The works of David Fincher and Darren Aronofsky, as well as unusual films of European directors.
22. Mother!
Mother!
- USA, 2017.
- Drama, thriller.
- Duration: 121 minutes.
- IMDB: 6.6.
The writer and his wife live in a secluded house. But with the advent of guests, their life is changing. Now outsiders are invading their home, leading their orders.
Even after watching it is difficult to explain what this work of Darren Aronofsky is about. “Mother!” – a film about everything. Here is religious symbolism, and vanity, and the theme of love. One thing can be said for sure: the picture holds in tension from beginning to end.
Watch on itunes →
21. Cloverfield, 10
10 Cloverfield Lane
- USA, 2016.
- Thriller, science fiction, horrors.
- Duration: 103 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.2.
The film takes place in the same world as Monstro. Michelle wakes up in the basement of a man who saved her during a chemical attack. He tells the story that you cannot live outside the shelter. The legend sounds quite convincing, but over time, Michel begins to doubt the sincerity of the hero.
It is interesting that all three parts of the Cloverfield franchise were shot in different genres: Monstro was a pseudo -documentary horror, this picture was a chamber thriller, and then a fantastic “Clover Paradox” came out.
Watch on itunes →
20. Identification
Identity
- USA, 2003.
- Thriller, detective.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.3.
Frame from the film “Identification”
Because of the rain, a group of people is locked in an old roadside motel without communication. After some time, travelers begin to die one after another. Everyone falls under suspicion.
Partly the picture is based on the book by Agatha Christie “Ten Negro”. But the authors greatly changed the plot, leaving only some details.
Watch on itunes →
19. Do not tell anyone
Ne le Dis à Personne
- France, Great Britain, 2006.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 131 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.5.
Alexander Beck cannot recover after the death of his wife. They found the killer, but he recognized all the crimes except the last. The police nevertheless discovered indirect evidence and put the convicted person in prison. Eight years later, new clues appear in the case, the investigation is resumed, and Bek at that moment receives a letter from the dead spouse.
18. With wide -closed eyes
Eyes Wide Shut
- UK, USA, 1999.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 159 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.5.
The gloomy and even slightly terrible film Stanley Kubrick tells the story of Dr. Bill Harford. His family seems happy and carefree. But in fact, only jealousy and unsatisfied desires remained in relations with his wife.
Harford asks an old friend to hold him to a closed party where the world elite is going. Events take such a turn that the doctor dreams of returning to his boring life as soon as possible.
Watch on itunes →
17. Partner in crime
Collateral
- USA, 2004.
- Thriller, drama, crime.
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.5.
Frame from the movie “Communistant”
A hired killer is planted to the usual taxi driver Max Duroshe. The poor fellow is forced to carry a man throughout the city from one victim to another. It’s just that you can’t run away: the killer ties the driver’s hands to the steering wheel, and attempts to call for help to fail. Max has only a few hours to come up with a salvation plan.
Charming killer played Tom Cruise. Seeing the actor as a bad guy is very unusual.
Watch on itunes →
16. Other
The Others
- Spain, USA, 2001.
- Horrors, thriller, detective.
- Duration: 101 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.6.
Grace moves with the children to the mansion. There she is waiting for her husband from the war. The heroine hires a servant and establishes harsh rules: her children do not tolerate light, so the curtains should be pulled out. However, new workers do not consider it necessary to fulfill the will of the hostess.
Watch on itunes →
15. Saw: survival game
Saw
- USA, 2004.
- Thriller, detective.
- Duration: 103 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.6.
Two men wake up in a small room. They are chained with a chain to the pipe, and between them lies a dead man with a gun in his hands. It soon turns out that the family of one of them will soon be killed. To prevent this, you need to free yourself from the shackles, having drunk your leg, and kill your fellow in misfortune.
Of the whole franchise, only the first film was original, with its philosophy. That is why he was loved, and the picture itself with a budget of $ 1 million collected a cashier 50 times more.
Watch on itunes →
14. A game
The Game
- USA, 1997.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 129 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.7.
