4 Underrated Thrillers You Need to Watch

From a chilling Japanese crime procedural to a stylish neo-noir, these hidden gem thrillers deserve more attention.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass and glittering shards in high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the gritty, stylized aesthetic of underrated thriller films.These overlooked thriller gems offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream blockbusters, showcasing the genre's creative potential.NYC Today

If you consider yourself a thriller fan, you need to check out these four underrated gems. The list includes the Japanese crime drama 'Cure,' the gritty New York crime saga 'King of New York,' the 1970s conspiracy thriller 'Klute,' and the supernatural Southern Gothic 'The Gift.' While these films may not be household names, they are near-perfect examples of the thriller genre that deserve more recognition.

Why it matters

These four thrillers offer unique and compelling perspectives on the genre, moving beyond the mainstream blockbusters. They showcase the versatility of the thriller format, blending elements of crime, horror, and psychological drama to create unforgettable cinematic experiences. Discovering these hidden gems can expand viewers' appreciation for the depth and artistry possible within the thriller genre.

The details

The list includes the chilling Japanese procedural 'Cure,' where a detective investigates a series of seemingly motiveless murders; the ultra-violent and stylish New York crime saga 'King of New York,' starring Christopher Walken as a drug lord turned Robin Hood; the 1970s conspiracy thriller 'Klute,' featuring an Oscar-winning performance from Jane Fonda; and the supernatural Southern Gothic 'The Gift,' a twisty whodunit directed by Sam Raimi.

  • Cure was released in 1997.
  • King of New York premiered in 1990.
  • Klute was released in 1971.
  • The Gift hit theaters in 2000.

The players

Kiyoshi Kurosawa

The director of Cure, known for his atmospheric psychological horror films.

Christopher Walken

The acclaimed actor who starred as the crime boss Frank White in King of New York.

Jane Fonda

The Oscar-winning actress who delivered a career-defining performance in the title role of Klute.

Sam Raimi

The director behind the cult classic Evil Dead series, who brought his stylized touch to the supernatural thriller The Gift.

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What they’re saying

“Cure walked so movies like Zodiac and Memories of Murder could run, but we would argue that Cure is ultimately the superior work.”

— Brianna Zigler, Writer

“Ultra-violent and extremely dark, King of New York isn't terribly ambitious with its story, but it's everything around that story that makes it such an unforgettable experience.”

— Brianna Zigler, Writer

“Klute is a solidly written mystery with great acting, but it also stands out as an intelligent and nuanced portrayal of sex work.”

— Brianna Zigler, Writer

The takeaway

These four underrated thrillers showcase the depth and artistry possible within the genre, moving beyond the mainstream blockbusters. Discovering these hidden gems can expand viewers' appreciation for the versatility of the thriller format.