Top Five Intense Netflix Thrillers for Every Mood

Why do we like to see people on screen put through absolute hell for our entertainment? Maybe we just need some more excitement in our lives or we’re going through a rough patch and want some glad-that’s-not-me reassurance.

Whatever your reasons, if you need an adrenaline rush this week, Netflix is streaming a wide variety of thrillers to suit your cinematic taste. From psychological twists and turns to fun rollercoaster rides, these five modern thrillers explore just about every aspect of the genre.

The Guest (2014)

The sleeper hit with an action-horror aura and a killer synthwave score finally found its audience and a home on the streaming platform. David (Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens) pays a mysterious visit to the troubled family of a fallen comrade. David quickly endears himself to the family with his polite and unassuming manner. After he settles in, a series of strange and terrible events start happening that are connected to individual members of the family. Little Miss Sunshine meets the Terminator with strong characters, deliberate writing, and thrilling action sequences along the way.

Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Stars: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, Seila Kelley, and Leland Orser

Director: Adam Wingard

Rating: R

Runtime: 100 minutes

Uncut Gems (2019)

The Safdie Brothers deliver one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences ever filmed. Strap in for a wild ride that follows an underground jeweler’s frantic day as he stays one step ahead of loan sharks trying to collect an insurmountable gambling debt while struggling to keep his family together despite his extramarital affair. It’s a lose-lose situation but he has one chance to come out on top with an extremely rare gem…if only he can find a buyer in time.

Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

Stars: Adam Sandler, Idina Menzel, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, and Kevin Garnett

Directors: Benny and Josh Safdie

Rating: R

Runtime: 135 minutes

Shutter Island (2010)

Looking for more of a heady psychological thriller? Martin Scorcese teams up with Leonardo DiCaprio once again to tell a twisted tale of an investigation gone horribly wrong. Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) are assigned to recover an escaped patient from a hospital for the criminally insane located on the remote Shutter Island. As Teddy gradually uncovers a disturbing conspiracy, his own connection to the facility is revealed and the investigation turns to personal vendetta.

Rotten Tomatoes: 68%

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, and Michelle Williams

Director: Martin Scorsese

Rating: R

Runtime: 138 minutes

Nightcrawler (2014)

Not all psychopaths are murderers and they live among us each and every day. This chilling reality is the premise of Nightcrawler. The fascinating character study of Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) allows you to explore the inner-workings of a highly functioning psychopathic personality. Discovering how Louis finds success in local television news and manipulates his way to the top adds depth with biting social commentary. It’s a powerful film that sticks with you long after watching.

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, and Riz Ahmed

Director: Dan Gilroy

Rating: R

Runtime: 117 minutes

I Don’t Feel at Home in this World Anymore (2017)

What if you stuck a female Napoleon Dynamite into a revenge crime thriller? This unfortunately-titled movie answers that with mild-mannered Ruth (Melanie Lynskey) teaming up with down-for-whatever Tony (Elijah Wood) in an ill-fated attempt to recover her stolen laptop. If you’re looking for a light-hearted thrill with these fish out of water, who are ironically way out of their depth, give IDFAHITWA a watch. It’s a surprisingly fun dark comedy with a sprightly narrative and likable-loser characters. It has a quirky indie vibe for those seeking a break from traditional big budget faire.

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Stars: Melanie Lynskey, Elijah Wood, Chris Doubek, David Yow, and Jane Levy

Director: Macon Blair

Rating: TV-MA

Runtime: 93 minutes