Frame from the movie “Game”
Cult film David Fincher. Successful businessman from San Francisco Nicholas Van Orton plunged into work and lost his taste for life. In addition, the hero will soon be 48 years old, namely at this age, his father committed suicide. But everything changes when a brother gives Nicholas a gift – a man must take part in a certain “game”.
Watch on itunes →
13. Driver
The Machinist
- Spain, 2003.
- Thriller, drama.
- Duration: 97 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.7.
Trevor Reznik has not been sleeping for a whole year. He looks like a revived skeleton, and his consciousness is on the verge of madness. Nightmares who tormented the hero all this time are becoming worse, and Trevor can no longer distinguish where the dream is and where is reality.
12. Away
Get out
- Japan, USA, 2017.
- Thriller, detective, horrors.
- Duration: 104 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.7.
A young photographer girl invites her to meet her family. Relatives live far from a noisy city and arrange parties for rich friends. It sounds good until the main character finds out what they actually do.
The picture was nominated for Oscar for the best directorial work, the best male role, the best script, as well as in the category “Best Film”. And could get all four figurines completely deservedly, if not for serious competitors.
Watch on itunes →
11. Mizeri
Misery
- USA, 1990.
- Thriller, drama, horrors.
- Duration: 107 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.8.
Frame from the movie “Mizeri”
The life of the famous writer Paul Sheldon is saved by a woman who turns out to be a big fan of his novels. She nurses the poor fellow, but when Sheldon is ready to get to her feet and go home, the savior turns into a cruel tyrant.
Watch on itunes →
10. Malholland Drive
Mulholland Drive
- USA, 2001.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 147 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.9.
They try to kill the girl in a car, but she is saved by an accident. Having lost memory, she meets the beginning actress Betty. That helps a stranger, and together they try to figure out the main character in the past.
Unlike many David Lynch films, the plot of the thriller “Malholland Drive” can be explained quite clearly. But still it’s not easy to figure it out.
9. Invisible guest
CONTRATIEMPO
- Spain, 2016.
- Thriller, detective.
- Duration: 106 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.0.
Successful businessman Adrian Dory is accused of killing a mistress. The business is scrupulous, because Adrian has a family who knows nothing about his adventures. To get out of the water dry, he hires Virginia Gudman – the best specialist in difficult matters. Adrian is under house arrest, where he is visited by a lawyer to think through the defense strategy and save the accused.
It seems to be a simple story, but the director constantly leads the viewer by the nose. Only you begin to understand what’s what, as in the next scene, your theory collapses like a house of cards.
Watch on itunes →
8. Black Swan
Black Swan
- USA, 2010.
- Thriller, drama.
- Duration: 103 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.0.
Frame from the movie “Black Swan”
Nina Seyers had a chance to play the main role in the famous production “Swan Lake”. She has been preparing for this all her life, and when a competitor appears, the heroine begins to be nervous.
Of course, a brief synopsis will not reflect the share of the meaning that Darren Aronofsky put into the picture. The director reveals many aspects of the personality and flirts with the secret desires that everyone has.
Watch on itunes →
7. Disappeared
Gone Girl
- USA, 2014.
- Thriller, drama, crime.
- Duration: 149 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.1.
Nick’s wife disappears without a trace on the fifth wedding anniversary. All suspicions fall on her husband when unpleasant details of family life are opened. Nick is trying to find at least any evidence proving his innocence, but everything is in vain. He can only watch how his life collapses.
Watch on itunes →
6. Captives
Prisoners
- USA, 2013.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 153 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.1.
Two six -year -old girls disappear. The police have only one clue – a van parked next to the house. The father of one of the victims cannot look at the inaction of the authorities and takes the matter in his hands. The question is how far he is able to go in order to find and punish the criminal.
This picture resembles the work of David Fincher, however, Denis Villenev, the director of the “Running Blade 2049” and “Arrival”, shot it.
Watch on itunes →
5. Shutter Island
Shutter Island
- USA, 2009.
- Thriller, Detective, Drama.
- Duration: 138 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.2.
Frame from the movie “Island of the Damned”
The US Marshal and his partner go to the island to investigate the disappearance of the patient from the hospital for insane criminals. Detectives become hostages of circumstances, and the case accepts the unpredictable turnover.
