Most of us have seen or at least heard of popular thrillers like “Silence of the Lambs” or “Memento” But many cinephiles remain deprived of the incredibly mind-blowing cinematic experiences of the following thriller films. The list includes everything from homicidal stalkers and psychological thrillers to deadly experiments and creature features.
Hush (2016)
Inspired by a true story “Hush” is one hour and twenty-seven minutes of pure, heart-pounding nightmare material. A mute and deaf author lives in the middle of nowhere and life is good until a masked invader decides to pay her a visit. The film is constantly thrilling and sometimes downright heart-stopping. The fact that she’s deaf gives a unique and captivating edge to the story. This film is directed by the creator of “The Haunting of Hill House” and while the latter is a top-trending series, Hush remains deprived of the admiration it rightfully deserves.
The Descent (2005)
A group of six friends meet in a remote part of the Appalachians for a caving expedition. They expected a fun adventure but what they get instead is entrapment in the cave by a giant rock and then being hunted by mysterious deadly creatures who have adapted to the dark and dampness of the cave. This film is not only incredibly directed but it is a complete rollercoaster ride of intense suspense and fear. Highly recommended for the lovers of adventure thrillers.
Howl (2015)
The last night train out of London breaks down in the dark woods. And as you might have guessed by the title, the woods are haunted by werewolves. What follows is a lot of suspense, survival antics, drama, and obviously some pretty gruesome scenes. I’ll admit the movie can be a bit of a cliché and the reviews are not ideal but if you are like the idea of werewolves and you are looking for a light thriller to watch for a bit of fun and scares, this is the one for you.
Frozen (2010)
A series of unfortunate decisions lead three skiers to being stranded in a chairlift above the frigid slopes. They are 50 feet above the ground, no one else knows about them, and the resort is closed down for the weekend. Contrary to the film recommended before this, Frozen is grounded in the brutal and cold reality. Which makes it more if not less terrifying. A must-watch for cold and sleepless nights.
Animal (2014)
What’s a thriller recommendation list any worth without a creature feature? Animal is an American horror creature-feature film where the vacation plans for a group of close-knit friends go south and they end up in an unfamiliar place while a predator hunts them. The refuge they find in an abandoned building turns out to be not as safe as they expected. Even if this film will not offer you a very original story it certainly is very and enjoyable nonetheless. P.S the real effects team did great work on the creature, it is something not only terrifying but also realistic.
ATM (2012)
On a late-night visit to an ATM, three co-workers end up in a desperate fight for their lives when a hooded stranger appears out of the ATM and traps them inside with no other way out. Even if the ratings say otherwise, ATM is a pretty good thriller film. The tension is crazy high whilst maintaining a sense of realism throughout. What ATM lacks in plot it makes up in acting, visual effects and even script.
The Belko Experiment (2016)
Eighty American workers in Bogota get locked inside the massive office building. Panic ensues when an announcement over the intercom gives them only one way to freedom and survival; to kill each other. Even if the Belko Experiment is a bit messed up and too gory but it will not bore you for even a minute. It’s the kind of film that asks the audience, “What would you do in this situation?”
Exam (2009)
An elimination styled thriller with the added inherent terror of exams, Exam is not only attention-grabbing but also thoroughly thought-provoking. Eight candidates get selected for a chance to work in a corporate firm, but the test they are given is not the usual kind, and might just change their lives forever. By the end of this film, you will feel a definite shift in your perspective. This movie is also a testament of how low-budget films can sometime exceed the excellence of million-dollar ones. Exam, without a doubt, is a must-watch for lovers of good cinema.
The Mist (2007)
When it comes to Stephen King adaptations, we’ve all heard of “Carrie” or The Dead Zone” but “the Mist” remains comparatively underrated. Set in a small town Maine, this movie revolves around a group of people who get trapped in a grocery store when a notorious storm hits the area. But the storm is not the usual kind, it carries with it something unknown and something deadly. The visual effects are truly captivating, the characters are interesting and believable and the whole film is carried off with an intricate efficiency.
The Flatliners (2007)
The flatliners is a convoluted horror/thrill story of five medical students who are intrigued by the idea of what lies beyond death but their experiments lead them to some deadly consequences instead. Even if some critics prefer the original 1990 version, but the jump-scares, twists, visuals and acting performances of this one are incredible.
Circle (2015)
Circle is an attention-grabbing and genius yet vastly under-appreciated film which takes place in a single room. A bunch of people find themselves in a circle with no knowledge of how they got there, and then they are forced to play an elimination game. The psychological issues raised while the players vote to kill off others are truly fascinating. The characters will keep you guessing their moves till the very end. Circle is a treat to the lovers of this genre yet most people will tell you that they have never seen it.
