Missing (2023) is a gripping thriller directed by Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick. It follows June, whose life is turned upside down after her mother goes missing in Colombia.
Despite her desperate efforts to find out what happened to her mother, June is hindered in her search for information by international red tape. Missing (2023), which marks Johnson and Merrick’s directorial debut, is certain to be a remarkable film that captivates audiences with its engaging story and spectacular images. Those who have already watched Missing and are looking for similar films, you have come to the right place!
If you’re looking for films like Missing (2023) that will keep you on the tip of your seat, look no further. In this article, we will explore 38 films that you will love if you have watched Missing. These films will bring you to the edge of your seat. The Silence of the Lambs, The Da Vinci Code, and The Girl on the Train are some of the films that I have shared in this article. These have the same heart-pounding tension and compelling storytelling as Missing. Each of these films offers a novel take on the mystery and thriller genre, whether through their deep characters, intricate plots, or stunning visuals. They are perfect for a magnificent evening of entertainment because they all include the same underlying tension and mystery that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
1. “Prisoners” (2013)
Denis Villeneuve directed the thriller/mystery film “Prisoners.” Hugh Jackman plays Keller Dover, a devoted Christian, and father of two who lives with his family in a rural town. His daughter and her friend went missing one day while he and his family were having Thanksgiving.
Keller’s desperation grows when the police come up empty-handed in their search for his daughter. Keller imprisons Alex in an empty apartment and brutally interrogates him to find out where his daughter is. Although the evidence is vague, he discovers a possible connection between Alex and another abduction case. As the investigation continues and Keller’s actions become more frantic, Detective Loki begins to believe he may have a lead in the case. When the reality about what happened to the girls is revealed, the film’s climax becomes increasingly suspenseful and moving.
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
- Cast: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, Terrence Howard
- Rating: 8.1/10
- Streaming Platform: HBO Max, Netflix
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2. “The Girl on the Train”:
The psychological thriller “The Girl on the Train” explores the dark recesses of the human mind. The protagonist of the film, Rachel Watson, is a troubled woman battling alcoholism and the aftermath of a recent divorce. Rachel is unable to let go of her past and develops an unhealthy fixation on an ideal pair she sees on the train every day. She imagines a wonderful life for them in her head, but her fantasies are destroyed when she witnesses something horrifying and becomes involved in a search for a missing person.
The film is a gloomy investigation of dependency, trauma, and memory’s fallibility. Rachel’s intoxication heightens her focus on the couple and blurs the line between reality and fiction. As the film progresses, the investigation takes unexpected twists, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the big discovery.
The acting in “The Girl on the Train” is excellent, particularly Emily Blunt’s hypnotic turn as Rachel. Tate Taylor’s direction is excellent, creating tension and suspense throughout the entire film.
- Directed by: Tate Taylor
- Cast: Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Edgar Ramirez
- Rating: 6.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Sony Liv
3. “Shutter Island” (2010)
The film is set in the 1950s and follows US Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his sidekick Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) as they investigate the disappearance of a prisoner at the distant mental institution Shutter Island. The investigation takes a dark turn as Teddy begins to question his sanity and the motivations of the physicians and personnel on the island. The story is told from Teddy’s point of view, and the audience is drawn into his progressively confusing and fragmented visions. The plot twists and turns to examine identity, memory, and the nature of truth, and the startling ending will leave viewers stunned.
Scorsese performs an outstanding job as director, establishing a permeating sense of dread and foreboding. Lovers of psychological thrillers shouldn’t miss “Shutter Island,” which explores topical and crucial themes such as mental illness and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority.
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer
- Rating: 8.2/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
The plot centers on FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), who is charged with meeting serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in prison to better understand the mind of Buffalo Bill, another serial killer. Clarice becomes increasingly involved in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with both Lecter and Buffalo Bill as she investigates the case further.
Foster and Hopkins, who both won Academy Awards for their roles, provide outstanding performances in “The Silence of the Lambs.” Demme does a terrific job as director, skillfully escalating the suspense and tension as the picture goes.
- Directed by: Jonathan Demme
- Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, Brooke Smith
- Rating: 8.6/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
5. Seven (1995):
David Fincher and Andrew Kevin Walker wrote the psychological thriller Seven.
