10 Most Underrated Thrillers on Netflix

As a cinephile who’s spent countless nights huddled under the dim glow of a projector, I must say these three films have left quite an indelible mark on my cinematic psyche. Each one offers a unique exploration into the human condition, delving deep into the dark recesses of our minds to uncover the complexities that make us who we are.

A perfectly made thriller has all the capacity to hook you more than any other type of film. It may compete against a scary horror film or a funny romantic comedy, but when the thrills work, there’s nothing better for engaging the viewer and forcing them to watch until the end.

Among all the numerous mystery and suspense movies you can find, some might slip under the radar. Yet, given how widely popular this genre is, these often-overlooked films are definitely worth watching if you’re a thriller enthusiast with a Netflix subscription. Don’t miss out on adding them to your must-watch list!

10 Calibre (2018)

In the movie titled “Calibre“, duo friends, Marcus and Vaughn, opt for a hunting adventure in the Scottish Highlands. However, they encounter hostility from townsfolk, but choose to ignore their displeasure. Unfortunately, the following day, they inadvertently kill a young boy during their hunt. Attempting an escape, they find it’s not straightforward. The film “Calibre” is remarkably underappreciated within Netflix’s extensive collection.

One Small Mistake

With a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this overlooked gem from 2018 is definitely worth watching, as it has grown into a cult classic over time. The film’s portrayal of how one minor mistake can lead characters into a brutal, yet authentic and impactful journey, adds to its appeal.

9 I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)

The film titled “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” centers around the character of Ruth, a nurse who encounters a burglary at her residence, with some belongings being stolen. As she teams up with her neighbor Tony to track down the culprit, they stumble upon a larger-than-expected conspiracy. Notably, Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood deliver impressive performances as Ruth and Tony in what may be their strongest roles yet.

A Near-Perfect Thriller

In this movie, the talented filmmaker Macon Blair, who often works alongside Jeremy Saulnier, skillfully utilizes his friend’s resources to create a hilarious yet gripping thriller that will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine when it gets intense. The moment when Ruth and Tony come up against notorious criminals is so funny, you might just find yourself laughing until someone meets an untimely end.

8 The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

The story “The Clovehitch Killer” revolves around 16-year-old Tyler Burnside, who resides in a deeply religious community that’s still grappling with the emotional aftermath of a serial murderer active a decade ago. A sense of ostracism befalls Tyler when some photographs depicting bondage are found by his peers. This incident triggers his suspicions about his own father possibly being the killer.

A Gritty and Modern Thriller That Hits Close to Home

A chilling, gradual-paced suspense movie, “The Clovehitch Killer” stars Dylan McDermott and Charlie Plummer, portraying a father-son duo at the heart of this film that transforms into a harrowing tale of adolescence where terror lurks uncomfortably near. Newcomer director Duncan Skiles, in a commendable first effort, drew inspiration from the BTK serial killer case for this production.

7 Alone (2020)

A solitary woman named Jessica, mourning the loss of her husband, embarks on a journey across the country in her car, seeking solace amidst her sorrow. An incident of aggressive driving introduces her to a seemingly innocuous man, but as fate would have it, their paths continue to cross. Over time, she uncovers his true intentions, which prove to be ominous, and learns that he harbors malevolent designs towards her.

Formulaic Yet Very Effective

The movie faithfully adheres to its “psycho pursuing heroine” pattern, yet it skillfully infuses this with compelling character growth, notably through Jules Willcox’s exceptional portrayal of a victim. Marc Menchaca, often overlooked in the television world, delivers an impressive performance as Sam, the mentally unstable antagonist, relentlessly hunting down Jessica.

6 All Good Things (2010)

Andrew Jarecki’s film, titled All Good Things, tells the story of David Marks, an heir to a property empire, who marries Katie McCarthy and embarks on their shared journey. However, Katie becomes aware that they have contrasting goals, and when she uncovers her husband’s involvement in questionable business dealings, she mysteriously disappears. Suspicion naturally falls upon David, leading him to ultimately confess his role in the events.

The True Story That Was Impossible to Believe

If the plot seems reminiscent, it’s due to the fact that it is. Jarecki found inspiration (and altered the characters) from the tale of Robert Durst, the tycoon who was implicated in multiple murders throughout the 20th century. All Good Things captivated Durst so much that he chose to collaborate with Jarecki and share his story in The Jinx, the docuseries which played a crucial role in his conviction a few years ago as he confessed on a hot mic.

5 Mercy (2016)

In the farmhouse of Mercy, four siblings reunite as their mother nears her end. Despite appearances suggesting distance among them, they strive for a peaceful gathering. However, trouble looms as ominous figures in masks lurk outside, intent on causing harm to the siblings.

One of the Best Movie Twists in Recent Years

Few people are familiar with the series titled “Mercy” due to Netflix’s less-than-effective marketing efforts, causing it to primarily hide within their algorithm. Regardless, this intriguing production offers a unique exploration of genre storytelling that will captivate you right from the start and hold your attention until it reveals its shocking, jaw-dropping finale. Be warned, you won’t see what happens coming!

4 The Hater (2020)

A character named “The Hater” is introduced, who follows Tomasz, a young man with insecurities yet sharp intellect, captivated by an upper-class family, the Krasuckis. Upon securing a position at a contemporary troll farm, he discovers that his skills can be harnessed to undermine the Krasucki family’s reputation through strategic social media posts, ultimately causing their downfall.

Hate is Abstract and Effective

2020 saw one standout social thriller by Jan Komasa that’s hard to ignore – a gripping portrayal of modern society’s reliance on social media and its potentially detrimental effects on our interactions. The movie eerily mirrors real-life events, and the acting, particularly by Maciej Musiałowski as Tomasz, is nothing short of remarkable.

3 The Stranger (2022)

The Stranger is about Mark Frame, a covert police officer, who’s determined to make a suspect admit guilt. Henry Teague is the prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder of a young girl, yet there’s no solid evidence linking him to the crime. Frame believes he can extract a confession from Teague by becoming his friend, but their bond deepens beyond expectations, leading Frame into a pit of deception.

The Deconstruction of Evil

Drawing inspiration from the real-life investigation into an infamous Australian murder case, “The Stranger” stands out as a compelling psychological thriller. Its strength lies primarily in two outstanding performances by Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris. It’s one of the top-ranked films on the list, boasting a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

2 The Occupant (2020)

In “The Occupant”, a business executive experiencing professional turmoil unexpectedly loses his job, leaving him financially strapped and compelled to sell his apartment. As he struggles to support his family, the new residents move in, triggering an unusual series of events. Javier subtly interferes with their lives, eventually destroying the bond between Tomás and Lara.

It’s Only Human to Feel That Way

In a skillful twist on the classic thriller genre, the Spanish film “The Occupant“, originally named “Hogar” (meaning “Home” in English), expertly employs familiar tropes while cleverly confining them within its well-crafted plotline. You might not anticipate Javier’s actions, but they unfold in this intriguing exploration of familial values and the boundaries of moral decency.

1 1922 (2017)

1922 revolves around the life of farmer Wilf James whose marital bond with his wife weakens due to their disagreement over their land. Wilf persuades their son, Henry, into a sinister plan to murder Arlette for financial gain. However, a string of unfortunate events unfolds following the crime, and Wilf eventually realizes the error of his ways.

One of Stephen King’s Most Underrated Features

1922, a film adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, features Thomas Jane in a compelling performance that journeys through a tumultuous sea of guilt, ultimately culminating in a satisfying portrayal of karma. With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this underrated King production offers an excellent blend of psychological terror and heart-pounding suspense.

2024-09-30 00:37