December 12, 2025, is an enormous day for Netflix because it marks the arrival of the extremely anticipated Wake Up Lifeless Man: A Knives Out Thriller. The third installment within the wildly standard franchise specializing in detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates varied mysteries, the film is an enormous deal for the streaming service.
Followers of the thriller style have already checked out Rian Johnson’s Knives Out and the sequel, Glass Onion. Nevertheless, whereas ready for this third entry, there are fortunately a handful of intriguing thriller films which are value trying out. Some are critical and twisted, whereas others are a blast, but all are worthy watches for followers of the style.
The Thursday Homicide Membership (2025)
Wake Up Lifeless Man: A Knives Out Thriller is definitely not the primary notable thriller film launched on Netflix this yr. That honor went to The Thursday Homicide Membership, which relies on the 2020 novel of the identical identify. This can be a thriller movie that leans extra into the realm of comedy, making for a lighthearted journey.
Proper off the bat, the movie stands out for the stellar forged of characters. Appearing legends Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley play the core trio of beginner sleuths who come collectively to resolve a homicide. It is a easy premise however one which lends itself to enjoyable laughs due to a pointy script.
Critiques for The Thursday Homicide Membership have been constructive, with the movie sitting at 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. A lot of the reward went to the actors within the lead roles. It won’t be fairly on the extent of the Knives Out franchise, but it stays a enjoyable movie to take a look at forward of the brand new launch.
Identification (2003)
The advantage of the thriller style is that it blends nicely with so many different genres. Whereas the earlier film mentioned was a comedy, Identification takes the thriller style and mixes it into the realm of horror. This can be a hidden gem of kinds, regardless that it was profitable on the field workplace.
Nevertheless, Identification has been forgotten by far too many individuals within the 20+ years because it was launched. The movie was impressed by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Have been None and focuses on a gaggle of strangers at an remoted lodge who get killed off one after the other.
That provides this slasher film components of thriller, making for a novel combine. The story can also be informed in a nonlinear vogue, including to the thriller components. The forged is led by John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John C. Reilly, and Clea DuVall, amongst others on this underrated movie.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Talking of thriller films that discover attention-grabbing methods to combine with different genres, They Cloned Tyrone is the most effective of each worlds. The movie is the directorial debut of Juel Taylor, who additionally co-wrote the film, and was launched on to Netflix in 2023 after a restricted theatrical run a month or so prior.
They Cloned Tyrone tells the story of an unlikely trio who uncover the reality behind a shadow authorities cloning conspiracy. It is not a standard whodunit-style thriller film like Knives Out, but it is extremely gripping from begin to end and has the most effective logos of an incredible thriller.
What They Cloned Tyrone does share with Knives Out is that it encompasses a proficient forged of performers. John Boyega leads the best way with Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx, Kiefer Sutherland, and David Alan Grier rounding out the forged. They Cloned Tyrone was successful with critics to the tune of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Homicide Thriller (2019)
Whereas thriller often is the coronary heart of Knives Out, there is not any denying that the movies have a comedic factor. That is why it could be surprising however it is smart that the films share a good bit in frequent with Homicide Thriller, a movie starring the profitable duo of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
Launched just a few months earlier than the unique Knives Out, Homicide Thriller follows Sandler and Aniston as a married couple who go on a visit to Europe and find yourself on a billionaire’s yacht, the place they get caught up in a homicide investigation. Sandler’s Nick is not any Benoit Blanc however he’s an NYPD officer with a knack for fixing crimes.
Homicide Thriller wasn’t successful with critics however carried out nicely on Netflix and gained a Individuals’s Alternative Award. Anybody who loved it might probably additionally try the 2023 sequel and revel in as Sandler and Aniston share the display with everybody from Luke Evans to Mark Robust to Gemma Arterton.
It is What’s Inside (2024)
It is What’s Inside does like They Cloned Tyrone because it combines sci-fi with thriller. Nevertheless, it does it in a very completely different and distinctive manner. The premise of the movie is sufficient to seize any viewer because it focuses on a gaggle of faculty pals who play a sport that enables them to swap our bodies.
That makes for an intriguing setup since you aren’t at all times completely positive who’s in whose physique, that means you must pay further consideration. Though there is not a “whodunit” side for a lot of the movie, there’s a incredible reveal close to the tip that makes your entire expertise even higher.
It is What’s Inside form of flew underneath the radar on Netflix however those that watched it have been captivated by a surprising thriller. Critiques have been sturdy because it sits at 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and it boasts a really proficient younger forged.
Enola Holmes (2020)
Lately, it looks like each story surrounding Sherlock Holmes has been informed. Characters like Benoit Blanc take inspiration from the likes of Sherlock Holmes however it was refreshing to see Netflix go for a unique route with Enola Holmes, which follows Sherlock’s youthful sister.
Based mostly on The Enola Holmes Mysteries sequence of novels, the primary movie follows the titular character as she goes off to search out her lacking mom, solely to get wrapped up in a thriller that threatens her dwelling nation. After all, her older brothers Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes additionally play a component.
Enola Holmes was a large hit for Netflix and was well-received by critics, with many praising the performances of Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Sam Claflin. Like Homicide Thriller and Knives Out, this bought a sequel and it was additionally a important darling, with a 3rd installment in manufacturing.
Zodiac (2007)
Whereas Knives Out and most of the different thriller films on this record are reasonably lighthearted, Zodiac takes a way more critical method. The movie focuses on the actual life Zodiac Killer, some of the infamous murderers in historical past who was famously by no means caught, leaving the thriller up within the air.
From acclaimed director David Fincher, Zodiac is a chilling movie that does not draw back from its terrifying subject material. He units up the right ambiance to make sure that you’re absolutely engrossed on this world and it makes for a greater, albeit extra thrilling, film.
Like most of David Fincher’s movies, Zodiac was an enormous success with critics, receiving widespread acclaim, making many prime 10 year-end lists, and profitable a number of awards. That mentioned, Zodiac is lots completely different from different mysteries as a result of there is not a decision to the principle story.