There were plenty of films worth watching for thriller fans last year. In fact, 2024 was the strongest year for thriller films in quite some time. New films packed with twists, tension, and intriguing characters were released almost every month.
Even better, thriller fans were able to enjoy new releases in every genre of the genre, from crime to mystery, dark to legal. Whatever type of thriller you prefer, there is sure to be one to suit your tastes. Below are a few of my favorite thriller films of 2024. Each film received over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. This is a testament to their quality.
I've also included details on where you can stream the films I've selected so you can plan your next thriller movie marathon. Without further preamble, here are five thriller movies released in 2024 that you should watch right now.
Perhaps the most overlooked thriller film of 2024, “Strange Darling” is anything but what it seems. Just when you think you have this thriller's dark tale figured out in your head, the rug is pulled back and the shocking truth is revealed. But “Strange Darling” isn't just about the twist, it's also a showcase for Willa Fitzgerald, who is engaging from start to finish. Co-star Kyle Gallner is likewise excellent in a role that requires a wider range of acting than it appears.
“Strange Darling” centers on an unnamed man and woman who meet in a motel. What begins as an alcohol-fueled sexual encounter soon takes a turn, and the next morning is worse than a fatal hangover. I could go on and on about this exciting thriller, but “Strange Darling” relies heavily on the senses of the unknown, so I won't say more. Remember to stream it as soon as possible before it gets spoiled.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95% Streaming purchase on Amazon
“Juror #2” seems a bit dated. It's an adult legal thriller that we don't see much of these days, and I'm glad that director Clint Eastwood made it in what he billed as his last feature film. In the film, Nicholas Hoult plays a high-profile murder juror who faces a complex ethical dilemma when he (inadvertently) finds himself responsible for the crime, rather than the man currently on trial and serving a prison sentence.
Also starring Toni Collette as a determined prosecutor, J.K. Simmons as a fellow juror, and Kiefer Sutherland as a defense attorney, “Juror No. 2” boasts a cast as impressive as its compelling premise. Eastwood has opted for a less flashy filmmaking style, with a few scenes that look more like a TV drama than a Hollywood feature, but “Juror No. 2” is so engaging that you won't mind the bland color palette. It is also a thriller that will have you debating its core moral issues long after the credits have rolled.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: Streaming at 94% Max
Who would have thought that the super-secret process for electing a new Pope would be fertile ground for mystery thrillers? Well, probably anyone who read Robert Harris's 2016 novel on which “Conclave” is based, but for me, this Edward Berger feature came out of nowhere and became one of my favorite films of the year. Filled with shocking revelations and fascinating reflections on religion in our time, “Conclave” is a thinking man's thriller.
Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with overseeing the election of new leaders for the Catholic Church, but as rumors surround the conclave of cardinals and dark secrets come to light, a job that seems daunting enough becomes even thornier. Fiennes is excellent in the lead role, but Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini are equally worthy of praise. The Conclave boasts the best ensemble of any 2024 thriller. The ending is controversial, but the gripping tension keeps the viewer hooked.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%Stream it on Peacock
Sebastian Stan has received much praise for his lead role in A Different Man. Coming from Marvel, I think he deserves a flowery role, but for me, the real star of this psycho-thriller is Adam Pearson. Heavy on the drama, A Different Man is an interesting mix of comedy, thriller, and tragedy.
Edward (Stan) is a struggling actor with neurofibromatosis who undergoes a new medical procedure that changes his appearance after falling in love with his neighbor (Renate Reinswe). While his new face provides him with unprecedented opportunities, including a role in an upcoming off-Broadway show, he feels deeply threatened by Oswald (Pearson), a confident man who also has neurofibromatosis and charms his way into Edward's social circle. Immersed in a surreal worldview, “A Different Man” is a unique and engaging film.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%Buy it on Amazon to stream
Hugh Grant has made a name for himself playing charming protagonists in romantic comedies and showed glimpses of his ability to play a villain in the family-friendly “Paddington 2,” but ” Divergent” completely goes against type and gives arguably his strongest performance to date. True to its name, Heretic is a religious-themed thriller in which a group of Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) knock on the wrong door.
They are welcomed into the home of Mr. Reed (Grant) and their faith is questioned by a man with a deep knowledge of theology. But the debate over the pros and cons of religion is only the beginning of Mr. Reed's nefarious plans, and soon the two women are plunged into a shocking nightmare. Grant's performance is the main attraction, but the script by Scott Beck and Brian Woods (who also co-directs) is equally impressive. Surprisingly, the dialogue-heavy first act is my favorite. But for those looking for twists and turns, the quickly darkening finale is the way to go.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%Buy it on Amazon to stream
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