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. Jaws
Sharks are scary creatures that have always terrified me. Ever since I was a child, I have been scared of grim creatures that are wild. At an early age, I became terrified of stepping my foot into waters that posed damage. Swimming is one of those activities that I have never found truly appealing. Despite my parents’ insistence, I would refuse to step foot into oceans which were a frightening sight. I always had nerve-wracking feelings that something dangerous was lurking in seas that would end up eating me. My lifelong fear of sharks with sharp jaws began I watched “Jaws”. Following release in 1975, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood test of time as the greatest thriller ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg used innovative cinematic techniques capturing sailors seeking to survive sharks evoking fear. Spielberg has always had aptitude for making survival movies, and “Jaws” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. One of the most common techniques Spielberg uses is close-ups of characters’ faces. In “Jaws”, Spielberg used close-ups to capture reactions of individuals witnessing sharks. For instance, the scene in which the camera zooms on Chief Brody’s terrified face as he witnesses sharks on beaches for the first time causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the monster genre. At the centre of it all is a stellar performance by Roy Scheider, who embodied an anxiety-ridden hero. Ultimately, what makes “Jaws” my favourite thriller film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the monster genre, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about sharks with sharp jaws, it’s a bold reminder about a commemorated genre that deserves a loud round of deafening applause.
2. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Get Out
Racism is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell stories of racism in a country where it has become a problem. In an industry where issues of racism are rarely talked about, it’s worth praising “Get Out”. Released in 2017, Jordan Peele’s movie depicted the racism faced by a black man from his white girlfriend’s family. With his dazzling directorial debut, Peele proved the horror genre could be used to depict hardships individuals facing racism go through. Aided by Daniel Kaluuya who is superb in the lead role, Peele used the horror genre to discuss race in the modern era. As strong as Chris’ desire to get out of his white girlfriend’s house, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved success without a doubt by discussing provocative topics that deserve to be talked absolutely about.
7. 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 tremendously care.
8. Hereditary
Dysfunctional families are often seen in horror movies. The horror genre has often told compelling stories of families facing trauma. The power of horror movies that capture family tragedy is clearly evident in the movie “Hereditary”. Released in 2018, Ari Aster’s horror movie captured a family impacted by tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hereditary” stand out is its depiction of family trauma. Aster effectively uses foreshadowing to capture a family reacting to a terrifying tragedy. Assisted by Toni Collette who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aster created a compelling horror movie about dysfunctional families. A powerful portrait of families experiencing fear, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre producing memorable movies about dysfunctional families about which audiences undeniably care.
9. 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 tremendous success.
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.
The Film Buff 