In the languid stretch between Christmas and New Year's Eve, when time seems to stand still, there's no better pursuit than diving into a heart-stopping film. The past twelve months have delivered a cinematic rollercoaster, with the thriller genre in particular offering some of 2025's most electrifying and talked-about titles.
The Unmissable Thrillers of 2025
Netflix has solidified its reputation as a home for suspense, boasting an impressive array of original productions and acquired hits. This year continued that trend with a slate of complex, twist-filled movies that have captivated audiences and dominated conversations. As we prepare to bid farewell to 2025, here are the essential thrillers currently streaming that you simply must watch before December 31st.
Star-Studded Mysteries and High-Stakes Drama
The third chapter in the beloved Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is now available. Daniel Craig returns as the inimitable detective Benoit Blanc, who is called to a small church in upstate New York after the baffling murder of a priest. With a suspect list featuring Father Jud, played by Josh O'Connor, and a stellar supporting cast including Cailee Spaeny and Andrew Scott, this is a must-see for mystery fans.
Another major success story for the platform this year was Tyler Perry's Straw. The film, which Perry wrote, directed, and produced, became an instant phenomenon, amassing a staggering 74 million streams in just two days. It features an Oscar-nominated performance from Taraji P. Henson as a single mother thrust into a vortex of violence while caring for her sick daughter.
For geopolitical tension, A House of Dynamite stands out. Praised as "captivating" and "the most thought-provoking movie of the 2025 Venice Film Festival," this film features Idris Elba as the U.S. President. The plot unfolds in real-time as the government scrambles to respond to a mysterious missile launch, with a cast that includes Rebecca Ferguson and Jared Harris.
Claustrophobic Suspense and Relentless Pursuits
Adapted from Ruth Ware's bestselling novel, The Woman in Cabin 10 stars Keira Knightley as journalist Laura Blacklock. While on a luxury cruise, she becomes convinced she has witnessed a murder, but with all passengers accounted for, she must risk everything to prove what she saw—a performance that left even Knightley feeling unsettled.
Night Always Comes, starring Vanessa Kirby, offers a different kind of tension. This August release flew under the radar but delivers a powerful story. Kirby plays Lynette, a former sex worker who has one desperate night to raise $25,000 to secure a future for her family, forcing her to confront a painful past.
The German film Brick sparked widespread discussion despite its polarising reception. In this confined thriller, a couple awakens to find their apartment building completely enclosed by a sinister brick wall, trapping them inside with their neighbours and a host of dark secrets.
Proving its enduring appeal, Carry-On remains a must-watch. After becoming one of Netflix's most-watched films ever in 2024, it's perfect for a revisit. Taron Egerton plays an airport security officer in a race against time to stop a dangerous item from being smuggled onto a Christmas Eve flight, delivering relentless suspense and high-octane chases.
Finally, for those who can handle intense action, Havoc is among the most brutal offerings. Tom Hardy stars as Detective Patrick Walker, who sustains a real injury during filming. The plot sees him navigating a corrupt underworld to rescue a politician's son from a botched drug deal, with time rapidly running out.
As the final hours of 2025 tick away, this collection of Netflix thrillers provides the perfect adrenaline-fuelled accompaniment to the year's end. Each film showcases the very best in suspense, mystery, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling that has defined the past twelve months in streaming.
