The 22 finest thriller sequence on Netflix

Now that it’s a worldwide streaming big, it’s straightforward to overlook that Netflix first made waves in 2013 with the political thriller House of Cards, which set a brand new normal for on-demand tv and earned a number of Emmy Awards.

Since then, Netflix has continued to ship top-notch thrillers throughout genres, together with Squid Game, a pandemic-era phenomenon that captivated audiences with its high-stakes survival drama and social commentary. The platform can also be dwelling to trendy classics like Breaking Dangerous, which redefined crime dramas, and new favorites like Yellowjackets, which completely blends '90s nostalgia with survival horror.

Whether or not you're within the temper for tense political dramas, gritty crime sagas, or mind-bending psychological stunners, these 22 exhibits will maintain you on the sting of your seat. Listed here are the very best thriller sequence on Netflix proper now, as of February 2026.

01 of twenty-two

11.22.63 (2016)

Stephen King variations are usually hit and miss, however this eight-part restricted sequence is among the many higher ones. James Franco stars as Jake Epping, a modern-day English instructor who travels again to 1960 through portal, with a mission of stopping the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Whereas dealing with the immense strain of each motion he takes threatening to vary the course of historical past, Jake's mission is nonetheless difficult when he finds himself liking the brand new id he's cast. By way of suspenseful storytelling and dedicated performances, the sequence treats what might have felt like a goofy story with earnest, considerate care. —Kevin Jacobsen

The place to observe 11.22.63: Netflix

Forged: James Franco, Chris Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Lucy Fry, George MacKay

02 of twenty-two

Black Doves (2024–current)

This pulpy spy thriller sequence goes down finest in case you don't suppose too onerous concerning the plausibility of its plot. Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the spouse of the Secretary of State for Defence, who can also be a spy covertly working for a mercenary group generally known as the Black Doves. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes down a harmful path to analyze the perpetrator and groups up together with her hitman pal Sam (Ben Whishaw) to seek out solutions. EW's critic calls Black Doves "a remarkably contemporary, thrilling, and laugh-out-loud humorous caper," buoyed by complicated performances from Knightley and Whishaw, plus a scene-stealing Sarah Lancashire as Helen's enigmatic handler. —Ok.J.

The place to observe Black Doves: Netflix

EW grade: A–

Forged: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

03 of twenty-two

Black Rabbit (2025)

Household is all the things. It may possibly additionally complicate issues in methods you’ll be able to't even think about, as explored on this gritty miniseries from Kate Susman and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Zach Baylin. Jude Regulation stars as Jake, the proprietor of an upscale restaurant whose life is turned the wrong way up upon the reemergence of his troubled brother, Vince (Jason Bateman). Vince is in bother with mortgage sharks, and Jake feels obligated to assist him settle his money owed, resulting in a chaotic sequence of occasions. EW's critic calls Black Rabbit a "propulsive crime caper concerning the burden of household historical past." —Ok.J.

The place to observe Black Rabbit: Netflix

Forged: Jude Regulation, Jason Bateman, Cleopatra Coleman, Sope Dirisu, Troy Kotsur

04 of twenty-two

The Blacklist (2013–2023)

The Blacklist is thrilling for James Spader’s efficiency alone. The sequence begins with prison mastermind Raymond "Purple" Reddington (Spader) turning himself in to the FBI and providing details about his shady cohorts, however provided that he can work with a particular profiler, Elizabeth "Liz" Eager (Megan Boone). With 10 seasons of twists and turns, The Blacklist evolves far past the query of why Purple is so taken with Liz and stays binge-worthy all through (even when the plot is a tad bit ridiculous at occasions). —Janey Tracey

The place to observe The Blacklist: Netflix

Forged: James Spader, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff

05 of twenty-two

Bodyguard (2018)

A sleeper hit that turned the U.Ok.'s most-watched drama on document, Bodyguard stars Richard Madden as a battle veteran with PTSD assigned to guard a high-profile politician with controversial views. Madden's efficiency received him a Golden Globe, and the nerve-shredding motion sequences make it a supremely thrilling watch. EW's author praises the portrayal of ladies in positions of energy and the "what-the-heck-is-even-happening moments" that maintain you clicking "subsequent episode." —J.T.

The place to observe Bodyguard: Netflix

Forged: Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

06 of twenty-two

Breaking Dangerous (2008–2013)

Broadly thought-about probably the greatest TV sequence of all time, Breaking Bad charts the rise and fall of Walter White, a down-on-his-luck chemistry instructor who’s identified with terminal most cancers and begins manufacturing meth to offer for his pregnant spouse and teenage son. Bryan Cranston delivers a career-defining efficiency, and Walt's transformation from household man to ruthless drug lord is without doubt one of the most gripping arcs in tv historical past.

The sequence' success led to a prequel spinoff centered on fan-favorite character Saul Goodman, in addition to a film sequel during which Aaron Paul reprises his function as Walt's troubled but empathetic younger confederate, Jesse. —J.T.

