The Infiltrator
2016 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 1,839 votes
A U.S Customs official uncovers a massive money laundering scheme involving Pablo Escobar. 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.
Kate
2021 · TMDB 6.6/10 · 1,744 votes
A ruthless criminal operative has less than 24 hours to exact revenge on her enemies and in the process forms an unexpected bond with the daughter of one of her past victims. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Blind Fury
1989 · TMDB 6.5/10 · 508 votes
A blind Vietnam vet, trained as a swordfighter, comes to America and helps to rescue the son of a fellow soldier. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Professional
1981 · TMDB 7.2/10 · 597 votes
Josselin Beaumont, a French secret agent, is tasked with assassinating Njala, the president for life of Malawi in Africa. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Pulse
2001 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 690 votes
In the immense city of Tokyo, the darkness of the afterlife lures some of its inhabitants desperately trying to escape the sadness and isolation of the modern world. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Golden Glove
2019 · TMDB 6.9/10 · 657 votes
A serial killer strikes fear in the hearts of residents of Hamburg during the early 1970s. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Black Box
2021 · TMDB 7.3/10 · 1,449 votes
After being assigned to investigate the aftermath of a catastrophic plane crash, an NTSB black box analyst uncovers chilling audio anomalies that no one else seems willing to acknowledge. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
New World
2013 · TMDB 7.4/10 · 553 votes
An undercover cop has his loyalties tested when the boss of the corporate gang he's spent years infiltrating dies. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
We Own the Night
2007 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 1,550 votes
A New York nightclub manager tries to save his brother and father from Russian mafia hitmen. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Open Your Eyes
1997 · TMDB 7.4/10 · 1,211 votes
Handsome 25-year-old Cesar had it all -- a successful career, expensive cars, a swank bachelor's pad, and an endless string of beautiful and willing women -- until he is thrown into a strange psychological mystery after a car accident scars his face and lands him in prison. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Joint Security Area
2000 · TMDB 7.8/10 · 853 votes
Two North Korean soldiers are killed in the border area between North and South Korea, prompting an investigation by a neutral body. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Deep Red
1975 · TMDB 7.7/10 · 1,609 votes
An English pianist living in Rome witnesses the brutal murder of his psychic neighbor. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
El Mariachi
1993 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 1,309 votes
El Mariachi just wants to play his guitar and carry on the family tradition. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Side Effects
2013 · TMDB 6.6/10 · 3,355 votes
A woman turns to prescription medication as a way of handling her anxiety concerning her husband's upcoming release from prison. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Exam
2009 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 2,331 votes
Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join the ranks of a mysterious and powerful corporation. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
One Hour Photo
2002 · TMDB 6.7/10 · 1,951 votes
Sy Parrish has lovingly developed photographs for the Yorkin family since their son was a baby. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Crimson Rivers
2000 · TMDB 6.9/10 · 1,765 votes
Two French policemen, one investigating a grisly murder at a remote mountain college, the other working on the desecration of a young girl's grave by skinheads, are brought together by the clues from their respective cases. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Don't Look Now
1973 · TMDB 6.9/10 · 1,202 votes
While grieving a terrible loss, a married couple meet two mysterious sisters, one of whom gives them a message sent from the afterlife. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
The Wolf's Call
2019 · TMDB 7.5/10 · 2,174 votes
Shown from the perspective of a young submariner with unusually sensitive hearing and uncannily precise sound recognition. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.
Purple Noon
1960 · TMDB 7.6/10 · 610 votes
Tom Ripley is a talented mimic, moocher, forger and all-around criminal improviser; but there's more to Tom Ripley than even he can guess. This title fits the list's theme and selection thresholds.