Great thriller shows keep you on the edge of your seat with relentless twists, turns, and cliffhangers that make hitting 'next episode' irresistible. They're perfect for anyone craving a binge-watch that's impossible to predict. The 21st century has gifted us with some of the most addictive entries in the genre, featuring complex characters, toxic dynamics, and shocking plot twists. Here are the seven most addictive thriller TV shows of the 21st century, ranked.
7. 'You' (2018–2025)
Based on Caroline Kepnes' novels, You follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a seemingly ordinary bookstore manager who becomes dangerously obsessed with grad student Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail). The twist? Joe will do anything for 'love'—including stalking, manipulation, and murder. Each season sees Joe fixating on a new target, hiding his past, and eliminating anyone who stands in the way of his twisted idea of romance. It's a suspenseful, wildly entertaining dive into a killer's mind.
6. 'Bad Sisters' (2022–2024)
This dark comedy thriller, based on the Belgian series Clan, centers on the five Garvey sisters: Eva, Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka. The first season unfolds across two timelines: in the past, Grace is trapped in a marriage with the abusive Jean Paul (Claes Bang); in the present, Jean Paul is dead, and the sisters scramble to cover up their involvement. As Jean Paul's threats escalate, the sisters' amateur murder plots become both hilarious and harrowing. The show balances sharp humor with intense suspense, making it a must-watch.
5. 'Barry' (2018–2023)
Bill Hader stars as Barry Berkman, a former Marine turned hitman who stumbles into an LA acting class and falls in love with the craft. Determined to leave his violent past behind, Barry struggles to balance his two lives—a darkly comedic premise that grows increasingly tense with each season. The series is a masterclass in blending humor with heart-pounding suspense, as outside threats and Barry's own lies threaten to unravel everything. It's a uniquely addictive ride.
4. 'Yellowjackets' (2021–Present)
One of the most addictive thrillers of all time, Yellowjackets follows a high school girls' soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness, leaving them stranded for 19 months. The show cuts between their harrowing past and the present day, where survivors grapple with buried secrets. The central question: how far did the wilderness push them to survive, and what will they do to keep those truths hidden? It's impossible to look away from either timeline.
3. 'Severance' (2022–Present)
In a dystopian future, Lumon Industries offers employees a 'severance' procedure that splits their work and personal memories. Mark Scout (Adam Scott), a grieving widower, undergoes the surgery, leaving his 'innie' trapped in a sterile office existence. As the mysteries of Lumon deepen, the show becomes a mind-bending exploration of identity, control, and rebellion. For more emotionally devastating TV, check out our list of the most devastating episodes.
2. 'How to Get Away With Murder' (2014–2020)
Viola Davis leads this legal thriller as Annalise Keating, a brilliant law professor who gets entangled in a murder plot with her students. Each season piles on shocking twists, moral dilemmas, and high-stakes cover-ups. The show's breakneck pacing and Davis's powerhouse performance make it an addictive binge from start to finish.
1. 'The Best 21st Century Thrillers That Are Absolutely Flawless'
For more flawless thrillers, read our full ranking. These shows redefine the genre with their relentless tension and unforgettable characters.
