According to numerous art historians, thriller films began to be in demand in the second half of the last century. In many ways, the work of the cult director Alfred Hitchcock contributed to the development of the genre. It was from under his "pen" came the first popular thrillers. Subsequently, many directors became followers and imitators of the work of the famous director.
Of course, not all movie thrillers claim the title of true masterpieces. Popular paintings of this genre that deserve the most positive feedback from the audience, I would like to consider in our article.
The Shining (1980)
So, let's begin to review the popular thrillers. According to the reviews of the audience, the list of the most outstanding films of the presented genre includes the tape of the famous director Stanley Kubrick - “Radiance”. The film, which was released on wide screens back in 1980, still occupies the highest positions in the ratings on sites dedicated to cinema. And this despite the whole mass of negative reviews from film critics, which were massively distributed in the year of the premiere of the presented film.
It is worth noting that the film contains almost all the "tracing-paper" used by the writer Stephen King in his novels. There is an old mansion in which the protagonists of the painting are isolated. The main character is a writer, and several minor characters are clairvoyant. However, the presence of numerous “cliches” did not prevent the film “Radiance” from earning the status of one of the greatest thrillers in the history of cinema. After all, it was precisely such a high-profile title that the tape was awarded, according to a survey of the authoritative British publication Sight & Sound, conducted among directors and film critics.
“The Spotlight” (2016)
Considering the popular thriller films, one cannot ignore the main nominee for the Oscar of last year - "In the Spotlight". The picture tells about a journalistic investigation, probably the most high-profile sexual scandal in the history of the United States, associated with cases of pedophilia in the Catholic Church. The true story touched the audience so much that the tape not only won the most positive reviews, but also won awards in a wide range of prestigious nominations, including the title “Best Film of the Year”.
“Moon 2112” (2009)
According to reviews from a wide audience, the list of the most popular thrillers includes a picture by director Duncan Jones entitled “Moon 2112”. At one time, the authoritative British edition of the Times called the film the best psychological thriller in several decades, because it is a well-maintained leisurely rhythm of events, the melancholy tone inherent in the genre is observed, and increased attention is paid to details that are completely untypical for science fiction. Other reviews also note a comparison of the film with such cult works as “The Space Odyssey”, “Solaris”, “The Man Who Fell to Earth”.
The Travel Companion (1986)
If we talk about the popular horror thrillers, the action movie “Robert” directed by Robert Harmon deserves the highest praise. The success of the tape was facilitated by the use of a real story as the basis of the plot. Among other things, the film launched a series of so-called "road thrillers" that taught drivers to be careful about the choice of those who ask them to give a ride.
It is worth noting that after the premiere of "Fellow traveler" immediately acquired the status of a cult film, not only in the United States, but also in the USSR. The painting owes much of its success to the magnificent play of Rutger Hauer. The latter so organically fit into the image of a maniac that his partners on the set felt genuine fear when communicating with the artist in between work on the film.
The Seven (1995)
We continue to survey the most popular thrillers. Without a doubt, the right to be in our rating deserves the gloomy, sometimes mystical and frightening movie by David Fincher - “Seven”. This tense story tells of two detectives who are trying to get on the trail of a serial killer that chooses their victims on the basis of biblical mortal sins.
The director of the film showed himself as a brilliant master of filing an exciting, mind-blowing plot. In turn, film critics distinguish the tape from the general series of popular thrillers for their excellent cameraman and directorial work, the inimitable play of leading actors Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, as well as musical accompaniment.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Considering the popular thrillers, it is worth saying a few words about one of the best, according to viewers and critics, action-packed film in the history of cinema. At one time, the painting “Silence of the Lambs” elevated Jonathan Demmy to the status of an outstanding contemporary director. It is noteworthy that the performer of the role of the maniac Hannibal Lecter, the famous artist Anthony Hopkins, appeared in the picture for only 16 minutes from the total timing. Nevertheless, this did not prevent him from becoming the best actor of the year according to the British Film Academy, as well as being awarded the Oscar.
Island of the Damned (2010)
Undoubtedly, the place in the ranking where the most popular thrillers are represented deserves the psychological tape Island of the Damned. Numerous admirers of the genre, as well as authoritative film critics, call this outstanding work of director Martin Scorsese truly genius. And this is not surprising, because during the viewing of the film it may seem that the main actors do not just try to best reveal the character of their characters, but really live their lives.
The Beginning (2010)
I would also like to note the popular thriller action movies. One of the best films in this genre is the science fiction film "The Beginning" directed by Christopher Nolan. After the release of the picture on wide screens, the reviews of critics were truly enthusiastic. One of the most influential experts in the film industry, Roger Ebert, decided to set the tape to the highest possible score. The latter praised not only the intricate plot and unpredictable ending, but also the extremely exciting emotional component of the narrative.
The Fatal Number 23 (2007)
The presented film is not only remarkable for its non-standard plot and increased attention to details inherent in this thriller, but also unusual for a wide audience of the role of Jim Carrey, who until then was considered exclusively as a comedian. According to the plot, a book entitled "Number 23" falls into the hands of the protagonist. Having become acquainted with the novel, the plot of which is like two drops of water similar to his life, the latter begins to see the encoded number in all aspects of his existence. Is this paranoia or is the mysterious number really fraught with terrible secrets?
American Psycho (2000)
We finish reviewing the popular thrillers. I would like to end the list with the film directed by Mary Herron "American Psycho." This terrifying story with elements of a black comedy, based on the novel by the writer Bret Easton, is trying to inspire the viewer to think about what aspects of our existence are actually the highest life values.
It is noteworthy that after reaching wide screens, this exciting thriller received quite mixed reviews from the audience. Leading film critics rated the film on a solid four, at the same time, noting the excellent performance of leading Christian Bale. The author of the original novel, Bret Easton, also expressed his opinion on the cinematic creation. The latter insisted that the ambiguity of the narrative is revealed in the film only in its final, and this, according to the writer, only confuses the viewer. Nevertheless, the film "American Psycho" for the past more than a decade and a half has retained the highest positions in the ranking of the best psychological thrillers.