20 best terrorism movies that will keep you on edge

• Terrorism-themed movies draw audiences in with their gripping action, suspenseful plots, and compelling exploration of complex narratives
• TheRadar has compiled 20 interesting movies that explore different themes of terrorism 
• They include blockbuster hits like London Has Fallen, Olympus Has Fallen, Air Force One, and others

Movies with terrorism as a central theme captivate audiences with intense action, suspenseful plots, and thought-provoking narratives. 

From political intrigue to daring heroics, these films offer more than just adrenaline-pumping action. They explore the depths of human courage and morality. 

Here's a list of 20 must-watch terrorist-themed movies from different decades, guaranteed to keep you entertained.

20 interesting terrorist movies 

1. Die Hard (1988-2013)

This legendary franchise redefined the action genre, with Bruce Willis portraying the iconic John McClane. The original Die Hard centres on McClane's battle against terrorists who seize control of Nakatomi Plaza during a Christmas party. The sequels maintain the franchise's pulse-pounding pace, exploring various terrorism scenarios, from airports to cyberattacks.

2. Air Force One (1997)

Starring Harrison Ford as a courageous U.S. President, this gripping film follows the hijacking of Air Force One by terrorists. The President's resourcefulness and resilience transform this claustrophobic action movie into a patriotic thrill ride.

3. The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan's masterpiece brings a nuanced exploration of terrorism through the character of the Joker, played by Heath Ledger. While not a traditional terrorist movie, it delves into the chaos and fear inflicted by a criminal mastermind in Gotham City.

4. Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

When North Korean terrorists attack the White House, Mike Banning steps up to save the President and foil their plans. This film boasts intense action sequences and is a blueprint for its successful sequels.

5. London Has Fallen (2016)

A sequel to Olympus Has Fallen, the thriller film follows Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) as he defends London against a massive terrorist attack during the British Prime Minister's funeral.

6. Angel Has Fallen (2019)

The third installment of the Has Fallen series ups the stakes as Mike Banning is framed for an assassination attempt on the President. His fight to clear his name while thwarting terrorists adds layers to the action-packed story.

7. Body of Lies (2008): This film highlights the complexities of counter-terrorism, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a CIA agent on the ground in Jordan who hunts down a powerful terrorist leader while being caught between the unclear intentions of his American supervisors and Jordan Intelligence.

8. Cleanskin (2012)

In this gritty British thriller, Sean Bean plays a British secret service agent who is faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell. The film’s unflinching portrayal of radicalisation and its consequences makes it stand out in the genre.

9. Eye in the Sky (2015)

Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman star in this thought-provoking drama about the moral dilemmas surrounding drone warfare. The story focuses on a British military operation to capture terrorists in Kenya, raising questions about collateral damage and accountability.

10. Traitor (2008)

Starring Don Cheadle, this film examines the fine line between loyalty and betrayal. A former U.S. operative is suspected of aiding terrorists, and the narrative twists keep viewers guessing until the end.

11. Face/Off (1997)

In this unique action-packed thriller, John Travolta and Nicolas Cage play arch-rivals who swap faces to infiltrate each other’s worlds. Though the plot leans toward the fantastical, its terrorist themes remain gripping.

12. The Kingdom (2007): This action drama follows a team of FBI agents investigating the bombing of an American facility in Saudi Arabia. Starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner, the film combines investigative work with explosive action.

13. Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

Chris Pine stars as a young Jack Ryan, who uncovers a Russian plot to collapse the U.S. economy through terrorism. This modern take on the beloved Tom Clancy character delivers suspense and high-stakes drama.

14. The Sum of All Fears (2002)

Ben Affleck stars as Jack Ryan in this Cold War-inspired thriller where he must stop the plans of a Neo-Nazi faction that threatens to induce a catastrophic conflict between the United States and Russia's President by detonating a nuclear weapon at a football game in Baltimore, Maryland. The film captures the paranoia and political tensions of global terrorism.

15. Vantage Point (2008): This gripping thriller takes a multi-perspective approach to an assassination attempt on the U.S. President. Each viewpoint unravels more about the terrorist plot, keeping you hooked until the final twist.

16. Non-Stop (2014)

Liam Neeson stars as an air marshal battling an anonymous terrorist threatening to kill passengers mid-flight. The confined setting and escalating tension make this a nail-biting experience.

17. No Escape (2015)

Owen Wilson delivers a powerful performance as a father trying to protect his family from Southeast Asian insurgents. This survival thriller captures the chaos of being caught in the crossfire of a coup.

18. The Foreigner (2017)

Jackie Chan sheds his comedic persona for this dark revenge thriller. A grieving father seeks justice after his daughter is killed in a terrorist bombing, facing off against Pierce Brosnan’s shady government official.

19. Casino Royale (2006)

James Bond’s reboot introduces Daniel Craig in a gritty take on the spy genre. Bond goes head-to-head with Le Chiffre, a financier of international terrorism, in a high-stakes poker game that holds the fate of global security.

20. White House Down (2013)

In this action-packed film, Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx team up to save the White House from an armed paramilitary group. It’s an entertaining take on a siege narrative packed with heart-pounding moments.

These movies combine the thrill of terrorism-centric storylines with complex characters and unpredictable twists. 

Whether you’re a fan of high-octane action or thoughtful drama, these films offer a cinematic journey through the intricate world of counter-terrorism, political intrigue, and human resilience.

10 thriller movies that will have you on the edge of your seat

Earlier, TheRadar compiled 10 thriller movies that are heart-racing, sweat-inducing, and will completely captivate you. Thriller movies are unpredictable, which is part of what builds the tension that is meant to thrill you.

Suppose you want a shot of cinematic adrenaline to keep your eyelids open and your pulse racing. Nothing is better than a thriller. The titles include Alone, No Exit, You Were Never Really Here, The Weekend Away, Lou, Inside, The Royal Hotel, What Happened to Monday, Locked In, and Shattered.