Wifelike
2022 · TMDB 6.6/10 · 327 votes
A grieving detective in the near-future hunts down criminals who trade artificial humans on the black market. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Curated by SceneIt · United States
Tense Movies
This SceneIt list helps you quickly choose thrillers with sustained tension and strong audience response. Results are selected for the United States and balance audience response with practical watchability.
Updated 2026-08-04 · Ratings from TMDB
How we chose these titles
We rank eligible titles using TMDB audience ratings, vote confidence, relevance to the theme, and current popularity. Ratings can change as new votes are added.
The Negotiator
1998 · TMDB 7.1/10 · 2,428 votes
The police try to arrest expert hostage negotiator Danny Roman, who insists he's being framed for his partner's murder in what he believes is an elaborate conspiracy. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Insider
1999 · TMDB 7.5/10 · 2,106 votes
A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Outbreak
1995 · TMDB 6.6/10 · 2,531 votes
A deadly airborne virus finds its way into the USA and starts killing off people at an epidemic rate. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Illusionist
2006 · TMDB 7.3/10 · 5,393 votes
With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her away from her betrothed, a crown prince. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Ransom
1996 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 2,146 votes
When a rich man's son is kidnapped, he cooperates with the police at first but then tries a unique tactic against the criminals. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
What Happened to Monday
2017 · TMDB 7.1/10 · 6,498 votes
In a world where families are limited to one child due to overpopulation, a set of identical septuplets must avoid being put to a long sleep by the government and dangerous infighting while investigating the disappearance of one of their own. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Gift
2015 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 3,542 votes
Simon and Robyn are a young married couple whose life is going as planned until a chance run-in with Simon's high school acquaintance sends their world into a tailspin. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Ronin
1998 · TMDB 7.0/10 · 2,722 votes
A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals' hands. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Crimson Peak
2015 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 5,298 votes
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Carlito's Way
1993 · TMDB 7.8/10 · 3,521 votes
Free after years in prison, Carlito Brigante intends to give up his criminal ways, but it's not long before the ex-con is sucked back into the New York City underworld. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Roundup
2022 · TMDB 7.3/10 · 448 votes
The 'Beast Cop' Ma Seok-do heads to a foreign country to extradite a suspect, but soon after his arrival, he discovers additional murder cases and hears about a vicious killer who has been committing crimes against tourists for several years. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Match Point
2005 · TMDB 7.4/10 · 4,419 votes
Chris, a former tennis pro, takes a job as an instructor and befriends his wealthy young student, Tom. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds
2017 · TMDB 8.0/10 · 1,207 votes
Having died unexpectedly, firefighter Ja-hong is taken to the afterlife by 3 afterlife guardians. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Unknown
2011 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 4,228 votes
A man awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, (not even his wife), believes him. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Score
2001 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 1,904 votes
An aging thief hopes to retire and live off his ill-gotten wealth when a young kid convinces him into doing one last heist. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Halloween
2018 · TMDB 6.6/10 · 5,112 votes
Laurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Machinist
2004 · TMDB 7.5/10 · 6,248 votes
Trevor, an insomniac lathe operator, experiences unusual occurrences at work and home. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Spy Game
2001 · TMDB 6.9/10 · 2,397 votes
On the day of his retirement, a veteran CIA agent learns that his former protégé has been arrested in China, is sentenced to die the next morning in Beijing, and that the CIA is considering letting that happen to avoid an international scandal. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Night of the Living Dead
1968 · TMDB 7.6/10 · 2,781 votes
A ragtag group barricade themselves in an old Pennsylvania farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls ravaging the Northeast. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.