If I know one thing about the average Netflix subscriber, it’s that they love thriller movies. After all, there’s clearly a reason the genre consistently dominates the top 10 most-watched list. As a fellow fan of thrillers, I’m always on the hunt for exciting and tense movies to stream on Netflix.
Looking through the streaming service’s slate of new movies this week, it’s a little sparser than usual. However, I have spotted a new Italian thriller. It's set in 1970s Rome, and sees an artist turn to a life of crime to help pay the bills. And this week is also an excellent time to catch up on Netflix’s current No. 1 movie, which stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
To help you save time endlessly scrolling the Netflix movie library to find the latest thrillers on the popular platform, I’ve done the hard work for you and put together this weekly roundup. Here are the most recent thriller movies added to Netflix that deserve your watching time this week.
Best Netflix thriller movies to watch this week
‘The Rip’ (2026)
January isn’t even over yet, but “The Rip” already looks likely to be one of the biggest (and maybe even best) Netflix movies of 2026. Not only did it rocket straight to No. 1 in less than 24 hours, it still holds the top spot in the platform’s most-watched list now, almost a week after its debut. It's also scored a massive 41 million views in just its opening weekend alone. Even better, it’s actually worthy of so much attention as it’s a gripping and very intense crime-thriller movie led by two A-list actors.
The latest collaboration between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, “The Rip,” centers on a group of Miami cops who stumble upon a stash of cash in a derelict suburban house. This forces the squad into a tricky position as they attempt to figure out whose money they’ve just found, and more importantly, who can be trusted. With an all-action finale and an enjoyable twist, “The Rip” is a Netflix original thriller you really shouldn’t skip.
Watch "The Rip" on Netflix from January 16
‘The Big Fake’ (2026)
As noted, it’s set to be a relatively quieter week for new Netflix releases, but that could work in favor of the new original movie “The Big Fake.” Without the spotlight being hogged by a buzzy TV show or tentpole feature, this Italian movie might be able to find greater success. Based on the trailer, it looks like an intriguing, dramatic thriller set in stunning 1970s Rome.
“The Big Fake” centers on Toni Chichiarelli (Andrea Arcangeli), a talented artist with big dreams of becoming one of the greats. Arriving in Rome to make his name, he eventually turns to crime, becoming a master forger to set himself up in a life of luxury. International content has seen a surge in popularity on Netflix in recent years, which I personally think is a very good thing, and “The Big Fake” could be the latest movie to benefit from this.
Watch "The Big Fake" on Netflix now
‘Bone Lake’ (2025)
If you like your thrillers to be dark, seductive and packed with secrets, then “Bone Lake” needs to be on your watchlist. Its erotic element means it's not one to watch with the whole family, but grown-up viewers will no doubt get a kick out of this twisted tale. The setup is engaging, and though the second half strays into more generic territory, the first portion offers up some deliciously tense scenes. It’s the type of movie where you know something will go wrong, but guessing exactly what is half the fun.
Couple Diego (Marco Pigossi) and Sage (Maddie Hasson) arrive at a lavish lakeside house for a romantic weekend escape. But before they can even unpack their suitcases, another couple, Will (Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita), turn up on the doorstep claiming to have also booked the property for their own vacation. With little choice but to share the rental, what was supposed to be a dream getaway quickly spirals to dark places.
Watch "Bone Lake" on Netflix now
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