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I track what’s trending on Netflix every single day, and thrillers are consistently among the most popular picks in the streaming service’s movie library. The platform’s sizable subscriber base can’t get enough of the genre, and I’m very much of the same mindset. I also love thrillers.
When I’m browsing what’s new on Netflix, I’m always on the hunt for the latest thriller movies. So, it's good news that over the next few days, genre fans have plenty to look forward to, including a new international original and an entire four-movie franchise that pays loving tribute to classic ‘80s action cinema, with a star-studded cast to match its popcorn ambitions.
Best Netflix thriller movies to watch this week
‘Free Fire’ (2016)
If you’re in the mood for an action thriller with comedy and an impressive '70s-inspired sense of style, look no further than “Free Fire.” Directed by Ben Wheatley, whose eclectic filmography covers indie horror, Hitchcock remakes and blockbuster action, this guns-blazing flick is completely chaotic, but in a good way. Its cast is also stacked with Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy and Babou Ceesay, most recognizable from TV’s “Alien: Earth.”
Set in 1970s Boston, “Free Fire” centers on a black market weapons deal that rapidly descends into a sprawling shootout. There are maybe a few too many competing parties involved in the mix, which can make charting each player's motivations a little more frustrating than it should be, but “Free Fire” is great fun.
It also runs a lean 90 minutes long — ensuring the fast-paced momentum is constantly maintained until the end credits roll.
Watch "Free Fire" on Netflix now
‘Firebreak’ (2026)
“The Night Agent” season 3 is hogging the spotlight as the biggest Netflix original of the week, but the new thriller flick “Firebreak” shouldn’t get overlooked. This Spanish-language movie has more going on underneath the surface than you might expect.
As the title suggests, it centers on an uncontrollable wildfire, which is compelling enough on its own, but “Firebreak” also packs family drama and a psychological element, as the central family becomes trapped in an increasingly twisted nightmare.
It opens with Mara (Belén Cuesta) traveling with her daughter, Lide (Candela Martínez), and extended family to a summer house following the death of her husband. This supposed peaceful retreat becomes anything but when Lide goes missing, and a nearby wildfire springs to life.
When the flames close in, Mara defies the evacuation order in a desperate attempt to locate her daughter. Relying on a local forest ranger, Santi (Enric Auquer), Mara learns that not everything is as it seems and that somebody is lying.
Watch "Firebreak" on Netflix from February 20
‘The Expendables’ (2010)
Netflix is adding the entire “The Expendables” franchise this week, so ‘80s action fans have four blockbuster movies to add to their watchlists. None of “The Expendables” movies are masterpieces, and the latter two sequels are especially flawed, but the first two offer plenty of over-the-top set pieces, popcorn-level thrills and a cast of legendary heroes.
You’ve got Stallone, Statham, Li, Willis, Lundgren, Crews and Rourke for starters, and if that wasn’t enough star-power, the first sequel adds Schwarzenegger, Van Damme, Norris and plenty more.
“The Expendables” sees elite operator Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone, who also directs) assemble an all-star team of mercenaries. The mission is to overthrow a South American dictator, but the situation gets complicated when they learn the dictator is just a figurehead for an even more ruthless villain.
If you’re looking for switch-your-brain-off action-thriller fun, you can’t go wrong with “The Expendables,” and watching so many iconic action stars on screen together certainly has a high novelty factor.
Watch "The Expendables" on Netflix from February 20
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