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Looking for Netflix movies filled with suspense, tension, and, best of all, twists you’ll never see coming? Then you’ll want to get these five gripping psychological thrillers on your watchlist, and yes, all of them can be streamed on the world’s biggest streaming service right now.
I’m a huge thriller fan, and have combed through Netflix’s vast movie library to pick out a collection of psychological thrillers that are so absorbing, you won’t find yourself scrolling through your phone while watching. Each of these films is compelling from start to finish and will grab your attention.
Article continues below‘Ballad of a Small Player’ (2025)
Edward Berger’s follow-up to the acclaimed “Conclave” was a lot more divisive than expected, but I fall on the side of the fence that enjoyed this gaudy thriller movie set in the world of high-stakes gambling. That’s in large part because of Colin Farrell’s fittingly scatterbrained performance as a swindler trying (and mostly failing) to live the high life. Plus, there are some excellent shots of Macua, and a tightly wound sense that the walls are closing in.
Farrell plays Lord Doyle, which is very much not his real name, a washed-up gambler attempting to outrun his past mistakes and win big in the neon-lit casinos of Macau. Unsurprisingly, when you owe a lot of people a lot of money, you can’t just scarper, and when a private investigator (Tilda Swinton) shows up, Doyle is forced to face the dreaded music. The conclusion is rather ill-judged, but I still think “Ballad of a Small Player” was too harshly judged.
Watch "Ballad of a Small Player" on Netflix now
‘Fair Play’ (2023)
A modern battle of the sexes that feels reminiscent of classic ‘90s erotic thrillers, “Fair Play” starts perfectly polished, but by the end, things have descended into something significantly darker. It pairs Alden Ehrenreich and “Bridgerton’s” Phoebe Dynevor, whose ambitious characters make for a great power couple. Or at least they would if they didn’t turn on each other when their career goals crash headlong into their outside-of-the-office relationship.
Luke (Ehrenreich) and Emily (Dynevor) both work for the same cutthroat Manhattan-based hedge fund while carrying out a secret relationship. However, when Emily is offered a promotion that Luke was convinced he was being groomed for, their personal and professional relationship takes a nosedive as office politics and festering resentments disrupt what appeared to be a loved-up pairing. “Fair Play” is particularly worth watching because of its escalating stakes; things keep getting darker and more depraved.
Watch "Fair Play" on Netflix now
‘10x10’ (2018)
“10x10” is a claustrophobic thriller set largely within a single location, in this case, a 10x10-foot room in which Cathy (Kelly Reilly) has been locked up by Robert (Luke Evans). That premise alone is pretty intriguing, but the real drive of this psychological thriller is trying to piece together why Robert has taken this seemingly innocent woman hostage in his home. He wants a secret from her past, but bringing it to the surface proves to be tricky.
As a thriller, “10x10” is a little generic, with the captive vs. captor setup pretty standard for the genre. It's discovering Robert’s hidden motivations that will keep you invested until the very end. Plus, the flick wisely runs just 90-minutes, which prevents its basic premise from being stretched to breaking point. It’s a solid pick if you need a quick dose of evening excitement.
Watch "10x10" on Netflix now
‘Side Effects’ (2013)
As a director, Steven Soderbergh knows his way around a thriller, see last year’s excellent “Black Bag” as proof, and if any more evidence were needed, then in steps “Side Effects.” This slow-paced crime-centric watch isn’t one for viewers demanding instant results, but if you can stick with it, you’ll be well rewarded with strong performances and a great twist.
Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara) is waiting for her husband's (Channing Tatum) release from prison. But after his homecoming, she slips into a deep funk. After a failed suicide attempt, she is assigned to a psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), who prescribes her a new medication with some seriously disturbing side effects. Also starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, “Side Effects” is smart, sharp and very satisfying. Just make sure to wait as soon as possible to avoid having its biggest secrets spoiled.
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‘Before I Go to Sleep’ (2014)
If you go solely on Rotten Tomatoes scores, then “Before I Go to Sleep” would be an easy skip, as its poor 36% score is hardly a ringing endorsement. However, I’m here to mount a defense of his psychological thriller. Yes, it undoubtedly has many flaws, but with the typically dependable Nicole Kidman in the leading role and a great central hook, there’s enough here for me to recommend you give it a chance. Just keep your expectations in check.
Based on the 2011 novel by S. J. Watson, “Before I Go to Sleep” centers on Christine (Kidman), a woman left with amnesia following a brutal attack. Unable to form new memories, she awakens every morning with no knowledge of her husband, Ben (Colin Firth). Her doctor (Mark Strong) recommends she keep a video diary, but when she notices discrepancies between her recordings and what Ben is telling her, she questions everything.
Watch "Before I Go to Sleep" on Netflix now
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