My Favourite Thrillers of All-Time

Not many genres attract audiences to the theatre like the thriller. Since the 1950’s, the thriller genre has made great movies. Whether it’s psychotic serial killers, parasitic housekeepers or corrupt police, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best thriller ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. North by Northwest

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that has always inspired my father. I remember forming a strong bond with a father that was a huge fan of the world-famous filmmaker.  He would often fondly recall with nostalgia watching movies made by a filmmaker giving him a lifelong love of Cinema. Through his love for watching Hitchcock movies, my father inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. I’m a huge fan of Hitchcock and adore all the movies he made throughout his illustrious career. However, “North by Northwest” has always been my personal favourite. Ever since its release in 1959, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest thriller ever made. Known as the Master of Suspense, Hitchcock is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for creating tense thrillers. With “North by Northwest”, Hitchcock showcased his strengths as a filmmaker skilled at building nail-biting tension. For instance, the iconic scene in which Roger Thornhill is chased by a catastrophic cropduster is one of the greatest moments of the thriller genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Cary Grant, who created one of the most iconic heroes in the thriller genre. Ultimately, what makes “North by Northwest” the greatest thriller ever made is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1950’s, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a strong message about mistaken identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a thrilling film about spies assuming false identities running from cropdusters which are terrifying, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre which is definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.

2. The Silence of the Lambs

Serial killers are frightening figures that always terrified me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower, my housekeeper faced psychotic murder. Left devastated, my family never recovered from murder of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured serial killers stunning people into silence as powerfully as “The Silence of the Lambs”. Ever since its release in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-winning movie has stood the test of time as a spectacular thriller about serial killers. Demme is one of those filmmakers with an aptitude for creating nail-biting thrillers, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter about murders causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the thriller genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” a commemorated classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message acknowledging childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As unforgettable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies which audiences appreciated.

3. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that have always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother that was fascinated with detectives investigating grim crimes causing damage. He would always appreciate seeing the grim crimes that famous detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that loved seeing detectives conduct a crime investigation, I adored “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s movie captured the lives of detectives that investigate deadly murders. Fincher has always had an aptitude for creating dark crime thrillers, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Se7en” stand out is its unpredictability. For instance, the final scene in which detectives Somerset and Mills discover the terrifying contents of the box created by John Doe causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a spectacular thriller is its message. The film delivers a strong message about serial killers which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders that detective Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of a fantastic genre that has never lost abilities to captivate.

4. Pulp Fiction

Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker that my teacher adored years ago. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that loved Tarantino. I remember an English teacher teacher that was a huge fan of the famous filmmaker. He would speak fondly about the powerful pulp movies made by a filmmaker that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that loved Tarantino’s movies with affection, I adored “Pulp Fiction”. Released in 1994, Quentin Tarantino’s iconic movie forever changed the thriller genre. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Pulp Fiction” stand out is its sharp dialogue. Tarantino has an aptitude for using sharp dialogue to build tension, and his strengths are evident in “Pulp Fiction”. For instance, the final scene in which Jules controls robbers that have invaded a diner through words rather than violence is one of the finest moments of the thriller genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who created a compelling gangster. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” a crime classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about redemption which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of gangsters seeking redemption, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which deserve appreciation.

5. Parasite

Social class is a barrier affecting housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. However, appearances can be deceiving. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry. As someone that has witnessed the social class barriers housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning movie offered an engaging depiction of class inequality in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho has always had aptitude for using dark humour to create compelling thrillers, and “Parasite” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper is one of the best moments of the thriller genre. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” one of the greatest thrillers ever made is its message. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Despite focusing on a family in South Korea, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of the parasite social class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies which deserve the spotlight.

6. Prisoners

Child abduction is a painful process putting parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous.  Fearful that he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that has witnessed dangers of child abduction, I adored “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Denis Villeneuve’s crime thriller offered a realistic portrait of child abduction. Villeneuve used stunning visuals to create a gloomy atmosphere capturing fear of parents whose children disappear. Assisted by Hugh Jackman who is excellent, Villeneuve captured child abduction. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing parents to face stress, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has never lost its abilities to impress making memorable movies achieving success.

7. Jaws

Sharks are scary creature that have always terrified me. At an early age, I became terrified of stepping foot into waters posing damage. With their eyes, sharp jaws and huge bodies, sharks scared me. My fear of sharks with sharp jaws first began when I watched “Jaws”. Released in 1975, Steven Spielberg’s movie forever changed the thriller genre through depiction of sharks. Spielberg used nail-biting music to build tension capturing a shark causing destruction. For instance, the scene in which Chief Brody first witnesses sharks on the beach is one of the finest moments of the thriller genre. Unlike most movies made in the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, “Jaws” remains frightening today. As powerful as sharks’ jaws, it’s a sharp reminder of a commemorated genre that deserves a round of applause making movies without flaws.

8. Gone Girl

Few books ever written about girls that disappear are as beloved as Gone Girl. Since its publication in 2012, Gillian Flynn’s book has become a literary classic. In 2014, David Fincher honoured the book about girls that are gone in his film “Gone Girl”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Girl” stand out is voice-over narration. Fincher effectively uses narration to craft a compelling murder investigation. Fincher showcased his strengths as a filmmaker for creating a compelling thriller. At the centre of it all are a pair of strong performances by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, creating a compelling couple whose marriage faces despair. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about girls that disappear causing marriages to face despair, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made movies about which audiences care.

9. Captain Phillips

When it comes to the most honourable heroes in American history, it’s worth discussing Richard Phillips. In 2009, Phillips faced nerve-wracking tension when his ship was attacked by Somali pirates in stressful hijackings. Through his bravery, Phillips survived a hijacking catastrophe. In 2013, Paul Greengrass honoured the heroic captain in his movie “Captain Phillips”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Captain Phillips” stand out is handheld camerawork. Greengrass uses handheld camera to capture dilemma endured by the captain of the Maersk Alabama. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is excellent in the lead role, Greengrass honoured an American hero. 15 years after a captain guiding a ship experienced nerve-wracking Somali pirates causing catastrophe, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre audiences love dearly.

10. The Usual Suspects

Few thrillers ever made about mysterious murder suspects are as beloved as “The Usual Suspects”. Since its release in 1995, Bryan Singer’s movie has become a crime classic. I may be in the minority but I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie. On a technical level, there’s no denying that the film is extremely well-made. Singer effectively used plot twists to keep audiences guessing the identity of the killer. Kevin Spacey is extraordinary in a role long before his career faced controversy. However, the film’s focus on style left little room for substance. Nevertheless, the film captures the timeless appeal of the thriller genre. As powerful as Keyser Soze, it’s an engaging reminder of a genre that forever changed the way films are made which I will forever treasure for pulling off the greatest trick of inspiring my love of filmmaking today.