10 Greatest Thrillers of the 21st Century According to IMDb

There are many great movies in various genres, but it is often the case that the spotlight is stolen from comedies and romantic movies by great thrillers that eventually become blockbusters. The suspense that a good thriller creates in its audience is what keeps people talking about the movie for days after they leave the theater.

You can probably name your favorite 21st century thrillers right off the bat. If you do, check out the list below to see where they rank according to IMDb users.

Oldboy (2003) – 8.4/10

If there is any chance that you have not seen Oldboy before, try to go into the experience it offers blind. No trailers, no reviews, nothing that could in any way spoil the provocative nature and mind-bending twists of the story of an ex-convict who takes an unexpected turn once he achieves the freedom he desires.

The Lives of Others (2006) – 8.4/10

Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, this thriller takes viewers back to Germany in the 80's. The film follows Gerd Wiesler, a police officer who is assigned to spy on two members of the Communist Party. The longer he spied on them, the more sympathetic he became to them, as did the audience.

Memento (2000) – 8.4/10

If you thought Christopher Nolan 's Tenet was mind-bending enough, you need to try Memento and see what the director does with it. Starring Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a man who can't make new memories but must seek revenge on those who murdered his life, this 2000s non-linear storytelling film is sure to blow your mind.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – 8.4/10

Another Nolan thriller is completely different from the previous one, but just as exciting. Telling yet another story about a comic book superhero, the director naturally relies more on action sequences to send chills down your spine, but still adds just enough of the darkness to recognize his style.

Joker ( 2019) – 8.4/10

Another story based on DC Comics, but with a different character in the spotlight. Portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, Joker tells the story of the origin of the supervillain, making the audience get attached to the struggling comic Arthur Fleck and become more and more horrified the more violent he becomes. Let's see if the second part can reach the top.

The Prestige (2006) – 8.5/10

Based on the 90's novel of the same name, The Prestige introduces viewers to two magicians in a state of constant rivalry, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden, portrayed by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. In order to fight for the Prestige, the two take on increasingly risky tricks, becoming dangerous to everyone around them.

The Departed (2006) – 8.5/10

Another star-studded story is Martin Scorsese 's The Departed. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, the movie is the story of an undercover battle between the Irish Mafia and Boston officials. The higher the stakes, the more action there is, and the agents' big reveal does not disappoint.

Parasite (2019) – 8.5/10

Upon its international release, Parasite became a phenomenon, and for good reason. The impeccable production of the story of a low-income family's attempts to infiltrate a wealthy couple's home has resonated with many people, and the film's overall message has supported those who usually don't have a voice in wealthy art communities.

Inception ( 2010) – 8.8/10

One thing is for sure: Christopher Nolan remains the undisputed master of the 21st century thriller. Of course, the sci-fi masterpiece that is Inception also deserves to be on the list. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the thief Dom Cobb, who steals not only material possessions, but also thoughts and knowledge, the movie deserves all the praise.

The Dark Knight (2008) – 9.0/10

The Dark Knight trilogy is not only a great gift that Nolan has given to all the DC fans out there, but it is also a testament to the depth of comic books that is often glossed over in conversations about movies. Whether you like Batman or not, if you haven't seen it, you're depriving yourself of one of the greatest movies ever made.