The epic thriller is a rare and thrilling cinematic beast, a genre where unrelenting suspense meets a scale typically reserved for historical dramas. These are not simple stories of cat-and-mouse; they are sprawling narratives where a single character’s resolve is tested against a backdrop of sweeping consequences.
It is a space where filmmakers can showcase their mastery of tension and profound human struggle, and all signs point to Leonardo DiCaprio‘s new film, One Battle After Another, being a defining entry in this very specific, high-stakes cinematic world.
Helmed by the legendary Paul Thomas Anderson, this highly anticipated film is poised to take its place in the canon. It offers the perfect opportunity to revisit the films that have set the standard.
This is a collection of movies that not only define the very essence of the epic thriller but also provide the perfect cinematic primer for what is likely to be a standout performance in a standout film.
There Will Be Blood (2007)
(Source: IMDb)
A masterpiece from director Paul Thomas Anderson. This film is an epic psychological thriller about a ruthless oilman consumed by greed. It is a cinematic clinic in building tension and exploring a character’s moral descent, proving Anderson’s ability to create a sprawling, unforgettable saga.
The Aviator (2004)
(Source: IMDb)
A collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio stars as Howard Hughes, whose grand ambitions and crippling obsessions push him to the edge. This film is a sweeping biographical thriller that showcases DiCaprio’s talent for portraying brilliant but tormented men in narratives of immense scale.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
(Source: IMDb)
The Coen brothers’ neo-Western is a relentless and philosophical thriller. It follows a man who finds a briefcase of cash, putting him on a collision course with a psychopathic hitman. The film’s tension is suffocating, and its exploration of fate and morality is a perfect thematic match for an epic thriller.
The Master (2012)
(Source: IMDb)
Another film from Paul Thomas Anderson, this is a profound and unsettling psychological drama. It charts the bizarre relationship between a charismatic cult leader and a troubled WWII veteran. The film is a masterclass in character study, building an unnerving atmosphere with every unpredictable decision.
The Departed (2006)
(Source: IMDb)
In this Scorsese-directed masterpiece, DiCaprio plays a state trooper who goes undercover to infiltrate the Irish Mob. This film is a classic high-stakes thriller, filled with moral ambiguity, a sprawling plot, and a tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Michael Clayton (2007)
(Source: IMDb)
A taut and intelligent legal thriller. George Clooney stars as a “fixer” for a powerful law firm who uncovers a conspiracy and finds his own life in danger. The film’s suspense is built through quiet moments and sharp dialogue, showcasing how an epic story can be told on a more intimate scale.
Heat (1995)
(Source: IMDb)
Michael Mann’s crime saga is an undisputed classic of the genre. The film masterfully pits a brilliant detective against an equally brilliant thief. Its grand scale and focus on the personal lives of its compelling, morally gray characters make it a perfect example of an epic thriller.
Sicario (2015)
(Source: IMDb)
This Denis Villeneuve film is a brutal and visceral thriller that explores the moral gray areas of the drug war. The film’s slow-burn tension and striking visuals create a powerful and unnerving atmosphere. It’s a great example of a film that values a creeping sense of dread over explosive action.
Zodiac (2007)
(Source: IMDb)
Directed by David Fincher, this true-crime thriller is a chilling and obsessive descent into a real-life manhunt. The film’s focus on the human toll of a decades-long mystery highlights the kind of character-driven struggle that will likely define the new DiCaprio-Anderson collaboration.
Goodfellas (1990)
(Source: IMDb)
While technically a crime drama, this Scorsese film possesses the relentless momentum and epic scope of a high-stakes thriller. It follows the rise and fall of a gangster, showing a journey defined by ambition and moral compromise. Its dynamic storytelling and larger-than-life characters are a perfect match for this list.
