As a self-proclaimed binge-watching aficionado, I can confidently say that these series are a treasure trove for thriller enthusiasts like myself. Each one offers a unique twist on the genre, from the intriguing courtroom drama of “The Twelve” to the gripping high school drama of “Dare Me.
There’s a change in the entertainment industry, as we see an increasing number of longer movies and series with intricate plots being released. While these have their merits, there’s also a growing appetite for fast-moving, suspenseful thrillers that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Fortunately, there are numerous such series to satisfy your streaming needs.
It seems that the issue lies in the fact that die-hard fans of this specific genre often come across the same popular shows when they search for “best thrillers” online, which can become monotonous. However, there are numerous underrated thriller series with exceptional storytelling, skilled performances, and intriguing plotlines that have yet to gain wide recognition. Let’s explore some of these lesser-known thriller series you might not be familiar with.
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‘Escape at Dannemora’ (2018)
The Escape at Dannemora is a limited series on Showtime, directed by Ben Stiller. It’s inspired by a sensational true event that took place in 2015 – a prison break in upstate New York. In this story, Richard and David are incarcerated. But an illicit romantic involvement with a prison worker offers them a way out of their confinement.
Minimum Security, More Like It
2015 saw confusion about how two allegedly high-risk inmates managed to escape from what was supposedly a top-security penitentiary. However, this account offers insightful details not just on the plot’s execution, but also the personal connections among the key players.
10
‘Top of the Lake’ (2013 – 2017)
Nestled in the picturesque town of Laketop, New Zealand, I find myself immersed in the gripping tale of “Top of the Lake.” As a dedicated follower, I join Detective Robin Griffin on her harrowing journey to unravel a series of dark mysteries. In the initial season, Robin is doggedly pursuing answers surrounding a chilling case of a twelve-year-old girl found deceased while pregnant. In the subsequent series, Robin alters both her objectives and surroundings, moving from Laketop to Sydney when an anonymous girl washes up on Bondi Beach.
A Harder Watch
In “Top of the Lake,” actress Elisabeth Moss is featured before she gained fame from “The Handmaid’s Tale.” This series aligns with her history of taking on challenging themes. The initial season delves into the grim reality of childhood abuse and those who choose to ignore it. For individuals who appreciate a suspenseful narrative with an extra layer of complexity, this show is highly recommended.
9
‘Queen Sono’ (2020)
The series “Queen Sono” on Netflix is a South African production that focuses on its namesake character, a covert agent for an intelligence agency. She’s still grappling with the assassination of her mother, an anti-apartheid activist, and the mysteries surrounding it. This struggle has led her to join the Special Operations Group, where she juggles her missions with seeking answers.
Gone Too Soon
Among numerous shows affected by COVID-19, “Queen Sono” is one that premiered in April 2020, initially planned for a second season. Unfortunately, pandemic complications prevented further episodes from being produced, leaving only six for viewers to enjoy. On the plus side, these six episodes make up an excellent binge-watch for a day at home. However, you’ll likely find yourself craving more of “Queen Sono” once you finish it.
Stream on Netflix
8
‘3%’ (2016-2020)
Have you ever missed the fascination with dystopian settings? Here’s a chance to revisit that trend with the series 3%. It unfolds in a not-too-distant future Brazilian society split into two areas, the Inland for the less fortunate and the Offshore for the affluent. A select group of young individuals are chosen for an experiment called the Process, which offers them the possibility to migrate to the Offshore.
Not Your Average Post-Apocalyptic
3% is Netflix’s inaugural Portuguese-language original series, offering a thoughtful and captivating exploration of class and technology. Although the gripping narrative and meticulous world-building are impressive, it’s the characters who truly shine. The show features an extensive cast that transcends typical characterizations often found in young adult dystopian genres.
Stream on Netflix
7
‘The Kettering Incident’ (2016)
As a teenager, Anna Macy from The Kettering Incident went on a bike ride with her closest friend, Gillian. During the ride, they noticed unusual lights in the sky. In an instant, Anna woke up drenched in blood and found that Gillian was missing. Fast-forward fifteen years, Anna has become a doctor and returns to the town when another teenager mysteriously vanishes.
