Top thriller movies of 2024 you shouldn't miss

• 2024 saw an explosion of gripping thriller films, offering a variety of suspenseful experiences across genres
• TheRadar has compiled a list of top 10 thriller movies of 2024
• From Juror #2 to Monkey Man, 2024 introduced a series of compelling antagonists who made every confrontation a battle for the soul

2024 has proven to be an extraordinary year for the thriller genre, with films that challenge conventions, explore the human psyche, and deliver nail-biting suspense. 

From explosive action thrillers to tension-filled horror thrillers, the genre has had many exceptional outings that will easily be considered the best thrillers of the decade so far.

Whether it’s an ageing celebrity seeking a second chance or a young woman caught in a power struggle, this year’s releases showcase an eclectic mix of stories that keep audiences hooked. 

Here’s a roundup of the must-watch thrillers of the year.

Top 10 thriller movies of 2024

1. Conclave

Based on Robert Harris's acclaimed novel, Conclave takes us into the secretive halls of the Vatican, where Cardinal Thomas Lawrence leads a papal conclave to elect a new Pope. As he uncovers shocking scandals among the candidates, a conspiracy emerges that threatens to shake the foundation of the Catholic Church.

2. Alien: Romulus

The sci-fi horror thriller is a chilling addition to the Alien franchise. Alien: Romulus is set between Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), following young colonists who stumble upon a terrifying life form in the depths of a neglected space station. It refreshed the franchise’s signature terror with relentless suspense and heart-pounding scares.

3. The Substance

In The Substance, fading celebrity Elisabeth Sparkle takes a black-market drug that creates a younger version of herself after being fired by her producer for her age. While the transformation appears miraculous, the substance has dangerous side effects that spiral out of control. This thought-provoking psychological thriller explores identity, vanity, and the cost of reinvention.

4. Juror #2

When a juror in a high-profile murder trial discovers he may be connected to the crime, he faces an impossible moral dilemma. Juror #2 combines courtroom drama with edge-of-your-seat suspense as the juror wrestles with decisions that could alter lives, including his own.

5. Anora

Anora tells the compelling story of a Brooklyn sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. What begins as a modern-day Cinderella story quickly unravels when the oligarch's parents travel to New York to cancel the marriage, bringing chaos to Anora’s dream life. This emotionally charged thriller explores power, love, and the lengths people go to protect their legacy.

6. Rebel Ridge

A former Marine confronts small-town corruption and violence while trying to secure bail for his cousin. With intense action and gritty storytelling, Rebel Ridge is a compelling tale of loyalty and survival.

7. Speak No Evil

A seemingly serene weekend at a countryside estate becomes a nightmare for an American family visiting their British hosts. As hidden tensions boil over, Speak No Evil delivers unnerving suspense and dark psychological twists, cementing its place as one of the year’s most haunting thrillers.

8. Monkey Man

Dev Patel shines as a masked underground fighter who infiltrates the city’s elite to seek vengeance for his mother’s death. Combining intuitive action and emotional depth, Monkey Man is a hard-hitting tale of justice and redemption.

9. Civil War

Set in a dystopian future America, Civil War follows journalists navigating a war-torn landscape to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel forces overthrow the president. This action-packed thriller blends intense drama with thought-provoking political commentary.

10. Smile 2

Pop star Skye Riley faces terrifying supernatural phenomena while preparing for her world tour. As she grapples with fame and unresolved trauma, Smile 2 offers a chilling sequel to the psychological horror hit.

The thrillers of 2024 offer a captivating range of stories, from intimate character-driven narratives to high-stakes action and suspense. 

With films like The Substance and Anora, the genre pushes boundaries, proving its versatility and enduring appeal. 

Which thrilling tales did you watch, and which will you dive into next?

‘Queen of Tears,’ ‘Lovely Runner,’ other top K-dramas of 2024

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier compiled a list of 12 top exciting Korean dramas of 2024. From heartwarming romances to spine-chilling thrillers, K-dramas have set a high standard for storytelling, production quality, and emotional resonance this year. 

The titles include Queen of Tears, Lovely Runner, Family By Choice, Marry My Husband, Love Next Door, and others.