Top 20 Greatest Thriller Shows Ever Made
Top 20 Greatest Thriller Shows Ever Made Some shows you watch and forget — but a truly great thriller doesn’t let go. It stays in your head, makes your heart race, and leaves you lying awake replaying every twist and turn. From the first scene to the final frame, the best thrillers keep you locked in, second-guessing every character, and desperate to know what happens next.
In this list of the Top 20 Thriller Shows of All Time That Will Keep You Hooked, we’ve gathered the most unforgettable series ever made — the ones that set the gold standard for suspense, storytelling, and shock value. Whether it’s a psychological puzzle that messes with your mind, a cat-and-mouse chase that keeps you on edge, or a mystery so deep you can’t stop digging, these shows prove that great thrillers never lose their grip.
Get ready to binge, gasp, and maybe even shout at your screen — because once you start these, there’s no turning back. guaranteed
1. Dexter (2006 to 2013)
Dexter is a crime thriller series that follows the life of a man name “Dexter Morgan”, a blood spatter analyst working for the Miami Police Department. On the visible surface, Dexter appears to be an ordinary, quiet man dedicated to solving crimes. But behind this calm exterior, he hides a disturbing secret — he is a serial killer. Unlike typical murderers, Dexter follows a strict moral code taught by his adoptive father: he only kills criminals who have escaped justice.
The show blend elements of police investigation with the suspense of Dexter living a double and triple lifes at the same time. Viewers watch him solve cases during the day and hunt his own targets at night, all while trying to keep his identity hidden from his colleagues, friends, and his sister, Debra Morgan, who also works in law enforcement.
The use of Dexter’s internal monologue gives insight into his thoughts, making the audience understand his reasoning, even if they don’t agree with it.
Throughout its eight original seasons (2006–2013) and later revival in 2021, Dexter introduced some of television’s most memorable story arcs and villains. Each season brought new challenges, from skilled investigators getting too close to the truth, to rival killers forcing Dexter to question his own rules.
What makes Dexter stand out is the way it blends dark themes with moments of dry humor, while constantly keeping viewers on edge. It’s a show that makes you think about morality, justice, and the thin line between hero and villain.
Even though the series finale was controversial among fans, its originality and suspenseful storytelling have earned it a lasting place as one of the best thriller shows of all time.
Where to Watch: Available on Paramount+ and through rental platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
2. Severance (2022 to Present)
Severance is a psychological thriller series that combines workplace drama with a mysterious science-fiction twist. The story centers on Mark Scout, an employee at Lumon Industries, a company that uses a controversial medical procedure to separate employees’ work memories from their personal memories. This means that when they are at work, they remember nothing about their outside life, and when they leave the office, they recall nothing about what happens inside.
The series explores how this separation affects identity, free will, and personal relationships. Mark, along with his co-workers, begins to notice strange events at Lumon that make them question the company’s true intentions. As they dig deeper, secrets start to surface, blurring the line between their “work selves” and “outside selves.”
Severance stands out for its slow-building suspense, unique concept, and unsettling atmosphere. The minimalistic office setting, combined with its controlled pacing, creates constant tension.
The characters are well-developed, and the mystery unfolds gradually, keeping viewers engaged and curious.
Season one, which premiered in 2022, received critical praise for its originality and storytelling, and it quickly gained a loyal fan base. Its mix of mystery, drama, and social commentary makes it one of the most intriguing thriller shows of recent years.
Where to Watch: Available on Apple TV+.
3. “You” (2018 to Present)
You is a psychological thriller series that follows Joe Goldberg, a seemingly charming and intelligent man who hides a dark and dangerous obsession. On the outside, Joe appears to be a polite and thoughtful bookshop manager, but beneath this calm surface lies a manipulative stalker willing to cross any line to get close to the person he desires.
Each season of You introduces a new setting, new characters, and a new object of Joe’s obsession, but the pattern remains — he falls in love, becomes fixated, and slowly blurs the line between romance and control. His internal narration gives viewers direct access to his thoughts, which often try to justify his disturbing actions. This storytelling style draws the audience into his perspective, even when his behavior is morally wrong.
The series perfectly balances the thrill, drama, and shocking surprise elements with a sense of dark humor. As the seasons progress, Joe’s carefully crafted image starts to unravel, leading to tense situations where he must cover his tracks while keeping his secrets hidden from those around him.
You has been praised for its fast-paced plot, unpredictable turns, and Penn Badgley’s layered performance as Joe. It keeps viewers hooked by constantly raising the stakes and making them wonder just how far Joe will go.
