The 100+ Best Mystery Thrillers, Ranked
- 1Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
When an intelligent, young FBI agent seeks the help of a manipulative and brilliant cannibalistic serial killer to catch another notorious killer, you know you're in for a wild ride. This spine-chilling film combines psychological depth with gripping suspense and outstanding performances by the lead actors. It's no wonder this one made history as only the third film to win all major Academy Awards.
- 2Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
With its dark, twisted plot and stellar cast, this thriller hooks viewers from beginning to end. The story revolves around two detectives in their quest to decipher a series of gruesome murders, each inspired by one of the seven deadly sins. As the body count rises, so does the tension, culminating in one of the most memorable and shocking endings in cinema history.
More Seven
- #2 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #127 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #25 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- 3James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey
A bit of voyeurism never hurt anybody- or did it? In this classic Hitchcock tale, a man confined to a wheelchair becomes increasingly obsessed with his neighbors' lives, leading him down a dangerous path filled with suspicion and paranoia. The suspense is built brilliantly throughout the movie, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted thriller.
More Rear Window- #52 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #606 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #5 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- 4Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Ed Norton
When a slick defense attorney takes on his most challenging case - representing a seemingly innocent altar boy accused of murder - he finds himself ensnared in a web of deception and intrigue. The twists are plenty in this finely crafted thriller, with one of the best being the stunning performance of its then-unknown star, boasting a debut that left moviegoers utterly speechless.
More Primal Fear- #13 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #19 of 53 onThe Best Movies Where The Bad Guy Wins
- #127 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- 5Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
It's hard not to get swept up in the haunting atmosphere that permeates every frame of this masterfully directed film. Set in an isolated mental institution during the 1950s, an investigator delves into the disappearance of a patient while battling his own inner demons. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another twist sends your mind reeling yet again.
More Shutter Island- #6 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #17 of 53 onThe Best Movies Where The Bad Guy Wins
- #47 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- 6Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine
Featuring an outstanding cast and breathtaking visuals, this mind-bending thriller about the rivalry between two magicians will keep viewers guessing until the end. With each new trick and deceit, audiences are left wondering just how far these men will go to best each other, but be warned: this film has quite a few tricks up its sleeve.
More The Prestige- #587 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #139 of 371 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #13 of 66 onMovies You Wish You Could Still Watch for the First Time
- 7Nicole Kidman, Christopher Eccleston, Alakina Mann
When eerie occurrences start taking place in an isolated mansion where a woman and her two photosensitive children reside, tension gradually builds to a fever pitch in this psychological horror masterpiece. What starts as subtle disturbances eventually escalate into a full-blown mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the shocking finale.
More The Others- #388 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #42 of 396 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #67 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- 8Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
As the tagline says, "Five criminals, one lineup, no coincidences." Or are there? This film's unconventional narrative structure and standout performances from the ensemble cast make it an unforgettable moviegoing experience. Just when you think you've figured it all out, the rug is pulled from underneath you in a jaw-dropping finale that has become the stuff of legend.
More The Usual Suspects- #7 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #327 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #5 of 53 onThe Best Movies Where The Bad Guy Wins
- 9Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
When a man's wife mysteriously disappears on their wedding anniversary, he quickly becomes the prime suspect in this twisting and turning thriller adapted from a best-selling novel. As secrets unfold and new truths emerge, it becomes increasingly challenging to determine who can be trusted. The result is a taut and suspenseful experience that'll have viewers questioning everything they think they know.
More Gone Girl- #10 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #170 of 371 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #8 of 23 onOscar-Nominated Movies With Plot Holes You Can't Unsee
- 10Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger
Imagine discovering that your life was part of an elaborate game - without knowing what the rules are or who's controlling it. This high-stakes psychological thriller hooks viewers with its mind-bending premise and never lets go until its jaw-dropping conclusion. Michael Douglas delivers a riveting performance as a man entangled in a web of manipulation and deceit.
