Looking for a heart-pounding, nail-biting movie night? Netflix has you covered with an impressive selection of suspenseful thrillers that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you’re in the mood for psychological mind-benders, crime dramas, or edge-of-your-seat action, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for an evening of suspense with our picks for the 22 best suspense movies on Netflix right now.
1. Gone Girl (2014)
David Fincher’s adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel is a masterclass in psychological suspense. When Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) mysteriously disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, all eyes turn to her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) as the prime suspect. But as the investigation unfolds, nothing is quite as it seems.
Gone Girl keeps you guessing at every turn with its twisty plot and unreliable narrators. Pike gives a chilling, Oscar-nominated performance as the complex Amy, while Affleck perfectly embodies the increasingly suspicious Nick. The film explores themes of media manipulation, toxic relationships, and the facades we present to the world.
With its stylish direction, haunting score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and shocking reveals, Gone Girl will leave you questioning everything long after the credits roll. It’s a must-watch for any suspense fan.
2. Nightcrawler (2014)
Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of his most unsettling performances in this neo-noir thriller about the dark side of ambition. He plays Lou Bloom, a petty thief who stumbles into the world of freelance crime journalism in Los Angeles. As Lou begins filming graphic crime scenes and accidents to sell to local news stations, his methods become increasingly unethical and dangerous.
Nightcrawler is a gripping character study that doubles as a biting media satire. Gyllenhaal is mesmerizing as the sociopathic Lou, whose hollow eyes and manic energy will make your skin crawl. The film ratchets up the tension as Lou’s behavior spirals further out of control, leading to a pulse-pounding climax.
With its neon-soaked visuals of nighttime L.A. and examination of sensationalized news coverage, Nightcrawler offers both style and substance. It’s a slick, suspenseful ride that will make you think twice about what goes on behind the camera.
3. Bird Box (2018)
This post-apocalyptic thriller starring Sandra Bullock became a cultural phenomenon when it hit Netflix. In a world where mysterious entities cause people to commit suicide if they look at them, a woman named Malorie (Bullock) must guide two young children to safety – all while blindfolded.
Bird Box creates a palpable sense of dread as Malorie and the kids navigate treacherous terrain without their sight. The unseen threat adds to the suspense, leaving much to the viewer’s imagination. Flashbacks to the initial outbreak provide context and additional scares.
While some found the premise derivative of other post-apocalyptic stories, Bird Box succeeds thanks to Bullock’s committed performance and several nail-biting set pieces. It’s an intense, atmospheric thriller perfect for a night in.
4. The Guilty (2021)
This taut thriller unfolds almost entirely in a single location, but that doesn’t make it any less suspenseful. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Joe Baylor, a demoted police officer working the night shift as a 911 dispatcher. When he receives a cryptic call from a woman who’s been abducted, Joe becomes embroiled in a race against time to save her.
The Guilty is a masterclass in generating tension through limited information. As Joe pieces together clues solely through phone conversations, the audience is right there with him trying to unravel the mystery. Gyllenhaal carries the film with an intense, increasingly frantic performance.
Director Antoine Fuqua keeps things claustrophobic, rarely leaving the dispatch center. This ratchets up the anxiety as Joe (and the viewer) feels powerless to directly intervene. With its twists and turns and themes of redemption, The Guilty is a gripping, single-location thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.
5. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
Charlie Kaufman’s surreal psychological thriller defies easy categorization, but it’s undeniably suspenseful. A young woman (Jessie Buckley) takes a road trip with her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) to meet his parents, all while contemplating ending their relationship. But as reality starts to warp around them, nothing is quite as it seems.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a mind-bending exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Kaufman’s screenplay keeps you off-balance with its non-linear structure and increasingly bizarre events. The performances are stellar across the board, with Toni Collette and David Thewlis particularly memorable as Jake’s eccentric parents.
While some viewers may find the film’s abstract nature frustrating, those who enjoy cerebral, puzzle-box movies will be rewarded. It’s a thought-provoking, unsettling experience that lingers long after viewing.
6. Gerald’s Game (2017)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, this psychological horror-thriller follows Jessie (Carla Gugino) as she fights for survival after a sex game with her husband goes horribly wrong. Left handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house, Jessie must confront both external threats and her own traumatic memories to escape.
Director Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) wrings maximum tension out of the confined setting. Gugino gives a tour-de-force performance, carrying much of the film solo as Jessie grapples with hallucinations and painful flashbacks. The suspense builds to a gruesome climax that’s not for the faint of heart.
Gerald’s Game is a taut survival thriller that also delves into deeper themes of trauma and female empowerment. It’s a harrowing yet ultimately cathartic experience that showcases Flanagan’s skill at crafting suspense.
7. The Platform (2019)
This high-concept Spanish thriller takes place in a vertical prison where food is delivered via a descending platform. Those on the upper levels feast while those below starve, leading to a brutal exploration of social inequality.
