Most popular thrillers - rating, description and reviews

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

According to numerous art historians, thriller films began to be in demand in the second half of the last century. In many ways, the development of the genre was facilitated by the work of the cult director Alfred Hitchcock. It was from under his "pen" that the first popular thrillers came out. Subsequently, many directors became followers and imitators of the work of the famous director.

Of course, not all movie-thrillers claim to be true masterpieces. Popular paintings of this genre, which deserve the most positive feedback from the audience, I would like to consider in our article.

The Shining (1980)

So, let's start reviewing popular thrillers. According to audience reviews, the list of the most outstanding films of the presented genre includes the tape of the famous director Stanley Kubrick - The Shining. The film, which was released on wide screens back in 1980, still occupies the highest positions in ratings on movie sites to this day. And this despite a whole host of negative reviews fromside of film critics, which were massively distributed in the year of the premiere of the presented tape.

It is worth noting that the film contains almost all the "tracing paper" used by the writer Stephen King in his novels. There is an old mansion in which the characters of the picture are isolated. The main character is a writer, and several minor characters are clairvoyants. However, the presence of numerous "stamps" did not prevent the film "The Shining" from earning the status of one of the greatest thrillers in the history of cinema. After all, it was precisely such a high-profile title that the tape was awarded, according to a survey by the authoritative British publication Sight & Sound, conducted among directors and film critics.

Spotlight (2016)

When looking at popular thriller films, you can't ignore last year's top Oscar nominee, Spotlight. The film tells about a journalistic investigation into what is probably the most high-profile sex scandal in the history of the United States, connected with cases of pedophilia in the Catholic Church. The true story touched the audience so much that the film not only received the most positive reviews, but also won awards in a wide range of prestigious categories, including the title of Best Film of the Year.

Luna 2112 (2009)

According to the reviews of a wide audience, the list of the most popular thrillers includes a film directed by Duncan Jones called "Moon 2112". At one time, the authoritative BritishThe Times named the tape the best psychological thriller in decades, because the unhurried rhythm of events is well maintained here, the melancholy tone inherent in the genre is maintained, and increased attention is paid to details that are completely atypical for science fiction. Other reviews also note the comparison of the film to such cult films as "A Space Odyssey", "Solaris", "The Man Who Fell to Earth".

"Companion Traveler" (1986)

If we talk about popular horror-thrillers, the action-packed picture "The Traveler" directed by Robert Harmon deserves the highest praise. The success of the tape was facilitated by the use of a real story as the basis for the plot. Among other things, the film launched a whole series of so-called "road thrillers" that taught drivers to be careful about the choice of those who ask them for a ride.

It is worth noting that after the premiere, The Fellow Traveler immediately acquired the status of a cult film not only in the United States, but also in the USSR. The picture owes much of its success to the excellent performance of Rutger Hauer. The latter so organically fit into the image of a maniac that his partners on the set felt genuine fear when communicating with the artist in between work on the film.

Seven (1995)

Let's continue reviewing the most popular thrillers. Without a doubt, the dark, sometimes mystical and frightening film by David Fincher - "Seven" deserves the right to be in our rating. ThisThe tense story follows two detectives on the trail of a serial killer who chooses his victims based on the Biblical deadly sins.

The director of the film showed himself as a brilliant master of presenting an exciting, mind-boggling plot. In turn, film critics distinguish the tape from the general series of popular thrillers for the excellent camera and director work, the inimitable play of the leading actors Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, as well as the musical accompaniment.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Considering popular thrillers, it is worth saying a few words about one of the best, according to viewers and critics, action-packed tape in the history of cinema. At one time, the film The Silence of the Lambs elevated Jonathan Demme to the status of an outstanding director of our time. It is noteworthy that the performer of the role of the maniac Hannibal Lecter - the famous artist Anthony Hopkins appeared in the film for only 16 minutes from the total timing. However, this did not stop him from becoming the best actor of the year according to the British Academy of Film Awards, as well as being awarded the Oscar.

Shutter Island (2010)

Undoubtedly, the place in the ranking, where the most popular thrillers are presented, deserves the psychological film "Shutter Island". Numerous fans of the genre, as well as authoritative film critics, call this outstanding work of director Martin Scorsese truly brilliant. And this is not surprising, because inas you watch the film, you might get the impression that the lead actors are not just trying to bring out the best in their characters, but actually living their lives.

Inception (2010)

I would also like to mention popular action thrillers. One of the best films in this genre is the sci-fi film Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan. After the release of the picture on wide screens, reviews from critics were truly enthusiastic. One of the most influential experts in the film industry, Roger Ebert, decided to give the tape the highest possible score. The latter praised not only the intricate plot and unpredictable ending, but also the extremely moving emotional component of the story.

Fatal Number 23 (2007)

The presented motion picture is notable not only for its non-standard plot and increased attention to detail inherent in a real thriller, but also for the role of Jim Carrey, which was previously considered exclusively as a comedian, unusual for a wide audience. According to the plot, a book called "Number 23" falls into the hands of the protagonist. Having become acquainted with the novel, the plot of which is like two drops of water similar to his life, the latter begins to see a coded number in all aspects of his existence. Is it paranoia or is the mysterious number really fraught with terrible secrets?

American Psycho (2000)

We are finishing reviewing popular thrillers. I would like to end the list with the film directed by Mary Harron "American Psycho". Thisbased on the book of the same name by author Bret Easton, this terrifying black comedy story tries to make the viewer think about what aspects of our existence are actually the highest values in life.

It is noteworthy that after the release on wide screens, this exciting thriller received rather mixed reviews from the audience. Leading film critics rated the film a solid four, while at the same time, noting the excellent performance of the lead actor Christian Bale. Bret Easton, the author of the original novel, also expressed his opinion about the cinematic creation. The latter insisted that the ambiguity of the narrative is revealed in the film only in its finale, and this, according to the writer, only confuses the viewer. Nevertheless, the film "American Psycho" has retained the highest position in the ranking of the best psychological thrillers for more than a decade and a half.