and loyalty while delving into themes of redemption and self-discovery. With its slow-burning tension, standout performances from Tim Blake Nelson, Stephen Dorff, and Gavin Lewis, this Western thriller keeps viewers enthralled until the very end.

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  • The Hunter
    3

    The Hunter

    Willem Dafoe, Frances O'Connor, Sam Neill
    7 votes

    Willem Dafoe delivers an outstanding performance in The Hunter as Martin David – a skilled mercenary hired to hunt down the last known Tasmanian tiger for unscrupulous biotech researchers. As he navigates through treacherous wilderness and forms unexpected bonds with locals along the journey, Martin finds himself increasingly conflicted about his mission's true purpose. The Hunter is a taut, character-driven thriller that expertly blends survivalism, environmentalism, and the thin line between hunter and prey.

  • Fargo
    4

    Fargo

    Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, William H. Macy
    15 votes

    Fargo is a masterfully crafted crime thriller from the Coen Brothers that follows the story of Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) as he orchestrates a kidnapping scheme to obtain ransom money from his wealthy father-in-law. With its snow-swept landscapes, dark humor, and unforgettable performances by Frances McDormand and Steve Buscemi, this film gradually unfolds into a tale of greed, desperation, and retribution that leaves viewers on edge until its satisfying conclusion.

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  • Arrival
    5

    Arrival

    Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
    42 votes

    Arrival features a gripping story about linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) who must communicate with extraterrestrial beings that have arrived on Earth. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this visually stunning sci-fi drama takes its time revealing secrets and intricacies as it tackles themes of love, loss, and humanity’s place in the universe. Rich with thought-provoking themes and stellar performances from Adams and Jeremy Renner, Arrival is undoubtedly one of the best slow burn films in recent memory.

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  • The Usual Suspects
    6

    The Usual Suspects

    Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
    39 votes

    This quintessential slow burn mystery follows Roger "Verbal" Kint (Kevin Spacey) as he recounts the events leading up to a deadly explosion on a docked ship to Special Agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri). Engulfed in twists and turns with each revelation about five criminals brought together for what initially appears to be a simple heist gone awry; director Bryan Singer has created an intricate web of deceit within The Usual Suspects. The climactic reveal cements this film's status as an iconic entry in modern cinema.

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  • A Quiet Place
    7

    A Quiet Place

    Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds
    34 votes

    John Krasinski directs and stars in A Quiet Place alongside real-life wife Emily Blunt in this taut horror-thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world where sound-hunting creatures have decimated human civilization. Forced to communicate primarily through sign language and live in near-silence, the Abbott family must navigate their unforgiving environment while facing unimaginable horrors lurking around every corner. A Quiet Place excels at building suspense through carefully crafted silent sequences, culminating in a nerve-wracking final act that leaves viewers breathless.

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  • A History of Violence
    8

    A History of Violence

    Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, William Hurt
    22 votes

    A deceptively simple story about a small-town diner owner who thwarts a robbery attempt spirals into a provocative exploration of identity and violence in David Cronenberg's A History of Violence. Viggo Mortensen stars as Tom Stall – a man whose life unravels when his heroic act sets off repercussions that dangerously threaten everything he knows. As Tom confronts ruthless gangsters seeking vengeance against him, this intricately woven film raises questions about past deeds' impact on present-day lives.

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  • Seven
    9

    Seven

    Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
    26 votes

    David Fincher's atmospheric crime thriller, Seven, follows two detectives – played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman – as they track down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins to create grisly murder scenes. With its relentlessly bleak atmosphere and methodical pacing, this psychological thriller gradually escalates into an unforgettable climax that still resonates with audiences decades after its release. Seven remains a quintessential example of the slow burn genre done right.

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  • Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
    10

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

    Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch
    37 votes

    Based on John le Carré's novel of the same name, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is set during the height of the Cold War, where retired British spy George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is tasked with uncovering a Soviet mole within the MI6. A study in quiet tension and character development, this espionage thriller benefits from its superb ensemble cast including Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Director Tomas Alfredson's meticulous pacing allows viewers to become fully immersed in the unfolding mystery that lies at the heart of this acclaimed slow burn film.

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  • The Witch
    11

    The Witch

    Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
    40 votes

    A chilling period piece set in 17th-century New England, The Witch tells the harrowing tale of a deeply religious family living on the outskirts of an unsettling wilderness. As paranoia and distrust begin to take hold amidst mysterious happenings plaguing their isolated existence, they become convinced an evil force is targeting them. Directed by Robert Eggers, this slow-burning horror gem offers an unnerving exploration of religious fervor while showcasing breakout performances from Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Ineson.

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  • The Vast of Night
    12

    The Vast of Night

    Sierra McCormick, Jake Horowitz, Gail Cronauer
    5 votes

    This low-budget indie sci-fi gem follows two teenagers in 1950s New Mexico as they stumble upon mysterious radio signals potentially originating from extraterrestrial sources. As they search for answers while evading sinister forces lurking behind their small town's façade, The Vast of Night masterfully melds old-school charm with deft storytelling to deliver an engrossing audiovisual experience by director Andrew Patterson. This slow burn sci-fi mystery proves that big budget isn't always needed for a gripping, otherworldly tale.

