10 Best Thrillers Streaming Right Now on HBO Max

HBO Max boasts an impressive collection of movies in the thriller genre, standing out among the major streaming platforms for its wealth of high-quality content. Within this treasure trove, there are numerous edge-of-your-seat thrillers, some of which are considered timeless classics. These include both horror-thrillers and crime thrillers, with a smattering of sci-fi films that deliver chills through a suspenseful narrative. In this list, we present ten outstanding thrillers on HBO Max, many of which touch upon genres beyond the strict definition of “Thriller.” However, they must be categorized as thrillers to some extent. Unfortunately, movies like Scream and Sinners, while fantastic, are generally more identified with horror than thriller, and thus not included here.

In a similar vein, movies such as “The Martian” in the science fiction genre and “Casino” in crime, while possessing exciting aspects, are not categorized as thrillers. On the contrary, these outstanding films that fall under the thriller category are:

1. Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock)
2. Jaws (Steven Spielberg)
3. The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme)

10) Love Lies Bleeding

Featuring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian from “The Mandalorian”, the film “Love Lies Bleeding” is one of A24’s most intriguing and gripping recent releases, reminiscent of classics like “Body Heat” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice”. However, there’s a peculiar scene in the third act that features an over-the-top depiction of steroid effects. But aside from that, the storyline is fairly straightforward.

The advantage of “Love Lies Bleeding” lies in its compact cast, which allows us to connect well with each character, even those who exit the storyline midway. Stewart and O’Brian exhibit excellent on-screen chemistry, Jena Malone skillfully evokes audience sympathy without resorting to melodrama, Dave Franco convincingly portrays an unexpected character type, and Ed Harris delivers a chilling performance as the ominous father of Stewart’s Lou, a soft-spoken gym manager who develops feelings for O’Brian’s Jackie, a bodybuilder aiming for success in a major competition.

9) Greenland

Greenland is similar to movies like Volcano or Armageddon, but it offers more depth in character development compared to grandiose special effects. This contrast only makes it more engaging. Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin portray John and Allison Garrity, a family including their diabetic son Nathan, who have been chosen by the Department of Homeland Security to seek refuge in an emergency shelter as a fragment from a comet is hurtling towards Earth.

This movie is a nail-biting thriller set in a scenario where it seems Earth could soon face a catastrophic extinction event. The entire film has an intense, fiery orange hue and portrays moments of chaos and panic (occurring frequently) very convincingly. We’re rooting for the Garrity family to reach safety, but it’s clear that not everyone will have the same fortune.

8) End of Watch

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve always found myself drawn to movies that delve into the raw reality of life, and “End of Watch” certainly doesn’t disappoint. This gritty portrayal of a Los Angeles Police Department officer’s daily grind offers an intense, unflinching look at the complexities and dangers inherent in policing today. David Ayer’s distinctive style is evident throughout, making it one of the most authentic cop movies I’ve ever seen, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the legendary “Colors,” featuring powerhouse performances by Sean Penn and Robert Duvall.

The film’s portrayal of reality gives it a unique, fresh feel compared to standard Hollywood productions, perhaps even more so than other films scripted by Ayer featuring police themes such as “Training Day” and “Dark Blue”. Additionally, the on-screen chemistry between Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña significantly contributed to the movie’s success.

7) Companion

The film titled “Companion” is one where it’s more enjoyable not to know much before watching. It has numerous surprising elements that are more impactful when discovered without prior knowledge. So if you haven’t seen it yet, it might be best to skip the following paragraph and proceed to the next item on our list, then watch the movie afterwards.

One of the standout films from 2025, titled “Companion“, beautifully demonstrates Sophie Thatcher’s acting versatility. In her role as Iris, a robot companion that is merely a part of her ruthless “boyfriend’s” scheme, she manages to win the hearts and empathy of viewers just as she elicits cheers when she gains the upper hand.

6) Funny Games

A film from Michael Haneke’s list, “Funny Games,” might not appeal to everyone due to its graphic portrayal of the darkness within humanity. The movie does not shy away from its disturbing content.