Detective William Somerset, a seasoned veteran who is nearing retirement, and Detective David Mills, a brash newcomer to the force, play the roles of the two detectives. The investigators are led on a merry chase as the plot progresses, and they try to catch the murderer before he finishes his horrific deed. The killer, played by Kevin Spacey, is a highly clever and methodical guy who has a strategy for every murder he performs. The line between justice and revenge grows more ambiguous as the investigators approach closer to the culprit and find themselves in a moral quandary.
The movie boasts great performances from its key actors, Morgan Freeman as Detective Somerset, Brad Pitt as Detective Mills, and Kevin Spacey as the killer. The film’s gloomy and frightening mood is aided by its photography, soundtrack, and use of symbolism.
- Directed by: David Fincher
- Cast: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow
- Rating: 9/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
6. Memento (2000):
Christopher Nolan and his brother Jonathan Nolan wrote the psychological thriller film Memento. Leonard faces unreliable witnesses, misleading leads, and his flawed memory as he strives to piece together his memories and solve the murder mystery of his wife.
Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano are two instances of the outstanding supporting cast. The film’s unusual structure, arresting images, and complex ideas distinguish it from other thrillers.
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
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7. The Usual Suspects (1995):
A mysterious man named Keyser Soze assembles a band of five crooks for a robbery.
Most of the film is told through flashbacks, beginning with Verbal Kint, one of the thieves, being interrogated by the police after the unsuccessful heist.
Verbal takes the audience on a whirlwind ride of deceit and intrigue as he relates his story, with the identity of Keyser Soze staying unknown until the unexpected finale. Kevin Spacey as Verbal Kint, Benicio del Toro as Fred Fenster, and Gabriel Byrne as Dean Keaton all deliver outstanding performances in this movie.
- Directed by: Bryan Singer
- Cast: Kevin Spacey, Benicio del Toro, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
8. The Sixth Sense (1999):
The supernatural psychological suspense film The Sixth Sense was directed by Night Shyamalan. Night Shyamalan In the film, Bruce Willis’s child psychologist Malcolm Crowe assists Haley Joel Osment’s Cole, a young boy who claims to see and communicate with spirits.
Malcolm discovers more about Cole’s world and begins to question the veracity of the boy’s visions. The film’s eerie and unpleasant atmosphere is aided by its directing, cinematography, use of sound, and music.
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
- Cast: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
- Rating: 9/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Disney+Hotstar
9. The Departed (2006):
Billy Costigan and Colin Sullivan both join the Boston Police Department at the same time, but they wind up on different sides of the law. When Sullivan secretly works for Costello while climbing the ranks of the police department, Costigan goes undercover to become a member of the notorious criminal Frank Costello’s inner circle.
Together, the film’s directing, photography, and score create a gloomy and ominous atmosphere.
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
- Rating: 9/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
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10. Cape Fear (1991)
The psychological thriller Cape Fear was directed by Martin Scorsese. Max Cady is a vengeful individual who decides to exact vengeance on his former attorney Sam Bowden, whom he believes accountable for his imprisonment. Max pursues the Bowdens and causes them trouble.
The movie illustrates Max Cady’s (who wishes to inflict suffering) and Sam Bowden’s intense inner battle (who wants to protect his family). The film’s tight atmosphere builds to a nail-biting finish.
Nick Nolte plays Sam Bowden, while Jessica Lange plays Leigh Bowden. Juliette Lewis offers an excellent performance as Danielle, Bowden’s daughter. The actors, director, and photographs of the movie garnered raving reviews.
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis
Rating: 8.2/10
Streaming Platform: Netflix
11. Double Jeopardy (1999):
The compelling criminal drama film Double Jeopardy tells the story of Libby Parsons. Nick, her husband, fakes his death and disappears while she is suspected of having murdered him. As Libby learns from her cellmate, the Double Jeopardy clause of the Fifth Amendment forbids her from being prosecuted again for the same offense while she is incarcerated.
Libby is released on parole after completing six years of her sentence, and she immediately begins on a mission to find her husband and clear her name. To locate him, she must also adopt a new identity and evade the law. It poses the question of what constitutes justice and how far people are ready to go to defend themselves or take revenge.