The Platform is a grim, thought-provoking allegory that doesn’t shy away from violence and disturbing imagery. The claustrophobic setting and ticking-clock structure (as the platform descends each day) create a constant sense of dread. Lead actor Ivan Massagué grounds the film as Goreng, a new inmate trying to change the system from within.
While not for the squeamish, The Platform offers biting social commentary alongside its suspenseful plot. It’s a dark, twisted thriller that will leave you pondering its themes long after watching.
8. Cam (2018)
This techno-thriller offers a unique spin on identity theft in the digital age. Madeline Brewer stars as Alice, a camgirl who discovers an exact replica of herself has taken over her online channel. As she investigates, the lines between reality and virtual world begin to blur.
Cam explores themes of online identity and sex work with a sensitive touch, while still delivering plenty of suspense. Brewer gives a captivating dual performance as both Alice and her doppelganger. The neon-drenched visuals and pulsing score add to the film’s surreal, unsettling atmosphere.
While it may not be for everyone due to its subject matter, Cam offers a fresh take on technological anxieties. It’s a slick, provocative thriller that will make you think twice about your online presence.
9. Oxygen (2021)
This claustrophobic French thriller follows a woman (Mélanie Laurent) who wakes up in a cryogenic chamber with no memory of how she got there. With her oxygen rapidly depleting, she must piece together her identity and find a way to escape before it’s too late.
Director Alexandre Aja (Crawl) wrings maximum tension out of the confined setting, aided by Laurent’s raw, emotional performance. The gradual reveal of information keeps you guessing, while the ticking clock of the oxygen meter maintains a constant sense of urgency.
Oxygen is a lean, mean suspense machine that will have you holding your breath along with its protagonist. It’s a taut, single-location thriller perfect for fans of buried-alive scenarios.
10. The Call (2020)
This mind-bending Korean thriller follows two women living in different time periods who connect through an old phone. Seo-yeon in the present day (Park Shin-hye) and Young-sook in the past (Jeon Jong-seo) form an unlikely friendship, but their attempts to change each other’s fates have unforeseen consequences.
The Call keeps you on your toes with its twisty plot and clever use of time travel logic. The two leads give compelling performances as their characters’ relationship evolves in unexpected ways. Director Lee Chung-hyun maintains a stylish visual aesthetic while ramping up the suspense.
With its intricate plotting and shocking turns, The Call is a mind-bending thrill ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.
11. Hush (2016)
This home invasion thriller puts a unique spin on the genre by featuring a deaf protagonist. Kate Siegel stars as Maddie, a deaf and mute writer living in an isolated house in the woods. When a masked killer (John Gallagher Jr.) begins stalking her, Maddie must use her wits to survive.
Director Mike Flanagan (Gerald’s Game, The Haunting of Hill House) creates nail-biting tension through creative use of sound design. We often experience events from Maddie’s perspective, heightening the sense of vulnerability. Siegel gives a compelling silent performance, conveying volumes through facial expressions and body language.
Hush is a lean, mean thriller that makes the most of its simple premise. It’s a taut cat-and-mouse game that will have you on the edge of your seat.
12. The Perfection (2018)
This twisty psychological thriller follows Charlotte (Allison Williams), a troubled musical prodigy who seeks out Elizabeth (Logan Browning), the new star pupil of her former school. But their reunion takes a sinister turn as dark secrets from the past come to light.
The Perfection is a wild ride that constantly subverts expectations. Just when you think you have it figured out, it pulls the rug out from under you. Williams and Browning have electric chemistry, keeping you invested even as their characters’ motivations become murkier.
Be warned: this film features some graphic and disturbing content. But for those who can stomach it, The Perfection offers a twisted, unpredictable thrill unlike anything else on Netflix.
13. Calibre (2018)
This taut British thriller follows two childhood friends on a hunting trip in the Scottish Highlands that goes horribly wrong. After a tragic accident, they must grapple with the moral and practical consequences of their actions.
Calibre is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense. Director Matt Palmer gradually ratchets up the tension as the situation spirals out of control. The remote setting adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, while strong performances from Jack Lowden and Martin McCann anchor the film emotionally.
With its exploration of masculinity and morality under pressure, Calibre offers more than just surface-level thrills. It’s a gripping, character-driven suspense film that will leave you questioning what you would do in a similar situation.
14. The Invisible Guest (2016)
This Spanish mystery-thriller follows a young businessman accused of murder who must work with a witness preparation expert to craft his defense. As they go over the events of that fateful night, nothing is quite as it seems.
The Invisible Guest is a twisty whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end. The non-linear structure adds to the intrigue as we piece together what really happened. Mario Casas gives a compelling lead performance as the potentially unreliable narrator at the center of it all.
With its clever plotting and satisfying reveals, The Invisible Guest is a crowd-pleasing mystery that will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie-style puzzles.
15. Fractured (2019)
Sam Worthington stars in this psychological thriller as Ray, a man whose wife and daughter disappear from a hospital after a road trip accident. As Ray becomes increasingly desperate to find them, he begins to question his own sanity and the nature of reality itself.