You series is Available on Netflix in many regions.
4. Lost (2004)
Lost is a mystery thriller series that begins with a plane crash on a seemingly deserted island, leaving a group of survivors stranded with no clear way to escape. At first, it appears to be a story of survival, but it quickly becomes clear that the island holds strange and unexplained secrets. From mysterious creatures to hidden bunkers and supernatural elements, the series blends suspense with science fiction and drama.
The show uses a unique storytelling format, switching between events on the island and flashbacks (and later flash-forwards) that reveal each character’s past and future. This structure allows viewers to gradually understand the personal struggles, secrets, and connections between the survivors, while also deepening the overall mystery.
As the story unfolds, the survivors face both physical dangers and psychological challenges, from navigating group conflicts to confronting the island’s unknown forces. The constant twists and unanswered questions kept audiences engaged and talking throughout its six-season run (2004–2010).
Lost is especially famous for its wisely injected cast, unpredictable characters, and ambitious kind of storytelling. While its ending sparked debate among fans, the series remains a landmark in television history for how it combined suspense, emotional depth, and mystery on such a large scale.
Where to Watch: Available on Hulu and other streaming platforms in select regions.
5. Black Mirror 2011
Black Mirror is an anthology thriller series that first premiered in 2011. Each episode tells a standalone story, often set in a near-future or alternate reality, exploring the dark and unsettling side of modern technology and human behavior. The series is known for blending suspense, science fiction, and social commentary, making viewers question how technology could shape or distort our lives.
Because every episode is a separate story with new characters, the tone and style can shift dramatically from intense psychological thrillers to disturbing dystopian dramas. Some episodes focus on surveillance and privacy, others on artificial intelligence, digital identity, or the impact of social media. This variety keeps the show fresh, while its central theme remains consistent: technology’s power to both connect and destroy.
The strength of Black Mirror lies in its ability to feel uncomfortably close to reality. Many of its scenarios seem only a small step away from today’s world, which makes the stories more impactful. It’s a show that often leaves you unsettled, thinking about its message long after the episode ends.
Ever since Black Mirror has released it got criticized for its innovative screenplay, very sharp writing, and its way of showing the true face of society. It remains one of the most talked-about thriller series of the last decade. But No doubt! its a masterpiece with unique futuristics concepts
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
6. Supernatural (2005–2020)
Supernatural is a long-running fantasy thriller series that aired from 2005 to 2020. It follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they travel across the United States hunting demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings. Along the way, they uncover deeper mysteries involving angels, demons, and cosmic forces that shape the fate of the world.
While the show is rooted in horror and fantasy, it also has strong thriller elements. Many episodes build suspense through mystery cases, unexpected twists, and dangerous confrontations. The “monster of the week” format in early seasons gradually expands into large-scale story arcs that span multiple seasons, keeping viewers invested for the long haul.
The heart of Supernatural lies in the bond between the Winchester brothers. Their loyalty to each other, combined with moments of humor and emotional depth, gives the show a personal edge amidst all the supernatural chaos. Over its 15 seasons, the series introduced a wide range of memorable characters, from allies like Castiel to terrifying villains that tested the brothers’ limits.
Known for mixing suspense, action, and heartfelt moments, Supernatural earned a dedicated global fan base and became one of the most successful genre shows in television history.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix in many regions and available on various VOD platforms.
7. Hannibal (2013–2015)
Hannibal is a psychological thriller drama and crime show that released in 2013 to 2015. It is based on characters from Thomas Harris’s novels, particularly the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The plot show us relation between FBI investigator “Will Graham” and Dr. Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who secretly lives as a cannibalistic serial killer.
The series stands out for its intense psychological tension and visually striking style. Each episode blends crime investigation with deep character exploration, as Will’s unique ability to empathize with killers leads him dangerously close to discovering Hannibal’s true identity. At the same time, Hannibal manipulates those around him, turning investigations into mind games.
Hannibal is known for its slow-building suspense, disturbing imagery, and sophisticated storytelling. The show doesn’t just rely on gore; it uses atmosphere, dialogue, and subtle clues to create a sense of unease. This makes it both an artistic and unsettling viewing experience.
Although it lasted only three seasons, Hannibal received critical praise for its performances — especially Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal Lecter and Hugh Dancy as Will Graham — and has developed a strong cult following.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming platforms in select regions.
