Thrillers are widely cherished by many, possibly due to the impact of true crime or the need for temporary distraction from our turbulent world. Across all streaming platforms, thrillers rank among the strongest TV genres. Shows like “The Night Agent, Ripley, The Madness, Black Doves, The Diplomat” on Netflix are prime examples and there’s even a vast collection of adaptations from Harlan Coben’s novels (although none are included in this list – our apologies to all the Cobenites). As we welcome “Zero Day“, it’s high time to compile a guide for the best thrillers available on Netflix. This guide will be updated regularly, given the fast-paced nature of new releases over the past few years.
Black Doves
Year: 2024
Length: 1 season, 6 episodes
Creator: Joe Barton
In this British series created by Joe Barton, Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw deliver outstanding performances. Their characters are spies working for a top-secret organization, with Knightley’s character posing as the wife of the Secretary of State for Defense in a deep cover operation. The murder of her lover sets off a chain of unexpected and gripping events.
Bloodline
Years: The series aired from 2015 to 2017
Length: It spanned over 3 seasons with a total of 33 episodes
Creators: Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler, and Daniel Zelman were the masterminds behind this production
The initial season of this suspenseful show marked a significant resurgence for Netflix’s original series, gaining a Best Drama Emmy nomination, and it was primarily the exceptional performances by Kyle Chandler, Sissy Spacek, Linda Cardellini, and notably, Ben Mendelsohn that contributed to its recognition. These actors portray family members ensnared in a complex tangle of deceit and disloyalty within a Florida-based household.
Bodyguard
Year: 2018
Length: 1 season, 6 episodes
Creator: Jed Mercurio
Those who enjoy thrilling spy series such as “24” and “Homeland” should definitely check out this gripping, six-episode miniseries revolving around a security guard for the U.K.’s Home Secretary. British audiences were captivated when it initially aired, causing quite a stir and setting new records. The unfortunate aspect is that a follow-up was never produced (however, Richard Madden received a well-deserved Golden Globe for his exceptional, one-time portrayal).
Breaking Bad
Years: 2008–13
Length: 5 seasons, 62 episodes
Creator: Vince Gilligan
Have you perhaps come across this show? If not, here’s a chance to fill the most significant gap in your television repertoire with one of the most celebrated series of contemporary times. Bryan Cranston delivers an outstanding TV performance as an ordinary man transformed into an exceptional drug kingpin. Even if you’ve already watched it, it’s definitely worth another look.
Dark Winds
Years: 2022–
Length: 2 seasons, 12 episodes
Creator: Graham Roland
Tony Hillerman is a highly acclaimed contemporary western fiction author, renowned for creating gripping novels often set on Native American territories within the Four Corners region. His notable series of books centers around two Navajo Tribal Police officers, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, portrayed by Zahn McClarnon and Kiowa Gordon respectively. The story unfolds in the 1970s, with each season of ‘Dark Winds’ presenting a unique mystery, while simultaneously developing the rich character dynamics, particularly McClarnon’s performance, which was Emmy-worthy in both seasons it wasn’t recognized. Indeed, his talent is undeniable.
Dexter
Years: 2006–13
Length: 8 seasons, 96 episodes
Creator: James Manos Jr.
At the height of its game, Showtime introduced an iconic anti-hero: Dexter Morgan, a serial killer adhering to his own moral compass, portrayed masterfully by Michael C. Hall. Dexter, a forensic investigator for the Miami police, channels his innate desire to kill towards ensuring that those he eliminates are truly deserving of their fate. Although the series had its ups and downs throughout its run, Hall’s performance was consistently captivating, from the memorable debut to the controversial finale. Remarkably, these creative decisions haven’t diminished the appeal of Dexter, as Showtime has since produced two more series with a third in development.
The Diplomat
Years: 2023–
Length: 2 seasons, 14 episodes
Creator: Debora Cahn
In this witty political comedy-drama, Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell take center stage. If you found appeal in the blend of characters and politics on The West Wing, then this series could be right up your alley. Although some aspects of the plot may seem dubious at times, it remains engaging due to the undeniable charm and chemistry between its exceptionally skilled leads. In the second season, Allison Janney, an esteemed actress, joined the cast, and she’s set to return for the upcoming third installment that is currently being filmed.