- Directed by: Bruce Beresford
- Cast: Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Greenwood
- Rating: 7.0/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999):
The Talented Mr. Ripley is a psychological thriller film based on Patricia Highsmith’s same-titled novel. A wealthy businessman pays Tom Ripley, a young man, to travel to Italy and convince Dickie to return to the United States. Tom, however, becomes attracted to Dickie’s extravagant lifestyle and begins to imitate him upon his arrival in Italy.
It makes us wonder how far people will go to fit in and what happens when they become too attached to a fake character.
- Directed by: Anthony Minghella
- Cast: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law
- Rating: 8.1/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
13. Insomnia (2002):
Insomnia, a psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan, was released in 2002. Two detectives, Will Dormer, and Hap Eckhart, are sent to an isolated Alaskan town to investigate the murder of a young woman.
Will’s sleep deprivation intensifies as the investigation continues due to the town’s 24-hour daylight. In addition, he begins to regret something he did many years ago but never disclosed it to anyone, not even his spouse. Things become even more problematic when the assailant who has been harassing Will begins to manipulate him and threatens to divulge his secret.
Insomnia is a thought-provoking movie that keeps the audience intrigued throughout. It addresses guilt, morality, and the grey regions between right and wrong. Al Pacino and Robin Williams, in particular, produce great performances. The photography is also excellent, successfully conveying the desolation and barrenness of the Alaskan terrain.
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Martin Donovan, and Maura Tierney
- Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
- Streaming Platform: HBO Max
14. Mulholland Drive (2001):
In the film, Betty Elms, played by Naomi Watts, is an aspiring actress who moves to Los Angeles and makes friends with Laura Harring’s amnesic character. Together, they work to learn the woman’s true identity and the circumstances surrounding her memory loss.
Betty’s aspiration to become an actress quickly becomes a nightmare as she is drawn deeper and deeper into a bizarre and sinister web of deceit and manipulation as the inquiry unfolds.
Mulholland Drive is a complex and multifaceted film that resists easy classification. It delves into topics like identity, truth, and the conflicting aspect of human nature. The acting is superb, with Naomi Watts giving a performance that may be her career-defining as Betty.
- Directed by: David Lynch
- Cast: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Ann Miller, and Robert Forster
- Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
- Streaming Platform: Hulu
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15. A Simple Plan (1998):
Hank, his brother Jacob, and Jacob’s friend Lou discover a crashed plane in the woods that carry $4.4 million in cash. After agreeing to keep the money a secret, the three devise a scheme to hide and divide it, but greed, paranoia, and violence quickly take over their little town.
The film’s characters and their motivations are its merits. Hank, as depicted by Bill Paxton, is a cautious realist who initially wants to give the money to the authorities. Lou, portrayed by Brent Briscoe, is a fiery and impulsive troublemaker, whereas Jacob, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, is dumb and easily misled. As the three men grow increasingly immersed in their scheme to keep the money, their relationships and personalities begin to deteriorate.
As the consequences of the trio’s actions worsen, “A Simple Plan” maintains its tension and suspense throughout. The video also provokes thought about the morality of criminal behavior and the lengths to which people would go to attain their objectives.
- Directed by: Sam Raimi
- Cast: Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda
- Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
16. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009):
In the film, former criminal court investigator Benjamin Esposito aims to produce a book about a cold case from his past. Esposito and his former colleague and unrequited love interest Irene investigated the horrific rape and murder of a young woman.
While the film swings back and forth between the present and the investigation, Esposito attempts to solve the crime and reconcile his feelings for Irene. Both criminals and corrupt members of the legal system provide him with obstacles and dangers.
The well-made film “The Secret in Their Eyes” explores themes of love, loss, justice, and redemption. The group, particularly Ricardo Darn as Esposito and Soledad Villamil as Irene, achieves excellent character development.
- Directed by: Juan José Campanella
- Cast: Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Guillermo Francella
- Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
17. Memories of Murder (2003)
The South Korean crime drama film Memories of Murder was directed by Bong Joon-ho. It is based on the true events of the 1980s Hwaseong serial killings. The film follows detectives Park Doo-man and Cho Yong-Koo as they investigate attacks on young women in a tiny community by a serial killer. The detectives’ efforts to gather evidence prove unsuccessful, and the murderer stays at large throughout the investigation.