The place to observe Breaking Dangerous: Netflix

Forged: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk

07 of twenty-two

Darkish (2017–2020)

This German thriller begins with the disappearance of two youngsters from a small city, but it surely rapidly morphs right into a labyrinthine story of time journey and interconnected households throughout generations. The sequence' non-linear narrative and complicated puzzles demand your full consideration — this isn’t the sort of present you’ll be able to watch whereas doing all your laundry — but it surely's price it, because the unfolding thriller explores heady ideas like parallel worlds, timeline paradoxes, and the concept that the previous, current, and future are all inextricably linked. —J.T.

The place to observe Darkish: Netflix

Forged: Louis Hofmann, Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn

08 of twenty-two

Dept. Q (2025–current)

The sins of the previous intersect in each the private {and professional} lifetime of Deputy Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) on this moody psychological crime thriller. Following a capturing incident, Morck returns to the power, the place the division chief assigns him the accountability of fixing town's many chilly instances. The thrills of Dept. Q are extra of a gradual, constructing suspense however no much less satisfying, with a watch for character growth as Morck adjusts to his new actuality and grapples with varied traumas. —Ok.J.

The place to observe Dept. Q: Netflix

EW grade: A–

Forged: Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne

09 of twenty-two

The Diplomat (2023–current)

Keri Russell casting and marital strife are at all times an excellent combine. On The Diplomat, Russell provides a standout, Emmy-nominated efficiency as Kate Wyler, a newly appointed U.S. ambassador navigating geopolitical conflicts whereas struggling to maintain her tumultuous marriage intact. Whereas not practically as critical as The People, the present's mix of worldwide affairs, witty dialogue, and relationship drama is a contemporary and interesting tackle the political thriller style. —J.T.

The place to observe The Diplomat: Netflix

Forged: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi

10 of twenty-two

Homeland (2011–2020)

This gripping political thriller might go in some wild instructions throughout its eight seasons, however the experience is price it nonetheless. Claire Danes stars as Carrie Mathison, a superb CIA officer residing with bipolar dysfunction who develops a fixation on a Marine Corps veteran she believes has been recruited by al-Qaeda. "On the middle of Homeland’s attraction is the truth that it’s directly well timed and escapist," writes EW's critic. "The sequence takes critically the notion that America continues to be very a lot a terrorism goal, that the killing of Osama bin Laden might have pushed our enemies each deeper underground and right into a deeper rage." —Ok.J.

The place to observe Homeland: Hulu

EW grade: A–

Forged: Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, Morena Baccarin, David Harewood

11 of twenty-two

Home of Playing cards (2013–2018)

Netflix's first essential juggernaut, Home of Playing cards follows Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a ruthless politician who manipulates, blackmails, and betrays his method to the highest with the assistance of his spouse, the Girl Macbeth-esque Claire (Robin Wright). The primary few seasons juxtapose his energy struggles in authorities with the complicated dynamics in his marriage, however after Spacey’s departure, Wright takes middle stage, reworking the present right into a story about her character's ascent to energy (appropriately). —J.T.

The place to observe Home of Playing cards: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Forged: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Mahershala Ali

The 18 best thrillers to watch on Netflix right now The 17 best true crime shows on Hulu for your inner sleuth 12 of twenty-two

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer give powerhouse performances on this recreation of cat and mouse between MI5 agent Eve Polastri (Oh) and the charismatic murderer Villanelle (Comer). Recognized for its razor-sharp dialogue from author Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and for Villanelle's fabulous wardrobe, Killing Eve was a cultural second, particularly in its first season. The thriller sequence had a famously divisive ending, however we'll at all times have Comer's iconic Villanelle and her fluffy pink costume. —J.T.

The place to observe Killing Eve: Netflix

EW grade: B

Forged: Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw

13 of twenty-two

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Set within the late-Nineteen Seventies, Mindhunter follows FBI brokers Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Invoice Tench (Holt McCallany) as they develop the primary prison profiling system by interviewing infamous serial killers. With every unsettling session, the brokers achieve deeper insights into the prison thoughts — and the job begins taking a higher toll on their very own psyches. Along with David Fincher's fashionable course, Mindhunter stands out for its chilling performances, particularly Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper and Damon Herriman as Charles Manson, whom the latter additionally performed in As soon as Upon a Time in Hollywood. —J.T.

The place to observe Mindhunter: Netflix

Forged: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv

14 of twenty-two

Cash Heist (2017–2021)

The tough thriller Cash Heist follows a gaggle of criminals, led by the enigmatic "Professor," as they perform meticulously deliberate heists on the Royal Mint of Spain and the Financial institution of Spain. Initially a two-part restricted sequence, its reputation on Netflix led to a number of renewals, ending with a fifth season in 2021 and provoking a South Korean adaptation and a derivative, Berlin. By the point the ultimate season aired, Cash Heist was the highest streaming TV present on the earth, solidifying its standing as a cultural phenomenon. —J.T.

