Recently, I suggested checking out The Whisper Man, an exhilarating thriller featuring Robert De Niro and Adam Scott. Currently, it has claimed the top spot on Netflix in the U.S. for the past week, inviting plenty of conversation, particularly about its divisive conclusion.
While none of the thrillers listed below will dethrone The Whisper Man, they deserve a spot on your watchlist for streaming this week. My first two selections feature a daring jungle heist and an intense crime saga. My top recommendation, however, showcases Keanu Reeves as he races against time to keep a bus moving at 50 mph.
3. Triple Frontier
An intricate heist in the jungle
More than just a thriller, Triple Frontier embodies two unofficial genres: “Boys Being Boys” and “Big Dad Vibes.” The film boasts a rugged five-man roster of action stars, including Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal, all playing former soldiers on a high-stakes heist—a true representation of masculinity. For the fathers in the audience, the older actors deliver ample “Big Dad Energy” while navigating challenges and bonding over shared experiences.
Santiago “Pope” Garcia (Isaac) is a private military advisor who learns about a drug lord hiding millions in cash within a jungle fortress. He calls upon his former soldier comrades—Tom “Redfly” Davis (Affleck), William “Ironhead” Miller (Hunnam), Benjamin “Benny” Miller (Hedlund), and Francisco “Catfish” Morales (Pascal)—to help him steal the money. Although they succeed in their theft, their real trouble begins on the treacherous journey home. The added weight of the cash complicates matters, and the drug lord dispatches his cronies to retrieve it, with little regard for the soldiers’ safety.
Gritty and intense, Triple Frontier exemplifies a group’s overconfidence leading to chaos. The on-screen chemistry among the cast convincingly illustrates their military past together. I wish there were more heist thrillers like Triple Frontier on Netflix; perhaps a sequel is in order.
2. Scarface
Al Pacino embodies one of his legendary characters
Even if you haven’t seen Sarface, you’re likely familiar with its iconic line. Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, famously declares, “Say hello to my little friend!” This memorable moment is just one reason why Scarface, directed by Brian De Palma with a script by Oliver Stone, remains a cultural touchstone.
The film tells the story of Tony Montana (Pacino), a Cuban immigrant who arrives in Miami during the 1980s. Together with his friend Manny (Steven Bauer), he begins working for drug lord Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia). As Tony climbs the ranks in the drug game, he forges alliances and rapidly ascends to power. However, his rise is not without creating enemies intent on revenge.
Tony Montana stands among Al Pacino’s most unforgettable roles, right alongside Michael Corleone. Pacino fully embraces Tony’s lavish lifestyle and unapologetic brutality. The film elegantly illustrates the highs and lows associated with Tony’s life of crime, echoing the addictive nature of the drugs he distributes.
1. Speed
A quintessential summer blockbuster
While summer may be nearing its end in the U.S., that doesn’t mean spectacular blockbusters need to fade away. The 1994 film Speed redefined the summer blockbuster experience by premiering on June 10, breaking conventions and grossing over $350 million globally.
The premise is nothing short of brilliant: LAPD officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) foils an elevator bombing, only to face a more daunting challenge weeks later. The villainous former officer Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) straps a bomb to a bus, set to explode if the speed drops below 50 mph. Jack miraculously boards the bus but must devise a plan to disarm the bomb without getting caught. Any attempt to stop the bus or evacuate passengers could spell disaster.
Speed contains every element necessary for an action-packed blockbuster. The suspense surrounding Jack’s efforts to maintain the bus’s speed is thrilling, while Dennis Hopper delivers a captivating performance as the antagonist. Sandra Bullock shines as Jack’s supportive love interest. What more could one desire in a film?
More thrilling picks to consider
If you’re in the mood for something beyond thrillers on Netflix, award-winning films like Straight Outta Compton and Alien are excellent choices. Alternatively, if documentaries pique your interest, check out Teenage Wasteland and Death of the Pastor’s Wife.
