The 2022 superhero film The Batman has been praised for giving the titular character a more grounded story that focuses on his detective side. The movie obviously uses elements from the thriller genre, which is why fans on Letterboxd have chosen it as the best thriller film of the year so far.
Viewers looking for more of the critically-acclaimed thriller movies from the past decade can easily do so through the social media platform's rankings. The top-rated films represent the best that the genre had to offer in each of the last ten years. They also highlight how thriller movies have evolved over time, which is why they should be considered essential viewing for fans of the genre.
Prisoners (2013) - 4.2
Available to stream on Hulu.
Director Denis Villeneuve gives fans a gripping story in Prisoners, which revolves around the abduction of two girls and a father's increasingly aggressive attempts at catching the suspect. Things are complicated by the fact that the police had this suspect in custody, but chose to let him go.
The critically-acclaimed film has been praised for its well-written plot and the emotional rawness displayed by its characters. The dizzying search for the missing girls likely has a powerful effect on most audiences, who may find themselves experiencing the same sense of dread and urgency that the protagonist feels.
Gone Girl (2014) - 4.1
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Based on Gillian Flynn's 2012 novel of the same name, Gone Girl is a movie about a missing person, initially told from the perspective of her husband and biggest suspect, Nick Dunne. When the media gets wind of the perplexing case, Nick is forced into the spotlight, and it's obvious that he's not ready.
Director David Fincher's film is known for its mind-blowing twist, so it's best seen for the first time knowing little to nothing about its plot's shocking details. Fans who have read the book it's based on will be happy to know it remains mostly faithful to the source material.
Ivy (2015) - 4.1
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Director Tolga Karaçelik's Ivy is often cited alongside some of the best fantasy movies of the 2010s. The award-winning film depicts a crew's struggle on board a Turkish ship that has been forced to anchor offshore by an Egyptian Port Authority. With their passports confiscated, a dwindling food supply, and an irrational captain, tensions inevitably build and push some to their breaking points.
The riveting movie is usually compared to The Lighthouse, as viewers can expect a similar focus on dialogue and character development. Ivy brings its own unique elements, though, making it a must-see for fans of international films.
The Handmaiden (2016) - 4.4
Available to stream on Prime Video.
Set in 1930s Korea, director Park Chan-wook's The Handmaiden follows the story of the titular character as she begins working for a wealthy but reclusive heiress. The protagonist initially has hidden motives, but everything changes when she learns about some jarring secrets and experiences unexpected emotions.
The erotic psychological thriller has been lauded for its strong message on female empowerment and subversive cinematic gaze. There's no shortage of wild twists and turns that will keep audiences glued to their screens from start to finish.
Get Out (2017) - 4.2
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Five years after it first premiered, fans are still finding hidden details in Get Out, underscoring the amount of work and attention to detail that went into making the renowned film. Director Jordan Peele amazed viewers and critics alike with his directorial debut, which has a deceptively simple premise.
Its protagonist Chris goes upstate with his girlfriend Rose to visit her parents over the weekend, but things turn weird after a series of disturbing discoveries. Get Out's story is rooted in bold political commentary, brilliantly executed through the film's genuinely horrifying narrative.
Hereditary (2018) - 4.0
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Director Ari Aster's Hereditary is centered on the terrifying story of the Graham family, who are still reeling from the loss of their grandmother and matriarch. The dangerous secrets they learn after her passing irreparably change the family dynamics, with their relationships becoming messier after each stunning revelation.
The horror-thriller film has surprising emotional depth, which makes its hard-hitting moments land easily for viewers who feel immediately invested in the characters' stories. Its disturbing events are bound to stay with viewers long after they're done watching the movie.
Parasite (2019) - 4.6
Available to stream on Hulu.
The thriller film Parasite quickly took the world by storm when it was first released, turning director Bong Joon-ho into a household name. The international hit tells the deceivingly straightforward story of how a lower-income family infiltrates a higher-income family's home by posing as skilled workers.
The movie has a major plot twist that puts its most absorbing events into motion, so viewers who have never seen it should watch it for the first time knowing only minimal details about the plot. It's a compelling film with bold political commentary delivered in an original and unforgettable way.
History Of The Occult (2020) - 3.8
Set in the 1980s, director Cristian Ponce depicts the engrossing story of a news crew's last-ditch effort at unveiling a massive conspiracy linking the Argentinian government to an influential cabal in History of the Occult. Their program, 60 Minutes Before Midnight, is about to be shut down, adding pressure to make their final broadcast their most important one.
The film tops even the scariest documentaries about the occult, as it throws in truly disturbing fictional stories about kidnappings, murders, and more linked to the highest levels of the government. It's certainly not for the faint of heart, as there are some appalling moments that are memorable for all the wrong reasons.
The Dunes (2021) - 4.1
Available to stream on Hulu.
The Dunes tells the story of renowned LA Times journalist Nicholas Rice, who goes back to his titular hometown after being away for some time. Instead of just re-establishing friendly connections and visiting his favorite places, though, he finds a mysterious and potentially dangerous person from his past.
Directed by Martin Copping, the criminally underrated film will keep viewers at the edge of their seats with each unexpected turn. The twists all build up to create a memorable narrative that will keep audiences guessing until the end.
The Batman (2022) - 4.1
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Bruce Wayne goes head to head with the Riddler in director Matt Reeves' The Batman. The gritty almost-noir detective story portrays the superhero's struggles as he learns about his own family's role in crime and corruption in Gotham City. Bruce has to put the pieces together before the Riddler strikes again, but it's not easy when the serial killer is always somehow one step ahead.
The critically-acclaimed film impressed critics and fans with its more grounded approach to the popular character. With genuinely scary moments and well-written dialogue, it's a bleak and thrilling masterpiece that has revitalized interest in Batman.