Marta Pereira
Lisbeth Salander is an antisocial, defiant, bisexual hacker that lives in the dark world of serial killings, incest, and corruption. Although she is a loner, she teams up with disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist to investigate the disappearance of a woman 40 years ago. Directed by David Fincher, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” is an electrifying and intense thriller with a lot of twists and layers.
Powered by a brilliant performance by Rooney Mara, it is an exceptionally written and directed movie that every thriller fan should watch. If you enjoy electrifying movies with suspense and twists, here is a list of films we recommend. You can watch some of these movies like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
14. Wind River (2017)
In “Wind River,” we follow FBI agent Jane Banner and seasoned game tracker Cory Lambert as they investigate who murdered a young Native American in the Wind River Indian Reservation. Taylor Sheridan, who is the screenwriter and director, created a sharp and profound thriller that sheds light on Native Americans and their problems. Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner, “Wind River” is a provocative thriller that respects its subject and audience. Besides, it is well directed and beautifully shot, and that is why you need to give it a chance.
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13. Confession of Murder (2012)
Lee Du-seok killed several women fifteen years ago. Because the statute of limitation expired, he decides to publish an autobiography describing all his murders. Desperate to find the killer, a detective and one of the victim’s mothers search for the author. However, another killer appears, claiming he is the real killer and that Lee Du-seok is a fraud. “Confession of Murder” is an amazing South-Korean thriller perfectly directed and acted. Additionally, it is a surprising and engaging movie that plays with the viewer about what the truth really is. If you are looking for an underrated thriller, you should watch this one!
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12. Gone Baby Gone (2007)
When four-year-old Amanda McCready is kidnapped from her home, and the police make little progress in discovering where she is, the girl’s aunt Beatrice McCready hires two private detectives, Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan). When they are about to solve their case, they are faced with a moral dilemma that could tear them apart. Based on the book by Dennis Lehane, “Gone Baby Gone” marks the directorial debut of Ben Affleck. It’s one of those rare movies in which the less you know about the story, the richer the experience. Moreover, it has a disturbing and emotional layered story that slowly unfolds with a moral dilemma at its core.
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11. Zodiac (2007)
A serial killer in the San Francisco Bay Area taunts police with his letters and cryptic messages. In the late 1960s/early 1970s, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down this Zodiac Killer. Based on Robert Graysmith’s novel, it focuses on the lives of the detectives and newspaper people surrounding the serial killer. Directed by David Fincher, “Zodiac” is a chilling movie with a lot of twists and suspense. If you are a fan of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” you will love this dark and thrilling movie.
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10. Memories of Murder (2003)
In a rural district of South Korea in 1986, the population is shaken by a series of brutal rapes and murders. Two ruthless local detectives team up with an intelligent detective from the capital to investigate these crimes. Based on true events, “Memories of Murder” is a powerful movie because of the way it was created. Besides being richly detailed, it is masterfully written and beautifully performed. Moreover, the character development is captivating and plausible. Director and screenwriter Joon-ho Bong created a masterpiece that quickly became a classic for thriller fans.
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9. Gone Girl (2014)
“Gone Girl” was one of the most impressive movies of 2014 because of its thrilling plot and brilliant performances. The film has been nominated for several prestigious awards like the Golden Globes, Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. “Gone Girl” follows Nick Dunne when he reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful and happy marriage begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits, and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?
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8. L. A. Confidential (1997)
In “L.A. Confidential,” we follow three L.A. cops as they investigate a series of murders in 1950. Each one of them has a different method to deal with the investigation. However, we soon discover that there may be a lot more to it than meets the eye. “L.A. Confidential” is an entertaining detective movie with a stellar cast: Kevin Spacey, Russel Crowe, Guy Pearce, and many more excellent actors. Winner of two Academy Awards, this is an action-packed detective movie that is dense with many layers. It not only tells a good story and develops its characters deeply, but it also keeps you captivated until the very end. Be prepared to be surprised and shocked.
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7. Memento (2000)
Directed and written by Christopher Nolan, “Memento” chronicles the journey of Leonard, an ex-insurance investigator who can no longer build new memories as he attempts to find the murderer of his wife. Because of this short-term memory loss, he must find creative ways to remember what he discovers about the murder. Although “Memento” is a complex movie because of its story, the script is extremely good at helping the viewer keep up with the story. Additionally, the acting and directing are so good they make this an unforgettable trip. Addictive and thrilling, this is a classic mystery thriller that you will love if you like “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”
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6. Se7en (1995)
This movie is about the desperate hunt of two homicide detectives for a serial killer who justifies his crimes as absolution for the world’s ignorance of the Seven Deadly Sins. Through a series of incredible twists, “Se7en” takes us through the journey of the detectives and murderer involved with this case. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman successfully prove why they deserve to be so famous and some of the biggest Hollywood stars. Furthermore, David Fincher’s timeless directing captures a gothic, suspenseful and disturbing reality that will leave you shocked and begging for more. “Se7en” is a dark tale of murder and crime that you should not miss.
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5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Clarice Starling is a young FBI agent who has been assigned to find a missing woman to save her from a psychopathic serial killer who skins his victims, Buffalo Bill. She decides to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, an infamous serial killer, to get an insight into the mind of a ruthless murderer. However, that has severe consequences on Clarice. “The Silence of the Lambs” is not one of the most popular thrillers out of luck. It not only has an incredible script and brilliant performances but also manages to build a suspenseful and disturbing atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Also, it won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director.
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4. Brick (2005)
One day, teenager Brendan finds his ex-girlfriend dead at the entrance of a sewage tunnel, two days after she called him saying she was in trouble. Determined to find out what happened, Brendan dives into the underworld of his high school crime ring. However, he soon discovers that his girlfriend’s death is linked to something darker and more serious. Directed and written by Rian Johnson, “Brick” is an intriguing film set in a high school, but that looks like an old detective drama. There is a lot of suspense, good performances, and a smart script. Hence, “Brick” is a unique and interesting movie that mixes mystery with comedy, irony, and crime.
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3. Tell No One (2006)
Pediatrician Alexandre Beck’s wife was brutally murdered eight years ago. After many years, two more bodies are found next to where his wife’s corpse was dumped. Therefore, the police reopen the case, and Alexandre Beck becomes the main suspect. However, suddenly he receives an e-mail showing that his wife is alive. “Tell No One” is a French thriller that marks the debut of director Guillaume Canet. What makes this thriller more special and thrilling than most is its perfect pacing and storytelling techniques. From the acting to the dialogue, every aspect of “Tell No One” is exciting and intelligent. If you enjoyed “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” you must watch it.
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2. The Ghost Writer (2010)
Directed by Roman Polanski, “The Ghost Writer” follows a ghost-writer hired to redact the memoirs of Adam Lang, the former UK Prime Minister. However, the secrets he uncovers while doing his job put his own life in great danger. “The Ghost Writer” is a polished political intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole experience. With suspense, twists, corruption, and interesting characters, Polanski created a dark thriller whose style may remind you of Hitchcock. Moreover, this smartly-paced movie has an incredible performance by Ewan McGregor.
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1. Prisoners (2013)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, “Prisoners” follows the quest of a desperate father that takes matters into his own hands after his daughter and her friend go missing. Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal have breathtaking performances as the desperate father and detective, respectively. Therefore, the film would not be the same without them. Furthermore, Villeneuve’s masterful directing skills and the suspenseful and well-written story by Guzikowski create a fantastic movie that will surprise everyone that watches it. Because it is a layered thriller with multiple twists and suspenseful moments, fans of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” will love it.
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