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  • The Batman
    13

    The Batman

    Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright
    24 votes

    Though not yet released in theaters and therefore impossible to accurately describe, The Batman (2022) has already generated significant anticipation for its darker take on the Caped Crusader, as portrayed by Robert Pattinson. Teasers hint at a slow-burning neo-noir approach to Gotham City's sinister underbelly, focusing on Matt Reeves' unique vision of iconic characters such as Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) and Riddler (Paul Dano). As fans eagerly await this new iteration of Batman's legendary story, only time will tell if it delivers the tense, brooding atmosphere promised by early glimpses.

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  • Road to Perdition
    14

    Road to Perdition

    Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law
    34 votes

    Road to Perdition follows hitman Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) as he seeks revenge for his wife and son's murder while simultaneously protecting his surviving child. Set during the Great Depression, this compelling crime drama showcases top-notch performances from Hanks, Paul Newman, and Jude Law amidst a backdrop of beautifully bleak cinematography by Conrad L. Hall. With its deliberate pacing and intricate storytelling, director Sam Mendes delivers an emotionally resonant tale about fatherhood, redemption, and betrayal.

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  • Wait Until Dark
    15

    Wait Until Dark

    Audrey Hepburn, Alan Arkin, Richard Crenna
    11 votes

    This edge-of-your-seat thriller stars Audrey Hepburn as Susy Hendrix – a blind woman who becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with dangerous criminals seeking something hidden within her apartment. Relying on her wits and resourcefulness while adjusting to her recent loss of sight, Susy fights for survival amidst escalating tension masterfully orchestrated by director Terence Young. As it builds towards its nail-biting climax, Wait Until Dark remains an exemplary entry into the classic slow burn suspense genre.

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  • Memento
    16

    Memento

    Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano
    46 votes

    Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking neo-noir thriller Memento tells the story of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), an insurance investigator suffering from anterograde amnesia following a brutal assault that left his wife dead. As Leonard pieces together clues using tattoos etched onto his body and Polaroid photos to aid his faltering memory; viewers are treated to a meticulously constructed narrative told in reverse chronological order – heightening intrigue all the way to its shocking climax. Memento is a masterstroke of psychological mystery that expertly utilizes its slow burn storytelling technique.

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  • Donnie Darko
    17

    Donnie Darko

    Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore
    34 votes

    Donnie Darko is an enigmatic cult classic that follows the titular character, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, as he navigates the increasingly bizarre events unfolding in his seemingly normal suburban life. With elements of sci-fi, psychological drama, and dark humor woven throughout its intricate narrative, this slow burn film keeps audiences guessing about reality and hallucination up until its mind-bending conclusion. Richard Kelly's directorial debut remains a haunting and mesmerizing exploration of youth, destiny, and the supernatural.

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  • Drive
    18

    Drive

    Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston
    43 votes

    In Drive, Ryan Gosling stars as an enigmatic stuntman and getaway driver who becomes embroiled in a dangerous criminal underworld when he agrees to help his neighbor (Carey Mulligan) and her young son. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, this stylish neo-noir thriller relies on atmospheric visuals, moody soundtrack, and understated performances to steadily build tension before erupting in bursts of sudden violence. As it delves into themes of isolation, connection, and redemption, Drive offers an enthralling cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

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  • Creep
    19

    Creep

    Mark Duplass, Patrick Brice
    21 votes

    This found-footage indie horror gem follows aspiring filmmaker Aaron (Patrick Brice) as he accepts a peculiar job from Josef (Mark Duplass), a man who claims to be dying and wants his final days captured on video for his unborn son. As the two spend time together at a secluded cabin, it gradually becomes apparent that Josef may not be as benign as he initially appears. Creep balances dark humor with genuine chills while ratcheting up suspense throughout its intimate narrative – culminating in an unsettling conclusion that leaves audiences reeling.

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  • Rosemary's Baby
    20

    Rosemary's Baby

    Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
    29 votes

    Roman Polanski's classic horror film Rosemary's Baby follows a young wife (Mia Farrow) who becomes increasingly paranoid as she suspects her eccentric neighbors and husband of conspiring against her unborn child. As the narrative builds to a shocking climax, this slow burn horror classic expertly blends psychological unrest with supernatural dread through its slow pacing and unsettling atmosphere. With outstanding performances from Farrow, John Cassavetes, and Ruth Gordon, Rosemary's Baby remains an influential staple of horror cinema that continues to terrify audiences to this day.

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  • The Machinist
    21

    The Machinist

    Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
    26 votes

    Christian Bale gives a striking performance as Trevor Reznik – a factory worker plagued by insomnia and paranoia in The Machinist. As his grip on reality weakens further due to sleep deprivation, Trevor becomes convinced he is being tormented by unseen forces tying back to his past actions. With director Brad Anderson slowly revealing the truth behind Trevor's unraveling mental state amidst haunting visuals reflecting his protagonist’s anguish, The Machinist offers an unforgettable exploration of guilt-induced psychosis.