Watch on itunes →
4. Secret in his eyes
El Secreto de Sus Ojos
- Argentina, Spain, 2009.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 129 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.2.
The film takes place in 1974. Two detectives are investigating the murder of a woman. They find a criminal and put him in jail. And a year later, one of the police officers sees a convicted killer among bodyguards of a respected official.
The picture received an Oscar in the nomination “Best Film Foreign Language”.
3. Remember
Memento
- USA, 2000.
- Thriller, Detective, Drama.
- Duration: 113 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.4.
The protagonist Leonard Shelby is trying to find the killer of his wife, but is experiencing problems with short -term memory. He remembers what was before the murder, but forgets the events that occurred 15 minutes ago. Due to this, Leonard is forced to constantly keep the clues and even make tattoos in order not to miss anything important.
The picture was shot by Christopher Nolan even before he turned into the main supplier of blockbusters and large -scale special effects. But here you can see his passion for a nonlinear story.
2. Seven
SE7en
- USA, 1995.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 127 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.6.
Frame from the movie “Seven”
Detective Somerset has been working for the last days in a police station, waiting for a pension. Just at that time, an ambitious detective Mills is transferred to him, and a series of brutal murders is taking place in the city. The police chief believes that there is nothing in common between them, but Somerset is in touch and begins the investigation.
David Fincher took off in the style of noir the tense thriller, which gained fame from the public and became a cult. On IMDB, the picture is in 19th place in the list of 250 popular films.
Watch on itunes →
1. Fight club
Fight Club
- USA, Germany, 1999.
- Drama, thriller.
- Duration: 139 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.8.
The main character spends time on unloved work and cannot relax even in a dream. But everything changes when he meets Tyler Durden’s dealer soap. He convinces him that the main and only goal of life is self -destruction. Friends open a secret place where anyone can come to fight.
The cult film David Fincher is based on the famous book Chuck Palanik. Moreover, even the author of the original recognized that the film adaptation came out more interesting.
Watch on itunes →
22. Mother!
Mother!
- USA, 2017.
- Drama, thriller.
- Duration: 121 minutes.
- IMDB: 6.6.
The writer and his wife live in a secluded house. But with the advent of guests, their life is changing. Now outsiders are invading their home, leading their orders.
Even after watching it is difficult to explain what this work of Darren Aronofsky is about. “Mother!” – a film about everything. Here is religious symbolism, and vanity, and the theme of love. One thing can be said for sure: the picture holds in tension from beginning to end.
Watch on itunes →
21. Cloverfield, 10
10 Cloverfield Lane
- USA, 2016.
- Thriller, science fiction, horrors.
- Duration: 103 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.2.
The film takes place in the same world as Monstro. Michelle wakes up in the basement of a man who saved her during a chemical attack. He tells the story that you cannot live outside the shelter. The legend sounds quite convincing, but over time, Michel begins to doubt the sincerity of the hero.
It is interesting that all three parts of the Cloverfield franchise were shot in different genres: Monstro was a pseudo -documentary horror, this picture was a chamber thriller, and then a fantastic “Clover Paradox” came out.
Watch on itunes →
20. Identification
Identity
- USA, 2003.
- Thriller, detective.
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.3.
Frame from the film “Identification”
Because of the rain, a group of people is locked in an old roadside motel without communication. After some time, travelers begin to die one after another. Everyone falls under suspicion.
Partly the picture is based on the book by Agatha Christie “Ten Negro”. But the authors greatly changed the plot, leaving only some details.
Watch on itunes →
19. Do not tell anyone
Ne le Dis à Personne
- France, Great Britain, 2006.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 131 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.5.
Alexander Beck cannot recover after the death of his wife. They found the killer, but he recognized all the crimes except the last. The police nevertheless discovered indirect evidence and put the convicted person in prison. Eight years later, new clues appear in the case, the investigation is resumed, and Bek at that moment receives a letter from the dead spouse.
18. With wide -closed eyes
Eyes Wide Shut
- UK, USA, 1999.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 159 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.5.
