Bollywood thriller movies deserve a spotlight on the international stage. And if you have not seen any of them, then you are doing a huge disservice to the cinephile inside you. They are those suspense movies that would make the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles proud; they are atmospheric, edgy, innovative, and — in the end — super fun.
"There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.”
— Alfred Hitchcock, the master of vicarious suspense, quoted in one of his infamous interviews.
So, let’s delve into a curated list of the best thriller films that will leave you questioning reality and on the edge of your seat. But before you watch them, make sure you haven’t gotten your nails done or have some bladder issues—coz these best and latest suspense movies guarantee that you’ll eat your nails out and may even go peeing every 15 minutes.
10) Merry Christmas (2023): Sometimes Violence is Better than Sacrifice
IMDB Rating: 8.2
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Katrina Kaif
Plot: A sinister twist on Christmas cheer, “Merry Christmas,” unfolds over a single night, during which a series of unexpected events disrupt festive celebrations. The film combines elements of suspense, drama, and mystery in a tightly woven narrative.
Critics Say: Critics have hailed “Merry Christmas” for its gripping storyline and standout performances, particularly praising Sriram Raghavan’s masterful direction and the chemistry between the lead actors.
Watch the Merry Christmas Hindi movie trailer here:
9) Joram (2023): One of The Best Social Thriller Films Worldwide
IMDB Rating: 8.3
Director: Devashish Makhija
Starring: Manoj Bajpayee, Zeeshan Ayyub
Plot: Helmed by Devashish Makhija (Bhonsle, Ajji), “Joram” follows an immigrant laborer, Bala (Manoj Bajpayee), who flees with his infant daughter to his former home in the forests, confronting a bloody past he thought he had left behind.
Critics Say: Bajpayee’s nuanced portrayal is a standout. It showcases the pain and suffering of marginalized communities often overlooked in mainstream cinema. With well-etched characters and a haunting score, “Joram” invites viewers to decipher the complexities of its political narrative.
Watch the Joram movie trailer here:
8) Johnny Gaddar (2007): Life Seems Shorter In This Awesome Bollywood Thriller Movie
IMDB Rating: 7.8
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Starring: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Dharmendra
Plot: This neo-noir thriller revolves around a young man who betrays his partners in crime. As the story unfolds, each twist keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
Critics Say: Widely acclaimed for its sleek storytelling and tight script, “Johnny Gaddar” is often cited as one of the best examples of modern Bollywood thrillers.
Watch the Johnny Gaddaar movie trailer here:
7) Kahaani (2012): A Nail-Biting Bollywood Suspense Thriller
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Plot: A pregnant woman, Vidya Bagchi, arrives in Kolkata to find her missing husband. What starts as a simple search turns into a complex web of lies and deception.
Critics Say: “Kahaani” has been lauded for its brilliant screenplay and Vidya Balan’s powerful performance, earning it a place among the top thrillers in Indian cinema.
Watch the Kahaani movie trailer here:
6) Jaane Jaan (2023): The Return of Kareena Kapoor The Actor In This Latest Thriller Movie
IMDB Rating: 7.9
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat
Plot: Sujoy Ghosh’s engrossing “Jaane Jaan,” adapted from Keigo Higashino’s “The Devotion of Suspect X,” is a gripping mystery thriller set in the serene landscape of Kalimpong. The film follows a single mother (Kareena Kapoor Khan) entangled in a dangerous deception as she attempts to cover up her estranged husband’s murder.
Critics Say: Critics have praised the adaptation for maintaining the essence of the original novel while infusing it with a Bollywood flair. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s performance is a particular highlight.
Watch the Jaane Jaan Netflix movie trailer here:
5) Shaitan (2011): A Kidnapping Goes Wrong and Mayhem Ensues
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Director: Bejoy Nambiar
Starring: Rajeev Khandelwal, Kalki Koechlin
Plot: Five friends indulge in a night of reckless partying that spirals out of control, leading to murder and mayhem. The film explores the dark side of urban youth culture.
Critics Say: “Shaitan” has been praised for its edgy storytelling and raw performances, marking it as a refreshing departure from conventional Bollywood fare. Watch out for that “Khoya Khoya Chaand” sequence.
Watch the Shaitan 2011 movie trailer here:
4) Article 15 (2024): Is This Indian Thriller Movie Better Than Mississippi Burning?
IMDB Rating: 8.2
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Isha Talwar
Plot: Inspired by true events, “Article 15” follows a young IPS officer who uncovers the deep-rooted caste discrimination and corruption within a rural Indian village as he investigates the disappearance of three teenage girls.
Critics Say: “Article 15” is highly acclaimed for its hard-hitting narrative, Ayushmann Khurrana’s compelling performance, and its unflinching portrayal of social injustices in India. The film is praised for its tight script and impactful direction.
Watch the Article 15 movie trailer here:
3) Kaun (1999): Guaranteeing to Send Chills Down Your Spine
IMDB Rating: 7.8
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Starring: Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee, Sushant Singh
Plot: A woman alone at home gets an unexpected visitor. As the night progresses, the line between friend and foe blurs, leading to a tense and unpredictable climax.
Critics Say: Kaun is celebrated for its minimalist setting and maximum tension. It showcases Varma’s prowess in building suspense and Anurag Kashyap’s brilliant screenplay and dialogue. It deserves a 4K remastered version for Gen-Z viewers.
Watch the Kaun movie trailer:
2) Gumnaam (1965): One of Bollywood’s Best Whodunit Thriller and Suspense Movies
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Director: Raja Nawathe
Starring: Manoj Kumar, Nanda
Plot: Stranded on a mysterious island, a group of people must figure out who among them is the murderer. The film is a classic whodunit with a haunting score.
Critics Say: “Gumnaam” is a quintessential thriller that has stood the test of time and is remembered for its eerie atmosphere and engaging plot.
Watch the Gumnaam movie trailer here:
1) Andhadhun (2018): Hands Down, The Best Bollywood Suspense Movie Ever
IMDB Rating: 8.3
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu
Plot: After witnessing a murder, a blind pianist becomes entangled in a web of crime and deceit. The film’s unpredictable narrative and dark humor make it a standout thriller.
Critics Say: Hailed as a modern masterpiece, “Andhadhun” has received universal acclaim for its inventive plot, exceptional performances, and Raghavan’s deft direction, turning out to be the best Bollywood thriller and suspense movies ever made.
Watch the Andhadhun movie trailer here:
Honorable Mentions:
- Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
- Bhool Bhulaiyya (2007)
- Fan (2016)
- Darr (1993)
- Baazigar (1993)
- Khiladi (1992)
- Ugly (2013)
What do you think about our list of classic and new thriller movies from Bollywood? Did we get them all, or did we miss something? Let us know down below in the comments, and if you’re looking for more amazing Hindi movie listings, come join us at BollywoodJunkies!
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