The Best New Thriller Movies Of The Last Few Years

The thriller genre has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, offering audiences a diverse array of high-stakes narratives and psychological depth. From claustrophobic survival stories to intricate courtroom dramas and neo-noir mysteries, filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of suspense and storytelling. These films often reflect contemporary anxieties while utilizing innovative visual techniques to keep viewers engaged. The following selection represents the most acclaimed and impactful entries released in the current decade, focusing on tension and character development.

‘Trap’ (2024)

Cooper takes his daughter to a pop concert, only to realize the entire event is a police operation designed to catch a serial killer. As the walls close in, he must use his wits to navigate the stadium and evade capture. ‘Trap’ explores the tension of a predator being hunted in a high-stakes, public environment. Director M. Night Shyamalan focuses on the psychological maneuvering required to survive the entrapment.

‘No Exit’ (2022)

During a blizzard, a young woman becomes stranded at a highway rest stop with a group of strangers. She discovers a kidnapped child in a van belonging to one of the people inside, sparking a deadly game of cat and mouse. ‘No Exit’ emphasizes claustrophobia and the desperation of survival in extreme weather conditions. Isolated by the storm, she must identify the kidnapper while ensuring her own safety.

‘Cuckoo’ (2024)

A teenager moves to the German Alps with her family, only to find herself haunted by strange noises and terrifying visions. She soon discovers that the idyllic resort where they are staying hides a sinister biological experiment. ‘Cuckoo’ blends elements of psychological horror with a fast-paced chase through the wilderness. The narrative explores themes of family grief and the fear of the unknown in an isolated setting.

‘Watcher’ (2022)

Julia moves to Bucharest with her husband and starts to believe she is being stalked by a neighbor watching her from across the street. As a serial killer begins targeting women in the city, her concerns are dismissed by those around her. ‘Watcher’ utilizes a slow-burn approach to build tension through urban isolation and paranoia. She is forced to take matters into her own hands to prove the danger is real.

‘Fair Play’ (2023)

An unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund pushes a young couple’s relationship to the brink. What starts as a supportive partnership quickly devolves into a power struggle fueled by ego and corporate ambition. ‘Fair Play’ examines the toxic intersections of romance and professional competition in a high-stress environment. It highlights the psychological toll of gender dynamics and financial pressure.

‘Leave the World Behind’ (2023)

A family’s getaway to a luxury rental home is interrupted when two strangers arrive seeking refuge from a massive cyberattack. As the world outside begins to collapse, the group must navigate increasing tension and mysterious environmental phenomena. ‘Leave the World Behind’ focuses on the breakdown of social order and the uncertainty of information during a global crisis. It uses a suspenseful atmosphere to challenge the characters’ trust in one another.

‘Land of Bad’ (2024)

A special forces extraction mission in the Philippines goes wrong, leaving a young officer as the only survivor on the ground. He must rely on the guidance of a drone pilot located thousands of miles away to navigate hostile territory. ‘Land of Bad’ depicts the intense coordination required between air support and ground troops during a life-or-death escape. It highlights the psychological bond formed through remote communication in the heat of battle.

‘Blink Twice’ (2024)

A tech billionaire invites a cocktail waitress and her friend to his private island for an extravagant, non-stop party. However, strange occurrences lead the guests to realize that their memories are being manipulated and something dark is happening. ‘Blink Twice’ critiques power dynamics and the exploitation of the vulnerable in elite social circles. The protagonist must uncover the truth behind the luxury to escape the island alive.

‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024)

This triptych fable follows three distinct stories involving a man trying to take control of his life and a woman searching for a spiritual leader. Each segment explores different facets of obsession, loyalty, and the lengths individuals go to for acceptance. ‘Kinds of Kindness’ utilizes a surreal and often unsettling tone to examine human behavior under extreme circumstances. It features a recurring cast playing different roles across the three interconnected narratives.

