Harlan Coben, originally from New Jersey, is a popular author who has sold millions of books worldwide. He’s famous for his suspenseful plots with surprising endings. Many of his stories have been adapted for television, and his newest series, Run Away, is his twelfth collaboration with Netflix.
It’s obvious he’s a thriller expert. We asked Harlan Coben for his top 10 favorite thrillers from TV and movies, and interestingly, some of them star actors who later appeared in his own shows.
Look, what I really crave when I go to the movies is a genuine experience. I want to walk in not knowing what’s coming, and walk out feeling something – whether it’s laughter, tears, or just a powerful emotional response. I’m not looking for something predictable; I want a film that truly resonates and stays with me long after the credits roll. It needs to move me, plain and simple.
Just surprising someone with a twist isn’t enough. A truly great twist needs to evoke an emotional response and really resonate with the audience.
1) Strangers on a Train
I’m a big fan of Alfred Hitchcock, and he’s greatly influenced my work. I’m particularly drawn to his stories about everyday people caught up in incredible situations, and ‘Strangers on a Train’ is my absolute favorite.
We deliberately referenced a famous scene – a simple encounter between two people with everyone watching – in our Netflix series, Stay Close. Specifically, the tennis match scene where heads turn back and forth, except for one fixed gaze. I included that as a nod to my admiration for Alfred Hitchcock.
If you had asked me just a day later, I easily could have chosen any of several films—like Vertigo, Rear Window, or Psycho—there were so many good options.
2) The Secret in Their Eyes
You absolutely have to see the original Argentinian version – don’t bother with the American remake! It’s a captivating and emotional love story that I loved so much, it inspired us to create a Netflix series for South America. We filmed that series in Argentina, and the lead actor in it also stars in ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ on Netflix. Be warned though, it’s a dark and full of unexpected twists.
The movie has a surprising and heartwarming ending, and one scene – where the audience feels completely immersed in a stadium – is truly unforgettable. Even with modern technology like AI, it would be hard to recreate that same powerful feeling.
3) The Lives of Others
Germany continues to produce outstanding films, with both ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ and ‘The Lives of Others’ having earned the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
The story feels like a spy thriller, focusing on an agent from the Stasi, but it constantly surprises you with unexpected turns. Beyond the plot twists, what I really enjoyed was the emotional core of the narrative.
4) Prisoners
Many viewers will recall this film starring Hugh Jackman. It’s a deeply emotional story about a father who stops at nothing to find his missing child, even crossing dangerous lines. The movie features a strong, somber conclusion with an unexpected twist, and the performances are compelling throughout.
5) The Invisible Guest
This Spanish film is by the brilliant Oriol Paulo, and it’s a real rollercoaster. The story centers around a couple who accidentally hit someone with their car and then desperately try to cover it up – things quickly get out of hand. I’m a big fan of how a small incident can escalate into something huge, and this movie is a perfect example. I’d seen his previous work, The Innocent on Netflix, and was so impressed I wanted to collaborate with him. The plot just keeps taking unexpected turns – if you like twists and turns, and maybe even love them, Oriol Paulo is your director!
We really enjoyed working together and share a common creative vision. Making ‘The Innocent’ was a lot of fun, and each episode offers a unique perspective. This project has some similarities to that one. Both ‘The Innocent’ and ‘The Invisible Guest’ feature Mario Casas and José Coronado.
You know, I’m incredibly proud of the film we all worked on together. And whenever someone asks me what to start with when they want to explore this director’s work, I always say, ‘Definitely begin with The Invisible Guest. After that, The Body is a must-see, and then you can dive into everything else he’s done. He’s just a phenomenal filmmaker.
6) Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars is a fantastic show. I initially assumed it was just for young adults, but I quickly realized it was much more. Many of the actors went on to become very successful, and the show itself was surprisingly realistic, captivating, and dealt with mature, complex issues. Plus, it was genuinely hilarious.
The dynamic between the father and daughter in that show is fantastic. He’s a police officer in town, and she’s a high school student who also works as a private investigator—it sounds a little far-fetched, but it’s genuinely a great show. It’s easily one of my all-time favorites.
7) Columbo
I was raised watching Columbo, and I think it’s the best detective show ever made. It’s hard to say what would come in second, but Cracker is definitely a strong contender. What’s unique about Columbo is that the detective doesn’t even appear for the first half hour or so of each episode.
The show puts you in the mind of the criminal, making you believe they’ll get away with it. Then Columbo arrives, seemingly clumsy, but cleverly uncovers the truth and surprises you. Many episodes have fantastic plot twists, and the villains were always played by talented actors who clearly enjoyed their roles. If you haven’t seen the original Columbo episodes, I highly recommend watching them – they still hold up today.
8) Line of Duty
I’m a huge fan of Line of Duty! Jed Mercurio is brilliant. It’s wonderfully chaotic – a total mess, but in the best way. The plot twists and turns are unpredictable, and while it’s definitely far-fetched, it’s incredibly engaging. I enjoy every single minute. Plus, the acting, the production team, and even the show’s little catchphrases are all fantastic.
He frequently breaks established storytelling rules, like making interrogation scenes unrealistically long, but it consistently creates incredibly engaging and captivating television. I’m really looking forward to the next season.
9) Spiral
This show brings to mind the early days of Hill Street Blues – a fantastic police drama with a large, memorable cast. I actually first noticed the actress Audrey Fleurot, who later appeared in our show Safe when we were looking for French talent, in that series.
The show features a new set of characters each episode, including the police officers and lawyers involved in the cases. It has a large cast, but it’s consistently exciting. I especially enjoy working with actors I admire – if I’m a fan of someone, I’ll actively seek opportunities to collaborate with them.
10) Fargo (TV series)
This TV series is fantastic. Noah Hawley has created a unique show that’s both surprisingly violent and wildly entertaining, filled with unexpected plot twists and turns.
It didn’t pull at my heartstrings as much as some shows, but it was still incredibly captivating – I couldn’t look away! It’s a very well-made series, and I especially enjoyed the second season.
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2026-01-02 10:44