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HomeEntertainment8 Crime Thrillers on Prime Video You Can't Miss

8 Crime Thrillers on Prime Video You Can’t Miss

Prime Video is home to an extensive catalog of movies and TV series, and among the most popular genres that fans flock to are crime thrillers. These suspenseful, action-packed, and often gritty films keep audiences at the edge of their seats. With intricate plots, compelling characters, and plenty of twists, crime thrillers are perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery or high-stakes drama. Here, we take a look at 8 crime thrillers on Prime Video that you simply can’t miss.

1. The Little Things (2021)

Starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, The Little Things is a gripping psychological crime thriller that will leave you questioning everything. The movie centers on Joe “Deke” Deacon (Washington), a seasoned sheriff’s deputy who teams up with a young detective, Jim Baxter (Malek), to track down a serial killer in Los Angeles. However, Deke’s past resurfaces when he encounters a suspect, played by Leto, who has a chillingly cryptic demeanor.

The movie’s tension-filled atmosphere, complex characters, and thought-provoking plot make it an absolute must-watch for fans of the genre. The slow-burn pacing keeps viewers engaged while the moral questions surrounding justice and obsession add layers of depth to the story.

2. Night Hunter (2018)

In Night Hunter, Henry Cavill plays a detective who is on the trail of a serial killer in a small town. When the killer’s identity is finally uncovered, a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse ensues. The film also stars Alexandra Daddario, Ben Kingsley, and Stanley Tucci, adding star power and strong performances to the gripping storyline.

The film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the psychological effects of trauma. Its combination of twists and dark, suspenseful scenes makes it a must-see for fans of crime thrillers. Cavill’s performance as a detective who is balancing his own troubled past with his quest for justice is a major highlight of the film.

3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

David Fincher’s adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling crime novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, is a modern classic in the crime thriller genre. Starring Daniel Craig as investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara as the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander, the movie follows the duo as they work to solve the decades-old mystery of a missing woman in a wealthy family.

This film is a masterclass in building suspense. The atmosphere is chilling, and the story is filled with complex characters, dark secrets, and shocking twists. Mara’s performance as Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled hacker with a dark past, is mesmerizing and earned her an Academy Award nomination. If you love crime thrillers that delve into intricate mysteries and feature strong, multi-layered characters, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an essential watch.

4. The Silencing (2020)

The Silencing stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) as a former sheriff turned hunter who becomes involved in the search for a missing girl in a remote town. As he uncovers dark secrets surrounding the town’s residents, he discovers the girl’s disappearance is linked to a series of other unsolved crimes.

The movie is a gritty and atmospheric crime thriller that mixes elements of mystery and vengeance. Coster-Waldau’s performance as a man haunted by his past and determined to bring justice is gripping. The isolated setting and the growing sense of dread throughout the film make it an effective and emotionally resonant thriller.

5. A Most Wanted Man (2014)

Based on John le Carré’s novel, A Most Wanted Man is a taut, slow-burning spy thriller that explores themes of terrorism, espionage, and morality. Philip Seymour Hoffman stars as Günther Bachmann, a German intelligence agent who is tasked with investigating a young Chechen immigrant (Grigoriy Dobrygin) suspected of being involved in a terrorist plot. The film delves deeply into the murky world of intelligence work, where the lines between good and bad are often blurred.

While not your typical action-packed crime thriller, A Most Wanted Man offers a rich, character-driven experience. Hoffman’s portrayal of a world-weary intelligence officer who struggles with the ethical dilemmas of his work is one of his final and most memorable performances. The film is an excellent choice for those who enjoy intellectually stimulating thrillers with complex political themes.

6. The Mauritanian (2021)

The Mauritanian is based on the memoir of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a man who was detained at Guantanamo Bay for over 14 years without charge. While this film is based on real events, its thrilling narrative, compelling characters, and focus on justice make it an excellent addition to the crime thriller genre. Starring Tahar Rahim as Slahi, the film also features Shailene Woodley, Jodie Foster, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The story is an emotional rollercoaster, following Slahi’s legal battle for freedom after years of unjust imprisonment. The movie highlights the flaws in the legal system and the pursuit of truth in the face of a broken system. It’s a film that blends thriller and drama, making it an impactful watch for those who appreciate films that tackle real-world injustices.

7. Prisoners (2013)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners is an intense, disturbing crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The film stars Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, a father whose daughter and her friend go missing. As the investigation stalls, Dover takes matters into his own hands, resorting to increasingly desperate measures to find his daughter. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Detective Loki, the officer tasked with solving the case.

With a tightly woven plot that explores the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child, Prisoners is an emotionally charged thriller. The tension and moral ambiguity in the film create an unsettling atmosphere, and the performances from Jackman and Gyllenhaal are exceptional. This film will challenge your perceptions of justice, making it a must-watch for crime thriller fans.

8. Mindhunter (2017-2019)

While not a movie, Mindhunter is one of the best crime thriller TV series available on Prime Video. Created by David Fincher, Mindhunter is based on the real-life work of FBI agents who interviewed and studied serial killers in the late 1970s to understand their behavior and motives. The show stars Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany as FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, along with Anna Torv as Wendy Carr, a psychologist who joins the team.

Mindhunter stands out for its intellectual approach to the crime thriller genre, focusing on the psychological aspects of serial killers rather than just the crimes themselves. The chilling interviews with infamous criminals like Edmund Kemper, Jerry Brudos, and Richard Speck are some of the most compelling moments of the show. The meticulous character development and eerie tension make this series a standout in the genre, and its two seasons are essential for anyone who loves psychological thrillers.


Conclusion

Whether you enjoy slow-burning suspense, psychological depth, or high-stakes action, these 8 crime thrillers on Prime Video are sure to satisfy your craving for gripping stories. From the deep character study in Mindhunter to the intense, twist-filled narratives of Prisoners and The Mauritanian, these films and series keep you engaged with their unpredictable plots and complex moral dilemmas. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the thrilling ride that these crime thrillers offer!