30 Overrated Thriller Movies Everyone Seems To Like

Thriller movies often captivate audiences with high stakes and psychological tension that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While many films in this genre achieve critical acclaim and box office success, some eventually face scrutiny for not living up to the massive hype. This list explores several notable thrillers that have been labeled as overrated by various circles of film enthusiasts and critics. These selections represent movies that sparked significant conversation but may rely too heavily on specific tropes or twists.

‘Presence’ (2025)

A family moves into a new home and soon discovers a mysterious entity is watching them. The film uses a constant first person perspective from the viewpoint of the spirit to create tension. While the camera work is technically impressive, some viewers felt the story lacked emotional stakes for the human characters. Critics noted that the experimental style might overshadow the actual plot for some audience members. It remains a polarizing entry in the recent wave of psychological thrillers.

‘Wolfs’ (2024)

Two professional fixers are hired to clean up the same crime scene and must cooperate to survive the night. The story relies heavily on the star power and chemistry of the two lead actors as they navigate the criminal underworld. Some viewers found the dialogue to be overly stylized and the plot to be somewhat thin. While it performed well on streaming platforms, it has been described as a predictable addition to the genre. The film highlights the trend of big budget star vehicles that may lack narrative depth.

‘Trap’ (2024)

A father takes his daughter to a pop concert only to find out the police have set a snare for a serial killer. The movie focuses on the protagonist attempting to escape the arena while avoiding detection by the authorities. Some critics argued that the plot relies on several improbable coincidences to keep the tension high throughout the night. While the central performance was highlighted as a strength, the logical leaps in the script left some audience members underwhelmed. It is often discussed as a concept that was more interesting than its final execution.

‘Blink Twice’ (2024)

A tech mogul invites friends to his private island for a luxury vacation that turns into a psychological nightmare. The film explores themes of power and memory through a series of increasingly disturbing events. Some reviewers felt the social commentary was less subtle than it could have been. The abrupt shift in tone during the conclusion also polarized many viewers who preferred the earlier mystery. It remains a talked about title that some believe relies too much on current cinematic trends.

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

An FBI agent is tasked with solving a series of occult murders linked to a mysterious figure. The marketing for the film created immense anticipation by promising one of the scariest experiences in years. Some audience members felt the final act did not live up to the atmospheric tension established in the beginning. While the visual style is praised, the narrative choices have been a source of significant debate among genre fans. It serves as an example of how high expectations can impact the perception of a movie.

‘MaXXXine’ (2024)

An aspiring actress in the nineteen eighties finally gets her big break while a mysterious killer stalks the streets of Los Angeles. The film serves as the conclusion to a trilogy and leans heavily into the aesthetic of classic slasher movies. Many critics felt that the story was less focused than the previous installments in the series. Some viewers found the reliance on nostalgia and references to be a distraction from the central mystery. It has been described as a stylish exercise that lacks the impact of its predecessors.

‘Saltburn’ (2023)

A university student becomes obsessed with a wealthy classmate and spends a summer at his family estate. The film features striking cinematography and provocative scenes that generated significant social media discussion. Many critics have pointed out that the plot relies more on shock value than on a cohesive narrative structure. Some viewers found the satirical elements to be less impactful than intended by the director. It is frequently cited as a movie where the style outweighs the substance of the story.

‘Leave the World Behind’ (2023)

A family vacationing at a rental house is interrupted by the arrival of two strangers who claim a global disaster is occurring. The thriller focuses on the rising tension and paranoia between the characters as they lose access to technology. Some audience members were frustrated by the ambiguous ending and the lack of concrete answers. While it successfully builds an atmosphere of dread, critics have debated if the slow pace justifies the eventual payoff. The movie has become a common example of a divisive modern thriller.

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022)

A master detective is invited to a private island to participate in a murder mystery game hosted by a billionaire. The film features an ensemble cast and a series of elaborate plot reveals that subvert audience expectations. Many viewers felt that the humor and social commentary were more heavy handed than in the original film. Some critics argued that the mystery itself was less satisfying because of the reliance on flashbacks to explain key details. It remains a popular but frequently criticized sequel in the genre.

