Who doesn’t love a good thriller series? A TV show that hooks you at the end of each episode, almost forcing you to watch another episode immediately, so you’re able to find out what happens next. The best thriller TV shows are almost timeless, with people still talking about past hits and debating the best among the best.
Though viewers spend hours arguing with friends over which series is better than the other,IMDbhas provided fans with the definitive top 10 best thriller series of all time. With new seasons of thriller TV series always affecting ratings, it’s not surprising that IMDb’s ranking of the best thriller series to watch is constantly shifting. As audiences discover new shows or revisit classic series, ratings on the platform continue to change to reflect viewers' current tastes when it comes to riveting TV thrillers.
40’The Following' (2012–2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
StarringKevin Baconas FBI agent Ryan Hardy,The Followingnarrates his relentless pursuit of an escaped serial killer, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), whose notoriety has led to a cult of fanatical killers. The first two seasons focus on finding Carroll while also exploring the rise of another dangerous cult, while the third season deals with a new serial killer on the rise.
The Followingis a dark, psychological thriller that is often considered one of the most frightening, violent, and twisted thriller series made on broadcast networks. If you are a genre fan, you will surely enjoy the show’s plot twists and the gritty narrative that overlaps horror and suspense, giving it a verySilence of the Lambsvibe. Despite the familiar concept,The Following’s storytelling feels more gripping for its well-designed, earnest characters, especially Purefoy’sCharles Manson-esque Joe Carroll and Bacon’s wounded but determined Agent Hardy, which makes their chase more exciting. —Maddie P
39’Scandal' (2012–2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Created byShonda Rhimes,Scandalcenters on Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), a former media consultant to the President of the United States who starts her own crisis management consultancy. The series focuses on Olivia’s work as a fixer for prominent figures in Washington, D.C., and the challenges she faces while navigating politics, politicians, and the socio-political climate of the time.
During its run,Scandalbecame a highly popular and well-rated thriller show, joining the ranks of successful shows likeDamagesandHouse of Cards. While the format appears procedural, the show evolves into a strong character-driven drama over the seasons.Scandalis stylish, fun, and intriguing, with features high-stakes politics, conspiracies, and legal complexities, peppered with sharp twists and turns. Though its narrative is not devoid of genre cliches and tropes,Scandalstands out with its piercing storytelling, powerful characters, and a strong female lead,portrayed remarkably by Kerry Washington. —Maddie P
38’You' (2018–2025)
Based on the books of the same name byCaroline Kepnes, the psychological thriller follows a charming but dangerously obsessive man named Joe Goldberg. His compulsive behavior makes him take extreme actions towards people he falls in love with, leading to dangerous outcomes. In each new season ofYou, Joe assumes new identities and a new life to chase a new object of obsession, transforming him from a bookstore manager to a stalker, serial killer, and more.
Yourevolves around themes like social media horror, stalking, and compulsive behavior, andmaintains the subversive tension in every season, making it an addictive thriller.Penn Badgley delivers an unforgettable portrayalas the protagonist—the twisted yet charming and endearing Joe Goldberg, which became his breakthrough performance. Running since 2018,Youhas garnered widespread acclaim and great viewership, with high anticipation of the show’s fifth and final season arriving in 2025. —Maddie P
37’Squid Game' (2021–2025)
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Since its premiere in 2021,Squid Gamehas become a sensation, garnering critical acclaim and recognition worldwide for its concept, storytelling, and cast performance. The South Korean dystopian survival thriller revolves around 456 cash-strapped people who accept an invitation to a secret contest. All they have to do is compete in children’s games for a chance to win ₩45.6 billion (US$39.86 million), but they quickly learn that the games are deadly, and their lives are at stake.
Squid Gamemade history as the first non-English-language series to earn a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Best Drama, among 13 other nominations. The series draws from the show’s creator,Hwang Dong-hyuk’s personal experiences and delivers sharp social commentaries. Ahighly engaging thriller exploring class disparity, capitalism, and economic struggles,Squid Game’ssetup of a deadly survival gameis what makes it truly terrifying. —Maddie P
36’Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ (2018–2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Created byCarlton CuseandGraham Roland, best known for their work onLost,Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, akaJack Ryan, is adapted from characters and stories created by spy novelistTom Clancy. StarringJohn Krasinski, alongsideWendell Pierce,Michael Kelly, andMichael Peñain prominent roles,Jack Ryanfollows the titular agent (Krasinski) of the CIA, a star analyst who is forced out of his mundane desk job and put on the field after he discovers a dangerous terrorist conspiracy.
