10 Best Thriller Movies of 2024, Ranked

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As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a penchant for action-packed thrillers, I must say that this list is nothing short of a cinematic delight! From Liam Neeson’s gritty performance in “In the Land of Saints and Sinners” to Aaron Pierre’s gripping tale of justice in “Rebel Ridge”, each film promises an exhilarating ride.

The category known as thriller movies is quite extensive, covering diverse film types like psychological, crime, and action thrillers. Despite the subgenre differences, they all have common elements – a heightened sense of tension, critical situations with significant consequences, and unexpected turns that leave audiences on tenterhooks.

2024 has been an exceptional year for thriller films, boasting exciting directorial debuts from Dev Patel and Zoë Kravitz in “Monkey Man” and “Blink Twice,” respectively, as well as new projects from esteemed directors Clint Eastwood and M. Night Shyamalan. Additionally, we’ve been treated to a few unexpected successes, some remakes, and the comeback of beloved actors on screen.

These are 10 of the best thriller movies of 2024, ranked.

10
‘Sleeping Dogs’

Russell Crowe portrays a former homicide detective who now grapples with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite his condition, he is compelled to revisit an old case he worked on earlier. Suspecting that the case may not have been entirely honest in its resolution, he grows worried that an innocent man might be facing execution.

‘Sleeping Dogs’ Has Enough Twists and Turns To Keep Viewers Engaged Throughout

In this suspenseful movie, its engaging plot filled with unexpected twists keeps audiences on their toes right up until the final scene. The character portrayed by Russell Crowe, whose memories are questionable, takes viewers on a journey through a labyrinth of doubt as the story unfolds and he gradually solves the mystery, fitting together each piece of the puzzle, uncovering disturbing truths along the way.

9
‘Trap’

In the blend of a domestic family saga and an intense cat-and-mouse chase detective story, the movie “Trap” provides a distinctly engaging viewing journey, with Josh Hartnett delivering a remarkable performance, particularly notable for his portrayal of a loving father. Hidden in this role is a disturbing truth: he moonlights as a notorious serial killer. As the story unfolds, the tension escalates as an unyielding FBI agent pursues him relentlessly.

M. Night Shyamalan Continues to be One of the Industry’s Most Divisive Directors

Towards the end of the millennium, M. Night Shyamalan had become one of the most admired directors due to a series of successful films such as The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs. However, his streak of critical acclaim shifted after the release of The Village, which received mixed reviews from critics resulting in a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Subsequent to these films were a series of flops, which included “The Happening,” “The Last Airbender,” and “After Earth.” Given that many of his movies have received mixed reviews from critics, “Trap” is no exception. While some applauded Josh Hartnett’s acting, the exaggerated, ironic tone was appreciated by some but criticized by others, ultimately leading to a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

8
‘Speak No Evil’

The story, “Speak No Evil,” centers on an American family who find themselves as guests of a British couple in a secluded rural home. However, tensions rise among them and what initially started as a peaceful stay transforms into a harrowing struggle for their lives.

‘Speak No Evil’ Is a Remake of a Danish-Dutch Movie of the Same Name

Two years ago, the initial film received widespread praise upon its release. It managed to capture the interest of Jason Blum, who took on the producer role through his production company, Blumhouse Productions. Notable actors like James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis were brought in for this tense psychological thriller. Critics lauded it, and its success at the box office was substantial, earning over $76.8 million while only costing $15 million to produce.

7
‘Wolfs’

In my opinion, “Wolfs” offers an intriguing tale that pits two heavyweights of Hollywood, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, against each other as they assume the roles of skilled ‘troubleshooters’ tasked with resolving the same high-stakes issue. Typically operating solo as ‘lone wolves’, they are compelled to join forces in this thriller as events take a tumultuous turn, leading them unwittingly into the heart of gang conflicts and drug syndicates. It promises an exhilarating ride as they navigate through the labyrinth of chaos together.

‘Wolfs’ Is a Thriller with Plenty of Humor and Action

Regardless of its reliance on familiar genre tropes, the captivating allure of its principal actors and their engaging screen dynamics propel “Wolfs” above ordinary ‘fixer’ thrillers, transforming it into an entertaining action-comedy that has left numerous viewers yearning for more. However, it seems that this longing will not be satisfied as director John Watts has openly stated his decision to forego a sequel.

6
‘Mothers’ Instinct’

In the 1960s, the psychological thriller titled “Mothers’ Instinct” unfolds, featuring Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway. This gripping story revolves around two neighbors and best friends whose tranquil existence is disrupted by a heart-wrenching incident involving their sons. As they grapple with the devastating loss, feelings of guilt, paranoia, and mistrust jeopardize their once unbreakable friendship.