A Speculative Bend
1) This series, with its intriguing small-town mysteries and futuristic vibe, sets it apart from others on the list. We hope Anna doesn’t leave her past behind because it keeps us hooked. Right from the first episode, viewers are as engrossed in uncovering the truth about Gillian as they are in understanding what’s going on in this peculiar town today.
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‘Counterpart’ (2017 – 2019)
Written by Justin Marks, who contributed to the script for Top Gun: Maverick, Counterpart is a chilling science fiction story. For several decades, Howard has been employed in the United Nations’ Interchange Department. He remains unaware of the significance of the messages he transmits, but that’s not his concern. This changes when he learns that his work could be linked to a gateway into another dimension.
Primed for Success
In this series, we frequently switch between two worlds: the Alpha World and the Prime World. Remarkably, key actors like J.K. Simmons play their characters consistently across both alternate realities. This creative exploration offers an intriguing glimpse into potential futures.
5
‘Homecoming’ (2018 – 2020)
A 2018 psychological thriller titled “Homecoming” centers around Heidi Bergman, a former social worker who helped soldiers re-adjust to civilian life. Now working as a waitress with few memories of her past role, the arrival of an auditor might help uncover forgotten events from her time at the facility.
Audio or Visual? Why Not Both?
In this scenario, we’re not just accustomed to seeing books turned into movies or TV shows; instead, we have a unique instance of a podcast being adapted. In season two, the ensemble expands to include Janelle Monáe, alongside Julia Roberts as Heidi. Regardless of how you choose to engage with this tale – be it through listening or another format – its intricately chilling narrative promises to captivate audiences throughout.
4
‘The Twelve’ (2019)
The Twelve, which is also recognized as De Twaalf in Dutch, serves as a gripping Belgian thriller. The narrative revolves around the twelve jurors summoned to determine the verdict of an individual charged with murder. The central character is a headmistress who is connected to two murders spanning over a decade: her closest friend and her own daughter.
More Than a WhoDunIt
As a devoted admirer of Agatha Christie’s adaptations, I can confidently say that this intriguing series would captivate fellow enthusiasts. The show offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of each juror, revealing their individual perspectives that collectively shape the narrative. Suspensefully hanging over the entire plot is the central enigma: did the headmistress commit the crime? For those craving more after finishing the whole season, there’s even an Australian adaptation available to satisfy your curiosity!
Stream on Netflix
3
‘Chance’ (2016 – 2017)
In the series called “Chance“, Eldon Chance is a forensic neuropsychiatrist based in San Francisco. One of his clients pulls him into a tumultuous existence filled with police misconduct and mistreatment. To shield himself and his client, Dr. Chance finds himself reaching out to questionable characters for help.
The Perfect Lead
Hugh Laurie’s portrayal of the main character is what sets this thriller apart, as he infuses the role with a depth and emotion that keeps viewers captivated. While the show has an interesting premise and adrenaline-pumping moments to keep audiences hooked, it’s Laurie’s dedicated performance that elevates it to greatness.
2
‘Shining Girls’ (2022)
Shining Girls is a book adaptation centered around a woman named Kirby, who’s yet to fully recover from an assault that happened years ago, almost claiming her life. The perpetrator of this heinous act was never found, but when a recent murder shares striking similarities with her own ordeal, she embarks on a journey to unravel both mysteries.
Why It’s Great
As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at Elisabeth Moss yet again, this time bringing Kirby to life. Her ability to embody characters grappling with intense emotional upheaval is nothing short of extraordinary. It goes without saying that the show benefits greatly from the acclaimed writing derived from its source material – a bestselling book. However, what truly sets it apart is Moss’s spellbinding performance, the captivating cinematography, and the skillful adaptations that allow this production to thrive independently.
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‘Dare Me’ (2019-2020)
The book-to-screen adaptation titled “Dare Me” revolves around a high school cheerleading squad and their intricate dynamics. Taking up the position of the head coach would undoubtedly be challenging for anyone. However, Colette French has no idea about the team’s complex nature, especially since Beth is in charge.
A Classic Teen Series
Fans who love thrillers and mysteries from the early 2000s’ teen genre will get a strong dose of nostalgia with Dare Me. This series offers romance, intrigue, and complex friendships that can be toxic at times. Unlike other teen dramas, Coach French brings an adult perspective into the mix, which the show fully exploits. However, despite audience appreciation, the show met an unfortunate end after just one season.
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2024-12-22 22:02