5 Best Thrillers on Netflix Right Now: Ranked by Discerning Critics
These films will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Netflix firmly holds its title as the king of streaming, continuing to delight subscribers with quality content. The platform especially excels in producing gripping thrillers — the editors at Collider recently selected the 10 best original projects from the service in this genre.
Each of these films skillfully builds suspense, proving that the streaming giant understands the rules of cinema and can satisfy even the most demanding critics. Let’s take a look at the first half — the top leaders of the list.
The Killer
Leading the ranking is The Killer by David Fincher, starring Michael Fassbender as a cold professional. The story begins as a perfectly planned operation, but one random mistake turns everything upside down. Instead of remaining the invisible hunter, the main character becomes the prey.
Rebel Ridge
Rebel Ridge exploded onto the charts, offering viewers a classic 'one against all' story. A former special forces soldier finds himself in a remote rural town, where he confronts rampant corruption.
The film deliberately plays on nostalgia for iconic ’80s action movies — critics have even drawn comparisons to the legendary Rambo.
Operation Hyacinth
Operation Hyacinth transports viewers to the grim reality of 1980s Poland. A young investigator faces mysterious murders that the authorities are quick to dismiss as accidents.
The film captures an atmosphere of paranoia and fear — every step the protagonist takes is hard-won, as he’s fighting not just criminals, but the system itself.
Carry-On
In fourth place is last Christmas’s newcomer — Carry-On. For director Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his hit thrillers of the 2010s, this film is both a return to form and a breath of fresh air for the entire genre.
Fair Play
Rounding out the top five is Fair Play. Emily and Luke are talented Wall Street analysts hiding a passionate romance from their colleagues. Their perfect world shatters when Emily unexpectedly receives the promotion Luke was counting on.