More The Game- #41 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #106 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #27 of 66 onMovies You Wish You Could Still Watch for the First Time
- 11Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
This deliciously entertaining whodunit gives fresh life to the classic murder mystery genre. A star-studded ensemble shines as an eccentric detective is called upon to investigate the demise of a wealthy patriarch and his dysfunctional family. With plenty of humor, sharp dialogue, and unexpected reveals, this modern-day Agatha Christie-esque thriller is one for the ages.
More Knives Out- #433 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #8 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- #16 of 156 onThe Best Ensemble Movies Of All Time
- 12John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet
Sometimes there's more than meets the eye when it comes to our darkest fears. This suspenseful psychological horror film adds a supernatural twist to classic genre tropes with its story about ten strangers trapped in a desolate motel during a torrential storm. As they are picked off one by one, they begin to realize their gathering might not have been so coincidental after all.
More Identity - 13Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce
Set in the seedy world of 1950s Los Angeles, this stylish neo-noir crime thriller follows three distinctly different police officers as they navigate through corruption, scandal, and murder. As the layers begin to unravel, it becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems, making for an engaging and intricate narrative that keeps audiences invested until the end.
More L.A. Confidential- #137 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- #115 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #30 of 94 onThe 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
- 14Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano
Few films have been as successful in messing with viewers' minds as this mind-bending neo-noir thriller. It tells the story of a man suffering from short-term memory loss trying to track down his wife's murderer - but the real hook is that the narrative unfolds in reverse order, keeping audiences guessing right up until its shocking conclusion.
More Memento- #33 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #745 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #77 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- 15Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
This powerful and haunting drama explores the consequences of a childhood tragedy that continues to affect the lives of three friends years later. When their paths intersect again following a brutal murder, secrets are unearthed that threaten to destroy what they hold dear. The raw emotions on display in this film, combined with its intense suspense, make for a truly unforgettable experience.
More Mystic River- #24 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #12 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #95 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 16Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Cary Elwes
When a forensic psychologist's niece goes missing, he teams up with a tough detective to track down a serial kidnapper known as "Casanova." As they unravel the twisted intricacies of the case, they must navigate through a world filled with dark obsessions and sinister motivations. The tension escalates throughout the film, culminating in a thrilling climax that will leave you breathless.
More Kiss the Girls- #26 of 95 onThe 100+ Best Movies Of 1997
- #21 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- #18 of 62 onThe 55+ Best Kidnapping & Hostage Movies
- 17Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page
This visually stunning, thought-provoking sci-fi thriller takes viewers on an exhilarating journey into the world of shared dreams. A group of skilled thieves must plant an idea into a powerful executive's subconscious to pull off their greatest job yet. Boasting an all-star cast and mind-bending special effects, Inception challenges the boundaries of what can be achieved in film storytelling.
More Inception- #14 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #324 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #47 of 115 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- 18Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis
When their daughters go missing, two desperate fathers go to extreme lengths to find them in this nerve-racking thriller. As days stretch on with no leads, the tension mounts, revealing dark truths and testing the limits of morality. With its gripping performances and captivating storyline, Prisoners will have you pondering the depths people will go to in the name of justice.
More Prisoners- Dig Deeper...15 Captivating Movies Like 'Prisoners'
- #1 of 13 onEvery Denis Villeneuve Movie, Ranked
- #11 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- 19Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey
Based on the true story of San Francisco's most notorious serial killer, this riveting crime film delves into the obsessive search for the mysterious murderer. As years pass without resolution or arrest, those involved are drawn deeper into the case, losing themselves in the process. Gripping and chillingly realistic, it's sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.
More Zodiac- #19 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #499 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #2 of 35 onThe Best Movies Based on Real Murders
- 20Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer
A disgraced journalist teams up with a brilliant but enigmatic hacker to solve a decades-old mystery - only to uncover a much darker truth hidden beneath the surface. This gripping thriller explores themes of family, corruption, and revenge in an intricate web of deceit and intrigue that captivates audiences from start to finish.
- #45 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #134 of 371 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #123 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 21Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah
The race against time gets an added layer of suspense in this serial killer flick. A paralyzed forensic expert and a rookie cop must work together to track down a twisted murderer who leaves cryptic clues based on the collection of human bones. As the pair follow the trail of macabre discoveries, they find themselves drawn deeper into a deadly game where the stakes are life and death.
