10 Best Thrillers Of The 2000s

In the 2000s, the most captivating thrillers were a mix of various genre movies, directed by top-notch Hollywood filmmakers. Thrillers are versatile; they can range from pulse-pounding action films and chilling horror productions to Western tales, fantasies, and science fiction flicks. What truly matters is that they manage to keep viewers on tenterhooks.

Between 2000 and 2009, a number of distinguished filmmakers produced some exceptional thrillers. Notable names such as David Cronenberg, David Fincher, and Christopher Nolan were among those who made significant contributions in this genre. Additionally, lesser-known directors also contributed their share of remarkable thrillers that have proven to be timeless classics, demonstrating why these films continue to captivate audiences.

10. A History Of Violence (2005)

A Man Living A Lie Has His Life Thrown Into Turmoil

In the year 2005, David Cronenberg unveiled the action-packed thriller “A History of Violence,” one of his more widely appreciated mainstream films. Viggo Mortensen plays Tom Stall, a diner owner who has been concealing a long-held secret from his loved ones. However, when he becomes a national headline following a brave rescue act, his hidden past comes back to trouble him.

The tale is deeply gripping, centered around Tom, an ordinary man who leads a peaceful life with his spouse and children. However, there’s a turbulent past he’s been evading for quite some time. When criminal elements infiltrate his tranquil hometown, they expose the secrets of his past, forcing him into a precarious position where he must decide between protecting his family or revisiting the life he thought he had abandoned.

A History of Violence, a movie derived from the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, garnered nominations for two Oscars: Best Supporting Actor (William Hurt) and Best Adapted Screenplay. This suspenseful film boasts an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has consistently appeared on lists ranking the top movies of the 2000s, regardless of genre.

9. Zodiac (2007)

Two Reporters Investigate The Zodiac Killer

David Fincher is renowned for crafting some of the top-tier thrillers during the ’90s, with memorable films such as “Fight Club,” “Se7en,” and “The Game.” He didn’t lose momentum in the ’00s either, producing one of his most praised thriller movies. In “Zodiac,” Fincher recounts the tale of the investigators chasing the Zodiac Killer during the 1970s.

As an avid fan, I find myself immersed in the role of Robert Graysmith, a dedicated political cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle. My journey leads me to unravel one of the Zodiac killer’s secret messages. Alongside news reporter Paul Avery, portrayed by none other than Robert Downey Jr., I embark on this intriguing pursuit. Adding to the stellar cast is Mark Ruffalo as Inspector Dave Toschi, a tenacious investigator delving deep into the chilling series of murders.

I, as a supporter, believe that David Fincher’s movie “Zodiac” subtly suggests possible suspects for the elusive Zodiac Killer, inspired by Robert Graysmith’s book, “Zodiac Unmasked.” Though it was snubbed by the Oscars with no nominations, the film garnered a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and made several top 10 lists of 2007.

8. Oldboy (2003)

A Man Is Released 15 Years After Being Kidnapped

Park Chan-wook helmed the action-thriller “Oldboy,” a South Korean film that chronicles the story of a man who was taken captive and confined to a hotel room for fifteen long years. With no clue as to why he was imprisoned or who had taken him, his sudden release sets him on a relentless quest for vengeance against the individual who shattered his life.

Oldboy, widely acclaimed as one of the most outstanding South Korean suspense films ever made, has garnered admiration from notable figures such as Quentin Tarantino, Roger Ebert, and Spike Lee, who all commend its exceptional quality. Notably, Spike Lee himself was a fan, having directed a film based on the same storyline about a decade afterwards, albeit not holding a candle to the original.

As a dedicated admirer, I’d like to share that “Oldboy” holds a special place in Park Chan-wook’s renowned “Vengeance Trilogy,” sandwiched between “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” and “Lady Vengeance.” This gripping tale earned an impressive 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and upon its debut, it was honored with several accolades, most notably the Grand Prix at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival.

7. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

Jason Bourne Finally Learns About His Past

In simpler terms, “The Bourne Ultimatum” was the third film in the “Jason Bourne” series, serving as a conclusion to the main story of its protagonist as he delved deeper into uncovering the secrets of his past. Originally based on the Robert Ludlum novels, the first movie presented Jason Bourne as an amnesiac who was believed dead after being shot. However, it is later revealed that his assassination attempt had connections to the CIA’s clandestine operations.

In the third film, the narrative unfolds with Jason Bourne uncovering deeper truths about Operation Treadstone, as seen in The Bourne Ultimatum. This revelation places his life at risk since the U.S. government is determined to suppress him, dispatching their deadliest assassins to eliminate him permanently, aiming to put an end to the man once and for all.

Paul Greengrass utilized a handheld camera technique extensively throughout the film, creating a dizzying effect that mirrored the turbulent emotions of Jason Bourne as he frantically searched to understand why the government was targeting him. This cinematic approach proved effective in immersing viewers in Bourne’s experience, and it garnered the movie three Oscars for its technical excellence. With a remarkable 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this thriller has left a lasting impression on critics and audiences alike.

6. Training Day (2001)

A Young Cop Learns His Partner Is Corrupt

In the ’90s, Denzel Washington solidified his status as a top-tier dramatic actor of his era with memorable performances in movies like “Malcolm X” and “Philadelphia”. However, it was his gritty police role in the 2001 crime thriller “Training Day” that earned him his second Oscar, which happened to be the one for Best Actor.

