Top Five Thrillers to Stream After Avoiding Netflix and Prime Video’s Latest Failures

In the last few weeks, Netflix and Prime Video unveiled two highly anticipated thrillers, “The Whisper Man” and “The Runner,” but neither managed to meet expectations. As an ardent admirer of the thriller genre, I’d hoped for at least one of these films to stand out. However, both films are regrettably among the year's weakest, leaving viewers disappointed.

Having reviewed nearly 100 movies this year, I’d place both of these in my bottom ten across all genres, a sentiment I make with no hyperbole. If you’ve already committed time to watch either film—let alone both—you have my sympathies. Let's keep our fingers crossed you found some redeeming qualities in them!

Despite these significant misses, 2026 has offered several superior thrillers that are genuinely deserving of your attention. Below, I've put together a selection of five standout films you should stream instead.

‘Tuner’

Starting off our list is “Tuner,” a crime thriller that deserves more accolades than it's received. While it covers familiar ground for the genre, its tight plot and strong performances make it particularly engaging. Although I wished for more screen time from Dustin Hoffman, Leo Woodall shines as the lead character, showcasing his promising star potential.

Niki White (Woodall), a piano tuner suffering from hyperacusis—or as he describes it, “an allergy to noise”—finds himself embroiled in crime after discovering his ability to crack safes, leading to dire consequences. Along the way, viewers meet Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), a gifted music student who adds depth to this already gripping narrative.

Watch "Tuner" on Paramount+ starting September 21

‘Heel’

Next, “Heel,” also known as “Good Boy” in certain regions, offers both disturbingly dark humor and chilling moments. Director Jan Komasa expertly balances the film’s tones, leading to an experience where laughter is often followed by unease. Stephen Graham delivers a memorable performance as a dangerously unhinged character.

The story revolves around Tommy (Anson Boon), a 19-year-old delinquent kidnapped and held captive by Chris (Graham), whose misguided mission is to reform criminals. The psychological and physical torment faced by Tommy evolves throughout the film, leading to a climax devoid of a tidy resolution.

Watch "Heel" on Prime Video (buy/rent) now

‘Wasteman’

If mainstream acclaim means anything, consider “Wasteman,” which holds a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. I caught this gripping film early in the year, and it remains a standout due to the impressive chemistry between David Jonsson and Tom Blyth, both of whom deliver compelling performances.

The film follows Taylor (Jonsson), an inmate nearing early release for good behavior, whose plans are jeopardized when he becomes cellmates with Dee (Blyth). The tension escalates as Dee’s ambitions threaten Taylor’s chance at freedom, making for a taut, engaging watch.

Watch "Wasteman" on MUBI now

‘Crime 101’

Though I’m still bitter about “The Runner,” I must give credit to Amazon MGM Studios for “Crime 101,” a stellar crime thriller reminiscent of “Heat.” The film highlights a high-stakes heist from multiple viewpoints, creating a rich narrative tapestry enriched by a star-studded cast including Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry.

The plot centers around a master thief (Hemsworth) reevaluating his life and decisions after a perilous job results in a near-fatal incident. He grapples with his feelings for Monica Barbaro’s character, while a relentless detective (Ruffalo) is hot on his trail, adding layers of complexity and tension.

Watch "Crime 101" on Prime Video now

‘The Drama’

Rounding out the list is “The Drama,” which skews more towards dark romantic comedy but certainly weaves in thriller elements. Featuring the electric pairing of Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, this film hinges on a considerable plot twist that I won’t spoil here.

The narrative follows a couple excited to tie the knot, only for a shocking revelation to cast doubt on their relationship. It's a captivating film that rewards rewatching, as multiple continuity nuances become evident upon a second viewing.

Watch "The Drama" on HBO Max now

These five films showcase a range of thrilling narratives worth your streaming time, especially after the disappointing offerings from Netflix and Prime Video. Whether you’re looking for gritty realism, psychological tension, or something with a darkly comedic twist, you’ll find something to enjoy in this selection.