As the investigation proceeds, tensions between the detectives rise as a result of their divergent investigative approaches. Cho is analytical and deliberate, but Park is impulsive and follows his instincts. Because their tactics are incompatible, the murderer is still at large.
This crime drama/social critique mix brilliantly explores socioeconomic disparity, authoritarianism, and corruption. The realm of investigation is shown in a gritty, realistic manner that engages the audience. Song Kang’s portrayal of Park Doo-man is particularly striking since he so realistically conveys the character’s contradictory displays of confidence and vulnerability.
- Directed by: Bong Joon-ho
- Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-Kyung, Kim Roi-ha
- Rating: 9.2/10
- Streaming Platform: Hulu
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18. Fracture (2007):
The crime-thriller film Fracture centers on a young attorney named Willy Beachum. Beachum is a competent prosecutor who is leaving his current position for a lucrative position in the private sector. Ted Crawford, a wealthy engineer, has confessed to shooting his wife, but before he can leave, he is assigned one last case.
Crawford is a shrewd and clever man who methodically plans every part of his crime and is desperate to escape punishment. The stakes are higher than ever as Beachum engages in a deadly game of cat and mouse with Crawford.
The Fracture cast gives powerful and captivating performances. Anthony Hopkins portrays the wealthy engineer Ted Crawford, who is out to prove everyone else wrong brilliantly. Ryan Gosling is also brilliant as Willy Beachum, a young attorney who is about to face his greatest challenge yet. The film’s smart plot will keep spectators guessing until the very end.
Gregory Hoblit’s beautiful and visually stunning film Fracture. The photography, editing, and music all contribute to a tight and scary atmosphere.
Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, David Strathairn
Rating: 8/10
Streaming Platform: Netflix
19. The Lincoln Lawyer (2011):
In the film, Mickey Haller, a criminal defense attorney from Los Angeles, operates his practice out of the trunk of his Lincoln Town Car. Louis Roulet, a wealthy businessman accused of assault and attempted murder, hires Haller one day. When Haller investigates the matter more, he begins to question Roulet’s identity and whether he was involved in a previous murder case, he handled.
In the film, Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of Mickey Haller strikes the appropriate blend of charisma, intelligence, and moral ambiguity. Louis Roulet is portrayed by Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy is Haller’s investigator, and Marisa Tomei is Haller’s ex-wife and co-attorney. In conclusion, “The Lincoln Lawyer” is a thrilling and entertaining legal thriller that comes highly recommended. The intriguing plot, great acting, and gratifying conclusion will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
- Directed by: Brad Furman
- Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy
- Rating: 8/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
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20. The Bone Collector (1999):
The Bone Collector is a Phillip Noyce-directed crime thriller based on Jeffery Deaver’s book, which has the same name. The plot revolves around Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic detective. When a serial killer begins terrorizing New York City, Rhyme partners up with a rookie patrol officer named Amelia Donaghy to solve the case.
The investigation and the audience’s capacity to comprehend hints along the way are both paced effectively throughout the film.
The Bone Collector is a thrilling criminal thriller overall because of its great acting and intriguing plot. Lovers of the genre should watch it, and the actors and filmmakers involved deserve praise.
- Directed by: Phillip Noyce
- Cast: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker
- Rating: 7/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
21. The Game (1997):
The protagonist, Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas), is a wealthy but reclusive banker who receives an unexpected birthday gift from his estranged brother Conrad in the psychological thriller film “The Game” (Sean Penn). The gift is an invitation to participate in a “game” organized by Consumer Recreation Services.
Nicholas is swiftly entangled in a dangerous game that straddles the line between truth and illusion, with his life at stake. Christine, a waitress he meets, pretends to be a fellow participant in the game (Deborah Kara Unger).
Nicholas begins to question who he can trust and what is genuine as he encounters an increasing number of deadly hurdles. Isolation, paranoia, and the ambiguity between fact and fiction are all examined. The film’s surprising and thrilling twist ending will have spectators on the edge of their seats long after the final frame has faded.
