For fans of suspense, intrigue, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, 2025 has been a banner year for TV and film thrillers. As the year draws to a close, viewers are spoiled for choice, with streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime rolling out a dazzling array of pulse-pounding content. From the return of beloved series to the emergence of international gems, the thriller genre is thriving—and, if anything, it’s never been more varied or compelling.
According to ELLE, this past year has seen a resurgence of terrestrial favorites such as Blue Lights, alongside a parade of A-list actors starring in glossy dramas crafted exclusively for streaming giants. The sheer volume of quality thrillers can feel overwhelming, which is why curated lists are essential for viewers seeking their next binge-worthy obsession. Among the highlights, ELLE spotlights sleeper hits like Ballard and international offerings such as Scandinavian slow-burns and top-rated foreign-language thrillers now available on Netflix. And the excitement isn’t ending with 2025: the publication teases upcoming releases for January 2026, including a Scandinavian missing-teen drama and a fresh Agatha Christie adaptation.
But what makes this year’s crop of thrillers stand out from the crowd? For one, there’s a renewed focus on complexity and depth. Take, for example, the Netflix sequel Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, which Firstpost reviewed on December 19, 2025. Directed by Honey Trehan and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Chitrangadha Singh, and Radhika Apte, the film plunges viewers into the murky waters of a mass murder within the powerful Bansal family—owners of a sprawling media empire. The story kicks off with a chilling sequence: crows perish from water poisoning, and that very night, several Bansal family members are found slaughtered behind locked doors. Survivors are left gripped by fear, each harboring secrets and suspicions.
Inspector Jatil Yadav, played with remarkable restraint by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, refuses to accept the easy answers offered by his colleagues. While some in the police force are eager to close the case by pinning the blame on a family member with a history of drug abuse, Jatil senses a deeper, more sinister truth lurking beneath the surface. He zeroes in on Neera (Chitrangadha Singh) and her enigmatic mentor, Guru Ma (Deepti Naval), suspecting their involvement in the tangled web of lies. As Jatil’s investigation intensifies, the film deftly explores themes of social divide and the corrosive influence of wealth and power, culminating in the unearthing of long-buried family secrets.
What sets Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders apart, according to Firstpost, is its unpredictability and refusal to dilute its narrative intensity. The writing remains immersive from start to finish, and the film delivers just the right balance of emotion, suspense, humor, and anger. Siddiqui’s performance, in particular, is singled out for praise—his ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety is described as “absolutely brilliant.” Even Radhika Apte, whose screen time is limited, leaves a memorable impact. The film scores a robust 4 out of 5, cementing its status as a must-watch for thriller aficionados.
Meanwhile, the genre’s appeal isn’t limited to new releases. As Polygon notes in its December 21, 2025, feature, thrillers have a way of cutting through the holiday comfort with a jolt of adrenaline. The publication recommends three masterpieces currently streaming on Netflix, each offering a distinct flavor of suspense.
First up is Influencer, an indie thriller set against the lush backdrop of Thailand. The film follows Madison (Emily Tennant), a social media influencer whose seemingly glamorous trip takes a dark turn after she meets the mysterious "CW" (Cassandra Naud). Director Kurtis David Harder crafts a tense, visually stunning narrative that’s been compared to The Talented Mr. Ripley for the digital age. Polygon praises the film’s indie sensibility and clever plotting, noting that a sequel is already available for those left wanting more.
Next is Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, an epic Western thriller set amidst a relentless blizzard. While the film’s lengthy runtime may test viewers’ endurance, its claustrophobic setting and razor-sharp dialogue make for a captivating watch. Tarantino uses the Old West as a canvas to explore themes of social politics and racial tension, with standout performances from Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tim Roth. The film’s blend of Agatha Christie-style mystery and Sam Peckinpah-inspired violence ensures that it remains a singular entry in the genre.
Finally, there’s Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty, a political action thriller chronicling the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. The film, written by journalist-turned-screenwriter Mark Boal, is lauded for its objective lens and unflinching portrayal of the psychological toll exacted on its protagonist, Maya (Jessica Chastain). Polygon highlights the film’s ability to blend pulse-pounding action with intense psychological drama, setting it apart from more formulaic entries in the genre. Notably, Zero Dark Thirty sparked controversy upon release, with critics from across the political spectrum debating its depiction of torture and its potential influence on public opinion during the Obama administration. Yet, the film’s craftsmanship and narrative power remain undeniable.
Of course, the international flavor of this year’s best thrillers cannot be overlooked. As ELLE points out, foreign-language thrillers—particularly those from Scandinavia—have carved out a niche for themselves, offering slow-burn storytelling and moody atmospheres that contrast sharply with the high-octane pacing of their American counterparts. Whether it’s the icy tension of a Nordic noir or the simmering unease of a family drama set in a remote village, these imports continue to captivate global audiences.
And for those who crave even more variety, the coming months promise fresh additions to the ever-expanding thriller canon. With a new Agatha Christie adaptation on the horizon and a wave of innovative series and films set to premiere in early 2026, the genre shows no signs of slowing down. Even lighter fare like Emily In Paris is getting attention, as ELLE notes the arrival of new and returning cast members for its fifth season—proof, perhaps, that the appetite for compelling narratives transcends genre boundaries.
As streaming platforms continue to invest in original content and global audiences demand ever-more sophisticated storytelling, one thing is clear: the golden age of the thriller is far from over. Whether you’re in the mood for a meticulously crafted whodunit, a gritty family saga, or a nerve-shredding political drama, 2025 has delivered—and 2026 looks set to raise the stakes even higher.
For now, viewers can settle in, dim the lights, and let the suspense unfold. After all, who doesn’t love a good thrill?
