The best thriller movies not only have shocking twists, but also emotional stories that often explore dark romances. Thanks to these brilliant thriller romances, movie lovers can enjoy haunting mysteries, and thought-provoking psychological stories, and can even find laugh-out-loud funny thriller romances that parody this beloved genre.
From underrated mind-bending movies to iconic classic thrillers, movie fans of all types can get immersed in intense and often terrifying adventures, while getting to know stories that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. These chilling romance thrillers also introduce viewers to some of the most diabolical and nihilistic movie characters whose devilish deeds shocked audiences all over the globe.
7 The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window is one of Netflix's best comedy movies with a hilariously long title. This satirical thriller is a great choice for movie lovers who don't take the thriller romance genre too seriously, and want to watch a dark comedy with a fun and twisty story.
Its story follows Anna's life after a new handsome neighbor and his daughter move in across the street. Since Anna's daughter died she's been doing nothing else but drinking, popping pills, and staring out of her window. One night she witnesses a bloody murder, however, the cops don't seem to find any proof of an actual murder. So, Anna has no choice but to start her own investigation to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
6 The Handmaiden
The Handmaiden is a hauntingly beautiful romance thriller that's perfect for those who love visually stunning horror movies with love stories and surprising twists. This dark historical romance is set in the 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation, and follows the story of a young Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko.
Lady Hideko hires a new handmaiden without knowing that the young girl, Sook-Hee, is a pickpocket working for a con man who wants to marry Lady Hideko and take her inheritance. He plans to marry Lady Hideko and then commit her to an asylum, so he can freely take her money. However, the tension escalates as Sook-Hee and Lady Hideko start developing feelings for each other.
5 The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley is one of the darkest and most thought-provoking movies based on a book. The film deals with serious themes including homosexuality, identity, and mental illness. Even though most of the movie is set in vibrant Italy, it still has a chilling and dark tone throughout.
The Talented Mr. Ripley also has a brilliant cast including Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Its story follows Tom's journey after the young man is paid to convince a millionaire's spoiled son, Dickie, to return to the US. Tom travels to Italy where he soon finds himself falling for Dickie, while also getting increasingly obsessed with his lavish and flamboyant lifestyle.
4 Basic Instinct
Basic Instinct is one of the darkest and steamiest romance thrillers, featuring one of the most iconic femme fatales in movies of all time. It was also one of the most successful and shocking movies of the 90s, thanks to Sharon Stone's unforgettable interrogation scene.
This intense and twisted psychological thriller follows the investigation of a San Francisco detective, Nick, who is trying to solve a brutal murder. However, he soon finds himself in a destructive and intense relationship with a highly manipulative and deadly seductive novelist who also happens to be the prime suspect in his investigation.
3 Fifty Shades of Grey
Even though the Fifty Shades of Grey movies are highly controversial, they're also without a doubt some of the best-known thriller romance movies ever made. The movie is based on E. L. James' highly successful book series of the same title.
Fifty Shades of Grey is a steamy romance thriller and its story follows Anastasia's life after the young literature student meets the highly successful, devilishly handsome entrepreneur Christian Grey. The two start a rather unconventional relationship that gets increasingly darker and much more intense. However, Anastasia soon starts to wonder if this is really what she wants.
2 Vertigo
Vertigo is one of the most suspenseful romance thriller movies from the 1950s, directed by the iconic Alfred Hitchcock. It's one of the twistiest classic movies that's perfect for thriller lovers who enjoy complex stories with surprising twists.
Vertigo's haunting story follows the investigations of an ex-police officer, Scottie, who has an intense fear of heights, after he is hired to investigate his friend's wife, Madeleine. However, after Madeleine commits suicide, Scottie soon finds himself in a bigger mystery than he previously thought. As things escalate, Scottie gets dangerously obsessed with Madeleine.
1 Gone Girl
Gone Girl is one of the most shocking romance thriller movies of all time, with a twisted and dark story that explores dysfunctional relationships as well as how easily can the media influence public opinion in dangerous ways. The movie was based on Gillian Flynn's popular bestseller of the same title.
Gone Girl's story follows the life of a seemingly happily married couple, Nick and Amy. Everything changes when Amy suddenly disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary, and Nick soon becomes the prime suspect. However, just as suddenly, Amy re-appears, revealing an even darker and more shocking truth than what anyone could have anticipated, including her husband.