- Directed by: David Fincher
- Cast: Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Kara Unger
- Rating: 8/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
22. Basic Instinct (1992):
Basic Instinct is an erotic thriller film by Paul Verhoeven. The story follows San Francisco detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas), who is investigating the brutal murder of a former rock star.
Nick’s desire for Catherine builds as he investigates the case, even though she appears to be manipulating him at every turn. As Nick draws closer to Catherine and begins to question his sanity, the investigation takes a perilous turn.
Catherine’s leg crossing and uncrossing during the interrogation scene in “Basic Instinct” is infamous for being provocative and argumentative. Catherine Tramell is portrayed by Sharon Stone remarkably and unforgettably.
- Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
- Cast: Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, Jeanne Tripplehorn
- Rating: 7/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
23. Primal Fear (1996):
The spectator is taken through the intricacies of a judicial case in the psychological crime thriller Primal Fear.
The case of Aaron Stampler, a timid altar boy suspected of murdering an archbishop, is taken on by Martin Vail, a successful and flamboyant attorney. Martin deciphers a network of lies and treachery that leads him to the true killer and a devastating conclusion. The acting is superb throughout, with Edward Norton giving one of his best performances as Aaron Stampler. The chemistry between the two actors is explosive, and Richard Gere also excels in his role as Martin Vail. Gregory Hoblit, the film’s director, does a fantastic job of building tension and suspense.
- Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
- Cast: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton
- Rating: 9/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
24. The Jackal (1997)
The suspenseful movie The Jackal was directed by Michael Caton-Jones in 1997. Declan Mulqueen (Richard Gere), a former IRA terrorist, is recruited to help find and eliminate the Jackal before it’s too late. The FBI and Russian intelligence are after him.
The film features a frenzied cat-and-mouse game in which Mulqueen races against time to choose his next move while the Jackal evades his pursuers at every step. All the characters play their role quite efficiently. Even Sidney Poitier and Diane Venora, who play supporting roles, give excellent performances.
- Directed by: Michael Caton-Jones
- Cast: Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier, Diane Venora
- Rating: 7/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
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25. The Ghost Writer (2010):
The novel “The Ghost” by Robert Harris served as the inspiration for the film. The author learns of a plot involving the British government and the Central Intelligence Agency.
As the plot progresses, the tension in the film steadily increases. The viewer is kept on edge by the director’s use of paranoia and suspense. The Ghost Writer is an expertly written suspense film that never lets up on the tension.
- Directed by: Roman Polanski
- Cast: Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Williams, Kim Cattrall, Tom Wilkinson, Timothy Hutton
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
26. The International (2009)
In the political thriller The International, Interpol investigator Louis Salinger and Manhattan assistant district attorney Eleanor Whitman investigate a bank’s involvement in illegal arms trafficking and political corruption. When further investigation is conducted, it is discovered that the bank is only one part of a much broader web of corruption that includes politicians and arms smugglers.
The exciting and intricate plot of the film transports the audience from Berlin to Milan to New York. Corruption, corporate greed, and the abuse of power by governments and organizations are topical and significant themes in the film. The ensemble, led by Clive Owen and Naomi Watts, delivers outstanding performances, while Tom Tykwer’s direction is slick and immersive, with beautifully shot sequences and well-crafted suspense.
- Directed by: Tom Tykwer
- Cast: Clive Owen, Naomi Watts, Armin Mueller-Stahl
- Rating: 8/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
27. Angels & Demons (2009)
Angels & Demons is a mystery-thriller film directed by Ron Howard based on the same-titled novel by Dan Brown. In the film, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is recruited by the Holy See to investigate a murder and foil a terrorist conspiracy against the Catholic Church. Together, Langdon and Vittoria Vetra go on a risky and thrilling adventure to Rome in quest of clues disguised in the city’s renowned pieces of art and architecture. The chemistry between Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon and Ayelet Zurer as Vittoria Vetra enhances the film’s intrigue.
In Angels & Demons, Stellan Skarsgard portrays Commander Richter, the leader of the Swiss Guard who assists Langdon and Vetra, while Ewan McGregor portrays Camerlengo Patrick McKenna, the Vatican Secretary of State who becomes a suspect in the murder investigation. Some critics have called the film’s plot confused, while others have praised its fast pace and dramatic situations.
