Movies

Best Thrillers On Netflix for People Who Like Suspense But Hate Horror

Netflix is constantly releasing horror and thriller films. Let's take a look at some of their best releases for thriller lovers.

by Finn McCrae

Published on April 13, 2019

3 min read

‘Cam’

In this Netflix Original Film, a wildly successful camgirl discovers someone who looks exactly like her snatched her account. Considering her burgeoning success, there’s no way she could throw away the account. Not to mention, her fans are completely buying the fake! What’s a girl to do? Nothing other than go on a hunt to find out who the culprit is.

Cam follows Alice a.k.a. Lola, played by Madeline Brewer, as she goes on an insane journey to find the secret behind the doppelganger that’s threatening her livelihood. It’s a wild ride with a crazy ending that’s worth the watch. The film has even taken home three awards and boasts five nominations despite being somewhat of an indie flick. If the star of the movie looks familiar, she should! She played Janine on Hulu’s 2x Golden Globe-winning show, The Handmaid’s Tale.

While audiences on Rotten Tomatoes weren’t too ‘thrilled’, the critics absolutely adored the techno-thriller, granting it an impressive 94%.

What the critics say: “‘Cam’ plays with both psychological-horror genre tropes and darker existential themes, and its clear-eyed view of the drab realities of a cam-girl’s life is both refreshing and ultra-creepy”. – i09.com | Germain Lussier

‘Enemy’

Enemy came out in 2013 and took home the Best Canadian Film of the Year as well as the Toronto Film Critics Association Award the following year, and for a good reason. The film features a history professor who spots his doppelganger in a movie. The mind-bending story follows his journey to discover just who he spotted on the screen

The film stars Velvet Buzzsaw’s Jake Gyllenhaal in the titular roles of Adam and Anthony. That Netflix original is also amazing but doesn’t make the list as it definitely leans a bit to the horror side. Mélanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, and Golden Globe-nominated Isabella Rossellini also make an appearance in this surreal psychological thriller.

So what do the critics think? The suspense film earned 71% on the Tomatometer with audiences trailing not too far behind at 63%.

What the critics say: “I liked Enemy a lot. I see so many movies each year, many of which are near-clones of previous movies, that it’s a treat to see a movie with an unconventional take on things, even if it’s disturbing”. – Bold Life | Marcianne Miller

‘Berlin Syndrome’

The story featured in Berlin Syndrome could happen to anyone! Australian photographer Clare meets a guy, Andi, while vacationing in Berlin. The two instantly hit it off, one thing leads to another and the pair find themselves indulging in a night full of passion. Typically this would end with a walk of shame, but not for Clare.

The 2017 suspense film paints a picture that easily mirrors real life. It adds a level of realism that really makes Clare’s struggle hit home. Berlin Syndrome stars Teresa Palmer in the titular role. Does she look familiar? If so, it’s because Palmer stars in the unforgettable visceral horror, Lights Out.

Rotten Tomatoes ranks Berlin Syndrome at 75%. The audience score comes in a bit lower at 54%, but don’t let that dissuade you from giving the film a try!

What the critics say: “It may not be easy to watch this tale of sexual captivity, but Berlin Syndrome is an interesting and well-made psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the end”. – Screen Zealots | Louisa Moore