The gloomy and even slightly terrible film Stanley Kubrick tells the story of Dr. Bill Harford. His family seems happy and carefree. But in fact, only jealousy and unsatisfied desires remained in relations with his wife.
Harford asks an old friend to hold him to a closed party where the world elite is going. Events take such a turn that the doctor dreams of returning to his boring life as soon as possible.
Watch on itunes →
17. Partner in crime
Collateral
- USA, 2004.
- Thriller, drama, crime.
- Duration: 120 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.5.
Frame from the movie “Communistant”
A hired killer is planted to the usual taxi driver Max Duroshe. The poor fellow is forced to carry a man throughout the city from one victim to another. It’s just that you can’t run away: the killer ties the driver’s hands to the steering wheel, and attempts to call for help to fail. Max has only a few hours to come up with a salvation plan.
Charming killer played Tom Cruise. Seeing the actor as a bad guy is very unusual.
Watch on itunes →
16. Other
The Others
- Spain, USA, 2001.
- Horrors, thriller, detective.
- Duration: 101 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.6.
Grace moves with the children to the mansion. There she is waiting for her husband from the war. The heroine hires a servant and establishes harsh rules: her children do not tolerate light, so the curtains should be pulled out. However, new workers do not consider it necessary to fulfill the will of the hostess.
Watch on itunes →
15. Saw: survival game
Saw
- USA, 2004.
- Thriller, detective.
- Duration: 103 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.6.
Two men wake up in a small room. They are chained with a chain to the pipe, and between them lies a dead man with a gun in his hands. It soon turns out that the family of one of them will soon be killed. To prevent this, you need to free yourself from the shackles, having drunk your leg, and kill your fellow in misfortune.
Of the whole franchise, only the first film was original, with its philosophy. That is why he was loved, and the picture itself with a budget of $ 1 million collected a cashier 50 times more.
Watch on itunes →
14. A game
The Game
- USA, 1997.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 129 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.7.
Frame from the movie “Game”
Cult film David Fincher. Successful businessman from San Francisco Nicholas Van Orton plunged into work and lost his taste for life. In addition, the hero will soon be 48 years old, namely at this age, his father committed suicide. But everything changes when a brother gives Nicholas a gift – a man must take part in a certain “game”.
Watch on itunes →
13. Driver
The Machinist
- Spain, 2003.
- Thriller, drama.
- Duration: 97 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.7.
Trevor Reznik has not been sleeping for a whole year. He looks like a revived skeleton, and his consciousness is on the verge of madness. Nightmares who tormented the hero all this time are becoming worse, and Trevor can no longer distinguish where the dream is and where is reality.
12. Away
Get out
- Japan, USA, 2017.
- Thriller, detective, horrors.
- Duration: 104 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.7.
A young photographer girl invites her to meet her family. Relatives live far from a noisy city and arrange parties for rich friends. It sounds good until the main character finds out what they actually do.
The picture was nominated for Oscar for the best directorial work, the best male role, the best script, as well as in the category “Best Film”. And could get all four figurines completely deservedly, if not for serious competitors.
Watch on itunes →
11. Mizeri
Misery
- USA, 1990.
- Thriller, drama, horrors.
- Duration: 107 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.8.
Frame from the movie “Mizeri”
The life of the famous writer Paul Sheldon is saved by a woman who turns out to be a big fan of his novels. She nurses the poor fellow, but when Sheldon is ready to get to her feet and go home, the savior turns into a cruel tyrant.
Watch on itunes →
10. Malholland Drive
Mulholland Drive
- USA, 2001.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 147 minutes.
- IMDB: 7.9.
They try to kill the girl in a car, but she is saved by an accident. Having lost memory, she meets the beginning actress Betty. That helps a stranger, and together they try to figure out the main character in the past.
Unlike many David Lynch films, the plot of the thriller “Malholland Drive” can be explained quite clearly. But still it’s not easy to figure it out.
9. Invisible guest
CONTRATIEMPO
- Spain, 2016.
- Thriller, detective.
- Duration: 106 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.0.
