During the pandemic, when we were stuck at home, the thing that kept us sane was Art. We clung to Art as if our life depended on it. Art in the form of books, music, cinema kept us occupied and distracted. We binge-watched movies day in and day out. In this digital era, we consume cinema like never before. With 100’s of options on OTT platforms and cable T.V., we often get lost in the chaos of choices and sometimes miss the real gem that needs to be watched. When it comes to movies, nothing can excite you like a good thriller. So, grab a tub of popcorn, and with bated breath, we present you with seven thriller movies you need to watch this summer.
Rear Window
The 1954 Rear Window is considered to be one of the best movies by acclaimed director Alfred Hitchcock. Starring James Stewart and the angelic Grace Kelly, the plot revolves around professional photographer “Jeff” Jefferies, recovering from a broken leg at his apartment. Bored and wheelchair bond, he observes his neighbours through his window and accidentally witnesses a sinister deed. With heart-pounding suspense and superb storytelling, this film inspired many series and movies with a similar premise. Do not miss this.
L.A. Confidential
This 1997 crime thriller revolves around cops, celebrities, and tabloids. Three LAPD officers in 1953, each with their own ideals and moral compass, get interlinked in an elaborate plot of police corruption and organized crime. Starring the then-unknown Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe, L.A. Confidential has a good dose of twists, suspense, and blood to make for a must-watch thriller. The movie was nominated for nine Oscars, winning two.
The Usual Suspects
No thriller list is complete without the 1995 mystery thriller The Usual Suspects. The plot follows Roger “Verbal” Kint’s interrogation regarding a recent massacre on a ship dock. During his questioning, Kint reveals the existence of the mysterious crime lord Keyser Söze. Compelling with suspenseful music and twists, the film’s final revelation will leave you scratching your brain and plunge you into a black hole of numerous rewatches.
Memento
The 2000 psychological thriller Memento, stars Guy Pearce as a man with anterograde amnesia looking for his wife’s killer. The story is told in reverse, and you don’t fully grasp the plot until the end, with the final twist making your jaw drop. This standout movie is also well known for its realistic and accurate portrayal of anterograde amnesia conditions. Christopher Nolan proved his finesse as a director and writer with Memento, which is often considered his breakthrough movie.
Seven
This David Fincher directed 1995 film deals with a serial killer murdering people based on the seven deadly sins. Seven features Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey’s remarkable performances, along with Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow. Remembered for its now-iconic line ‘what’s in the box!?’, this movie is not for faint hearts due to its gory scenes and the harrowing finale. Brave through this one.
Heat
1995 was undoubtedly a good year for thriller films. This film is a cat and mouse game between the intelligent professional thief Robert De Niro and the brilliant detective Al Pacino. What makes it more fascinating is that the plot is based on an actual encounter between a cop and a heist man. Heat is layered with family issues, betrayal and vengeance and its mastery scene is when Pacino and De Niro talk about their jobs and lives in a coffee shop. A must watch action thriller.
Drishyam
This 2013 Malayalam blockbuster broke records on its way to glory. Remade into six languages, Drishyam is a story about a family that unwilling gets intermingled in the murder of a young guy and how the family patriarch -brilliantly portrayed by Mohanlal- tries to save his family with the use of wit and deception. With a remarkable supporting cast and a strong script, Drishyam makes for an edge of a seat thriller to watch.
Honourable mentions:
Zodiac, Mystic River, Shutter Island, Vertigo, Don’t Breathe.
These were some of our best choices of thriller movies. Watch them, get scared and then let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
We have also excluded some of the obvious options (Ex: The Silence of the Lamb, Psycho, Parasite) because it’s already pretty famous.
We would love to hear your choices, as well as the genre for the next must-watch seven movies list.
Happy watching. 🙂
