Chilean-Spanish filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar set a high bar for Spanish-language thrillers with his haunting films “Thesis” (1996) and “Open Your Eyes” (1997). Amenábar, who fled Chile as a child, made his mark on the genre at just twenty-three with “Thesis.” The 2000s saw a surge of gripping thrillers from both Spain and Spanish-speaking Central and South American countries, including “Nine Queens,” “Common Wealth,” “The Orphanage,” and “The Secret in Their Eyes.”
The genre saw a resurgence in Spain with Oriol Paulo, who co-wrote “Julia’s Eyes” (2010) and directed “The Body” (2012) and “The Invisible Guest” (2016). This boom in Spanish thrillers led to a variety of Netflix Originals ranging from psychological and dystopian thrillers to procedurals and revenge tales. Here are the top ten Netflix Original Spanish thrillers you need to add to your watchlist.
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10. Gun City (2018)
Dani de la Torre’s “Gun City” is a visually stunning period thriller set in 1921 Barcelona, where unrest between law enforcement and anarchists threatens civil war. The plot revolves around the theft of military weapon shipments, with Federal Police Inspector Aníbal Uriarte (Luis Tosar) investigating. Despite the predictable second half, the film shines with its impressive staging, including a remarkable crane shot in a nightclub and thrilling action sequences like a high-stakes car chase. Although “Gun City” occasionally feels like a pastiche, de la Torre’s relentless mysteries keep the tension high.
9. The Occupant (2020)
“The Occupant,” co-written and co-directed by David and Alex Pastor, starts as a domestic drama with Javier (Javier Gutiérrez), a former ad executive struggling with unemployment and a move to a less affluent neighborhood. His obsession with the new tenant in his old apartment, Tomás (Mario Casas), leads him down a dark path. While the film critiques greed and entitlement, its lack of organic character development sometimes undermines its psychological thrills. Gutiérrez’s unsettling performance adds depth, making “The Occupant” an engaging watch despite its flaws.
8. The Chalk Line (2022)
Ignacio Tatay’s “The Chalk Line” (“Jaula”) begins with a chilling premise reminiscent of films like “Orphan.” A childless couple, Paula (Elena Anaya) and Simón (Pablo Molinero), find a traumatized little girl named Clara (Eva Tennear) on the highway. As Clara reveals her past in cryptic ways, unsettling events unfold in the couple’s home. Tatay and Peña’s script, along with strong performances, maintains a spooky atmosphere throughout. Despite a conventional twist in the third act, “The Chalk Line” remains an engaging slow-burn thriller.
7. Below Zero (2021)
Lluis Quílez’s “Below Zero” is a pulse-pounding action thriller set aboard a prison transport bus in freezing conditions. Veteran cop Martín (Javier Gutiérrez) is assigned to the transfer of dangerous criminals, including the feared Romanian gang leader, Rei. When the bus is ambushed, it becomes clear that the attack is not what it seems. Though “Below Zero” demands some suspension of disbelief, Gutiérrez’s performance anchors the film, and the intense, cathartic ending makes up for any narrative bumps along the way.
6. Nowhere (2023)
Albert Pinto’s “Nowhere” is a gripping survival thriller that doubles as a poignant story of motherhood. The film follows pregnant Mia (Anna Castillo) as she flees a brutal regime with her husband, Nico, only to be left alone in a leaking shipping container in the middle of the ocean. Castillo’s powerful performance drives the film, which, while occasionally feeling derivative of other survival thrillers, keeps viewers engaged with its intense setup and Mia’s desperate quest for safety.
5. Eye for an Eye (2019)
Paco Plaza, known for “REC” and “Veronica,” steps into the revenge thriller genre with “Eye for an Eye.” Luis Tosar plays Mario, a nurse seeking vengeance against a drug kingpin in his care, who is responsible for his brother’s death. Tosar’s performance stands out as he balances between an ordinary life and a violent quest for retribution. Despite a slow start, “Eye for an Eye” offers a thrilling experience, with its devastatingly unpredictable ending being a standout.
4. Your Son (2018)
Miguel Ángel Vivas’ “Your Son” (“Tu hijo”) presents a restrained yet powerful revenge thriller. Renowned surgeon Jaime (José Coronado) embarks on a quest for justice after his son Marcos (Pol Monen) is brutally attacked. The film employs long, static shots to immerse viewers in Jaime’s emotional journey. Coronado’s performance captures the father’s grief and rage, and while the film’s realistic approach to revenge is compelling, its shocking twists explore the darker side of human nature.
3. God’s Crooked Lines (2022)
Oriol Paulo’s “God’s Crooked Lines” is a psychological thriller set in a mental asylum, blending elements of “Shock Corridor” and “Shutter Island.” The film follows Alice Gould (Barbara Lennie), a private investigator posing as a patient to investigate a death within the institution. As she uncovers dark secrets, the film’s labyrinthine plot and chilling atmosphere reward patient viewers. Though the ending might feel melodramatic, Lennie’s performance and the film’s twists make it a captivating watch.
2. Mirage (2018)
Oriol Paulo’s “Mirage” explores time travel through a unique device that connects individuals across decades. The story begins on November 9, 1989, and follows Vera (Adriana Ugarte) as she discovers a way to alter a tragic event from 25 years earlier. As she navigates a parallel timeline, the film delves into emotional and existential questions. Though it shares similarities with other time travel narratives, “Mirage” stands out for its emotional sincerity and engaging twists.
1. The Platform (2019)
Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s “The Platform” is a dystopian thriller set in a vertical prison, where food scarcity and class struggle are vividly portrayed. The film follows Goreng (Iván Massagué), an idealist who volunteers for six months in this hellish facility. The moving platform carrying food symbolizes the disparity of wealth and power, making the film a powerful allegory. With its intense, creative staging and sociopolitical commentary, “The Platform” is a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking thrillers.
These 10 Netflix Original Spanish thrillers offer a diverse range of narratives and styles, each showcasing the richness of the genre. Whether you’re drawn to psychological, dystopian, or action-packed thrills, this list provides an excellent selection for any thriller enthusiast.