John Krasinski owns the screen as Jack Ryan, who, despite lacking experience as a field agent, relies on his smarts and people skills to navigate corruption, terrorists, and criminals, and bring justice, even if it means putting himself in grave danger.Brimming with political conspiracies, complex perspectives, espionage intrigue, and action,Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryanmakes for a gritty and intense socio-political crime thriller with great visual effects and a powerful narrative. —Maddie P
35’Criminal Minds' (2005–)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Among thebest crime procedurals of the 2000sand 2010s,Criminal Mindscan easily be called one of the most popular ones. Created byJeff Davis, the crime thriller series follows a Behavioral Analyst team who profile criminals and dive deeper into their personalities and psyche to solve crimes.Mandy Patinkin,Thomas Gibson,Lola Glaudini,A. J. Cook,Paget Brewster, andJoe Mantegnaplay some of the main characters, and their portrayals have become the main appeal of the show.
Premiered in 2005,Criminal Mindsquickly joined thenetwork’s “most-watched” listand has become somewhat of a legacy, and later revived asCriminal Minds: Evolution. Across its 18-year run, the crime procedural has undergone several transformations, from casting to narrative style, but has remainedan intelligent and engaging crime thriller series. The show’s success led to three spin-off series, a Korean TV adaptation, video games, and a true-crime series in development. —Maddie P
34’How to Get Away with Murder' (2014–2020)
WithViola Davisleading the show as star protagonist – Annalise Keating, this legal thriller not only manages to get away with murder but numerous awards and accolades, season after season.How to Get Away with Murderfollows Annalise as the brilliant lawyer and professor in Philadelphia who, along with her five students, use their legal learning, intelligence, and individual skills to cover up a murder. Every season the plot thickens with newer characters threatening ‘The Keating 5’ upending everyone’s life, as well as the legal and social system.
How to Get Away with Murderis a powerful concoction of courtroom drama, crime thriller, murder mystery, and psychological drama with strong social messaging. With the plot and characters constantly swerving between desire and fear, self-doubt and resolve, hope and despair, the series manages to evoke all possible emotions.With its taut narrative, exciting plot twists, and remarkable character transformations,HTGAWMis one ofthe most addictive and intimidating legal dramas. —Maddie P
Twelve years and 11 seasons later,The Walking Deadis nothing short of a modern television legacy. Based on the popular comic book series of the same name byRobert Kirkman,Tony Moore, andCharlie Adlard, the post-apocalyptic horror drama is set during a zombie apocalypse and follows a group of survivors struggling to stay alive. In their pursuit of safety and shelter, and escaping the undead, the survivors encounter dangerous rival groups, hard choices, and unseen forces.
The first show’s success turnedThe Walking Deadinto a massive franchise with several spin-off series, games, and novels. The horror thriller stands out for takingan intelligent spin on the popular zombie tropeand delivering an intense human drama in an action-horror narrative.Every season ofThe Walking Deadbrings new elements, but the show can consistently thrilled fans with its gripping plot twists and great cast performances byAndrew Lincoln,Melissa McBride,Norman Reedus,Danai Gurira,Steven Yeun, andJeffrey Dean Morgan, to name a few. —Maddie P
32’Slow Horses' (2022–)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
A modern spy thriller of a kind,Slow Horsesquickly became a success. Based onMick Herron’sSlough Housebook series, the British hit series follows a group of failed and rejected agents within MI5, who are sent to Slough House in a dreary, paper-pushing, role to sit out their dying careers, supervised by the disgruntled, cantankerous Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). But when the nation faces inexplicable threats, the underdogs, led by Lamb, set out to prove their worth, and take on dangerous missions.
Slow Horsesis designed as a classic spy thriller but set in current times, written with smart and witty one-liners, across all seasons.One of the best features of this Apple TV+ original is its raw, honest, and understated depiction of intelligence agentsand their lives, devoid of fancy toys and gizmos. Gary Oldman’s performance of the reluctant, discouraged Jackson Lamb, who, despite all odds, protects his team, earned him a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and an Emmy nomination. —Maddie P
31’The Handmaid’s Tale' (2017–2025)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Based onMargaret Atwood’s award-winning, bestselling eponymous novel,The Handmaid’s Taleis set in a dystopic world, ruled by a theonomic, totalitarian regime, Gilead, where fertile women, called Handmaids, are subjected to child-bearing slavery. The series focuses on Offred, a Handmaid forced into servitude for the elites, powerfully portrayed byElisabeth Moss.Joseph Fiennes,Yvonne Strahovski,Madeline Brewer, andAnn Dowddeliver equally strong supporting performances.
Created byBruce Miller,The Handmaid’s Taleearned widespread critical acclaim and several awards for narrative, cinematography, and cast performances. Exploring bold themes like women’s reproductive rights, patriarchy, loss of female agency, and oppression, in a gut-wrenching narrative, the series remains faithful to Atwood’s original work.Though thrilling and gripping,The Handmaid’s Taleleans more towards social horror and tragedy and can be grimat several turns. Often considered one ofthe most devastating television dramas to watch, it can leave you heartbroken and disturbed. —Maddie P
