In the vast world of cinema, thrillers continue to be one of the most exciting genres—promising suspense, unexpected twists, and emotional intensity. But while big names like Gone Girl, Seven, or Andhadhun dominate discussions, many brilliant thrillers fly under the radar. These underrated gems deserve the spotlight and a place on your must-watch list.
Whether you’re a fan of psychological tension, crime mysteries, or action-packed narratives, this list brings together 10 underrated thriller movies from around the globe that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Why Underrated Thrillers Deserve Attention
Mainstream thrillers often follow a formula—but underrated ones tend to take risks. They explore deeper psychological themes, showcase fresh talent, and often surprise even the most seasoned film lovers. These movies may not have had massive marketing budgets or international recognition, but their storytelling is no less compelling.
1. Coherence (2013) – A Low-Budget Sci-Fi Thriller with Mind-Bending Twists
Director: James Ward Byrkit
Country: USA
Coherence is a small indie film with a massive concept. On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends experience a series of surreal events during a dinner party. Filmed with no real script and relying heavily on improvisation, this cerebral thriller explores parallel realities, perception, and the fragility of reality.
Why Watch It: It’s a masterclass in minimalistic storytelling and unsettling tension. A must for fans of Black Mirror or Primer.
2. Trance (2013) – Psychological Chaos Wrapped in Art Theft
Director: Danny Boyle
Country: UK
With mind games, unreliable narrators, and hypnotic visuals, Trance takes you inside the fractured mind of an art auctioneer who loses his memory after a heist. As he undergoes hypnotherapy, secrets unravel—blurring the line between reality and manipulation.
Why Watch It: Danny Boyle’s stylish direction and a twist-heavy script create a thriller that’s both artistic and absorbing.
3. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) – A Gritty Indian Noir That Dives into Darkness
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Country: India
Loosely inspired by a 1960s serial killer in Mumbai, this intense psychological thriller showcases Nawazuddin Siddiqui as a disturbed murderer and Vicky Kaushal as a drug-addicted cop. Their dynamic is eerie and unsettling—blurring moral boundaries and offering no easy answers.
Why Watch It: It’s a bold, disturbing exploration of mental illness, obsession, and violence in a city that never sleeps.
4. Wind River (2017) – Frozen Landscapes and Unspoken Grief
Director: Taylor Sheridan
Country: USA
A chilling murder mystery set on a Native American reservation in Wyoming, Wind River follows a wildlife officer and an FBI rookie uncovering secrets buried beneath snow and silence. It’s more than a whodunit—it’s a poignant tale of loss and survival.
Why Watch It: The desolate atmosphere and sharp dialogue make it a slow-burn thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
5. Timecrimes (2007) – A Spanish Time-Loop Thriller That Will Twist Your Brain
Director: Nacho Vigalondo
Country: Spain
A man accidentally gets entangled in a time loop while trying to solve a mystery in the woods. Each repetition of the loop adds a new layer of complexity and dread.
Why Watch It: Timecrimes proves that even low-budget sci-fi thrillers can deliver high-stakes suspense with inventive storytelling.
6. The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo) (2016) – A Spanish Courtroom Puzzle You Won’t See Coming
Director: Oriol Paulo
Country: Spain
When a successful businessman is accused of murder, he hires a prestigious defense attorney. What follows is a tightly woven narrative that keeps shifting perspectives until the shocking conclusion.
Why Watch It: If you loved Gone Girl or The Usual Suspects, this Spanish gem will keep you hooked.
7. The Invitation (2015) – A Dinner Party Drenched in Dread
Director: Karyn Kusama
Country: USA
What begins as a reunion of old friends gradually descends into paranoia and menace. Set almost entirely in one house, The Invitation thrives on psychological tension and slow-burn horror.
Why Watch It: It’s a chilling commentary on grief, trauma, and groupthink—ideal for fans of atmospheric thrillers.
8. Ugly (2013) – A Bleak, Brutal Tale from India
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Country: India
When a young girl goes missing in Mumbai, her estranged father and stepfather clash in a desperate search. But what begins as a kidnapping turns into a commentary on corruption, apathy, and fractured relationships.
Why Watch It: It’s raw, gritty, and completely devoid of Bollywood gloss—making it one of India’s most hard-hitting thrillers.
9. Calibre (2018) – A Moral Nightmare in the Scottish Highlands
Director: Matt Palmer
Country: UK
Two friends on a hunting trip accidentally kill someone—and their decision to cover it up spirals into chaos. Calibre is a tight, nerve-wracking thriller that examines guilt, loyalty, and desperation.
Why Watch It: Minimalistic and tension-packed, it’s an underrated Netflix thriller worth every minute.
10. Tell No One (2006) – A French Thriller Full of Surprises
Director: Guillaume Canet
Country: France
Based on Harlan Coben’s novel, Tell No One follows a doctor whose wife, believed to be murdered, might still be alive. The film unfolds with twists and emotional depth, balancing suspense with heartfelt storytelling.
Why Watch It: It’s an international thriller that combines pace, emotion, and mystery effortlessly.
The Art of Discovering Underrated Thrillers
So why haven’t you heard of these films? The reasons vary—limited marketing, niche audiences, or being overshadowed by bigger releases. But often, these lesser-known titles bring a refreshing approach that mainstream thrillers lack.
In an era where streaming platforms offer access to global content, it’s the perfect time to dig beyond the surface. Underrated thrillers often pack a stronger emotional punch, explore deeper philosophical questions, and leave a more lasting impression than commercial hits.
The thrill of a good thriller lies not just in plot twists, but in how it engages the viewer’s mind and emotions. The 10 underrated thriller movies listed above are shining examples of cinema that dares to be different—and succeeds. Whether you’re looking for psychological depth, slow-burn suspense, or international flair, these hidden gems promise to deliver edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Add them to your watchlist—you might just find your next favorite thriller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What makes a thriller movie “underrated”?
A: An underrated thriller is one that offers high-quality storytelling and suspense but hasn’t received mainstream recognition due to limited release, minimal marketing, or overshadowing by bigger films.
Q2: Where can I watch these underrated thriller movies?
A: Many are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, or international film sites. Use services like JustWatch to check availability in your region.
Q3: Are underrated thrillers better than popular ones?
A: Not necessarily better, but often more original. They tend to explore riskier narratives, fresher perspectives, and can be more emotionally resonant than formulaic blockbusters.
Q4: Are there any international thrillers worth watching?
A: Absolutely. The Invisible Guest (Spain), Timecrimes (Spain), and Tell No One (France) are great examples. These offer compelling storytelling beyond Hollywood tropes.
Q5: Why do some thriller movies go unnoticed?
A: Factors include limited distribution, lack of star power, niche appeal, or being overshadowed by major releases during the same time.
