The thriller genre always has a different set of audiences, who are always ready to sit on the edge of their seats with a loud pumping heart, biting their fingernails, trying to guess what’s going to happen next. From serial killers to drug dealers, crime thrillers to psychological thrillers, these dramas have always had a cult following.
From the cliffhanging suspense to the masterful solving of crimes, they can always keep the audience entertained with more brain food. So here are some of the best thriller series of all time.
25. You
The series ‘You‘ is a psychological drama that is focused on bookstore manager Joe Goldberg, who is intensely charming, an obsessive young man who is trying hard to insert himself into the lives of those he loves. The show ran for five seasons with Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg.
24. The X-Files
Two F.B.I. agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, investigate a strange and unexplained case, while there are outside forces that are trying to make their investigation difficult. The show was aired for a long time from 1993 to 2018, starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.
23. Yellowjackets
A weirdly talented group of high schoolers is trapped in the Canadian wilderness as they survive a plane crash. ‘Yellowjackets‘ is inspired by a true story. It began in 2021 and is a mixture of horror and mystery.
Related: Top 25 Shows Based On True Stories
22. Jack Ryan
A CIA analyst, Jack Ryan, starts a dangerous field assignment after he uncovers a pattern in terrorist communication, and now he is trapped in a gambit. John Krasinski plays the titular role and is supported by Wendell Pierce and John Hoogenakker.
21. Money Heist
‘La Casa De Papal‘ became a worldwide sensation during its airing period from 2017 to 2022. A group of robbers comes together to rob the Royal Mint of Spain – thus performing the best theft in the history of the world. They continue their quest with each season.
20. 24
Counter Terrorism Agent Jack Bauer tries to understand terrorist plots and save his country from ultimate attacks. The drama series was aired from 2001 to 2010 and starred Kiefer Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub.
19. Squid Game
The South Korean thriller, ‘Squid Game,‘ mixes childhood games with bloodsport and questions how far a desperate person will go for money. As for the rich, they crave grotesque entertainment even at the cost of the lives of poor people. The Netflix series ran for three seasons.
18. The Fall
This gripping psychological thriller involves a passionate policewoman and a serial killer who preys on his victims in and around Belfast. As the investigation starts, there are no suspects or evidence.
17. Mr. Robot
Elliot, a brilliant but highly unstable young cyber-security engineer and vigilante hacker, becomes a key figure in a complex game of global dominance when he and his shadowy allies try to take down the corrupt corporation he works for. Aired from 2015 to 2019, the drama stars Rami Malek, Christian Slater, and Carly Chaikin.
16. True Detective
‘True Detective’ is a brilliant anthology series in which the police track the most heinous criminals. What sets the show apart is how the investigations unearth not just the secrets of the ones they are chasing, but some personal incidents too, that blur the lines of the law.
15. Dark
The drama aired from 2017 to 2019, revealing a mysterious drama that exposes a sinful past as two children go missing in a small German town. Louis Hofman and Lisa Vicari play the main roles in the mystery thriller series.
14. Prison Break
Due to a political conspiracy, an innocent man is sent to death row, and his brother, the one who had helped design the prison, deliberately enters prison so as to help his brother escape the place. The hit series aired from 2005 to 2017.
In case you missed: Did Escape From Alcatraz Really Happen? Why Did The Prison Shut Down?
13. Ozark
Here’s another story of drug dealings. Marty Byrd, a Chicago-based financial advisor, moves his family to Ozark in order to meet a life-or-death deadline to wash truckloads of money for the second-largest drug lord in Mexico. The show aired from 2017 to 2022.
12. Black Mirror
A British anthology that opens up to the world a dystopian future that is caused by the gruesome technology that affects the life and behavior of people. The series was first aired in 2018.
In case you missed it: Top 10 Most Dark And Disturbing ‘Black Mirror’ Episodes
11. Dexter
Starring the Golden Globe-winning actor Michael C. Hall in the titular role, the thriller series focuses on a serial killer who commits crimes at night and spends his days solving them. But how long can Dexter keep up the chase?
10. Hannibal
The psychological thriller explores the early relationship between renowned psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter and a young FBI criminal profiler who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers. Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen appear in the lead roles.
Related: Who Was Alfredo Ballí Treviño, The Serial Killer Doctor Hannibal Lecter Is Based On?
9. Homeland
‘Homeland‘ follows a bipolar CIA operative who suspects that Al-Qaeda has turned a prisoner of war and that he is a threat to the United States upon his return. As she is convinced he is planning to carry out a terrorist attack on the soil of her homeland, she does everything to get to the bottom of his plans. The series stars Claire Danes, Mandy Patkin, and Damien Lewis and aired from 2011 to 2020.
8. The Blacklist
A new profiler at the FBI, Elizabeth Keen, is baffled by the understanding that one of the mysterious criminals, Raymond Reddington, who has never been caught for decades, turns himself in and insists on talking to her. The main characters of ‘The Blacklist‘ are played by James Spader and Megan Boone.
Related: Is ‘The Blacklist’ Inspired By A True Story? Who Is The Real Raymond Reddington?
7. Mindhunter
With a few episodes directed by David Fincher, the series focuses on a special section of crimes, the ones that are committed without any rational motive. With an FBI agent, his mentor, and a psychologist on track, the series gets going. It was a tragedy when Netflix canceled the show after just two seasons, considering it has received cult status since then.
6. Sherlock
Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories, Benedict Cumberbatch’s take on the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes is a treat to watch. His companion is Doctor John Watson, played by Martin Freeman. ‘Sherlock‘ is a reimagination of popular tales with much thrill, drama, and humor.
5. Stranger Things
‘Stranger Things‘ is not a new name to any thriller buff. The show stars Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, and Finn Wolfhard. Set in the 1980s, the show follows a bunch of kids and the residents of Hawkins deal with some sinister goings on in their beloved town.
4. Fargo
The drama focuses on a series of deception, intrigue, and murder in and around Minnesota, all of which mysteriously lead to Fargo, North Dakota. The thriller began in 2014 and starred Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman in its first season. Then on, the anthology featured many famous actors and spectacular stories.
3. The Wire
The crime thriller is a must-watch to understand the Baltimore drug scene through the eyes of the good and bad guys as usually demarcated. The series is inspired by true events. It can give you an understanding of law enforcement, media, education, and politics.
2. Narcos
The thriller deals with the horrific, drug-laden history of Colombia during the time of the kingpin drug dealer Pablo Escobar. The Netflix series aired from 2015 to 2017 and showcases archival footage mixed with fictional components.
You might also like to read: How Did Pablo Escobar Die? What Happened To His Massive Wealth?
1. Breaking Bad
‘Breaking Bad’ follows a high school chemistry teacher recently diagnosed with stage three lung cancer. He turns to manufacturing and selling crystal meth or methamphetamine in order to secure his family’s future. This breathtaking drama came out in 2008 and aired until 2013. Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn are portrayed as the main characters. It’s easily counted among the best shows ever made.
