Thriller shows are one of the best genres to watch when one wants to engross oneself in a binge session. They offer mystery, action sequences, and a whodunit vibe that keeps the viewers hooked to what will come next.
The online streaming platform Netflix has a plethora of such thriller shows that are certain to curb one's cravings for a wholesome series. And especially this year, in 2024, a slew of new promising thrillers have been added to the platform.
So, here's a list of the eight best thriller shows that viewers can watch this year on Netflix:
- Bodkin
- Baby Reindeer
- A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
- Tokyo Swindlers
- Dear Child
- Clickbait
- 3 Body Problem
- The Night Agent
Baby Reindeer, Bodkin, and other thriller shows to watch on Netflix this year
1) Bodkin
Created by Jez Scharf, Bodkin is a dark comedy thriller - the first Netflix series produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s ‘Higher Ground Production’. The story revolves around an American podcast host who travels to Ireland to investigate an old case. He is accompanied by his assistant and an Irish investigative journalist.
The series has gained praise for its dark humor, engaging story, and rounded characters. The show pokes fun at true crime podcasts while offering beautiful cinematography of the quaint Irish landscapes, keeping its viewers engaged.
2) Baby Reindeer
The breakout hit from this year, this thriller show is unnerving as it is based on the real-life story of Richard Gadd, who also plays the lead role himself. The seven-episode series re-enacts the actual stalking that Gadd experienced by a woman.
The show intermixes Gadd getting stalked with flashbacks from his life that show the self-doubt and assault he went through. Baby Reindeer is therefore a complex portrayal of trauma. Jessica Gunning, who plays the stalker Martha, has been critically praised for her acting. This one is a must-watch for thriller show fans.
3) A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Adapted from a novel series by Holly Jackson, this British thriller show is an engrossing watch that revolves around a baffling murder of a school girl in a small town, that has still left unanswered questions.
A few years after the murder, the protagonist, Pip, becomes obsessed with the case and decides to do a school project on this topic. The show is tight and fast-paced, with Emma Myers doing a convincing job as the hell-bent investigator Pip.
4) Tokyo Swindlers
This Japanese thriller show is based on the namesake novel by Ko Shinjo, venturing into an unexplored part of Japan—“jimenshi” (or land swindlers). The series has an ensemble cast that bands together to commit land scams across the country. It also offers historical references that shed light on this scam for the viewers, along with being a great slow burn.
In the show, the scam group comprises a forger, a negotiator, a legal advisor, and an informant. The cast has been praised for its nuanced acting and the show delivers various twists and turns to the viewers.
5) Dear Child
Based on a book by Romy Hausmann, this limited crime thriller series is about a kidnapped woman who reappears after many years, forcing the police to reopen and investigate her case. This shocking premise keeps the viewers heavily engaged.
Dear Child incorporates fragmented storytelling to keep the viewers guessing throughout this whodunit as new information is revealed at every turn. The thriller promises to be a good binge for audiences.
6) Clickbait
A thriller show about the dangers of the modern invention of social media, Clickbait takes a hard and unnerving look into the lives of people who have been upended by cybercrime. The limited series revolves around a man, Nick Brewer, who is seen in an online video, stating that if the video reaches five million views, he will die.
Now, his family must figure out the other side of Brewer’s social media life that they had been unaware of. The show intently focuses on the burden this incident puts on the family while showcasing the loss of ethics in today’s ‘viral-loving’ world.
7) 3 Body Problem
Based on a book trilogy, Remembrance of Earth’s Past by author Liu Cixin, this mystery thriller show includes fantasy and sci-fi. In the eight-episode show, the narration jumps back and forth between decades and is set between China and the United Kingdom. The story revolves around a group of scientists who encounter an alien civilization.
The series has stunning visual effects and impressive cinematography. The action sequences have also been praised and whether one has read the books or not, viewers would probably like to binge this epic TV adaptation.
8) The Night Agent
Containing equal parts of action and thrill, this is one of the most viewed series on Netflix. The story revolves around a government conspiracy plot, where FBI agent Peter Sutherland must perform high-stakes challenges to find the traitor who is helping in planning a terrorist attack.
The series is well-paced, containing impressive action sequences and a story that will keep the audience hooked and on their toes. This one is a great watch for fans of political thrillers.
From sci-fi and investigative to crime and political, this list covers a range of thriller shows that viewers can now binge on Netflix.