- Directed by: Ron Howard
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgård
- Rating: 7/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
28. The Bourne Identity (2002)
The protagonist of this film is Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia who is discovered floating in the Mediterranean Sea with two gunshot wounds. High-octane action sequences and adrenaline-pumping chases through Paris’ streets transport the audience on an exhilarating journey. Another notable aspect of the movie is the relationship between Matt Damon and Franka Potente as Marie, the woman who helps him evade the CIA.
In The Bourne Identity, Chris Cooper plays Conklin, the CIA’s Deputy Director of Operations who wants Bourne dead, and Clive Owen plays The Professor, a trained assassin tasked with killing Bourne.
- Directed by: Doug Liman
- Cast: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
- Rating: 8/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
29. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
After the events of “The Bourne Identity,” Bourne and his lover Marie are living a quiet life in India (Franka Potente). But his past catches up with him when he is wrongfully accused of murdering two CIA agents, forcing him to flee once more. As Bourne reconstructs his past, he discovers a CIA plot involving corrupt agents, a Russian oil magnate, and a plan to steal billions of dollars. While Bourne is pursued by both CIA and Soviet assassins, the plot develops rapidly and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Critics were generally favorable, praising the film’s action scenes and Damon’s turn in the lead role.
- Directed by: Paul Greengrass
- Cast: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Joan Allen, Karl Urban
- Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
30. Dead Calm (1989):
Phillip Noyce directed the psychological thriller Dead Calm in 1989. Sam Neill and Nicole Kidman play a heartbroken couple named John and Rae, who set sail after the death of their kid in the film. They come to a shipwreck while traveling and decide to investigate it. Then, they discover that Hughie, portrayed by Billy Zane, is the sole survivor and that he massacred the rest of the crew.
Hughie reveals himself to be a sociopath and seizes control of the yacht that John and Rae are on. He terrorizes them and plays horrible psychological games with them. The video addresses such topics as human resiliency, loss, and the psychological effects of stress.
The intriguing and atmospheric thriller Dead Calm keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. The mix of the film’s confined setting and psychological mind games makes spectators anxious long after the credits have rolled.
- Directed by: Phillip Noyce
- Cast: Sam Neill, Nicole Kidman, Billy Zane
- Rating: 7.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
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31. The Pelican Brief (1993):
Alan J. Pakula directed the legal thriller film The Pelican Brief, which is based on John Grisham’s book of the same name. The plot follows law student Darby Shaw as he becomes involved in a scheme to assassinate two Supreme Court justices. After writing a speculative brief on the assassinations, Shaw finds herself in danger and on the run from those responsible.
At the beginning of the film, two Supreme Court Justices are murdered, and Julia Roberts’ character, law student Darby Shaw, draughts a legal brief proposing probable explanations for the murders. She gives the memo to her professor, who then gives it to a mutual FBI contact. After her professor is murdered, Shaw realizes she is now a target and flees. She encounters Gray Grantham, a journalist played by Denzel Washington, who helps her uncover the truth about the murders.
Shaw and Grantham’s research shows a network of corruption involving the oil industry, the FBI, and even the White House. Shaw reveals the conspiracy at a press conference and brings the guilty persons to justice.
- Directed by: Alan J. Pakula
- Cast: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Heard
- Rating: 8/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
32. The Firm (1993):
The Firm is a legal thriller film directed by Sydney Pollack and based on the same-named John Grisham novel. Tom Cruise’s character, Mitch McDeere, graduates from law school and is employed by a prominent Memphis law firm at the beginning of the movie. The corporation offers him a luxurious life with a house and a car, but he soon discovers there is a catch. McDeere must decide whether to continue with the corporation and risk losing his job or to report its illegal conduct to the police.
As McDeere investigates more, he discovers proof that the corporation engages in illegal activities such as money laundering. McDeere and his wife Abby, portrayed by Jeanne Tripplehorn, enter witness protection, and the firm is eventually brought to justice.