Successful businessman Adrian Dory is accused of killing a mistress. The business is scrupulous, because Adrian has a family who knows nothing about his adventures. To get out of the water dry, he hires Virginia Gudman – the best specialist in difficult matters. Adrian is under house arrest, where he is visited by a lawyer to think through the defense strategy and save the accused.
It seems to be a simple story, but the director constantly leads the viewer by the nose. Only you begin to understand what’s what, as in the next scene, your theory collapses like a house of cards.
Watch on itunes →
8. Black Swan
Black Swan
- USA, 2010.
- Thriller, drama.
- Duration: 103 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.0.
Frame from the movie “Black Swan”
Nina Seyers had a chance to play the main role in the famous production “Swan Lake”. She has been preparing for this all her life, and when a competitor appears, the heroine begins to be nervous.
Of course, a brief synopsis will not reflect the share of the meaning that Darren Aronofsky put into the picture. The director reveals many aspects of the personality and flirts with the secret desires that everyone has.
Watch on itunes →
7. Disappeared
Gone Girl
- USA, 2014.
- Thriller, drama, crime.
- Duration: 149 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.1.
Nick’s wife disappears without a trace on the fifth wedding anniversary. All suspicions fall on her husband when unpleasant details of family life are opened. Nick is trying to find at least any evidence proving his innocence, but everything is in vain. He can only watch how his life collapses.
Watch on itunes →
6. Captives
Prisoners
- USA, 2013.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 153 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.1.
Two six -year -old girls disappear. The police have only one clue – a van parked next to the house. The father of one of the victims cannot look at the inaction of the authorities and takes the matter in his hands. The question is how far he is able to go in order to find and punish the criminal.
This picture resembles the work of David Fincher, however, Denis Villenev, the director of the “Running Blade 2049” and “Arrival”, shot it.
Watch on itunes →
5. Shutter Island
Shutter Island
- USA, 2009.
- Thriller, Detective, Drama.
- Duration: 138 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.2.
Frame from the movie “Island of the Damned”
The US Marshal and his partner go to the island to investigate the disappearance of the patient from the hospital for insane criminals. Detectives become hostages of circumstances, and the case accepts the unpredictable turnover.
Watch on itunes →
4. Secret in his eyes
El Secreto de Sus Ojos
- Argentina, Spain, 2009.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 129 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.2.
The film takes place in 1974. Two detectives are investigating the murder of a woman. They find a criminal and put him in jail. And a year later, one of the police officers sees a convicted killer among bodyguards of a respected official.
The picture received an Oscar in the nomination “Best Film Foreign Language”.
3. Remember
Memento
- USA, 2000.
- Thriller, Detective, Drama.
- Duration: 113 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.4.
The protagonist Leonard Shelby is trying to find the killer of his wife, but is experiencing problems with short -term memory. He remembers what was before the murder, but forgets the events that occurred 15 minutes ago. Due to this, Leonard is forced to constantly keep the clues and even make tattoos in order not to miss anything important.
The picture was shot by Christopher Nolan even before he turned into the main supplier of blockbusters and large -scale special effects. But here you can see his passion for a nonlinear story.
2. Seven
SE7en
- USA, 1995.
- Thriller, Drama, Detective.
- Duration: 127 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.6.
Frame from the movie “Seven”
Detective Somerset has been working for the last days in a police station, waiting for a pension. Just at that time, an ambitious detective Mills is transferred to him, and a series of brutal murders is taking place in the city. The police chief believes that there is nothing in common between them, but Somerset is in touch and begins the investigation.
David Fincher took off in the style of noir the tense thriller, which gained fame from the public and became a cult. On IMDB, the picture is in 19th place in the list of 250 popular films.
Watch on itunes →
1. Fight club
Fight Club
- USA, Germany, 1999.
- Drama, thriller.
- Duration: 139 minutes.
- IMDB: 8.8.
The main character spends time on unloved work and cannot relax even in a dream. But everything changes when he meets Tyler Durden’s dealer soap. He convinces him that the main and only goal of life is self -destruction. Friends open a secret place where anyone can come to fight.
The cult film David Fincher is based on the famous book Chuck Palanik. Moreover, even the author of the original recognized that the film adaptation came out more interesting.
Watch on itunes →