Gangs of London
Years: 2020–
Length: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
Creator: Gareth Evans, Matt Flannery
Did you know that this show shares roots with a video game titled the same name by Sony Entertainment in 2006? However, it also draws inspiration from centuries-old tales of rival clans accumulating wealth through warfare, as portrayed in modern London’s gang landscape. The story revolves around the Wallaces, led by matriarch Finn Wallace (Colm Meaney), with his son Sean (Joe Cole) poised to inherit the family business. If you’re a fan of shows like Succession and The Departed, you might find this one appealing, given its intricate plotting and exceptional performance from Sope Dirisu as Elliot/Finch, an undercover cop infiltrating the Wallace clan.
Interestingly enough, Gareth Evans, known for creating action-packed masterpieces like The Raid, played a role in co-creating this series. So you can expect high-octane action sequences throughout.
Killing Eve
Sandra Oh’s Eve and Jodie Comer’s Villanelle – 2018 to 2022 Series
Duration: Four seasons spanning over 32 episodes
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Though the series didn’t quite finish strong, it will forever be remembered for its exceptional first season that introduced us to Sandra Oh as Eve and Jodie Comer as the enigmatic assassin Villanelle. Intriguingly, their characters share a rare bond, with Eve being a British agent and Villanelle a ruthless killer. The entire series, which delves into their unique relationship, can be streamed on Netflix.
The Madness
Years: 2024
Length: 1 season, 8 episodes
Creator: Stephen Belber
In this suspenseful thriller, exceptionally gifted actor Colman Domingo takes the lead as Muncie Daniels, a CNN news personality. On what turns out to be an unfortunate day for him, Muncie is on vacation in the Poconos when he stumbles upon the dismembered corpse of his neighbor. To his shock, he soon finds himself being falsely accused of the crime. The series, featuring Deon Cole, John Ortiz, and Bradley Whitford, boasts a well-crafted script that at times requires a leap of faith, but in an enjoyable manner.
Mindhunter
Years: 2017–19
Length: 2 seasons, 19 episodes
Creator: Joe Penhall
Joe Penhall and David Fincher’s adaptation of the story about the originator of profiling serial killers offers a gripping, captivating drama, boasting some exceptional acting and visual storytelling yet seen in a Netflix series. The inaugural season introduced the Behavioral Science Unit and dialogues inspired by real-life serial killers, while the subsequent season took it a step further, introducing elements of uncertainty into this realm. This show provides a chilling, thought-provoking exploration into the depths of human darkness.
Narcos
Years: 2015–17
Length: 3 seasons, 30 episodes
Creator: Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro
One of Netflix’s earliest original successes continues to make waves across the industry, not only due to the launchpad it provided for Pedro Pascal, but also because of the impactful portrayal of the drug trade it offers. Compare the multitude of shows attempting to depict this subject matter with this gripping exploration of Pablo Escobar’s ascendancy and downfall, delivered powerfully by Wagner Moura.
The Night Agent
Years: 2023–
Length: 2 seasons, 20 episodes
Creator: Shawn Ryan
2023 saw a captivating resurgence of classic suspense with a series created by the mastermind behind “The Shield”. Remarkably, it climbed its way to rank third among all Netflix series, surprising many viewers and enthralling audiences of diverse ages. The story revolves around FBI Agent Gabriel Basso who receives a chilling phone call that thrusts him into an intricate, globe-trotting conspiracy leading up to an assassination attempt on the President. It’s a thrilling, intellectually stimulating production, and its recent second season has only elevated its appeal.
Ozark
Years: 2017–22
Length: 4 seasons, 44 episodes
Creator: Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams
In this drama, Jason Bateman and Laura Linney find themselves in the roles of an accountant-turned-crime boss in the Lake of the Ozarks region, following his involvement with laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. Known as one of Netflix’s most successful shows, it provided entertainment from its debut to its surprising conclusion, much like AMC’s “Breaking Bad.” Moreover, it helped propel Julia Garner, an exceptional actress of her generation, into the limelight, and we should remain thankful for that.
