Thrillers consist of a few different sub-genres like mystery, suspense, drama, and action. With that in mind, it can be hard to nail down exactly what constitutes a thriller. It can be surmised as a show or film that pulls you to the edge of your seat leaving you confused, possibly scared, and definitely yearning to find out what happens next. Considering all the high-stakes moments, complex character development, and extraordinary circumstances it's hard not to be pulled in. So, while the categories under thrillers can seem endless, what unites them is their ability to invoke strong emotions and captivate the audience. For recommendations, check out the list below of the best thriller shows that are currently streaming on Max.

Editor's note: This article was updated October 2023 to include Jett.

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Jett (2019)

carla-gugino-interview-jett-cinemax Image via Cinemax

Created By: Sebastian Gutierrez

Cast: Carla Gugino, Elena Anaya, Michael Aronov

This crime thriller from the mind of Sebastian Gutierrez follows the queen of robbery, Daisy “Jett” Kowalski (Carla Gugino), as she is pulled back into her high-stakes life of crime following her release from prison. Surrounded by an eccentric ensemble cast, including the likes of Elena Anaya and Michael Aronov, Gugino shines as the titular Jett, showcasing her range as she moves from impressive sass to serious drama. A neo-noir with an international influence, Jett thrives thanks to its biting humor and sharp wit as the story weaves between high-octane action and hilarious character moments. Likened to the work of Quentin Tarantino, Jett is best described as a rollercoaster ride. - Jake Hodges Watch on Max

Lovecraft Country (2020)

Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, and Kenneth Williams in Lovecraft Country
Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, and Kenneth Williams
Image via HBO

Creator: Misha Green

Cast: Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Aunjanue Ellis, Courtney B. Vance, Wunmi Mosaku

Lovecraft Country is a critically acclaimed series based on the novel of the same name by Matt Ruff. Set in the 1950s, the show follows the journey of Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) with his friend Letitia (Jurnee Smollett) and Uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) road tripping across Jim Crow America to uncover dark secrets and face supernatural terrors. Watch on Max

True Blood (2008-2014)

true-blood-anna-paquin-stephen-moyer-social-featured
True Blood Anna Paquin Stephen Moyer
Image via HBO

Creator: Alan Ball

Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgård, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell

True Blood is an extremely popular series adapted from Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire Mysteries novels. The show is set in a world where vampires have come out of the coffin and coexist with humans. It revolves around the telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who becomes entwined in vampire politics and romance. Watch on Max

Big Little Lies (2017-2019)

The five friends from Big Little Lies standing together, looking over at something.
The five friends from Big Little Lies standing together, looking over at something.
Image via HBO

Creator: David E. Kelley

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz

Big Little Lies is a drama based on Liane Moriarty's novel of the same title. The show centers around a group of affluent women living in Monterey, California, whose seemingly perfect lives unravel when a mysterious murder occurs. The characters undergo trials and tribulations, all while developing new friendships, juggling home lives, and working on individual relationships. Nicole Kidman (Eyes Wide Shut) and Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde) both received well-deserved awards for their phenomenal performances in the show. Watch on Max

True Detective (2014-present)

True Detective Image via Max

Creator: Nic Pizzolatto

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, Tory Kittles

True Detective is a highly acclaimed anthology crime drama series that stars Matthew McConaughey (Interstellar) and Woody Harrelson (Natural Born Killers) in the first season. Each season features a new cast and a self-contained story exploring different dark and complex mysteries. The series not only takes a deep dive into disturbing criminal cases but also explores the impact it has on the lives of the detectives. Watch on Max

The Outsider (2020)

Cynthia Erivo looking at a pensive Ben Mendelsohn in The Outsider.
Cynthia Erivo looking at a pensive Ben Mendelsohn in The Outsider.
Image via HBO

Creator: Richard Price

Cast: Ben Mendelsohn, Cynthia Erivo, Bill Camp, Mare Winningham, Julianne Nicholson

The Outsider, based on Stephen King's novel of the same title, is a show that follows the investigation of a gruesome murder and the subsequent events that unfold in a small town. It weaves together crime, mystery, and supernatural elements, which depth and complexity to the storyline, making it an extremely thought-provoking show. Watch on Max

The Undoing (2020)

Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman surrounded by the press in The Undoing
Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman surrounded by the press in The Undoing
Image via HBO

Creator: David E. Kelley.

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Noah Jupe, Lily Rabe, Édgar Ramírez

The Undoing, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral), revolves around a wealthy couple whose lives are upended when a violent death and a series of shocking revelations threaten to unravel their seemingly perfect world. Watch on Max

The Leftovers (2014-2017)

Police chief Kevin Garvey standing and looking at someone while outside in The Leftovers.
Police chief Kevin Garvey standing and looking at someone while outside in The Leftovers.
Image via HBO

Creator: Damon Lindelof

Cast: Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler, Carrie Coon

The Leftovers is a supernatural drama based on Tom Perrotta's novel. Set in a world where a global event called the Sudden Departure causes the disappearance of 2% of the world's population, the story revolves around the lives of a few key characters, Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux), Nora Durst (Carrie Coon), and Matt Jamison (Christopher Eccleston), among others, and how they cope with the inexplicable disaster. Watch on Max

Carnivàle (2003-2005)

The Carnivale cast pose for a promotional photo in front of canvas tents.  
The Carnivale cast pose for a promotional photo in front of canvas tents.
Image via HBO

Creator: Daniel Knauf

Cast: Michael J. Anderson, Adrienne Barbeau, Clancy Brown, Debra Christofferson, Nick Stahl

Carnivàle is a mesmerizing series set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. The show follows two disparate storylines: a young farmhand (Nick Stahl) with mysterious powers and Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown), a charismatic Methodist minister with his own supernatural gifts. The show was unfortunately canceled after two seasons. However, the unresolved mysteries of the show attracted a cult following with many exciting fan theories. Watch on Max

Halfworlds (2015-present)

Halfworlds Salvita Decorte Image via HBO

Creator: Joko Anwar

Cast: Salvita Decorte, Arifin Putra, Reza Rahadian, Hannah Al Rashid, Adinia Wirasti

Halfworlds is a thriller that’s set in a contemporary urban landscape infused with supernatural elements. The show takes place in Jakarta, where an ongoing battle between demons and humans unfolds in the shadows. As Sarah, a street-smart young woman with a hidden heritage played by Salvita Decorte (Lily Bunga Terakhirku), becomes entangled in this conflict, she discovers her own supernatural abilities. Watch on Max