Best Thriller Movies Of 2016: A Must-Watch List
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of cinema from 2016? That year was packed with some seriously amazing thriller movies that kept us on the edge of our seats. If you're looking for a nail-biting, suspenseful, and outright entertaining movie night, then you've come to the right place. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the best thriller movies 2016 had to offer. Get your popcorn ready because this is going to be one wild ride!
1. The Girl on the Train
Okay, letās kick things off with a psychological thriller that had everyone talking: "The Girl on the Train." Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins, this movie stars Emily Blunt as Rachel Watson, a troubled alcoholic who becomes entangled in a missing person investigation. Seriously, from the very first scene, you're hooked! The twists and turns in this movie are insane, and just when you think you've figured it out, BAM! Something else comes along to throw you for a loop. What makes "The Girl on the Train" so compelling is its exploration of Rachel's fractured psyche. Blunt delivers a powerhouse performance, portraying the character's vulnerability and desperation with raw emotion. You can't help but feel for her, even when she's making questionable decisions (and trust me, there are plenty of those!).
The supporting cast is also top-notch, with stellar performances from Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, and Justin Theroux. Each character adds another layer of complexity to the story, making it a true ensemble piece. The director, Tate Taylor, does an excellent job of building suspense and creating a sense of unease throughout the film. The dark and moody cinematography perfectly captures the atmosphere of the story, drawing you deeper into Rachel's world. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with strong female leads and intricate plots, then "The Girl on the Train" is definitely a must-watch. Be prepared to be guessing until the very end! It's a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense that will leave you breathless. So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for a thrilling ride. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
2. Don't Breathe
Next up, we have "Don't Breathe," a nerve-wracking home invasion thriller that will have you holding your breath from beginning to end. Seriously, the tension in this movie is off the charts! The story revolves around a group of young burglars who break into the house of a blind veteran, thinking they've found an easy target. Little do they know, they're about to face the fight of their lives. What makes "Don't Breathe" so effective is its simplicity. The premise is straightforward, but the execution is flawless. The director, Fede Ćlvarez, masterfully builds suspense, using sound design and camera angles to create a truly immersive and terrifying experience. Stephen Lang delivers a chilling performance as the blind veteran, showcasing both vulnerability and ruthlessness. He's not your typical villain; he's a complex character with his own motivations, making him all the more terrifying.
The young burglars, played by Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto, also give strong performances, portraying the desperation and fear of their characters. You'll find yourself rooting for them at times, even though they're technically the bad guys. The set design is also noteworthy, with the dilapidated house serving as a character in itself. The tight corridors and dark rooms create a claustrophobic atmosphere that adds to the tension. And let's not forget the jump scares! "Don't Breathe" is full of them, but they're not cheap or gratuitous. They're perfectly timed and executed, making you jump out of your seat every time. If you're a fan of intense, suspenseful thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, then "Don't Breathe" is a must-see. Just be prepared to hold your breath for the entire movie! It's a thrilling ride from start to finish that will leave you wanting more. So grab your friends, dim the lights, and get ready for a truly terrifying experience.
3. 10 Cloverfield Lane
Alright, let's talk about "10 Cloverfield Lane," a psychological thriller that will mess with your mind in the best possible way. This movie is a masterclass in suspense, keeping you guessing until the very end. The story follows Michelle, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who wakes up in an underground bunker after a car accident. She's told by Howard, played by John Goodman, that the world outside has been ravaged by a chemical attack and that she's safe inside with him and another survivor, Emmett, played by John Gallagher Jr. But is Howard telling the truth? That's the question that drives the entire movie. What makes "10 Cloverfield Lane" so compelling is its ambiguity. You're never quite sure who to trust or what to believe. Howard is a complex and unsettling character, and Goodman delivers a tour-de-force performance, making you question his motives at every turn. Winstead is equally impressive as Michelle, portraying her character's strength and resourcefulness with conviction. She's not a damsel in distress; she's a survivor who's determined to uncover the truth.
The direction by Dan Trachtenberg is superb, creating a sense of claustrophobia and paranoia within the confines of the bunker. The tension builds slowly but surely, leading to a climax that will leave you breathless. And let's not forget the connection to the Cloverfield universe! While "10 Cloverfield Lane" is a standalone story, it shares some thematic elements with the original "Cloverfield" movie, adding another layer of intrigue for fans. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with strong characters and mind-bending plots, then "10 Cloverfield Lane" is a must-watch. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end. So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for a thrilling ride. Just be prepared to question everything you think you know!
4. Hell or High Water
Now, let's shift gears a bit and talk about "Hell or High Water," a neo-western crime thriller that's as gripping as it is thought-provoking. This movie is a slow burn, but it's worth every minute. The story follows two brothers, Toby and Tanner Howard, played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster, who resort to robbing banks to save their family's ranch from foreclosure. They're pursued by two Texas Rangers, Marcus Hamilton and Alberto Parker, played by Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham, who are determined to bring them to justice. What makes "Hell or High Water" so compelling is its exploration of economic hardship and the desperation that it can lead to. The Howard brothers are not villains; they're victims of a system that has failed them. They're just trying to survive in a world that seems to be against them.
Pine and Foster deliver outstanding performances, portraying the complexities of their characters with nuance and depth. Bridges is equally impressive as Marcus Hamilton, a seasoned lawman who's nearing retirement but still has a sharp mind and a strong sense of justice. The screenplay by Taylor Sheridan is masterful, filled with sharp dialogue and memorable characters. The direction by David Mackenzie is also top-notch, capturing the bleak beauty of the West Texas landscape. "Hell or High Water" is not just a crime thriller; it's a commentary on the American Dream and the struggles of those who have been left behind. It's a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. If you're a fan of neo-westerns with strong characters and compelling stories, then "Hell or High Water" is a must-see. It's a powerful and moving film that will leave you thinking.
5. The Shallows
Last but not least, we have "The Shallows," a survival thriller that will make you think twice about going into the ocean. This movie is a simple but effective tale of a surfer, Nancy Adams, played by Blake Lively, who's attacked by a great white shark and must find a way to survive. What makes "The Shallows" so effective is its focus on Nancy's resourcefulness and determination. She's not a superhero; she's just an ordinary woman who's facing extraordinary circumstances. Lively delivers a strong performance, conveying Nancy's fear and resilience with conviction. The shark is also a formidable opponent, thanks to some impressive CGI and practical effects. The director, Jaume Collet-Serra, does an excellent job of building suspense and creating a sense of dread. The beautiful cinematography of the Australian coast adds to the visual appeal of the film, but it also serves to highlight the isolation and vulnerability of Nancy's situation.
"The Shallows" is not a deep or complex movie, but it's a thrilling and entertaining one. It's a classic man-versus-nature story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. If you're a fan of survival thrillers with strong female leads and plenty of suspense, then "The Shallows" is a must-see. Just be prepared to have your heart racing! So there you have it, guys! Five awesome thriller movies from 2016 that are definitely worth checking out. Whether you're into psychological thrillers, home invasion thrillers, or survival thrillers, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a thrilling movie night! Happy watching!