For a suspense watchlist spanning police corruption, papal politics, airport danger, and a jury-room dilemma, this editorial ranking puts Rebel Ridge first. It is a curated selection—not a universal verdict—and the seven films take very different routes to keep the pressure on.
Our ranking of the best thrillers of 2024
The order below follows Digital Trends writer Joe Allen’s December 27, 2024 ranking. The descriptions explain each film’s premise and place in the list; they are not claims of firsthand viewing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Then She Was Gone: A Novel | $8.37 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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That's Not My Name: A Pulse-Pounding YA Thriller of Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal | $8.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Yesteryear: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
First Lie Wins: Reese's Book Club: A Novel | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Silent Patient | $8.53 | Buy on Amazon |
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Rebel Ridge
A man arrives in a Southern town to post bail for his cousin, only to have local police seize the money. His attempt to challenge the department’s corruption drives this action thriller, with Aaron Pierre at the center of a story about power and systemic injustice.
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Conclave
After the pope dies, a cardinal oversees the election of his successor. The process becomes a contest of maneuvering, secrets, and competing interests within the Church.
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Carry-On
An airport security agent is blackmailed into allowing a dangerous package through screening. He tries to stop the plot while working inside the airport system the blackmailer is exploiting.
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Longlegs
An FBI agent investigating a series of connected murders encounters a case that proves more disturbing and personal than expected. The film combines investigative suspense with horror elements.
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Civil War
In an alternate contemporary United States fractured by conflict, journalists travel across the country to document what may be the war’s final days. Its suspense comes from the risks of reporting amid a collapsing national order.
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Love Lies Bleeding
Set in the 1980s, the film follows two women who fall in love as one’s criminal life pulls them into danger. It blends crime and romance with a fantastical turn.
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Juror #2
A juror in a murder trial begins to suspect he may have caused the death under examination. He must weigh whether to come forward against the consequences for his family.
Why other 2024 thriller lists may rank films differently
“Best” depends on what a list measures. This one is an authored editorial selection. Rotten Tomatoes separately named Conclave its 2024 Best Mystery & Thriller winner; its nominees also included A Different Man, Civil War, Love Lies Bleeding, and Strange Darling. That award recognizes Conclave, but it does not validate the exact order of this ranking.
Rank #4
Other lists use different boundaries and methods. Metacritic’s annual film list covers titles released in 2024 in at least one U.S. theater or directly to streaming or VOD, excludes shorts and reissues, requires at least seven professional reviews, and ranks eligible films by weighted Metascore. Filmweb’s separate audience-based thriller ranking is an international audience signal, not a U.S. critic ranking; its listed leaders include Beating Hearts, Conclave, and Maldoror. Genre boundaries, release eligibility, geography, critic reviews, and audience votes can all change which titles appear and where they land.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to watch these films
The streaming services named in the original December 2024 ranking were Netflix for Carry-On and Rebel Ridge, Max for Juror #2, Love Lies Bleeding, and Civil War, Peacock for Conclave, and Prime Video rental for Longlegs. Those are historical listings, not confirmation of current access. Streaming and rental catalogs change by date and region, so check the title’s listing in your country before subscribing or renting.
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