5. The Godfather
When thinking of a thriller, you think of intrigue, revenge, back-room plotting and shocking endings. With these criteria, there are few films more thrilling than The Godfather. The cast alone is worthy of an actor's Hall of Fame: Brando, Pacino, Duvall -- no first names necessary. Throw in Diane Keaton and James Caan (plus De Niro for part II) and it's not even fair.
4. The French Connection
One of the most exciting American films ever made, The French Connection stars a frenetic Gene Hackman in one of his signature roles. Whether it's the undercover pursuit on the New York subway or the craziest chase ever on film, watching this movie will keep your attention no matter what is going on. Find out from TCM host Robert Osborne how they pulled off the chase scene under the elevated train and fasten your seatbelt for a thrilling ride in HD.
3. The Manchurian Candidate
It's the aftermath of the Korean War and Communist agents are all over the United States. Could a dangerous operative plotting to kill the president be hiding among the country's most conservative family? John Frankenheimer's directorial debut sent fireworks across the film world and remains as tense today as when it premiered in 1962.
2. The Silence of the Lambs
The second version of the Hannibal Lecter tale is a landmark in psychological horror and maybe the best film of the 1990s. As cannibal serial murderer Lecter, Anthony Hopkins launched the second phase of his brilliant career, easily winning the Oscar in the process. Jodie Foster co-stars in Jonathan Demme's masterpiece which delves into the FBI procedural playbook and keeps the tension at a fever pitch. Best Movie, Best Actress for Foster and Best Director for Demme were virtually unanimous choices for a film that continues to ignite the screen eighteen years later.
1. Vertigo
From the Master of Suspense himself, this Alfred Hitchcock thriller is the very definition of the form. It is impossible to create a scenario more haunting than its end, or to top Vertigo for the greatest plot twist in film history. Also one of the most gorgeously shot films of all-time, Hitchcock left the cozy confines of his studio to let San Francisco play a major role in the picture. Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak are at the top of their game in this gem.