Fractured keeps you off-balance with its unreliable narrator and shifting perspectives. Worthington gives one of his best performances as the increasingly frantic Ray, while director Brad Anderson maintains a constant sense of unease.
While some viewers may guess the twist early on, the journey to get there is still suspenseful. Fractured is a mind-bending thriller that will have you questioning everything you see.
16. The Ritual (2017)
This British horror-thriller follows a group of college friends on a hiking trip in Sweden that takes a terrifying turn. As they venture deeper into the forest, they encounter a malevolent presence that forces them to confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets.
The Ritual builds suspense through its atmospheric setting and strong character dynamics. The dense, misty forest becomes a character in itself, hiding unknown threats around every corner. Rafe Spall anchors the film with a nuanced performance as the guilt-ridden Luke.
While it eventually veers into more traditional horror territory, The Ritual offers plenty of psychological suspense along the way. It’s a creepy, character-driven thriller perfect for a dark and stormy night.
17. Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
This satirical thriller set in the contemporary art world follows a group of ambitious gallery owners, artists, and critics who become embroiled in supernatural events after acquiring a dead artist’s paintings.
Velvet Buzzsaw blends suspense, horror, and dark comedy to create a unique viewing experience. Jake Gyllenhaal leads an impressive ensemble cast, clearly relishing his role as the pretentious art critic Morf Vandewalt. Director Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler) crafts some memorably gruesome set pieces as the cursed artwork claims its victims.
While its tonal shifts may not work for everyone, Velvet Buzzsaw offers a stylish, satirical take on the suspense genre that’s unlike anything else on Netflix.
18. The Occupant (2020)
This Spanish psychological thriller follows Javier (Javier Gutiérrez), a successful advertising executive who loses his job and is forced to move out of his luxury apartment. Obsessed with his former life, Javier begins stalking the new tenants and infiltrating their lives.
The Occupant is a slow-burn character study that gradually ramps up the tension as Javier’s behavior becomes increasingly unhinged. Gutiérrez gives a chilling performance, making Javier both pitiable and terrifying. The film explores themes of class anxiety and toxic masculinity while maintaining a constant sense of unease.
With its nuanced approach to its antagonist and commentary on social status, The Occupant offers more than just surface-level thrills. It’s a thought-provoking, character-driven suspense film that will leave you feeling unsettled.
19. Forgotten (2017)
This twisty Korean thriller follows Jin-seok (Kang Ha-neul) as he tries to uncover the truth about his brother’s mysterious disappearance and reappearance. As he investigates, he begins to question his own memories and sanity.
Forgotten is a mind-bending puzzle box of a movie that constantly keeps you guessing. Director Jang Hang-jun maintains a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the lines between reality and delusion. Kang Ha-neul gives a compelling lead performance as the increasingly paranoid Jin-seok.
With its intricate plotting and shocking reveals, Forgotten is a cerebral thriller that rewards close attention and multiple viewings.
20. The Gift (2015)
Joel Edgerton writes, directs, and stars in this psychological thriller about a married couple (Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall) whose lives are upended by the arrival of an old acquaintance (Edgerton) bearing mysterious gifts.
The Gift is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense, gradually revealing its characters’ dark secrets and hidden motivations. Edgerton gives a quietly menacing performance as the socially awkward Gordo, while Bateman plays effectively against type as the increasingly paranoid Simon.
The film explores themes of bullying, trauma, and the lasting impact of our past actions. With its taut script and excellent performances, The Gift is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
21. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)
This quirky indie thriller follows Ruth (Melanie Lynskey), a nursing assistant who teams up with her oddball neighbor Tony (Elijah Wood) to track down the criminals who burglarized her home. As their amateur investigation spirals out of control, they find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations.
Director Macon Blair blends dark comedy with genuine suspense, creating a unique tone that keeps you off-balance throughout. Lynskey gives a wonderfully nuanced performance as the frustrated Ruth, while Wood provides excellent comic relief as the eccentric Tony.
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore is a offbeat, unpredictable thriller that examines themes of alienation and justice in modern society. It’s a refreshing take on the revenge thriller genre that’s both funny and genuinely tense.
22. The Invitation (2015)
This slow-burn psychological thriller follows Will (Logan Marshall-Green) as he attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband. As the night progresses, Will becomes increasingly suspicious that something sinister is afoot.
Director Karyn Kusama masterfully builds tension throughout, keeping the audience guessing about whether Will’s paranoia is justified or if he’s simply unable to move on from his past trauma. The claustrophobic setting of the Hollywood Hills home adds to the growing sense of unease.
The Invitation explores themes of grief, cult mentality, and the social pressure to conform. With its excellent ensemble cast and shocking finale, it’s a taut, atmospheric thriller that will leave you on edge long after it ends.
There you have it – 22 of the best suspense movies currently available on Netflix. From psychological mind-benders to edge-of-your-seat action thrillers, there’s something here for every fan of the genre. So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare for an evening of heart-pounding suspense. Just remember to breathe!