More The Bone Collector- #12 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #29 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- #30 of 167 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- 22Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston
In this iconic neo-noir classic, a private eye becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and corruption as he investigates a seemingly simple case involving infidelity. With stunning cinematography and an impeccable script, this film brilliantly captures the dark underbelly of 1930s Los Angeles while immersing viewers in a labyrinthine tale filled with shocking twists and revelations.
More Chinatown- #121 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #30 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
- #35 of 53 onThe Best Movies Where The Bad Guy Wins
- 23Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung
When a man is inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years and then suddenly released, he embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance, leaving a trail of violence and bloodshed in his wake. This intense South Korean thriller keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its non-stop action, dark humor, and shocking twists, ultimately challenging viewers' notions of morality and justice.
More Oldboy- #92 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #43 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #221 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 24Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Gil Birmingham
Set amidst the barren landscape of a Native American reservation, this ice-cold thriller follows a rookie FBI agent as she teams up with a local wildlife tracker to solve the murder of a young woman. As they dig deeper into the case, they uncover a harrowing world of drugs, exploitation, and despair. The stark beauty of the film's backdrop only serves to heighten its intensity and emotional resonance.
More Wind River- #112 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #17 of 48 onThe 45+ Best Modern Day Westerns
- #17 of 66 onThe 60+ Best Native American Movies
- 25Anthony Hopkins, Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes
Returning to the world of The Silence of the Lambs, this chilling prequel delves into the early days of FBI investigator Will Graham's partnership with Hannibal Lecter as they hunt down another sadistic serial killer. The tension builds relentlessly throughout, leaving viewers with bated breath until the electrifying climax that reveals just how close to evil one can get without losing oneself.
More Red Dragon- #29 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #530 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #145 of 396 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- 26Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank
In this atmospheric thriller, a sleep-deprived detective finds himself in an unrelenting battle against his own conscience as he investigates a brutal murder in a small Alaskan town plunged into perpetual daylight. As his guilt over a tragic accident threatens to overcome him, he becomes increasingly entangled in an intricate web of deceit and danger. Boasting stunning visuals and a gripping narrative, Insomnia is not to be missed by fans of psychological thrillers.
More Insomnia- #82 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #50 of 114 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time
- #51 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- 27Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott
This pulse-pounding thriller sees forensic psychologist Alex Cross return to the screen as he's drawn into a high-stakes kidnapping investigation involving a senator's daughter. As he pieces together the clues left behind by a cunning criminal mastermind, Cross quickly realizes that he's caught up in something far more sinister than he initially thought. With its captivating plot and nail-biting suspense, it's a must-watch for fans of the crime thriller genre.
More Along Came a Spider- #163 of 371 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #30 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #26 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- 28Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon
This supernatural thriller is as much a chilling exploration of psychological terror as it is a gripping mystery. When a young woman becomes pregnant, she begins to suspect that her eccentric neighbors harbor sinister intentions for her unborn child. The mounting paranoia and unsettling atmosphere make this film a classic example of how the fear of the unknown can be more terrifying than any tangible threat.
More Rosemary's Baby- #46 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #634 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #39 of 396 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- 29Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman
No list of mystery thrillers would be complete without the return of cinema's most chilling cannibal. This mercilessly suspenseful sequel finds Dr. Lecter on the loose in Italy as an FBI agent closes in, determined to capture him once and for all. As the cat-and-mouse game between predator and pursuer escalates, so does the nerve-shredding tension that has come to define this iconic franchise.
More Hannibal- #25 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #400 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #247 of 396 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- 30Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman
When two Boston private detectives take on the case of a missing four-year-old girl, they find themselves plunged deep into the city's seedy underbelly. As they follow leads through a dark world of drugs, violence, and corruption, they're forced to question their own moral compasses in the face of difficult choices. This gritty drama features an engaging story and powerful performances that linger long after the credits roll.
More Gone Baby Gone- #77 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #12 of 139 onThe Best Movies Of 2007
- #36 of 63 onThe Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