8. Continuum (2012–2015)
Continuum is a scifi fiction thriller canadian series that is released in 2012 to 2015. At the first story start in the year 2077, where a organization of terrorists escape by doing time travel back in era of 2012. Accidentally caught in their time jump, law enforcement officer Kiera Cameron also finds herself in the past. Stranded decades away from her home, Kiera must adapt to the modern world while trying to stop Liber8 from changing the future.
The series blends elements of police procedural drama with time travel and political intrigue. Kiera partners with present-day detective Carlos Fonnegra, using her advanced future technology and training to track the fugitives. At the same time, she struggles with the personal conflict of wanting to return to her family in 2077 while dealing with the moral questions raised by Liber8’s anti-corporate mission.
Continuum stands out for its mix of action, mystery, and thought-provoking themes about power, technology, and social control. The suspense builds as the show reveals more about the future and the consequences of altering timelines.
Though it ended after four seasons, Continuum was praised for its smart storytelling, strong performances, and the way it balanced character development with a fast-moving plot.
Where to Watch: Available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video in select regions.
9. The Triangle (2005)
The Triangle is a fictionnal scifi thriller Mini TV series that first first got released in 2005. The story revolves around a team of experts brought together to investigate the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, a region in the Atlantic Ocean long associated with strange disappearances and unexplained phenomena.
The group includes a journalist, a shipping executive, a meteorologist, and a scientist, each with their own reasons for joining the mission. As they dig deeper, they encounter bizarre events such as time distortions, sudden storms, and vanishing ships. The investigation quickly turns dangerous, forcing the team to confront both supernatural forces and their own personal fears.
Unlike many thrillers, The Triangle tells a complete story within its three-part format, blending suspense, action, and mystery with a touch of science fiction. It keeps her viewer hooked by unboxing new tokens of the puzzle while asking unthinkable questions about the mother of the Mysteries “Bermuda Triangle”.
Though it’s a short series, The Triangle delivers a mix of tension and intrigue that makes it a memorable watch for fans of mystery-driven thrillers.
Where to Watch: Available on various VOD platforms in select regions.
10. The Killing (2011–2014)
The Killing is a crime thriller series that got aired from 2011 to 2014. It is inspired by Forbrydelsen danish tv series, it story follow Two homicides investigators Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder who are investigating a brutal series of killing in Seattle. Each season focuses on a single case, allowing the story to unfold in detail and giving viewers time to connect with the characters and the investigation.
The show is known for its dark, rainy atmosphere and slow-burn storytelling. Rather than relying on constant action, it builds tension through careful pacing, character development, and realistic police work. The dynamic between Linden, a dedicated but emotionally guarded detective, and Holder, a street-smart and often unconventional partner, adds depth to the series.
The Killing received praise for its strong performances, gripping mystery, and ability to keep audiences guessing. It often blurs the line between suspects and victims, showing how a crime impacts an entire community. While its tone is somber, the emotional weight and unpredictable twists make it a standout among modern crime thrillers.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix and other streaming platforms in select regions.
11. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Game of Thrones is a fantasy thriller series that released in 2011 to 2019 and quickly became one of the most popular and talked-about shows in television history. it is based on the novel of George R. R. Martin named “A Song of Ice and Fire“, the plot of the show is set in the fictional continents like Bravos ,Kings Landing and essos, where the powerful houses or families battle for control of a Iron Throne in a city called King’s Landing.
The show is remarkable for its large ensemble cast, unpredictable storytelling, and cinematic production quality. It blends political intrigue, war, betrayal, and moments of shocking violence with complex character arcs that make viewers care deeply about the fates of both heroes and villains. The constant shifts in power and unexpected deaths kept audiences on edge, never knowing who would survive.
What made Game of Thrones stand out was its ability to combine large-scale epic battles with personal, emotional moments. It wasn’t just about the fight for the throne — it was about loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of every choice. Characters like Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Arya Stark became cultural icons, and the series’ impact reached far beyond television.
While the final season sparked debate, there’s no denying that Game of Thrones delivered some of the most memorable moments in modern TV history. Its mix of suspense, drama, and high-stakes storytelling made it a global phenomenon and a must-watch for fans of intense, layered narratives.
Where to Watch: Available on Max (HBO) and various VOD platforms.
12. Touch (2012–2013)
Touch is a drama mysterious thriller show that comes to screen on 2012 to 2013. It story show us Martin Bohm, a widowed dad trying to connect emotionally with his son, Jake who is muted. who can predict the future events. Although Jake never speaks, he communicates through complex patterns and numbers, which seem to reveal hidden connections between people and events around the world.
