10 Best TV Thrillers To Binge on Prime Video

Thriller TV shows have caught our collective interest from the very beginning. The mind-bending twists, psychological thrillers, and heart-pounding suspense, all make up a narrative that is simply irresistible. But there’s more to thrillers than just there. Most TV shows thrive because they strike the perfect balance between storytelling, complex characters, and establishing a constant fear of the unknown to keep viewers hooked to the screen, episode after episode.

Thriller TV shows also have a way of seamlessly infusing other genres into their DNA, from the chilling horror elements that send a shiver down the spine, to the nerve-wrecking psychological ones that leave us confused about what’s real and what isn’t. And what better place to indulge in these thrillers than on Prime Video? The streamer has become a treasure trove for some of the most captivating thrillers and to save you the trouble of browsing its catalog and searching for the perfect series to immerse yourself in, we have created a list of the 10 best TV thrillers to binge on Prime Video.

10

‘Cross’ (2024)

Cross

4
/5

Release Date

November 14, 2024

Directors

Craig Siebels, Nzingha Stewart

Writers

Ben Watkins

Based on the bestselling novels by James Patterson, Cross is a recent crime thriller that follows the life of Alex Cross, a brilliant D.C. Metro detective and forensic psychologist, who dives into the most complex and twisted criminal cases along with his partner, Detective John Sampson. As they pursue America’s most sadistic killers, Alex also fights his inner demons and strives to keep his family safe.

One of Patterson’s Best Adaptations

Cross is a tense and predictable series that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats but fails to deliver a punch as strong as other shows in the genre. It has an intricate storyline and character-driven plot, stars Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, and Juanita Jennings in the lead roles, and portrays the main character as a determined and compassionate detective. It holds a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been renewed for a second season.

9

‘Reacher’ (2022 – Present)

Reacher

Release Date

February 3, 2022

Network

Prime Video

Showrunner

Nick Santora

Reacher centers around Jack Reader, a former military police officer turned self-proclaimed drifter who goes from town to town and rights all sorts of wrongs and fights injustices. When Reacher arrives in the (fictional) rural town of Margrave, Georgia, he is accused of murder. In an attempt to clear his name, he finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy involving corrupt officials and a dark past.

Refreshing Take on Old-School Thrillers

If you are in the mood for a gritty, no-nonsense thriller that packs a lot of action and is a masterclass in classic crime storytelling, Reacher is the ideal pick. A faithful adaptation of Lee Child’s bestselling book series, it spans three seasons, each tacking a new case where the protagonist refuses to back down, no matter the cost. Anchored by Alan Ritchson’s compelling performance, it features a tight and suspenseful narrative and a relentless pursuit of truth.

8

‘Person of Interest’ (2011 – 2016)

Set in a world where decision-making is driven by data, Person of Interest revolves around a billionaire and reclusive genius named Harold Finch, who has created a supercomputer known as “The Machine.” It can identify people planning terrorist attacks and heinous crimes. Finch teams up with ex-CIA John Reese to prevent these crimes, but they’re pursued by powerful forces interested in using The Machine for other purposes.

Thriller That Explores the Ethics of Surveillance

Starring Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson, Person of Interest is a captivating series that explores themes of privacy and surveillance as a plot filled with wider conspiracies and personal vendettas unfolds across five seasons. Each one dives deeper into the psychological and moral implications of using such a system, and while it’s ahead of its time, the elements of espionage and mystery keep viewers questioning the very nature of the world we live in.

Related

10 Pretty Good Thrillers That Will Keep You Entertained From Start to Finish

Not all the thrillers out there are polished enough to gain the highest order of praise. Some are simply decent enough to keep you entertained.

7

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2024 – Present)

Drawing inspiration from the 2005 movie of the same name and revamping the beloved spy-couple trope for a newer audience, Mr. & Mrs. Smith puts a modern spin on the story. It follows two strangers who are paired up to pretend to be a married couple and live under the aliases of John and Jane Smith while carrying out high-stakes missions, navigating assignments, and uncovering deeper conspiracies.

Spy Craft with Sizzling Chemistry

The new iteration combines espionage and domestic drama, but not in the way the original spy film did. As the central duo, played by Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, explore their complicated lives as two of the deadliest assassins, they not only deal with the ever-present threat of their profession, but the growing emotional attachment towards each other, which might just upend everything they have worked for. The series is an exciting mix of action, humor, and heart.

6

‘Bosch’ (2014 – 2021)

Bosch

Release Date

2014 – 2020

Showrunner

Eric Ellis Overmyer

Directors

Ernest R. Dickerson, Alex Zakrzewski

Based on the bestselling novels by Michael Connelly, Bosch immerses viewers into the gritty world of Los Angeles law enforcement and tells the story of Harry Bosch, a former special forces officer turned homicide detective for the LAPD. Known for playing by his own rules in pursuit of justice, he navigates the murky waters of crime and corruption while also dealing with his own troubled past.