‘Smile’ (2022)

A therapist begins to experience terrifying occurrences after witnessing a traumatic incident involving a patient. The story follows her attempt to uncover the truth behind a mysterious curse before time runs out. While the film was a major box office success, many horror and thriller fans found the jump scares to be predictable. Some critics noted that the exploration of trauma felt derivative of other recent psychological thrillers. It is often cited as a movie that benefited from a highly effective marketing campaign.

‘Don’t Worry Darling’ (2022)

A young woman living in an experimental company town begins to suspect that her perfect life is a lie. The film gained a lot of attention for its behind the scenes drama and its polished visual style. Many reviewers felt that the central mystery was easy to guess and that the ending left too many plot holes. The world building was criticized for being inconsistent despite the high production values. It is frequently discussed as a film that prioritized aesthetics over a logical narrative.

‘Old’ (2021)

A family on a tropical holiday discovers that the secluded beach where they are relaxing is causing them to age rapidly. The characters must find a way to escape before their entire lives pass in a single day. Many viewers found the dialogue to be unnatural and the acting to be inconsistent with the high stakes of the situation. Some critics argued that the explanation for the phenomenon was less compelling than the initial premise. The film has become a polarizing entry in the filmography of its director.

‘The Woman in the Window’ (2021)

An agoraphobic woman living in New York begins spying on her new neighbors only to witness a disturbing crime. The film is based on a bestselling novel and features a cast of highly acclaimed actors. Many audience members and critics felt the execution was clichéd and lacked the tension found in the source material. The production faced several delays and reshoots which some believe impacted the final quality of the narrative. It is often viewed as a disappointing entry in the psychological thriller category.

‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

A woman haunted by a traumatic past seeks out revenge against those who cross her path. The film received significant awards attention for its bold style and its commentary on societal issues. Some viewers found the shifts between dark comedy and thriller to be jarring and inconsistent. The ending was particularly controversial and left many audience members feeling unsatisfied with the resolution. It remains a movie that is frequently debated for its approach to its sensitive themes.

‘Tenet’ (2020)

A secret agent must manipulate the flow of time to prevent a global catastrophe that threatens the future. The film is known for its incredibly complex plot and its use of practical effects to depict inverted time. Many viewers complained that the sound mixing made it difficult to understand the essential dialogue. Critics have argued that the movie focuses so much on its technical rules that it neglects character development. It is often cited as a film that is more enjoyable to analyze than to simply watch.

‘Joker’ (2019)

A failed comedian and clown in Gotham City experiences a mental breakdown that leads him to become a symbol of rebellion. The film was highly praised for its lead performance and became a massive commercial hit. Many critics have pointed out that the story borrows heavily from the themes and styles of older films. Some audience members felt the social commentary was simplistic and did not offer new insights. It continues to be a subject of intense discussion regarding its overall originality.

‘Bird Box’ (2018)

A mother tries to lead her children to safety through a forest and down a river while blindfolded to avoid seeing a mysterious force. The film became a cultural phenomenon on streaming platforms and inspired several social media trends. Many reviewers argued that the movie was very similar to other recent survival thrillers but with a less coherent internal logic. Some viewers found the characters to be underdeveloped and the threat to be too vague. It is frequently mentioned as a movie that received more hype than its quality warranted.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

A family must live their lives in absolute silence to avoid being hunted by creatures that track their prey by sound. The film was praised for its creative use of sound design and its tense atmosphere. Some critics have pointed out that the internal logic of the world breaks down if the audience thinks too much about the rules. Viewers have questioned why the characters did not utilize certain obvious survival strategies earlier in the story. While popular, it is often debated by those who find the plot holes distracting.

‘Red Sparrow’ (2018)

A former ballerina is recruited to a secret intelligence service where she is trained to use her mind and body as weapons. The film features a high profile lead actress and focuses on the brutal nature of international espionage. Many critics found the movie to be overly long and excessively violent without a clear purpose. Some viewers felt the plot was convoluted and lacked the suspense typical of the genre. It is often described as a thriller that missed the mark despite its ambitious scale.

‘Split’ (2017)

A man with multiple personalities kidnaps three teenage girls and holds them captive in an underground facility. The film was celebrated as a return to form for its director and for its strong central performance. Some viewers have criticized the movie for its portrayal of mental health and for its reliance on supernatural elements. Critics have also debated if the connection to a previous film was a necessary part of the story. It remains a successful thriller that continues to draw mixed reactions from different audiences.