The Recruit
Years: 2022–
Length: 2 seasons, 14 episodes
Creator: Alexi Hawley
Noah Centineo charms as Owen Hendricks, the latest addition to the CIA. Despite being a lawyer, he finds himself entangled in an international intrigue in the initial season, with a follow-up appearance in late 2025 and still ranking among Netflix’s top ten shows. What makes The Recruit appealing? It offers a vintage mix of thrilling spy storylines, endearing characters, and witty dialogue. Yes, it can be quite absurd at times, but it never fails to keep viewers entertained.
Ripley
Years: 2024
Length: 1 season, 8 episodes
Creator: Steven Zaillian
In this new adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s famous novel, Andrew Scott takes on the role of Tom Ripley, a character he plays exceptionally well. This version is closer to the original story and offers a chilling, meticulous portrayal, thanks to Robert Elswit’s stunning black-and-white cinematography and Steven Zaillian’s masterful direction. It’s one of the finest Netflix originals yet.
The Sinner
Years: 2017–21
Length: 4 seasons, 32 episodes
Creator: Derek Simonds
In the initial season of this USA Network mystery series, Jessica Biel delivers her finest acting performance to date. She portrays an ordinary mother who experiences a sudden, violent breakdown during a beach outing and ends up fatally stabbing a man in full view of many witnesses. Rather than focusing on who committed the crime (whodunit), the show primarily explores the reasons behind this act (WHYdunit). Bill Pullman and Christopher Abbott also deliver impressive performances as the detective investigating the case and Biel’s husband, respectively. The subsequent seasons, particularly the second featuring Carrie Coon, are equally captivating and worth checking out. This series could easily become your next fascination.
Squid Game
Years: 2021–
Length: 2 seasons, 16 episodes
Creator: Hwang Dong-hyuk
One of the most successful TV shows ever made, this South Korean production has paved the way for numerous foreign series to gain popularity on streaming platforms like Netflix. It’s a well-crafted thriller that grabs your attention with its innovative concept. The story revolves around a competition where the winner receives a life-changing sum of money, but those who lose meet an untimely demise. Known for its intricate plotting, it has kept Netflix viewers engrossed in a second season that came close to surpassing the viewership records set by the first. The third and presumably final season is scheduled to air in June 2025. However, we’ll have to wait and see if that holds true!
The Tourist
Years: 2022–24
Length: 2 seasons, 12 episodes
Creators: Harry Williams, Jack Williams
Originally airing on BBC One in early 2022, this gripping thriller made its way across the Atlantic to Max, but due to some strange issues at WBD, it was released, finding a new home on Netflix. Unsurprisingly, it’s been a massive success for them. This is largely due to the fact that it’s incredibly engaging. Jamie Dornan delivers a stellar performance as a man who wakes up in an unknown location with no memory of his past, only to uncover the possibility that he may not have always been a good person. The second season, produced by Netflix, was released in early 2024, and while it didn’t quite reach the same level of quality, it’s still worth checking out.
Yellowjackets
Years: 2021–
Length: 2 seasons, 19 episodes
Creator: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge that the second season of this acclaimed Showtime series took a bit of a hit, but let’s not forget how extraordinary its first season was. Set in two timeframes, it tells the gripping tale of a high-school girls’ soccer team whose plane crashed in 1996, leaving them to resort to extreme measures just to stay alive. It also delves into their lives today as survivors, weaving together elements of grief, mystery, and suspense into a captivating narrative broth. Above all, it’s a show that resonates due to its stellar cast, with standout performances from Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Sophie Nelisse, and many others. The creators have hinted at numerous seasons ahead, so here’s hoping that this series will take flight once more, potentially even in its third season, currently airing on Showtime and Paramount+.
Read More
- INJ PREDICTION. INJ cryptocurrency
- SPELL PREDICTION. SPELL cryptocurrency
- How To Travel Between Maps In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- The Hilarious Truth Behind FIFA’s ‘Fake’ Pack Luck: Zwe’s Epic Journey
- How to Craft Reforged Radzig Kobyla’s Sword in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- How to find the Medicine Book and cure Thomas in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- Destiny 2: Countdown to Episode Heresy’s End & Community Reactions
- Deep Rock Galactic: Painful Missions That Will Test Your Skills
- When will Sonic the Hedgehog 3 be on Paramount Plus?
2025-02-20 00:55