13 iconic Hindi thriller movies of all time that have stood the test of time with their suspenseful plot; to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hotstar and more

From black-and-white classics to modern masterpieces, here are the iconic Hindi thriller movies of all time

Thriller movies offer a gripping experience, unlike horror films' bloodshed, brutality, and gore. They thrive on conflict, unexpected twists, and tension that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While many of us might think Hindi thriller movies don’t always meet this criteria, trust us when we say you haven’t watched the best. Greatest Hindi thriller movies build up anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, making you question their perception of reality. Be it the gothic horror genre, neo-noir crime thriller, a story of reincarnation, or playing twisted mind games, Indian directors have done it all, and it’s your turn to discover it. Here, we've curated a list of the finest thriller movies that will not let you even blink your eyes.

13 iconic Hindi thriller movies of all time that stood the test of time with their suspenseful plot setting a benchmark in cinematic storytelling

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1. Sangharsh - Amazon Prime Video

Based on The Silence of the Lambs, Sangharsh stands out as one of Bollywood's most gripping thriller films. At the time of its release, the movie faced challenges in resonating with Indian audiences, much like other innovative cinematic ventures. The plot centers on a tense dynamic between a professor, a psychopath, and a determined investigator. Ashutosh Rana steals the show with his chilling sequences and riveting performance, while Kumar delivers a standout portrayal, marking a career highlight with his compelling acting prowess.

2. Drishyam - Amazon Prime Video

Originally a blockbuster in Malayalam cinema, Drishyam was remade in Hindi. The film broke records at the box office and became one of the iconic Hindi thriller movies. The story centers on Vijay Salgaonkars, a humble man who lives with his wife Nandini and their two daughters and runs a cable business in Goa. The family lives a peaceful life until they become a suspect in the investigation of a missing boy, Sameer Deshmukh, the son of IG Meera Deshmukh. Now Vijay and his family must navigate the complex and often ruthless justice system. It's a gripping tale of survival and ingenuity against formidable odds, making it a top recommendation for fans of Hindi thriller movies.

Gumnaam is loosely inspired by Agatha Christie's classic ‘And Then There Were None’. The film was later adapted into Tamil as Naalai Unathu Naal. The story unfolds with eight individuals stranded on a remote island after winning a contest, seeking shelter in an eerie mansion overseen by a peculiar butler. Soon, they find themselves targeted by a mysterious killer who systematically picks them off one by one. Raja Nawathe's direction seamlessly blends suspense with Bollywood's trademark elements of humour and music, crafting an engrossing narrative. The climax, which involves a high-stakes Russian roulette game, injects a thrilling twist into the tale. Featuring a stellar cast including Manoj Kumar, Helen, Pran, and Mehmood, Gumnaam is celebrated for its iconic songs like Kitty Kelly, showcasing Helen's allure on the beach, and the unforgettable Hum Kaale Hain Toh Kya Hua.

4. Badla - Netflix

This Hindi thriller, a remake of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest, has a gripping narrative delivering shocking twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. Naina Sethi, a young and successful businesswoman, finds herself ensnared in a legal nightmare when she is accused of murdering her lover, Arjun. To clear her name, she takes the help of Badal Gupta, a legendary attorney with an impeccable track record of never losing a case in four decades. As Badal delves into Naina’s account of events, he quickly uncovers inconsistencies and gaps, leading to a tense unraveling of the truth.

5. 16 December – Amazon Prime Video And Youtube

Directed by Mani Shankar, this action-packed thriller starring Milind Soman is a must-watch. The film delves into the intense world of political intrigue, focusing on a secret agency's race against time to thwart a terrorist group's plans for a nuclear attack planned for December 16th in India. For those who are unfamiliar, the movie's title references the day Pakistan surrendered to India in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It also includes the iconic line, Bidaai ke liye sab tayyar?, which resonates with many millennials who saw the film. The cast also features Gulshan Grover, Danny Denzongpa, and Sushant Singh, adding to the film's gripping narrative.