‘The Girl on the Train’ (2016)

A woman who commutes by train every day becomes obsessed with a couple she sees through the window and gets caught up in a missing persons case. The film is an adaptation of a very popular novel that sold millions of copies. Many critics felt that the movie was a generic imitation of other successful psychological thrillers from the same era. Some audience members found the pacing to be slow and the characters to be difficult to sympathize with. It is often cited as a film that failed to capture the intensity of its source material.

‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

A man becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance after their marriage begins to crumble under the pressure of secrets. The film is known for its major mid point twist and its dark exploration of modern relationships. Some critics argue that the movie leans into sensationalism and that the final act is less believable than the setup. While it was a critical and commercial success, some viewers found the characters to be too unlikable to care about. It remains a staple of the genre that is frequently analyzed for its cynical tone.

‘Now You See Me’ (2013)

A team of illusionists pulls off a series of high stakes bank heists during their performances and gives the money to their audiences. The film relies on flashy visuals and the mystery of how the magic tricks are actually performed. Many critics pointed out that the final twist feels unearned and relies on information that was hidden from the viewer. Some audience members found the plot to be more interested in being clever than in telling a coherent story. It is often viewed as a thriller that prioritizes spectacle over substance.

‘Gravity’ (2013)

Two astronauts must find a way to survive and return to Earth after their shuttle is destroyed by space debris. The film received immense praise for its technical achievements and its immersive cinematic experience. Some viewers found the story to be simple and the character backstories to be somewhat cliché. Critics have noted that while the visual effects are stunning, the narrative lacks the depth found in other survival thrillers. It is frequently mentioned as a movie that is less impressive when viewed on a smaller screen.

‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

A US Marshal travels to an island asylum for the criminally insane to investigate the disappearance of a patient. The story is filled with atmospheric tension and a sense of growing paranoia as the protagonist uncovers dark secrets. Many film enthusiasts argue that the final twist is predictable and can be spotted very early in the movie. Some critics felt that the film relied too much on genre tropes and did not offer anything truly innovative. It remains a popular title that is often called overrated by fans of the director.

‘Inception’ (2010)

A skilled thief leads a team into the dreams of others to steal corporate secrets before attempting a difficult task. The film is celebrated for its visual effects and the ambitious structure of its narrative. Many audience members found the constant need for characters to explain the rules of the world to be tedious. Some critics have suggested that the emotional core of the story is lost amidst the complex technical details. It continues to be a subject of debate for those who find its complexity more confusing than necessary.

‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006)

A symbologist becomes involved in a murder investigation that leads to a secret hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The film was a massive commercial success based on a bestselling novel that sparked worldwide curiosity. Many critics argued that the adaptation was overly long and filled with too much exposition. The complex historical puzzles did not always translate effectively to the cinematic format. It is often cited as a film that benefited more from its source material than its actual execution.

‘Signs’ (2002)

A former priest living on a farm discovers mysterious crop circles that suggest an imminent alien invasion. The film focuses on the psychological impact of the threat on a single family rather than on a global scale. Some audience members found the final resolution to be disappointing and illogical given the nature of the invaders. While the suspense is built effectively, the ending has been a point of ridicule for many critics over the years. It remains one of the most polarizing entries in the alien thriller subgenre.

‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

A child psychologist attempts to help a young boy who claims he can see and communicate with the dead. The film gained massive popularity for its final twist which changed the interpretation of the entire narrative. Some film enthusiasts argue that the reliance on a single surprise ending diminishes the repeat viewing value of the movie. While it remains a staple of the genre, the execution of its pacing is a frequent point of discussion among modern audiences. Many believe its reputation rests solely on the final few minutes.

‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

A sole survivor tells of the twisty events leading up to a horrific gun battle on a boat. The film is famous for its legendary twist ending that reveals the identity of a mysterious crime lord. While it is often praised as a masterpiece, some modern critics argue that the plot relies entirely on the final surprise. Viewers have pointed out that once the secret is known the narrative holds less weight. It remains a staple of the genre that continues to divide audiences on its overall merit.

Share which of these thriller movies you believe actually deserves the hype in the comments.