Under Antoine Fuqua’s direction, Ethan Hawke plays the role of a zealous and up-and-coming LAPD officer named Jake Hoyt. He is teamed with the seasoned narcotics officer Alonzo Harris, portrayed by Denzel Washington. As they carry out their duties together, Jake discovers that Alonzo’s involvement in illicit activities far surpasses that of many of the criminals they apprehend.

In this gripping tale, Hawke’s youthful police officer finds himself grappling with the complexities of dealing with his morally bankrupt partner. Aware of Alonzo’s capacity to erase him and conceal the crime, he treads carefully. Notably, Hawke received an Oscar nomination for his role, and the film’s success led to a spinoff television series a decade later.

5. Mulholland Drive (2001)

David Lynch’s Surreal Hollywood Love Story

David Lynch is known for creating some of the most unusual and intricate thrillers ever put on film. Yet, one of his masterpieces was released in 2001 – the surrealist neo-noir titled Mulholland Drive. This movie chronicles the journey of an aspiring actress (played by Naomi Watts) who moves to Los Angeles and develops a friendship with a woman suffering from amnesia (Laura Harring). As typical of Lynch, things are not always what they appear to be.

In a mysterious move, Lynch chose not to disclose the movie’s message, instead leaving it up to the audience to interpret their own meaning from it. The intricate plot didn’t hinder its acclaim; on the contrary, Lynch was nominated for an Oscar for Best Director, and the film received a nomination for Best Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globes.

Additionally, much like David Lynch’s style, the movie Mulholland Drive was divisive, earning an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is slightly lower compared to other top-tier thrillers of the past decade. However, it’s worth noting that esteemed figures in Hollywood highly regard this film, placing it as the second-best movie of the 21st Century in a recent survey conducted by the New York Times.

4. Memento (2000)

A Man With Amnesia Searches For His Wife’s Killer

Christopher Nolan has reigned supreme at the box office, thanks to blockbusters such as “Oppenheimer,” “Interstellar,” and “The Dark Knight.” Yet, it was a lesser-known thriller from 2000, titled “Memento,” that catapulted him to stardom. In this film, Guy Pearce portrays a man afflicted with amnesia, who is on a mission to identify the individual responsible for his wife’s death.

The distinctive aspect of this film, titled Memento, lies in its unconventional narrative structure, where the storyline progresses backward, with each sequence unfolding in reverse order. This creative choice keeps viewers as perplexed as the lead character until the climax, when all pieces fall into place and everything is clarified. The narrative then resets for the protagonist, mirroring his ongoing struggle to uncover the truth.

Initially perceived as just another gimmicky film, “Memento” unexpectedly transformed into a gripping suspense masterpiece, showcasing Christopher Nolan’s exceptional storytelling skills. It was evident that even greater achievements lay ahead for this talented director, as demonstrated by the Library of Congress adding “Memento” to the National Film Registry in 2017.

3. The Departed (2006)

A Cop Goes Undercover In The Mob, While A Mobster Infiltrates The Police

In 2006, Martin Scorsese reimagined the Hong Kong crime thriller “Infernal Affairs,” four years after its initial release. This remake transplanted the action from Hong Kong to Boston. Matt Damon portrays a mobster who infiltrates the police force, while Leonardo DiCaprio plays a cop tasked with going undercover within the mafia.

The cast sets apart Scorsese’s adaptation from the exceptional initial movie. Jack Nicholson portrays the mob chief, whereas Mark Wahlberg assumes the role of the fiery police staff sergeant in Boston. Surprisingly, only Wahlberg was lauded at the Oscars, receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Nevertheless, the movie turned out to be an enormous triumph. It received the prestigious award for Best Picture at the Oscars, with Scorsese taking home the Best Director honor as well. Additionally, it proved to be a financial success, earning $291.5 million against its production budget of $90 million.

2. Children Of Men (2006)

A World Where No Baby Had Been Born In Two Decades

Alfonso Cuarón, one of Mexico’s most celebrated filmmakers, has earned four Oscars. He won the Best Director award for both “Gravity” and “Roma,” but unfortunately, his best movie, the 2006 dystopian thriller “Children of Men,” did not receive a nomination. This film tells a story set in a world where no babies have been born for two decades.

In this narrative, Clive Owen portrays Theo Faron, a civil servant charged with escorting Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), a woman carrying the first pregnancy in two decades, to safety. Due to this unique circumstance, there are multiple groups vying for her capture: some aiming to study her and others who believe the world should come to an end and seek her demise.

I had the pleasure of watching a movie that was universally praised, boasting a remarkable 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Not only did it grace numerous year-end top 10 lists, but it even managed to secure three Oscar nominations – one for Best Adapted Screenplay. Regrettably, it didn’t take home any of those prestigious awards, but its recognition is a testament to the exceptional work that went into making it.

1. No Country For Old Men (2007)

An Unstoppable Hitman Tracks Down Stole Drug Money

Among the outstanding masterpieces from the 2000s, and one of the top films of the 21st century, irrespective of genre, is “No Country for Old Men,” directed by the Coen brothers. In this film, Josh Brolin portrays a character who stumbles upon a drug deal gone awry and seizes the money he discovers at the crime scene. This action sets off a chain of events as a ruthless assassin (played by Javier Bardem) is dispatched by the mob to recover the stolen cash.

Bardem portrays Anton Chigurh, a character who determines whether to take someone’s life or spare them by flipping a coin. Known as a personification of death, Anton is an unstoppable force and one of the most memorable villains in cinematic history. His outstanding performance earned him an Academy Award.

The film indeed achieved significant acclaim, earning the prestigious titles of Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars. Furthermore, it was recognized as the sixth-best motion picture of the 21st century by industry experts in 2025.

2025-07-07 03:45