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  • The Killing of a Sacred Deer
    22

    The Killing of a Sacred Deer

    Bill Camp, Raffey Cassidy, Denise Dal Vera
    30 votes

    Director Yorgos Lanthimos explores themes of guilt, retribution, and moral dilemmas in The Killing of a Sacred Deer – a psychological horror film starring Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman as married doctors whose seemingly perfect lives begin to unravel due to their association with a sinister teenage boy (Barry Keoghan). With its bleak atmosphere, disquieting visuals, and deliberately stilted dialogue punctuated by moments of chilling intensity; this unconventional slow burn thriller deftly weaves menace into every frame.

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  • Open Range
    23

    Open Range

    Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening
    35 votes

    Kevin Costner directs and stars alongside Robert Duvall in Open Range – a Western tale of revenge and redemption set against the backdrop of frontier-era America. As two free-range cattle herders confront a ruthless land baron (Michael Gambon) intent on driving them from his territory, the plot unfolds with carefully measured pacing that allows viewers to become fully immersed in its richly detailed world. With sweeping landscapes and outstanding performances throughout, Open Range is a prime example of a captivating slow burn western.

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  • Antlers
    24

    Antlers

    Keri Russell, Jesse Plemons, Jeremy T. Thomas
    27 votes

    Antlers is an atmospheric creature-feature directed by Scott Cooper that explores themes of trauma and redemption within its story centered around Julia Meadows (Keri Russell), a small-town teacher investigating one of her students' connection to eerie occurrences plaguing their community. Featuring haunting visuals courtesy of Guillermo del Toro's involvement as producer – this slow-burning horror entry provides ample chills while gradually unveiling the monstrous truth behind the film’s titular cryptid.

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  • Don't Breathe
    25

    Don't Breathe

    Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto
    34 votes

    Don't Breathe is a tense home invasion thriller that subverts expectations as three burglars, played by Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto, break into the house of a blind man (Stephen Lang) they believe is hiding a fortune. As the tables turn on the would-be thieves within the claustrophobic setting, director Fede Álvarez masterfully ratchets up suspense through deliberate pacing and clever twists – culminating in a heart-stopping showdown that keeps viewers riveted until the very end.

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  • Destroyer
    26

    Destroyer

    Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Tatiana Maslany
    29 votes

    In this gritty neo-noir crime drama, Nicole Kidman delivers a transformative performance as LAPD detective Erin Bell who grapples with past mistakes while hunting down an elusive gang leader behind her partner's murder years prior. Director Karyn Kusama's non-linear storytelling gradually reveals Erin's haunted backstory through flashbacks interspersed within the film's present-day narrative – skillfully ratcheting up tension as it progresses toward its surprising climax.

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  • The Invitation
    27

    The Invitation

    Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman
    29 votes

    Karyn Kusama’s psychological thriller The Invitation follows Will (Logan Marshall-Green) as he attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard) and her new husband David (Michiel Huisman). As the evening unfolds, Will grows increasingly suspicious about their intentions for inviting him and other guests into their home. With its slow build-up of suspense through character interactions and atmospheric tension expertly crafted by Kusama’s direction, The Invitation culminates in an unforgettable conclusion that leaves viewers questioning their own perceptions.

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  • Phoenix
    28

    Phoenix

    Nina Hoss, Ronald Zehrfeld, Nina Kunzendorf
    9 votes

    Set in post-World War II Berlin, Phoenix tells the story of Holocaust survivor Nelly Lenz (Nina Hoss), who undergoes reconstructive surgery after sustaining facial injuries during her time in a concentration camp. As Nelly attempts to reconnect with her estranged husband Johnny (Ronald Zehrfeld), their complicated relationship unfolds amidst a backdrop of lingering trauma and uncertainty about the future. Director Christian Petzold masterfully weaves a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and identity through this slow burn drama that keeps audiences enthralled until its powerful final moments.

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  • Ex Machina
    29

    Ex Machina

    Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander
    9 votes

    In Alex Garland's directorial debut Ex Machina, programmer Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is invited to administer the Turing Test on Ava (Alicia Vikander) – an advanced humanoid robot created by reclusive tech genius Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). As Caleb becomes increasingly intrigued by Ava's capacity for emotion and self-awareness throughout their interactions within Nathan's isolated research facility; Ex Machina explores themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and manipulation through its cleverly paced narrative that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

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  • No Country for Old Men
    30

    No Country for Old Men

    Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
    15 votes

    Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name, No Country for Old Men is a gripping neo-Western crime thriller by directors Joel and Ethan Coen about an ordinary man (Josh Brolin) who becomes entangled in a deadly battle with a merciless hitman (Javier Bardem) after discovering drug money in the Texas desert. As their cat-and-mouse game unfolds amidst stark landscapes and tense shootouts, this slow burn film showcases unforgettable performances from its ensemble cast while exploring themes of destiny, morality, and the relentless passage of time.

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