‘The Pale Blue Eye’ (2022)

A veteran detective is hired to investigate a gruesome murder at West Point with the help of a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe. They uncover a web of secrets involving occult rituals and hidden agendas among the military elite. ‘The Pale Blue Eye’ blends historical fiction with a gothic atmosphere to create a chilling mystery. It focuses on the intellectual partnership between the two leads as they piece together the puzzle.

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

An FBI agent is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes a turn toward the occult. As she uncovers personal links to the murderer, she must race against time to stop another family massacre. ‘Longlegs’ creates a sense of dread through unsettling imagery and a non-traditional approach to the crime thriller genre. It explores themes of religious fanaticism and the lingering trauma of the past.

‘Emily the Criminal’ (2022)

Saddled with student debt and unable to find steady work, Emily gets involved in a credit card scam that pulls her into the criminal underworld. She discovers an aptitude for the illicit trade, leading her deeper into a life of high-stakes fraud. ‘Emily the Criminal’ critiques the gig economy and the systemic barriers that drive individuals toward crime. It maintains a gritty realism while depicting her transformation into a hardened operator.

‘The Killer’ (2023)

After a botched hit, a professional assassin embarks on an international manhunt to eliminate those who ordered a retaliatory strike. He adheres to a strict personal code and professional routine while navigating the complexities of his mission. ‘The Killer’ provides an intimate look at the meticulous planning and cold execution required for his line of work. It focuses on the psychological endurance and technical skill of a man who lives in the shadows.

‘Nope’ (2022)

Siblings running a horse ranch in California discover an unidentified flying object that begins to exert a predatory influence over their land. They attempt to capture definitive video evidence of the creature while avoiding its lethal attention. ‘Nope’ examines the human obsession with spectacle and the dangers of attempting to exploit nature. It combines elements of science fiction with a tense, atmospheric survival narrative.

‘Rebel Ridge’ (2024)

A former Marine attempts to post bail for his cousin but finds himself in a confrontation with a corrupt local police department. After his funds are unjustly seized, he uses his tactical training to expose the systemic wrongdoing within the town. ‘Rebel Ridge’ focuses on the escalation of conflict between a highly skilled individual and an entrenched power structure. It highlights the legal loopholes and personal stakes involved in rural law enforcement disputes.

‘Hit Man’ (2023)

A mild-mannered professor moonlights as a fake hitman for the police to help catch people trying to hire assassins. His life becomes complicated when he falls for a client and begins to inhabit the persona of the professional killer more permanently. ‘Hit Man’ explores the fluidity of identity and the moral ambiguity of undercover work. It balances dark humor with the tension of maintaining a dangerous charade.

‘Sisu’ (2022)

In the waning days of World War II, a solitary gold prospector in the Finnish wilderness crosses paths with a Nazi death squad. After they steal his gold, the soldiers discover that the old man is a legendary former commando who refuses to die. ‘Sisu’ is a high-octane pursuit across desolate landscapes featuring inventive and brutal combat sequences. It celebrates the indomitable spirit of a man protecting his life’s work against overwhelming odds.

‘Civil War’ (2024)

In a near-future America torn apart by internal conflict, a team of journalists travels across the country to reach Washington, D.C. They witness the harrowing realities of a nation at war with itself while attempting to document the final days of the administration. ‘Civil War’ focuses on the professional detachment and personal trauma experienced by those reporting from the front lines. It presents a visceral and sobering look at the breakdown of societal structures.

‘Nightmare Alley’ (2021)

An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is. Together, they concoct a scheme to swindle a wealthy tycoon, but the deception leads to a downward spiral of betrayal. ‘Nightmare Alley’ is a noir-inspired journey through the world of mentalism and high-society fraud. It explores themes of greed, fate, and the inherent darkness in human nature.

