From classic movies like The Italian Job to modern mysteries in the Harlan Coben novel adaptations, the Brits have a penchant for high-octane thrillers. Keeping viewers on the edge of their seats from the first minute to the last, British thrillers are a regular rotation in the viewing habits of millions, especially those who are subscribers to the biggest streaming platforms. Whether it’s a night in with popcorn and friends or a big-screen adventure, this genre rarely lets audiences down. So, with all that in mind, here’s a list of the best British thriller movies currently streaming on Netflix.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? For more recommendations, check out our lists of the best British movies on Netflix, or why not try our list of the best British detective shows on Netflix?
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘I Came By’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 68% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Fans of Lord Grantham might want to look away now; this is like you’ve never seen him before. Directed by Babak Anvari, I Came By follows a young graffiti artist’s attempt to break from the shackles of a society that seems to pass him by. However, in lashing out and breaking the rules, he comes into contact with an evil man with terrifying intentions. A recommendation of Stephen King himself, I Came By will have you gripping your chair as you struggle to catch your breath. Neatly balanced between both thriller and horror, this isn’t a movie for the faint-hearted, so make sure to enter with caution. – Jake Hodges
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‘The Strays’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% | IMDb: 4.9/10
Written and directed by Nathaniel Martello-White, The Strays is set in the perfect suburban life of Neve (Ashley Madekwe). With a loving family and an enriched professional life, Neve can’t think of a single stain on her idyllic modern image. That is, until two strangers arrive, with their infrequent appearances setting in motion a sequence of events that will lead Neve into the depths of her own sanity. A fascinating disassembly of the middle class, The Strays might not fulfill all of its thematic potential, but it has enough to say to keep any viewer engaged. A psychological thriller that runs at a pensive pace, The Strays isn’t for everyone, but fans of slow-burning tension-builders will have a great viewing experience. – Jake Hodges
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‘Frenzy’ (1972)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.4/10
One of Alfred Hitchcock‘s most underrated movies, Frenzy is set against the backdrop of a frightened London ravaged by the work of The Necktie Murderer. When Richard’s (Jon Finch) ex-wife is brutally murdered at the hands of the serial killer, all eyes turn to him as the prime suspect, with a race against the clock beginning as Richard desperately tries to prove his innocence. Hitchcock is the master of suspense for good reason, with Frenzy keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. Nail-biting and wholly immersive, Frenzy has aged like a fine wine and even includes a performance from the late great Bernard Cribbins. – Jake Hodges
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‘iBoy’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 69% | IMDb: 5.9/10
No, this isn’t Apple’s latest release — it’s actually a 2017 sci-fi thriller from director Adam Randall. After a tragic event leaves young Tom (Bill Milner) needing revolutionary surgery, he awakens to find parts of his smartphone have been put inside his head. In an attempt to rebuild his life back to normal, it quickly becomes apparent that a life like this is never going to be so. A blend of action, thriller, sci-fi, and superhero genres, iBoy has a little something for everyone. Although some of its themes are left relatively undiscovered, there is still a lot to like about iBoy, especially thanks to a strong, Black Mirror-esque narrative and an impressive lead performance by Milner. – Jake Hodges
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‘Calibre’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Sporting a 100% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ rating for good reason, Matt Palmer‘s Calibre follows Vaughn (Jack Lowden) and Marcus (Martin McCann), two hunters who take a trip to the Scottish highlands in need of a break. However, a break is the last thing they get, as a tragic incident leaves the pair potential targets of the ire of local villagers, with a plan of escape required. Lowden and McCann have wonderful chemistry in this nail-biting tale that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. A “vacation gone wrong” movie with a strong emphasis on the “wrong,” this underrated gem is a film deserving of much more attention on Netflix. – Jake Hodges
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‘High-Rise’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 60% | IMDb: 5.5/10
Directed by Ben Wheatley, High-Rise stars Loki himself, Tom Hiddleston, a young doctor in mid-1970s London who makes the move to a brand-new, state-of-the-art apartment block. However, all is not as it is advertised, with the desperate state of the alcohol- and drug-addicted residents soon turning into all-out carnage where lives are on the line. Leaving societal norms to fend for themselves against the onslaught of satire from screenwriter Amy Jump and the man behind the source material, J.G. Ballard, High-Rise is an unapologetic breakdown of class systems both in 1975 and today. Highlighted by a strong performance by Hiddleston, High-Rise is well worth your time. – Jake Hodges
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‘Munich: The Edge of War’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Fans of spy thrillers, this is the next watch for you. Directed by Christian Schwochow, Munich: The Edge of War, based on the international bestseller by Robert Harris, is set in the run-up to World War II. With the smell of battle in the European air, two friends on opposing sides travel for an emergency conference in Munich, with the reality of what is to come quickly dawning on them. A fascinating tale of secrets, lies, and deception, Munich: The Edge of War is made even more breathless by its placement at a terrible time in modern history. Although plenty of historical accuracy has been sacrificed for creative license, Munich: The Edge of War is still thoroughly engaging. – Jake Hodges
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‘Silent Night’ (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes: 66% | IMDb: 5.8/10
Not to be confused with the classic Christmas carol, Camille Griffin‘s Silent Night follows the gathering of family and friends at a country estate to celebrate the festive season. A yearly tradition for Nell (Keira Knightley) and Simon (Matthew Goode), the night always marks a moment of thanks for their precious lives. Little do they know that their thanks will be even more precious this time, as it soon dawns on the guests that this dinner will be their last. A truly affecting tale that feels both grounded emotionally and entertainingly exaggerated textually, Silent Night is a wonderful spin on festive family favorites that is worth a watch at any time of year. – Jake Hodges
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