Best Thriller Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

16 Best Psychological Thriller Movies of All Time

That popcorn-spilling jump at a scary scene in a horror movie is one thing, but psychological thrillers get inside your head and stay there, for a totally different kind of scare that can linger long after the closing credits roll. For those who like to mull over movies (and aren't too susceptible to nightmares) a slow-burn kind of fright is far more satisfying.

Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most accomplished psychological thriller filmmakers of all time, described the genre perfectly: "There is a distinct difference between 'suspense' and 'surprise,' and yet many pictures continually confuse the two." Hitchcock's talent, of course, was his ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next twist to finish turning. That said, he certainly isn't the only one who has mastered the art of suspense over time — directors Jordan Peele, Martin Scorsese and David Fincher, just to name a few, have also created equally stirring films full of unexpected plot lines and characters who aren't quite who they seem.

Whether you're an avid psychological thriller fan looking for your next excite or trying to decide on a mind-bending flick to watch leading up to Halloween, we've gathered a list of the best hair-raising films the genre has to offer. Chances are, you'll feel inclined to double check your door locks after watching these. And even if you're not easily scared, you might want to sleep with the lights on, just in case.

Best Thrillers of All Time

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by Paula Hawkins

In Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train, the emotionally fraught Rachel Watson wrestles with her obsessive feelings for her ex-husband. As she tries to heal after their relationship dissolves, Rachel manages to sift through her thoughts and fears during her daily commute via train from Oxfordshire to London. Each day during the trek, the train passes the house she used to live in with her ex. In attempts to distract herself from the reality of their separation, Rachel shifts her attention to a home near her former home, occupied by a man and a woman who she imagines are happy and deeply in love. When the woman goes missing and her disappearance becomes fodder for the local tabloids, Rachel’s life is turned upside down. An exhilarating glimpse into one woman’s inability to cope with the past, The Girl on the Train articulates a distressing truth about violence and love.

Best Thriller Movies of All Time, Ranked for Filmmakers

When it comes to the best thriller movies of all time, there’s a lot to choose from. While great thrillers involve the protagonist in constant and terrifying danger, some are more light hearted, while still juggling with the concepts of life and death.

With such a broad genre, there are many movies in the thriller genre to choose from, including horror, psychological, true crime, and black comedy. Since it can sometimes be difficult to choose good thrillers, we decided to make the job easier for you.

Listed here are the best thrillers from cinema, ranging from new classics to old favorites, along with everything in-between to satisfy all types of thrill seekers.