Old-Fashioned Detective Thriller

Bosch has all the elements that make a procedural drama intriguing, but it deserves praise for creating a moody, atmospheric world where the main character’s deduction to his work is constantly tested by complex cases and personal demons. Each season takes a deeper dive into Bosch’s psyche and the city’s seedy underbelly, which makes it more immersive. Also, Titus Welliver’s turn as Harry Bosch is a highlight.

5

‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ (2018 – 2023)

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan centers around a mild-mannered CIA analyst named Jack Ryan as he stumbles upon a series of suspicious financial transactions. Pretty sure it all leads to a sinister global conspiracy, he finds himself having to trade his desk job for a plunge into the dangerous world of terrorist organizations and real-world political tensions.

Rollercoaster of Relentless Action

The beloved literary character created by Tom Clancy is played with unmatched intensity by John Krasinski in this Prime Video thriller. Ryan is a reluctant hero who is forced into a world of international espionage, political intrigue, and death-defying missions. Every season takes Ryan to different parts of the world, from the Middle East to South America, and combines pulse-pounding action scenes with intelligent storytelling and unexpected plot twists.

4

‘Killing Eve’ (2018 – 2022)

Killing Eve places you in a cat-and-mouse game like no other. It centers around Eve Polastri, a desk-bound British intelligence investigator tasked with capturing Villanelle, a skilled and unpredictable assassin. But as the two women get increasingly involved in each other’s lives, their mutual obsession leads to a series of dangerous encounters where their bond is tested.

Thrives on a Twisted Bond

Based on the Villanelle novel series by Luke Jennings, Killing Eve is a clever blend of dark humor and intense drama, which makes it a standout in the thriller genre. The series is led by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, who deliver extraordinary performances as the two compelling main characters. Spanning four seasons, it explores themes of identity, deception, and power with the stylish visuals and espionage-heavy narrative taking center stage.

3

‘Hannibal’ (2013 – 2015)

Hannibal

Release Date

2013 – 2014

Network

NBC

Thomas Harris’ characters have been around, gracing the screen with their twisted mindsets and deeds for a while now, but Hannibal shows just how far things can go. A truly unforgettable psychological thriller, it explores the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. When Will seeks Hannibal’s help to solve some murders, what he does not realize is that all the clues lead to the manipulative killer he’s working with.

An Elegant Horror Masterpiece

Intelligent yet extremely unsettling to watch, Hannibal guides you across a harrowing game of manipulation and deception, where the lines between predator and prey blur, and you don’t know who to believe anymore. Directed with a cinematic aesthetic by Bryan Fuller and led by the most hypnotic performances of Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal Lecter and Hugh Dancy as Will Graham, the series boasts an intricately crafted storyline and creates a palpable sense of dread in every frame.

Related

10 Things That Happen in Pretty Much Every Psychological Thriller

Whether it’s a mistaken identity, a fractured psyche, or a protagonist spiraling into madness, these tropes keep psychological thrillers entertaining.

2

‘The Terminal List’ (2022 – Present)

The Terminal List is adapted from Jack Carr’s 2018 novel of the same name. It is an intense revenge thriller and it follows Navy SEAL James Reece, who returns home after his entire platoon is ambushed and killed in a high-stakes covert mission. Still haunted by visions, he tries to settle into two when he discovers dark forces working against him. As he gets to the bottom of the conspiracy, Reece must also protect the ones he loves.

An Intense Revenge Thriller

What sets The Terminal List apart is its perfect balance between heart-pounding action and a deeply personal story of retribution. So far, only one season of the series has premiered on Prime Video, but it has already captivated audiences with its treacherous backdrop of corrupt government officials and lethal mercenaries. Additionally, it features a star-studded cast that includes Chris Pratt, Constance Wu, Taylor Kitsch, Riley Keough, Arlo Mertz, and Patrick Schwarzenegger.

1

‘The Rig’ (2023 – Present)

The Rig

Release Date

January 6, 2023

Writers

David Macpherson, Matthew Jacobs Morgan, Meg Salter

Also a recent addition to Prime Video’s impressive catalog of thrillers, The Rig infuses some supernatural elements to the premise, which goes something like this: a mysterious fog envelops the Scottish oil rig in the North Sea and cuts off all communication with the mainland. Tensions rise and strange things start happening when some people come in contact with the fog and start inhibiting dark and fearsome traits.

Combines Elements of Supernatural Mystery

The Rig deserves a spot on the list for its unique setting and even better execution. The atmosphere creates a heightened sense of isolation and fear, which complements the unexplained things occurring in the show. Its ability to maintain suspense and unease throughout, to throw twists and turns at the most unexplained moments, and outstanding turns from Emily Hampshire, Martin Compston, Iain Glen, and more, keeps you glued to the seat,

You can view the original article HERE.