Looking for a great thriller to watch?
Here are 50 terrific modern examples from around the world…
This article originally appeared onDen of Geek UK
As a genre, the thriller truly is a broad church.
Below is my pick of the finest 50 modern foreign language thrillers modern being since 2000 in this case.
In the end I went for a definition of thriller first, other genre second.
Anything that didnt meet that criteria was out.
But where is the evidence coming from?
Simplicity is key here, with the film essentially a two-hander between Detective Pena and Alex.
d. Guillem Morales
Writer/director Morales has crafted a thoroughly disturbing psychological thriller here.
After leaving him to his call, Felix returns to find the man gone.
But soon he suspects that he hasnt actually left his house.
Its creepy enough to confirm you check your own house before going to bed.
An outstanding piece of filmmaking.
However, he soon ends up caught between two rival mobs.
ButHellis uniquely Mexican too, with the out of control violence close to a documentary in some parts.
After the death of the leader of the Goldmoon gang, front-runner Ja-sung is poised to assume command.
The only issue is that hes a police mole.
But the police have other ideas.
Consider it a form of intense psychotherapy.
What follows is the twists and turns of Roger Browns attempt to escape.
An elegant thriller from the master of gory revenge.
Well I wont speak for the book, but rewatching the original film is a mixed experience.
Twins Julia and Sara suffer from a congenital illness.
Sara is already blind, while Julia is rapidly losing her sight.
Strap in for the ride.
A tad unfair, as that should actually be a favourable comparison.
Its a hugely tense film, with strong performances from a great cast.
Its the enigma of a mothers buried life, and how that impacts on her children and their world.
d. Mel Gibson
Apocalyptois a film that comes with a lot of baggage.
Director Mel Gibson had his arrest six months before its release, and has had personal difficulties since.
Accusations of not just historical inaccuracy, but historical vandalism abound.
Critics mocked its heavy-handed state of the world message.
Its unlike anything else on this list, and I mean that in a good way.
Parts of it feel like a Mayan version ofPredator, and the visuals are impossible to look away.
Its hugely entertaining, if not for the faint of heart.
It all builds to a truly thrilling climax, where the cost of war must be paid.
Taught and twisty,TimeCrimesis about a middle-aged man named Hector who has one hell of a day.
Peering through binoculars at home, he spies a topless young woman.
Cue time travel shenanigans with multiple Hectors soon popping up all over the place.
d. Kinji Fukasaku
Long beforeThe Hunger Games, there wasBattle Royale.
Only one winner can survive.
Plus of course a huge helping of Fukasakus brand of violent mayhem.
A superb final film from the master.
Its a hard and brutal watch, but the violence always informs, and is never simply to titillate.
The film focuses on Salomon Sorowitsch, a master forger seemingly only out for himself.
d. Andrew Lau, Alan Mak
Better thanThe Departed?
Finally there is the subtext, an examination of middle-class guilt, and an investigation into repressed memory.
All of it adds up to a compelling and disturbing package.
Yes thats right, a foot chase.
Rainer Wenger is a dissatisfied teacher made to teach a class on autocracy, despite his own anarchist leanings.
Chilling, well constructed and horrifyingly believable,The Waveis an entertaining look at a very serious subject.
Occasionally over melodramatic,Cell 211is a must for your immediate watch list.
Titta Di Girolamo is a middle-aged businessman mysteriously living by himself in a swish Swiss hotel.
He has secretive routines, but eschews meaningful contact with people.
However, slowly but surely he finds himself developing feelings for Sofia, a beautiful waitress at the hotel.
Stylish and captivating,The Consequences Of Loveis a true cinematic treat.
Ive never wanted to pull a con on someone quite as much as after watching this film.
d. Guillaume Canet
Tell No Oneis a superb mystery thriller, and a perfect adaptation of Harlen Cobens novel.
A brilliant and tense mystery thriller, its engrossing, twisting, and ultimately incredibly satisfying.
The Lives Of Othersis an extraordinary achievement, and Ive often written about how much I love this film.
I suspect it wont be though.
But speaking of the best thrillers of recent years, 2009sThe Secret In Their Eyesis an absolute must-watch.
d.Park Chan-wook
Well it had to be really didnt it?
Horrifying to behold but impossible not to watch, this is truly the finest thriller of modern times.
Best avoid the Spike Lee remake though.
