2024 has been a banner year for Hollywood thrillers, offering a diverse range of films that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. From mind-bending science fiction to heart-pounding action and chilling psychological suspense, there was something for every thrill-seeker. Here’s a curated list of the 9 best Hollywood thrillers in 2024 that have left a lasting impression so far:
Hollywood thrillers in 2024
1. Alien: Romulus Depicts a New Perspective (Sci-Fi Thriller):
Director Ridley Scott returned to the iconic Alien franchise with “Alien: Romulus Depicts a New Perspective,” a chilling exploration of humanity’s encounter with the Xenomorphs on a previously uncharted moon. This film takes a unique approach, focusing on a group of Weyland-Yutani scientists who stumble upon a derelict alien outpost, offering a fresh perspective on the franchise’s mythology while retaining the claustrophobic tension and horrifying creature design that fans know and love.
2. The Shrouds (Dark Comedy Thriller):
A darkly comedic and suspenseful film, “The Shrouds” explores the complexities of grief and the lengths people go to in the face of loss. Directed by Anna Kendrick in her directorial debut, the film follows a group of friends who embark on a weekend getaway to a secluded cabin to mourn the death of a mutual friend. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, a darkly humorous yet suspenseful game of cat-and-mouse ensues, leaving audiences guessing until the very end.
3. The Watchers (Psychological Thriller):
Night Shyamalan returned with “The Watchers,” a psychological thriller that explores themes of paranoia and isolation. Set in a seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood, the film follows a family who begins to experience unsettling occurrences after moving into their new home. As they become increasingly convinced they’re being watched by a mysterious group, the lines between reality and delusion begin to blur, keeping viewers guessing about the true nature of the threat.
3. Mickey 17 (Science Fiction Thriller):
Bong Joon-ho, the visionary director behind “Parasite,” delivered another thought-provoking and suspenseful film with “Mickey 17.” This science fiction thriller stars Robert Pattinson as a disposable employee of a dangerous space mission who undergoes a cloning process after a fatal accident. However, when his regenerated body (Mickey 17) awakens with unsettling memories of his past life, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his existence and the sinister corporation behind the cloning technology.
4. A Quiet Place: Day One (Post-Apocalyptic Thriller):
John Krasinski returned to the world he created with “A Quiet Place: Day One,” a prequel to the critically acclaimed horror thriller. This film explores the initial days of the terrifying alien invasion that forced humanity into silence. We witness the Abbott family grappling with the sudden arrival of the creatures and their desperate struggle for survival in a world where even the slightest sound can be deadly.
5. The Life of Chuck (Crime Thriller):
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, “The Life of Chuck” is a gritty and suspenseful crime thriller. Directed by Ben Affleck, the film follows a hitman named Chuck who, after a near-death experience, begins questioning his violent profession and the life choices that led him down this path. As he tries to escape his past and forge a new life, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.
6. Trap (Psychological Thriller):
A new entry from Warner Bros., “Trap” is a tightly wound psychological thriller that keeps audiences guessing. Starring Olivia Wilde and Jake Gyllenhaal as a married couple on a secluded weekend getaway, the film explores the dynamics of their relationship and the dark secrets they harbor. As tensions rise and past traumas resurface, the lines between reality and manipulation blur, leaving viewers questioning everything they see and who they can trust.
7. Twisters (Disaster Thriller):
Director Jan de Bont returned to the disaster film genre with a modern take on the classic 1996 film “Twisters.” This high-octane thriller features a team of storm chasers who must navigate the devastating power of tornadoes to collect vital scientific data. With stunning visuals, pulse-pounding action sequences, and a renewed focus on the science behind these destructive weather phenomena, “Twisters” offers a thrilling cinematic experience.
8. They Listen (Supernatural Thriller):
Delayed from its original 2023 release date, “They Listen” is a chilling supernatural thriller that explores the dangers of unchecked technology.