As Martin learns to interpret these numbers, he realizes that Jake has an extraordinary ability to predict events and guide people toward life-changing moments. Each episode weaves together multiple storylines from different parts of the globe, all linked by Jake’s mysterious patterns. The series explores themes of fate, interconnectedness, and how even small actions can have far-reaching effects.
Touch stands out for its emotional core, combining the suspense of a mystery with the warmth of a father–son relationship. While it features thriller elements, it also delivers uplifting moments and a sense of hope, making it different from darker shows in the genre.
Although it only ran for two seasons, Touch was praised for its unique concept, heartfelt performances — especially by Kiefer Sutherland as Martin and David Mazouz as Jake — and its ability to blend drama with mystery.
Where to Watch: Available on various VOD platforms in select regions.
13. Weeds (2005–2012)
Weeds is a dark humour comedy Tv show with strong thriller elements that aired from 2005 to 2012. The plot goes on with Nancy Botwin, a widow, after the death of her husband she start selling marijuana to achieve her family’s expenses. What starts as a small neighborhood operation quickly grows into a dangerous business that pulls her deeper into the world of crime.
The show mixes humor with suspense, as Nancy’s decisions often lead to risky situations involving drug dealers, law enforcement, and unpredictable allies. Each season raises the stakes, forcing her to balance her role as a mother with the dangers of her illegal activities.
One of the strengths of Weeds is its sharp writing and unpredictable plot twists. While it delivers plenty of comedic moments, it also explores serious themes such as morality, survival, and how far someone will go to protect their family. The constant tension between Nancy’s double life and the increasing threats around her keeps viewers invested from start to finish.
Over its eight seasons, Weeds gained a strong following for its bold storytelling and unique mix of comedy and crime drama, making it stand out from other shows of its time.
Where to Watch: Available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in select regions.
14. Sherlock (2010–2017)
Sherlock is a modern-day adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, airing from 2010 to 2017. Our Doctor Strange Benedict Cumberbatch apearing as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson, the series brings the legendary detective into contemporary London, where he solves complex crimes with his sharp intellect and keen observation skills.
Each episode plays out like a mini-movie, with intricate mysteries, clever twists, and fast-paced storytelling. The show is known for its creative cinematography, smart dialogue, and the way it visually represents Sherlock’s thought process — allowing viewers to see how he connects seemingly unrelated clues.
While Sherlock is primarily a detective series, it also has strong thriller elements. The tension often comes from high-stakes cases, dangerous criminals, and the ongoing battle of wits between Sherlock and his nemesis, Jim Moriarty. The chemistry between Cumberbatch and Freeman adds depth to the story, blending moments of humor and friendship with suspenseful investigations.
The series received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and unique approach to classic source material. Even with only 13 episodes across four seasons, Sherlock made a lasting impact and is considered one of the finest modern detective thrillers.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix and other streaming services in select regions.
15. Heroes (2006–2010)
Heroes is a science fiction thriller series that aired from 2006 to 2010. It follows a group of ordinary people from different parts of the world who suddenly discover they have extraordinary abilities, such as time travel, telepathy, rapid healing, and more. As they come to terms with their powers, they find themselves connected by a larger destiny — one that could save or destroy the world.
The show is structured with multiple storylines that gradually intersect, blending personal drama with suspense and high-stakes action. Characters like Hiro Nakamura, Claire Bennet, and Sylar quickly became fan favorites, each bringing a unique perspective to the overarching mystery. The tension often comes from the struggle to understand their powers while facing dangerous forces that want to control or eliminate them.
Heroes stood out in its early seasons for its fresh take on the superhero genre, combining character-driven storytelling with thriller-style pacing. It explored themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of power, all while keeping viewers hooked with cliffhangers and plot twists.
Although later seasons received mixed reviews, the first season in particular is widely regarded as a standout in television, earning critical praise and a strong fan following.
Where to Watch: Available on various VOD platforms in select regions.
16. Mindhunter (2017–2019)
Mindhunter is a psychological crime thriller that ran from 2017 to 2019, set during the early days of the FBI’s criminal profiling program. The story follows agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, along with psychologist Wendy Carr, as they work to understand the minds of serial killers. Their approach is unconventional for the time — sitting down with convicted murderers to study their behavior and motives in detail.
The series focuses on conversation-driven tension rather than action. Its power lies in how it slowly builds suspense through interviews, subtle clues, and the disturbing realism of its subjects, many of whom are inspired by real historical cases. Every exchange feels calculated, giving the audience a chilling insight into both the criminals and the agents studying them.
