Skip to main content

5 great Netflix thrillers to watch on Thanksgiving

A man and a woman fight in Fair Play.
Sergej Radovic / Netflix

There’s a good reason that Netflix is synonymous with streaming for some people. The service has a great lineup of movies and is constantly uploading new content to keep its subscribers hooked. All of that stuff can make it hard to actually find something worth watching.

If you find yourself looking for something great to watch after Thanksgiving dinner, we’ve pulled together this list of thrillers that are some of the best on Netflix.

Recommended Videos

Need more Thanksgiving recommendations? Then try 10 great movies to watch on Thanksgiving, the 5 great comedy movies to watch on Thanksgiving, the 5 great dramas you should watch on Thanksgiving, the 10 great Amazon Prime Video movies to watch on Thanksgiving, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: all confirmed performers.

The Nest (2020)

The Nest Trailer #1 (2020) | Movieclips Trailers

A thriller about the end of a marriage, The Nest tells the story of a family living in the 1980s who move to the United Kingdom because the family’s patriarch is scheming to make money.

When his deal falls apart, though, he becomes increasingly desperate to prove that he can afford the lavish lifestyle he’s set up for his family, even as his wife and children deal with the fallout from his lies and go through crises of their own. Featuring brilliant performances from Carrie Coon and Jude Law, The Nest is brilliant.

You can watch The Nest on Netflix.

Woman of the Hour (2024)

Woman of the Hour | Official Teaser | Netflix

Based on a true story, Woman of the Hour chronicles the time a serial killer appeared on a dating game show and actually won. In cutting between the killer’s various victims and a central woman dealing with misogyny on The Dating Game, Woman of the Hour trains its focus on the victims, and has almost no interest in the killer or his motivations.

Director and star Anna Kendrick knows that Woman of the Hour is really about the ways in which a culture of patriarchy allowed a killer to brag about his victims for years without any real consequences.

You can watch Woman of the Hour on Netflix.

Fair Play (2023)

Alden Ehrenreich and Phoebe Dynevor as Luke and Emily in the 2023 film Fair Play.
Image via Netflix

Fair Play doesn’t have much in the way of explicit violence, but the movie will nonetheless keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows a a couple who both work at the same financial firm, and are hiding their relationship from the firm.

When one of them unexpectedly gets a promotion, their relationship is pushed to and then past its breaking point as they become more and more competitive with one another. Fair Play is a dark movie about the way capitalism can infect everything it touches, featuring two incredible central performances from Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich.

You can watch Fair Play on Netflix.

Rebel Ridge (2024)

One of the more riveting movies on all of Netflix, Rebel Ridge tells the story of one man who decides to go to war with a local police department after the money in his bail fund is confiscated for no good reason.

As the man reveals his skills as a martial artist, and uncovers just how deep the corruption in the department goes, he becomes determined to hold the men abusing their power accountable. Rebel Ridge is expertly directed by Jeremy Saulnier, and Aaron Pierre’s lead performance proves that he deserves to be a star.

You can watch Rebel Ridge on Netflix.

Leave the World Behind (2023)

The cast of Leave the World Behind.
Netflix

Set at what could be the end of the world, Leave the World Behind tells the story of a family who go on a spontaneous vacation only to discover that their digital lives have been utterly disrupted by a blackout.

When the owners of the house they rented unexpectedly return home, they have to reckon with the possibility that the world is collapsing around them, and try to figure out whether they can trust the people they’re now trying to live with. Featuring an all-star cast and some stunning direction, Leave the World Behind asks us all to imagine how we might handle the end of the world.

You can watch Leave the World Behind on Netflix.

We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

Joe Allen
Joe Allen is a freelance writer at Digital Trends, where he covers Movies and TV. He frequently writes streaming…
The best stand-up comedy on Netflix right now
Conan O'Brien at The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

When it comes to stand-up comedy specials, the major streamers are trailing well behind the path that Netflix has already set up. Hulu and Amazon Prime Video's don't seem to threaten Netflix's dominance in the category after most of the big names in stand-up from the last few years have already had their Netflix specials.
This month, late night comedy legend Conan O'Brien is the butt of the joke as he's roasted while accepting The Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. It's easily the best new addition to Netflix's stand-up lineup in May, followed by a special featuring Tim Dillon. You can find these specials and all of the rest of the best stand-up comedy on Netflix below.
Looking for something else? We've also rounded up the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Disney+. For Netflix fans, check out the 10 most popular shows on Netflix right now.

Conan O'Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2025)

Read more
3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (April 4–6)
Izi and Benji run together in The Kitchen.

Tired of scrolling past the same Netflix recommendations over and over? You're not alone—the algorithm loves to push the biggest blockbusters and buzziest new releases front and center. But behind all the flashy thumbnails lies a treasure trove of underrated movies just waiting to be found. These are the kind of films that might not have received much hype but still pack a serious punch.

Whether you're in the mood for a suspenseful drama, a chilling dystopia, or an award-winning war film, there's something unexpected ready to surprise you. Forget the same old picks and take a chance at these hidden gems that bring bold yet overlooked stories. Get ready with some popcorn and gear up for a fun weekend with these underappreciated movies on Netflix.

Read more
5 great animated movies you should stream right now
Chihiro with a dragon in Spirited Away.

Animation has never been more exciting, with streaming services packed with hidden gems, recent hits, and beloved classics. Whether it be a heartwarming adventure, a mind-bending fantasy, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or something else completely, there's an animated film waiting that's guaranteed to sweep you away.
From the enchanting Spirited Away to the poignant Wall-E, the best animated movies streaming right now give viewers a glimpse at the peak of the genre. They are a testament to how the powerful medium can inspire and amaze with stunning visuals and surprisingly unforgettable stories. These must-watch animated movies are just a few clicks away, so grab some popcorn and settle in.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

The feline favorite from DreamWorks makes an epic return in his best movie yet, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Here, the titular character (voiced by Antonio Banderas), an arrogant swashbuckling hero who believes he is invincible, is reminded that he is not when he learns he has burned through eight of his nine lives, leaving him just one final chance to make things right. His only hope lies in the mythical Wishing Star, which can restore his lost lives, but he isn't the only one after it. Goldilocks (Florence Pugh), her crime family of bears, the ruthless Jack Horner (John Mulaney), and a sinister, wolfish bounty hunter known as Death (Wagner Moura) are all in pursuit.

Read more