Top 30 Thrillers of All Time

Description: This British film noir, set in post-war Vienna, is renowned for its atmospheric setting and the iconic zither score. Its labyrinthine plot and the famous cuckoo clock speech make it a timeless thriller.

Fact: Orson Welles was not the first choice for Harry Lime; the role was initially offered to Noël Coward, who turned it down.

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece of mistaken identity and espionage, featuring one of the most famous chase scenes in film history across Mount Rushmore.

Fact: The crop duster scene was inspired by Hitchcock's own fear of birds, which later influenced his film "The Birds."

Description: This film blends psychological horror with a gripping thriller, focusing on the chilling relationship between FBI agent Clarice Starling and the cannibalistic psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter.

Fact: Jodie Foster was not the first choice for Clarice; Michelle Pfeiffer was considered but declined due to the film's dark content.

Description: A dark and brooding thriller about two detectives tracking a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi, culminating in one of cinema's most shocking endings.

Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from the cast until the final days of shooting to capture genuine reactions.

Description: This film's intricate plot and the legendary character of Keyser Söze have made it a staple in the thriller genre, with a twist ending that has become iconic.

Fact: Kevin Spacey's character was originally written for a much older actor.

Description: M. Night Shyamalan's ghost story about a child who communicates with the dead, known for its twist ending that redefined the thriller genre.

Fact: The film was shot in Philadelphia, and many scenes were filmed in the director's own home.

Description: Martin Scorsese's intense crime thriller about an undercover cop and a mole in the police department, set against the backdrop of Boston's Irish mob.

Fact: The film was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."

Description: David Fincher's meticulous account of the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, blending real-life events with a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers guessing.

Fact: The film's title sequence was designed by the same company that created the original Zodiac Killer's ciphers.

Description: A tale of rivalry between two magicians, this film delves into themes of obsession, deceit, and the sacrifices one makes for greatness.

Fact: The film's title refers to the third act of a magic trick, where the magician makes the trick seem impossible.

Description: Christopher Nolan's innovative narrative structure tells the story of a man with short-term memory loss trying to solve his wife's murder, making it a unique and compelling thriller.

Fact: The film was shot in reverse order to help the actors understand their characters' motivations.