The place to observe Cash Heist: Netflix

Forged: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Itziar Ituño

15 of twenty-two

The Evening Agent (2023–current)

The Evening Agent follows Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), a low-level FBI agent who uncovers a serious conspiracy after answering a not often used emergency line. Following its premiere on Netflix in March 2023, it rapidly turned the platform's third-most-watched debut sequence because of its binge-ability, the chemistry between the leads, and its entertaining combination of old style spy thriller tropes and albeit insane conspiracy twists. —J.T.

The place to observe The Evening Agent: Netflix

Forged: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Hong Chau

16 of twenty-two

Orphan Black (2013–2017)

Tatiana Maslany isn't the one cause to observe this gripping sci-fi sequence, however she's actually the primary attraction. The actress, who received an Emmy for her multifaceted work, performs 5 genetic clones, every with their very own distinct character and way of life. As one of many clones discovers the existence of the others, she quickly finds herself on the run from varied factions intent on capturing and/or killing her and her sisters. The five-season sequence delves into potent themes of id, corruption, and ethics as we hurdle towards a future dominated by expertise. —Ok.J.

The place to observe Orphan Black: Netflix

Forged: Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando

17 of twenty-two

Ozark (2017–2022)

Ozark follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a monetary planner who will get in over his head after laundering cash for a drug cartel, forcing his household to relocate to the Ozarks. If that sounds just like Breaking Dangerous, it’s, particularly with the added layers of complicated marriage and household dynamics as all of them rapidly turn into complicit in Marty's crimes. Every season raises the stakes with rigidity that by no means lets up, resulting in an unforgettable, bleak finale. —J.T.

The place to observe Ozark: Netflix

Forged: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner

18 of twenty-two

Squid Sport (2021–2025)

Squid Sport might have solely debuted in 2021, however the masked guards and big robotic doll are already popular culture iconography. The South Korean thriller sequence, which follows a gaggle of determined members competing in lethal youngsters's video games for an enormous money prize, combines stunning violence with poignant social commentary about wealth disparity. The present garnered an enormous following through the pandemic and broke Netflix viewership information, inspiring numerous memes, Halloween costumes, and fan theories. —J.T.

The place to observe Squid Sport: Netflix

Forged: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su

19 of twenty-two

The Vacationer (2022–current)

In The Vacationer, Jamie Dornan performs a person who wakes up with amnesia within the distant Australian outback with no thought why harmful figures are searching him down. This may occasionally appear to be a foolish premise, and it’s, however the present pulls it off because of the sharp, self-aware writing, robust performances, and a candy, unconventional romance between Dornan’s character and the constable–turned–aspiring detective (Danielle Macdonald) who helps him seek for the reality. The second season was equally entertaining, and whereas there hasn't been any renewal announcement, by no means say by no means to a season 3. —J.T.

The place to observe The Vacationer: Netflix

Forged: Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Damon Herriman

20 of twenty-two

Wayward (2025)

The premise of Wayward might sound acquainted to connoisseurs of thriller thrillers: Two teenage ladies, who attend an academy for troubled youth, examine darkish secrets and techniques lurking beneath the floor of their seemingly strange small city. What elevates Wayward above different exhibits of its selection is the standard of the forged (Toni Collette because the academy's charismatic head instructor is an apparent spotlight) and its distinctive perspective. Created by Mae Martin, who additionally stars as a police officer who identifies as nonbinary, the sequence delves into the difficulties of being ostracized in a single's group. —Ok.J.

The place to observe Wayward: Netflix

Forged: Mae Martin, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe, Toni Collette, Sarah Gadon

21 of twenty-two

Yellowjackets (2021–current)

Should you crossed Misplaced with Lord of the Flies and a heavy dose of feminine rage, you’d get Yellowjackets. The present follows a highschool ladies' soccer group whose airplane crashes within the wilderness, forcing them to do unspeakable issues to outlive. Instructed by way of two timelines, the thriller sequence blends '90s nostalgia with darkish, psychological drama, exploring the brutal complexities of feminine friendships. Christina Ricci steals the present because the unhinged Misty, whereas Melanie Lynskey delivers a powerhouse efficiency as grownup Shauna. —J.T.

The place to observe Yellowjackets: Netflix

Forged: Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell

22 of twenty-two

You (2018–2025)

You follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a captivating bookstore supervisor who thinks of himself as a romantic, however his obsessions spiral into stalking and violence. The primary season particularly satirizes poisonous rom-com tropes — if it weren't for Joe's sinister voiceover and occasional murders, he would possibly resemble a persistent, swoon-worthy lead. Badgley's nuanced efficiency provides Joe unsettling depth, a lot in order that he typically urges followers to cease romanticizing the character. The entire sequence is now streaming — time to see if Joe lastly confronted the implications of his personal actions. —J.T.

The place to observe You: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Forged: Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Jenna Ortega

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