6. Kahaani - Amazon Prime Video

Kahaani is a masterful Hindi thriller that stands out as a one-woman tour de force. Vidya Balan stars as Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman who arrives in Kolkata from London during the festive season to search for her missing husband. On her mission to find him, she encounters intriguing people; each of them might have some connection with his disappearance. The film's rich sense of place, complex characters, and captivating soundtrack immerse viewers in a maze of suspense until the end.

7. Mahal (1947) - YouTube

The German Classic The Golem (1920) introduced viewers to the Gothic horror genre worldwide. It’s interesting to see how Kamal Amrohil experimented with a similar trend in India with Mahal as early as 1947, making it a milestone moment for Indian cinema's Gothic horror genre. To date, Mahal remains a complex blend of romance and unparalleled eerie suspense, and one of the most iconic Hindi thriller movies. Remember the popular track Aayega Aane Wala by Lata Mangeshkar? Well, it comes from this movie.

The story goes like this — upon moving into a grand mansion, Shankar is swiftly drawn into its tragic history. The atmosphere shifts as he begins experiencing visions of a woman who claims to have been his lover in a past life. One stormy midnight, Hari Shankar arrives at the palace and is immediately entranced by the presence of a soul wandering the halls. The tale unfolds with Kamini, who awaits the reincarnation of her deceased lover, fervently convinced that Shankar embodies his spirit. Her apparitions stir within him an intense longing, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

8. Darr – Amazon Prime Video, Youtube & Apple Tv+

Widely regarded as one of Shah Rukh Khan’s finest performances, this film revealed a newer facet of his acting prowess. The story centres on Rahul, who obsessively fixates on Kiran and meticulously monitors her every move. When Kiran becomes engaged to Sunil, a naval officer, Rahul's obsession drives him to drastic measures to disrupt their engagement and claim her for himself. The film, directed by Yash Chopra, also stars Juhi Chawla, Sunny Deol, and Anupam Kher.

A standout creation from Abbas–Mustan, Ajnabee features Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Akshay Kumar, and Bobby Deol in a gripping romantic thriller. Released during an era dominated by family dramas and historical epics, this film broke the mould with its intense suspense and unexpected twists. Its memorable dialogue, "Everything is planned," and the hit song Mehbooba Mehbooba contribute to the film's enduring appeal, making it a thrilling roller coaster ride that remains captivating and nostalgic.

10. Kudrat – Zee5

This is one of those films with a twist ending that stunned the audiences. Directed by Chetan Anand and featuring Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Vinod Khanna, and Raaj Kumar, this iconic thriller debuted in the early 80s. The film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and has some of the most beloved old Hindi songs composed by the legendary R.D. Burman. The story follows Chandramukhi, who, upon visiting Shimla, discovers she was Paro in a past life—a girl who was raped and murdered. Determined to seek justice, she embarks on a mission to punish those responsible for her tragic fate.

11. Aankhen – Amazon Prime Video & YouTube

This film, directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, centres on an elaborate bank heist. It is Bollywood's original version of Money Heist, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal, and Aditya Pancholi. Like the Professor, Amitabh Bachchan masterminds the robbery, orchestrating a team of highly skilled blind men to carry out the intricate plan. This movie stands as a quintessential heist thriller in Indian cinema.

12. A Wednesday - Netflix

A Wednesday is a gripping thriller that unfolds over one dramatic day in Mumbai. This Bollywood gem highlights injustice meted out to ordinary citizens, delivering a powerful wake-up call. The story intensifies when an anonymous caller reaches out to Mumbai Commissioner Rathod from a rooftop, issuing a terrifying ultimatum: release four terrorists within four hours, or five bombs planted across the city will explode simultaneously. The film's brilliance lies in the intense exchanges between Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. Their masterful performances bring depth to a thrilling psychological battle, exploring complex moral issues from opposing perspectives.

13. Ek Hasina Thi - Amazon Prime Video

Released in 2004, the neo-noir Hindi thriller starring Saif Ali Khan and Urmila Matondkar captivated audiences with its gripping narrative. The film follows a woman who becomes infatuated with a mysterious businessman, only to have her life shattered when she is wrongfully implicated in the case of his criminal activities. After serving time for a crime she didn't commit, she emerges from prison with a burning desire for vengeance. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this film quickly became a sensation thanks to its intense storyline and complex characters. The movie's climax is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, to say the least.