Beyond the investigations, Mindhunter also explores the personal struggles of its main characters, showing how their work affects their relationships, mental health, and moral boundaries. The result is a thoughtful, atmospheric thriller that prioritizes psychological depth over shock value.
Though it lasted only two seasons, the show earned widespread praise for its sharp writing, realistic tone, and strong performances from Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv. For the fans of original crime and thinkable thrillers, Mindhunter will remains one of Netflix’s most demanding show.
Where to Watch: Currently Available on Netflix.
17. The Day of the Jackal (2024–present)
The Day of the Jackal is a modern thriller series inspired by Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel and the 1973 film adaptation. Released in 2024, the show reimagines the story for a contemporary setting while keeping the core premise intact — an elite, highly skilled assassin, known only as “The Jackal,” is contracted for a high-profile political killing.
The series blends espionage, action, and mystery, following the Jackal as he operates with precision while intelligence agencies across the globe race to stop him. Unlike many thrillers, the story gives viewers a close look at both sides — the assassin’s meticulous planning and the investigators’ desperate pursuit.
What makes this adaptation stand out is its modern twist on the original material. It uses today’s technology, global politics, and high-stakes surveillance to keep the narrative fresh while maintaining the tension that made the original story a classic. The pacing is tight, with each episode revealing new clues and obstacles that raise the stakes.
The Day of the Jackal has been praised for its smart writing, grounded action sequences, and a lead performance that captures the cold precision of the character while adding new layers of complexity. It’s a gripping watch for fans of spy thrillers and cat-and-mouse suspense.
Where to Watch: Available on Peacock in select regions.
18. From (2022–present)
From is a mystery horror-thriller series that premiered in 2022. The story begins with a seemingly ordinary small town in middle America — except no one can leave. Anyone who tries to escape ends up right back where they started, as if trapped in an endless loop. By night, terrifying creatures emerge from the surrounding woods, forcing the residents to barricade themselves inside and follow strict survival rules.
The series follows both longtime residents and newcomers as they search for answers about the town’s origins, its strange supernatural forces, and whether escape is truly possible. The mystery deepens with each episode, revealing hidden connections, unsettling visions, and a growing sense that the town’s secrets may be even darker than they appear.
What makes From so engaging is its constant tension — the danger isn’t just from the monsters outside, but also from fear, mistrust, and desperation within the community. The mix of horror and thriller elements keeps viewers hooked, while the slow reveal of clues makes every theory feel possible.
Praised for its eerie atmosphere, strong ensemble cast, and relentless suspense, From has become a must-watch for fans of mystery-driven thrillers with a supernatural twist.
Where to Watch: Streaming on MGM+ in select regions.
19. Dark (2017–2020)
Dark is a German scifi thriller television series. Set in the small town of Winden, the story begins with the mysterious disappearance of a teenager, which triggers a chain of events that spans multiple generations. As the investigation unfolds, the townspeople discover that their lives are connected through a complex web of secrets, family ties, and time travel.
The series is known for its intricate plot, where different timelines and parallel realities intertwine. Viewers must pay close attention, as small details often have major significance later in the story. While Dark features supernatural elements, its emotional core comes from how the characters deal with love, loss, betrayal, and the desire to change fate.
Visually, the show stands out for its atmospheric cinematography and haunting soundtrack, which perfectly complement its mysterious tone. The writing is layered and intelligent, rewarding patient viewers with satisfying revelations as the puzzle pieces come together.
Critically acclaimed for its storytelling and ambition, Dark is often regarded as one of the most well-crafted Netflix originals. It’s a show that demands — and deserves — full attention, offering a unique mix of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix worldwide.
20. The Last of Us (2023–present)
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic thriller drama that premiered in 2023, based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. Set twenty years after a fungal infection has devastated humanity, the story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl who may hold the key to a cure. Together, they go through a dangerous and abandoned places facing zombies and human enemies.
The series blends intense suspense with emotional storytelling. While there are moments of action and horror, its strongest impact comes from the relationship between Joel and Ellie, which evolves from reluctant partnership to a deep, family-like bond. The world-building is detailed and immersive, showing not just the physical dangers but also the moral compromises people must make to survive.
The Last of Us stands out for its high production quality, strong performances — especially from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey — and its ability to stay faithful to the game while expanding the story for television. The pacing balances tense survival sequences with quiet, character-driven moments, making it more than just a standard post-apocalyptic tale.
Critics and audiences have praised it for its emotional depth, atmospheric visuals, and thoughtful approach to the genre, marking it as one of the best recent adaptations of a video game to TV.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Max (HBO) in select regions.
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