The narrative unfolds around a family who find themselves under the control of two young captors. These duo engage in psychological manipulations that escalate progressively, frequently trying to drive a wedge between the hostages. Ultimately, the situation becomes dangerous and uncertain for everyone involved. Certain scenes near the climax of the film Funny Games may prove unsettling for some HBO Max viewers, much like its experimentation with reality. However, it’s a compelling piece of cinema that stands apart from its remake (which, surprisingly, was also helmed by Haneke).

5) Fight Club

A timeless film from the late ’90s that continues to be a popular reference in contemporary media, David Fincher’s “Fight Club” is known for its captivating style and standout performances by Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. In 1999, it was challenging to find actors more coveted by studios than these two, and their impressive chemistry greatly enhances the movie.

One striking feature of Fincher’s movie is that adapting Chuck Palahniuk’s novel wasn’t necessarily straightforward, yet everyone involved did an exceptional job, even surpassing expectations. Even if you’re aware of the plot twist, Fight Club offers a refreshing, engaging viewing experience and stands as a significant addition to its director’s body of work.

4) Blood Simple

The initial movie by the Coen brothers, titled “Blood Simple,” is often hailed as a top-tier, sultry neo-noir, comparable to films like “Basic Instinct,” “The Last Seduction,” and “Body Heat.” Unlike these three films that place greater emphasis on sensuality over crime, “Blood Simple” leans more towards the criminal aspect.

In the movie “Blood Simple”, Frances McDormand and John Getz play a romantic couple, but there’s a twist: McDormand’s character Abby is married to Getz’s boss, Ray’s superior, a man named Julian (Dan Hedaya). To make matters worse, Julian has hired a private investigator, Loren Visser (M. Emmet Walsh), to catch them in the act of infidelity. However, this detective isn’t just after evidence; he’s a psychopath who kills his employers and is now gunning for Abby and Ray. This film, masterfully shot, expertly scored, and boasting standout performances (especially from Walsh), remains one of the Coens’ finest works.

3) Dog Day Afternoon

Instead of focusing on the heist itself, what makes “Dog Day Afternoon,” directed by Sidney Lumet, exceptionally impactful is its exploration of the characters who are perpetrating the bank robbery.

This film, inspired by real events, centers around captivating characters played skillfully by Al Pacino, John Cazale, and Chris Sarandon. The narrative flow is tight, masterfully directed by Lumet, with a standout script by Frank Pierson. As a result, it’s widely regarded as one of the top films of the 1970s.

2) Speed

As a cinephile who appreciates a good action flick, I’ve got to say that the ’90s classic, Speed, truly stands the test of time. The adrenaline-pumping storyline, where the non-stop action unfolds on a bus that refuses to slow down below a certain speed, is still one of the most inventive ideas in film history. It’s a thrilling ride you don’t want to miss!

In this film, we as viewers are thrust into an intense and nerve-wracking situation involving a speeding bus. Not only do we sense the imminent danger for the passengers, but also their mounting fear due to knowledge of a bomb onboard. Trapped in L.A.’s notorious traffic, they anticipate inevitable obstacles that the terrorist, portrayed brilliantly by Dennis Hopper as Howard Payne, has set up. The film notably showcases the electrifying chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, which continues to resonate even years later when their other iconic films are discussed. It’s no wonder that this movie often comes to mind first (or within a few choices) when asked about their works.

1) The Silence of the Lambs

In my opinion, as a devoted movie enthusiast, “The Silence of the Lambs” by Jonathan Demme stands out among the best horror films of the 1990s. This cinematic masterpiece is more than just terror; it’s a thrilling exploration of character depth, exceptional acting, and suspenseful storytelling. In terms of psychological chills, there’s simply nothing that can surpass its impact.

In the role of FBI trainee Clarice Starling, Jodie Foster convincingly portrays her character’s abilities, despite confronting some intensely disturbing scenes. On the other hand, Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Ted Levine as Buffalo Bill are unsettling characters with vastly contrasting personalities. This movie effectively immerses you in the protagonist’s peril, leaving an indelible impression. However, HBO Max offers Ridley Scott’s Hannibal, but it fails to match the brilliance of Demme’s masterpiece.

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2025-09-04 21:15