Forgotten Thrillers: Collider's Top 10 Hidden Gems to Watch
Collider highlights ten standout thrillers often overlooked by fans, from Bong Joon-ho's Mother to You Were Never Really Here, offering fresh takes and cinematic insight.
Thrillers draw us in with suspense, secrets, and sharp storytelling. Still, some cinematic gems slip from memory. Collider's list spotlights ten excellent thrillers that deserve a fresh look today.
Ten forgotten thrillers you should revisit
- Mother (2009) — A Korean director Bong Joon-ho crafts a tense story about a mother fighting to prove her son's innocence after a murder, evolving into a gripping psychological thriller.
- Diva (1981) — A French crime drama known for its bold visuals, unexpected twists, and a moody, stylish vibe reminiscent of classic gang life.
- The Silent Partner (1978) — A Canadian thriller about a bank employee who stumbles on a planned robbery, set against a festive, uneasy atmosphere.
- Operation Avalanche (2016) — An espionage thriller that blends real-world history with conspiracy, delivering brisk suspense and clever set-pieces.
- How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022) — A provocative film about environmental activism and the moral questions around direct action against powerful institutions.
- Read My Lips (Sur mes lèvres, 2001) — A sharp French thriller following a woman and a detective in a web of blackmail and deception, full of twists.
- Cold Pursuit (2019) — A darkly comic, high-stakes thriller about crime and consequence, featuring intense performances and memorable action sequences.
- Roadgames (1981) — An Australian road thriller that builds tension through a tense chase and atmospheric highway setting.
- You Were Never Really Here (2017) — A compact, intense drama-thriller led by Joaquin Phoenix, exploring memory, trauma, and rescue missions.
- The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015) — A tense portrayal of a real psychological study, examining power, control, and the limits of ordinary people under stress.
Expert comment: Critics say these titles prove that precise writing and strong performances can outshine big budgets. Rewatching often reveals new clues and details that deepen the story.
Summary: The ten films span several decades and countries, offering diverse thrills—from intimate character studies to suspenseful heists. Each title demonstrates how craftsmanship in direction and acting creates lasting impact, even when a movie isn't a global blockbuster. For fans of smart, compact thrillers, this list is a perfect watchlist.
“Great thrillers endure because they blend character, craft, and suspense in ways that invite repeat viewing.”