The last six years have been a golden era for thriller films, with directors pushing boundaries in storytelling, visuals, and tension. While some movies like Oppenheimer and John Wick: Chapter 4 earned near-universal acclaim, a handful of others landed just shy of perfection—still brilliant, but with one small element holding them back. Here are six near-perfect thrillers from 2019 to 2025 that almost made it all the way.
6. The Last Stop in Yuma County (2024)
This dark comedy thriller unfolds at a remote Arizona diner where a fuel shortage brings together a motley crew of strangers. When two bank robbers show up, the diner becomes a hostage standoff that grows more chaotic with every new arrival. The film balances tension and humor masterfully, but its one-note style—while consistently entertaining—keeps it from being an all-time classic. Still, it's one of the best bottle movies of the decade.
5. Mars Express (2023)
Animated thrillers are rare, but this French sci-fi noir proves the medium can deliver gripping, mature stories. Set in the year 2200, a private detective and her android partner hunt a hacker on Mars, uncovering a conspiracy about humanity's relationship with androids. Its worldbuilding and symbolism echo Blade Runner, yet its animated format may limit its audience. If it were live-action, it would be hailed as a modern noir masterpiece.
4. The Long Walk (2025)
Based on Stephen King's bleak novel, this dystopian thriller follows teenage boys in a deadly walking contest where the slowest are executed. The premise isn't entirely original—death games have been done before—but the performances and filmmaking keep you riveted. It's a crowd-pleaser that turns a grueling story into an engaging experience, even if the concept feels familiar.
3. Strange Darling (2024)
This horror-thriller uses a non-linear structure to hide context, telling a six-chapter story about a one-night stand that turns into a deadly chase. Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner deliver electrifying performances, and the twists keep coming. The downside? Once you know the full truth, rewatches lose some impact. It's a wild ride that's best experienced blind.
2. Sirāt (2025)
This Spanish thriller follows a man and his son searching for a missing family member at a Moroccan rave. The film's genius lies in its sound design—rave music and mountain silence create palpable tension. Its methodical pacing and stunning camerawork make it a standout international thriller, though some viewers may find its slow burn too deliberate. For those who appreciate patience, it's nearly flawless.
1. Pig (2021)
Nicolas Cage delivers a career-best performance in this quiet, emotional thriller about a truffle hunter searching for his stolen pig. The film subverts expectations, focusing on grief and redemption rather than revenge. Its only flaw? Some viewers expecting a typical Cage action movie may be disappointed by its meditative tone. But for those who embrace its subtlety, Pig is a near-perfect blend of thriller and drama.
These six films prove that near-perfection is still an incredible achievement. For more on thrillers that hit the mark, check out our list of International Thrillers That Are Perfect From Start to Finish or explore Forgotten Gems: 7 Near-Perfect Hard Sci-Fi Shows That Deserve a Second Look.