‘Barbarian’ (2022)

A young woman arrives at her rental home late at night only to find it has been double-booked by a stranger. Despite her reservations, she decides to stay, but soon discovers that the house contains much darker secrets than a simple administrative error. ‘Barbarian’ takes unexpected turns, shifting from a psychological thriller into a subterranean nightmare. It plays with audience expectations regarding safety and the hidden histories of urban decay.

‘Love Lies Bleeding’ (2024)

A reclusive gym manager falls for an ambitious bodybuilder who is passing through town on her way to a competition. Their intense romance ignites a series of violent events involving a local criminal syndicate and family secrets. ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is a gritty, neon-soaked exploration of passion and desperation in the American Southwest. It emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of their journey toward freedom.

‘Last Night in Soho’ (2021)

An aspiring fashion designer discovers she can mysteriously travel back to the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. However, the glamour of the past begins to crack, revealing a dark and violent history that haunts her present life. ‘Last Night in Soho’ uses vibrant visuals and a haunting soundtrack to explore the dangers of nostalgia. It blends psychological suspense with supernatural elements as the protagonist’s reality unravels.

‘Missing’ (2023)

When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia, a young woman uses the latest digital technology to search for her from thousands of miles away. She navigates a web of online accounts, security cameras, and international communication to uncover the truth. ‘Missing’ is told entirely through digital screens, creating a fast-paced and immersive experience. It highlights the power and the limitations of the internet in solving modern mysteries.

‘Talk to Me’ (2022)

A group of friends discovers how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, becoming hooked on the new thrill. However, one of them goes too far and opens the door to terrifying supernatural forces that refuse to leave. ‘Talk to Me’ explores the dangers of viral trends and the lasting impact of grief on the psyche. It uses intense practical effects and a sense of mounting dread to drive the suspense.

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

Detective Benoit Blanc travels to a private island in Greece to solve a new mystery involving a tech billionaire and his friends. During a staged murder mystery game, a real death occurs, forcing Blanc to peel back the layers of deception. ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ satirizes the ultra-wealthy while delivering a complex and rewarding puzzle. It emphasizes the importance of observation and the hidden motives behind social alliances.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu. As the evening progresses, the guests realize that they are part of a meticulously planned and lethal performance. ‘The Menu’ serves as a dark satire of fine dining culture and class pretension. It maintains a high level of tension as the true nature of the dinner is revealed one course at a time.

‘Decision to Leave’ (2022)

A detective investigating a man’s death in the mountains finds himself becoming obsessed with the victim’s mysterious wife. As the investigation deepens, the line between professional duty and personal desire becomes increasingly blurred. ‘Decision to Leave’ utilizes intricate cinematography and a sophisticated narrative structure to explore the complexities of love and guilt. It is a slow-burn romantic thriller that emphasizes the emotional consequences of the pursuit of truth.

‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’ (2023)

During the war in Afghanistan, a local interpreter risks his life to carry an injured U.S. Army sergeant across miles of hostile terrain. When the sergeant learns that the interpreter was not granted the safety he was promised, he returns to the war zone. ‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’ focuses on the bond of honor and the debt of gratitude between the two men. It combines intense action sequences with a deeply personal story of loyalty and sacrifice.

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ (2023)

A woman is suspected of murder after her husband’s death in the snow near their isolated chalet. The trial that follows becomes a public dissection of their troubled marriage and her personal life. ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ uses the courtroom setting to explore the ambiguity of truth and the fallibility of memory. It is a rigorous psychological drama that challenges the audience to determine what really happened.

‘The Batman’ (2022)

Bruce Wayne has been fighting crime in Gotham City for two years when a series of cryptic clues from a sadistic killer lead him into the city’s corrupt underbelly. He must forge new relationships and utilize his detective skills to unmask the culprit and bring justice. ‘The Batman’ portrays a younger, more vengeful protagonist who is forced to confront his family’s legacy. This iteration of the character emphasizes the noir and investigative elements of the source material.

Share your favorite modern thriller picks with us in the comments.