‘Mothers’ Instinct’ Is a Remake of A Belgian Movie

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say “The Mothers’ Instinct” is a fresh take on a film originally produced in France back in 2018, known as “Duelles” in its native language. This film was itself an adaptation of a captivating novel penned by Barbara Abel, published way back in 2012.

The American adaptation tends to add a touch of melodrama to its storyline, while the original focuses more on exploring the psychological development of its principal figures. Both have unique appeals, but the original often receives higher praise from critics, with some debating whether an American remake was necessary in the first place.

5
‘Blink Twice’

Blink Twice tells the chilling tale of cocktail waitress Frida, who is invited to a lavish private island owned by a mysterious tech tycoon. Initially, it appears to be a dream vacation; however, things take a dark turn as she finds herself grappling with the ulterior motives of the enigmatic billionaire and struggling for her life.

Zoë Kravitz Demonstrates Great Potential in Her Directorial Debut

Demonstrating her versatility beyond being just a powerful actress, she showcased this with her recent work on the film “Blink Twice“. In this production, Kravitz skillfully navigated tension, power dynamics, and psychological horror, crafting a gripping and suspenseful experience. This blend of intense drama and subtle social commentary has left many anticipating her future projects with great eagerness. Despite some roughness in execution, it’s the potential of what’s to come from Kravitz that truly excites.

4
‘Juror #2’

Under the esteemed direction of Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood, I found myself immersed in the gripping tale of “Juror #2.” In this legal thriller, I stepped into the shoes of Nicholas Hoult’s character, a man grappling with his past as a recovering alcoholic. As the high-stakes trial unfolded, my character began to harbor growing suspicions that perhaps I, myself, was the one who had inadvertently taken the life of the victim.

Nicholas Hoult Is a Revelation

Since his successful stint in the British teen drama series “Skins,” Nicholas Hoult has been consistently delivering strong performances. From portraying Dracula’s loyal servant in the 2021 film “Renfield” to playing an arrogant customer at a high-end (and perilous) restaurant in “The Menu,” he has demonstrated his versatility and captivating acting skills.

In this film, Director Eastwood offers Hoult an excellent platform to display the full spectrum of his acting talent as he portrays a character battling internal turmoil. Meanwhile, Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, and Keifer Sutherland all deliver strong, passionate performances.

3
‘In the land of Saints and Sinners’

The action-packed thriller, “Tales from a Small Irish Village,” released in 2024, finds Liam Neeson reprising his role as a retired assassin. Caught up in events he never wanted to revisit, he must confront his dark past while defending his community against a band of ruthless terrorists. The film had its debut at the 80th Venice International Film Festival towards the end of the previous year and was later made accessible to the general public in the early part of 2024, eventually landing on Netflix in April.

Liam Neeson Is a Delight

Whilst not one of the most original concepts, even within Liam Neeson’s own filmography, he is so adept at portraying a no-nonsense tough guy with a dark past, it’s near impossible not to be enthralled by his inimitable and captivating performance. Slightly more focused on tension and suspense over out-and-out action, there’s plenty here for fans of the more “thriller” elements of the “action thriller” subgenre.

2
‘Rebel Ridge’

The storyline of ‘Rebel Ridge’ revolves around Aaron Pierre’s character, Terry Richmond, a previous Marine. After the law enforcement in a tiny town unfairly confiscates bail money meant for his cousin through civil forfeiture, Terry embarks on an investigation to expose a network of corruption.

‘Rebel Ridge’ Is an action Packed Thrill Ride That Gets Its Audience Thinking

As a devoted film enthusiast, I must say that “Rebel Ridge” packs quite the punch with its action sequences, but it’s not just about the adrenaline rush. This film delves deeply into the intricate web of systemic corruption and justice, offering a gripping and poignant portrayal. It mirrors real-life struggles and underscores the sense of powerlessness we often feel when confronted with such issues as individuals.

1
‘Monkey Man’

In the vibrant backdrop of India, we delve into the captivating saga of “Monkey Man” – a story that revolves around retribution and restoration. This narrative chronicles the journey of a disenchanted young man who embarks on an undercover mission to penetrate the city’s unscrupulous high society, seeking brutal vengeance for his mother’s demise and standing up against the oppressive system that exploits India’s most marginalized populace.

‘Monkey Man’ Is an Intense and Thought Provoking Directorial Debut

Under Dev Patel’s direction and featuring him in the lead role, “Monkey Man” promises an exhilarating, nail-biting journey that is equally intense and thought-provoking. This film skillfully blends brutal violence with incisive social commentary, making it one of the most distinctive and captivating movies of 2024, and a remarkable directorial debut for Patel.

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2024-12-15 07:02