When it comes to entertainment that holds our attention from the first scene to the last, suspense films have a guaranteed place at the top of the list.
With plots that challenge the mind, explore the abysses of human psychology and keep the heart racing, these films are the perfect choice for those looking for an extra dose of adrenaline.
Dive into this expanded selection of 10 exceptional thrillers, ideal for your next home cinema session. These films are a showcase of what the thriller genre can offer: stories that make us question reality, explore the complexity of the human mind and confront our deepest fears.
Prepare the popcorn and venture through these narratives that guarantee not only goosebumps, but also lasting reflections.
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The Big Trick (2006)
Set in Victorian London, this masterpiece chronicles the intense rivalry between two illusionists, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), whose fierce competition leads them down a dark path of obsession, secrets and sacrifice.
With a narrative that defies reality and questions the limits of human obsession, “The Big Trick” is a visual and intellectual spectacle that unfolds like an intricate puzzle.
Where to watch: available at MAX.
Shutter Island (2010)
Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is sent to an institution for the criminally insane on Shutter Island, where he uncovers a plot full of sinister secrets and faces his own inner demons.
The search for a missing patient turns into a disturbing journey through psychological enigmas and hidden truths, making Shutter Island a gripping psychological thriller.
Where to watch: available on Netflix.
Amnesia (2000)
“Amnesia” follows the journey of Leonard (Guy Pearce), a man with a rare condition that prevents him from forming new memories, determined to find his wife’s killer.
This film innovates by telling its story backwards, challenging viewers to put together the puzzle with the protagonist, in a fascinating exploration of memory and identity.
Where to watch: available on Telecine.
Butterfly Effect (2004)
Evan Treborn (Ashton Kutcher) discovers he can go back in time to change his past, but realizes that each change has unforeseen consequences for his life. “Butterfly Effect” is an intriguing journey into how seemingly insignificant moments can change everything, a film that combines science fiction elements with a deep character study.
Where to watch: available at MAX
Contagion (2011)
This film offers a terrifyingly realistic look at a global pandemic, following the emergence and spread of a deadly virus as scientists and society struggle to find a cure.
“Contagion” combines solid storytelling with powerful performances, highlighting human fragility and the strength of hope.
Where to watch: available on Amazon Prime Video.
Read more: 10 thriller films from the 80s and 90s to watch today
The Hidden Friend (2005)
After the death of his wife, David Callaway (Robert De Niro) and his daughter Emily (Dakota Fanning) move into a new house, where Emily creates an imaginary friend with a sinister presence.
“The Hidden Friend” is a psychological thriller that explores the fine line between imagination and reality, creating an atmosphere of constant tension.
Where to watch: available on Star+.
Goodnight Mommy (2022)
In this unsettling remake of the Austrian film, after surgery, a mother returns home with her face covered in bandages, but her children begin to suspect that she is not who she says she is.
“Goodnight Mommy” delves into the primal fear of loss of identity and trust, enveloping the viewer in a heart-stopping mystery.
Where to watch: available on Amazon Prime Video.
The Little Traces (2021)
Denzel Washington plays Deke, a sheriff with an eye for crucial details, who teams up with Detective Baxter (Rami Malek) on the hunt for a serial killer.
“The Little Traces” is a gripping crime thriller that drags us into the heart of darkness, exploring the price of obsession and the cost of truth.
With remarkable performances and a plot that captures your attention, this film is a deep dive into the shadows of crime and justice.
Where to watch: available at MAX.
Millennium: The Men Who Didn’t Love Women (2011)
This film, an adaptation of the first book in the internationally successful series by Stieg Larsson. Follow journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they embark on a sinister investigation into the disappearance of a woman decades ago, which leads them into the dark secrets of one of Sweden’s richest families.
“Millennium” is a complex and sweeping thriller, which masterfully combines mystery, drama and action, keeping the viewer engaged in every twist and turn.
Where to watch: available at MAX.
Survivors After the Earthquake (2023)
Set in the chaotic post-earthquake landscape of Seoul, this Korean thriller follows the fight for survival in one of the few buildings left standing.
Between moral dilemmas, internal conflicts and the constant threat of new dangers, “Survivors After the Earthquake” is an exciting reflection on human resilience, the survival instinct and the power of the community in times of crisis.
The intense narrative and convincing performances make this film an impactful cinematic experience.
Where to watch: available for rent on multiple platforms.
