Bruno Pugh
There’s no shortage of classics that everyone seems to know when it comes to thriller movies. But sometimes, the best scares come from the movies that slipped under the radar—those hidden gems that pack a punch but never get the spotlight they deserve. Whether you’re in the mood for a psychological mind-bender, a tense mystery, or a chilling horror thriller, these 20 underrated thrillers will surely deliver the suspense
Play Misty for Me (1971)
Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut tells the story of a disc jockey whose life spirals out of control after a one-night stand with an obsessive fan. Jessica Walter’s haunting performance as the unstable admirer is both captivating and terrifying, making this film a precursor to the psychological thrillers that followed, such as Fatal Attraction.
The Last of Sheila (1973)
A clever whodunit set on a luxury yacht, this film combines mystery with dark humor. As a group of friends gathers to play a game that reveals their secrets, tensions rise, leading to unexpected twists. The screenplay, co-written by Stephen Sondheim, is sharp and engaging.
The Stepfather (1987)
An adaptation of the true story of mass murderer John List, the film follows Blake as he assumes various identities, including real estate agent Jerry Blake and insurance agent Bill Hoskins, to carry out his crimes before his suspicious stepdaughter Stephanie (Jill Schoelen) uncovers his dark past.
The Invitation (2015)
“The Invitation” is a masterclass in slow-burn tension. The story follows Will, who accepts an invitation to a dinner party which is hosted by his ex-wife and her new husband. As the night progresses, a sense of unease builds, with Will becoming increasingly suspicious of the hosts’ true intentions.
Prisoners (2013)
The film delves into the dark and complex world of a father searching for his missing daughter, leading him to take matters into his own hands. The moral dilemmas presented are gut-wrenching, and the film’s chilling atmosphere will keep you on edge throughout its runtime.
Enemy (2013)
“Enemy” is a psychological thriller that will leave you scratching your head long after the credits roll. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as a man who discovers his doppelgänger, leading him down a rabbit hole of paranoia and identity crisis. The movie is a puzzle, with its eerie tone and surreal imagery contributing to a sense of unease.
Coherence (2013)
It is a mind-bending thriller that proves you don’t need a big budget to create a gripping story. “Coherence” takes place during a dinner party on the night of a comet passing by near Earth. As reality begins to unravel, the guests find themselves in increasingly bizarre and terrifying situations.
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
In this movie, Robert Mitchum gives one of the most chilling performances of all time as a preacher-turned-serial killer who terrorizes two young children in pursuit of hidden money. The film’s expressionistic visuals and hauntingly surreal atmosphere make it a special entry in the thriller genre.
The Gift (2015)
What starts as a chance encounter between old high school acquaintances spirals into a web of secrets and deception. When Simon and his wife, played by Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall, receive a series of mysterious gifts from Gordo, a man from Simon’s past, the line between courtesy and menace becomes dangerously blurred.
The Vanishing (1988)
Unlike many thrillers, this one doesn’t rely on jump scares but instead builds its horror through a slow, relentless escalation of dread. The movie focuses on Rex. After his girlfriend disappears at a rest stop, it becomes an obsession for him to find out what happened to her, leading to a harrowing psychological battle with her abductor.
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Boston’s gritty streets are no place for the faint-hearted, especially when a child goes missing. Enter two private eyes, Patrick and Angie, who dig deep into a world where the line between right and wrong is blurred beyond recognition. Their journey forces them to confront uncomfortable truths, making you question what justice truly means.
Triangle (2009)
Imagine you’re stuck in a loop, but this isn’t a game—it’s a nightmare on the high seas. In this movie, when the protagonist, Jess, and her friends board a seemingly abandoned ship, they’re plunged into a terrifying cycle of events that defy logic. This thriller is a puzzle box, each piece more disturbing than the last.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
If you’re into horror/thriller, then this one’s for you. A father-son duo of coroners expect a routine night—until a mysterious corpse arrives on the slab. With every incision, they uncover something more horrifying than the last, turning their morgue into a chamber of nightmares. This film mixes forensic intrigue with supernatural terror.
Blue Ruin (2013)
Revenge is a dish best served cold, but it’s served messy and raw in Blue Ruin. Dwight, a drifter living out of his car, is suddenly thrust into a violent feud when he seeks vengeance for his parents’ murder. This isn’t your typical revenge thriller—it’s a gritty, unflinching look at the consequences of violence, where every action has a ripple effect.
You Were Never Really Here (2017)
The movie follows Joe, a traumatized war veteran turned mercenary, as he rescues a young girl from a child trafficking ring. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a gripping performance in this intense psychological thriller, where the horrors of Joe’s internal struggles mirror the brutal violence of his mission.