- Directed by: Sydney Pollack
- Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Gene Hackman, Holly Hunter
- Rating: 7.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
33. The Negotiator (1998)
The Negotiator was a crime thriller directed by Gary Gray. Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson), a top police negotiator in Chicago, becomes a prisoner after being falsely accused of murdering his colleague and stealing from the police pension fund. To clear his name, he kidnaps hostages and asks for a meeting with Chris Sabian, another respected negotiator (Kevin Spacey).
Danny and Chris fight in a battle of wits and manipulation to uncover the police department’s misconduct, which is filled with suspense. As the two negotiators in the picture, which has a strong ensemble, Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey both deliver strong performances. Supporting artists like J.T. Both Walsh and Ron Rifkin provide great performances in their respective roles. The writing is also superb, with funny dialogue and smart plot twists that keep the reader guessing.
The Negotiator is a neatly written and skillfully executed thriller that will grab your interest from beginning to end.
- Directed by: F. Gary Gray
- Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, J.T. Walsh, Ron Rifkin
- Rating: 8/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
34. The Vanishing (1988)
The Vanishing, commonly known as Spoorloos, is a Dutch-French psychological thriller directed by George Sluizer. The protagonist, Rex, gets obsessed with discovering what happened to his girlfriend, Saskia, who vanished while they were on vacation together. The research leads him to Raymond Lemorne, a mystery figure who may hold the key to Saskia’s fate.
The Vanishing is a great example of suspenseful writing because, like any other movie, just simple scares aren’t shown. The cast, particularly Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu as Raymond Lemorne, delivers outstanding performances, while the cinematography maintains the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
- Directed by: George Sluizer
- Cast: Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, Gene Bervoets, Johanna ter Steege
- Rating: 8.9/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
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35. The Constant Gardener (2005):
The Constant Gardener is a political thriller film by Fernando Meirelles. The protagonist, British ambassador Justin Quayle, investigates the death of his activist wife, Tessa, in Kenya. When he looks into it further, he discovers evidence of a conspiracy involving pharmaceutical businesses and government officials.
The Constant Gardener is an amazing film that provokes thoughts on corporate greed and government corruption.
- Directed by: Fernando Meirelles
- Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite
- Rating: 9/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
36. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
In the film, Robert Langdon, a symbologist, investigates a murder at the Louvre while uncovering a plot involving the Priory of Sion and the Holy Grail. Along with cryptographer Sophie Neveu, Langdon races against time to solve the puzzle and reveal the truth.
The plot of the film is intricate and captivating, with many hints and false leads. From the Crusades to the current day, the story takes the spectator on a journey through the development of Christianity and poses philosophical and existential problems.
- Directed by: Ron Howard
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen
- Rating: 7/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
37. Body Heat (1981):
The 1981 thriller Body Heat was written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan. In the picture, which is set in a small Florida town, William Hurt plays Ned Racine, a lawyer who falls in love with Kathleen Turner’s seductive wife, the wife of a wealthy businessman. Matty convinces Ned to murder Edmund for the sake of his life insurance policy.
Ned, a struggling solicitor, is out with his buddies at a bar when he encounters Matty, a woman who immediately catches his eye. She has a murky past and is crafty and alluring. She informs Ned of her tough marriage to Edmund and her desire for a divorce, prompting Ned to plot his murder.
As the scheme evolves, the plot’s twists and turns get more convoluted. Teddy, Ned’s assistant, launches an investigation after becoming suspicious of Ned’s involvement in Edmund’s death. While the police investigate who committed the murder, Matty’s past begins to catch up with her. Body Heat is a wonderful example of a film noir due to its dark themes of passion, betrayal, and murder.
- Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan
- Cast: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna
- Rating: 8/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
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38. Heat (1995)
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino star in the criminal thriller Heat, which was directed by Michael Mann. A crew of professional crooks, led by Neil McCauley (De Niro), are pursued by police detective Vincent Hanna (Pacino). The magnificent action set-pieces, such as a visceral and aesthetically brilliant gunfight in the center of Los Angeles, are a highlight of Heat. But, the film also contains a lot of heart since the relationships between the characters feel genuine and earned.
Heat is a classic crime thriller that ranks among the best of its genre even today. Fans of De Niro and Pacino, as well as everyone who appreciates a solid criminal drama, should watch it.
- Directed by: Michael Mann
- Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Ashley Judd
- Rating: 9/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
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