Thrilling Movies & Shows Like Cliff Hanger

Description: A lone hero trapped in a confined space must outmaneuver a group of terrorists, blending action, suspense, and clever problem-solving.

Fact: The film was based on a novel that was a sequel to another book, but the story was adapted to stand alone. The Nakatomi Plaza was actually the Fox Plaza building in Los Angeles.

Description: A high-stakes thriller featuring a protagonist on the run, trying to clear his name while evading relentless pursuers. The tension and cat-and-mouse dynamics are central to the plot.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life case of a doctor wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. The train crash scene was one of the most expensive stunts ever filmed at the time.

Description: A high-concept thriller where the protagonist must outsmart a villain in a life-or-death scenario, with non-stop tension and inventive set pieces.

Fact: The bus jump scene was performed practically, with a real bus leaping over a gap in the freeway. The script was initially rejected by multiple studios before becoming a hit.

Description: A blend of espionage and high-octane action, with the protagonist using wit and skill to overcome impossible odds and betrayals.

Fact: The iconic wire heist scene was filmed in one take and required Tom Cruise to hold his breath for a long time. The film's theme music is one of the most recognizable in cinema.

Description: A tense action thriller where a small group must infiltrate a heavily fortified location to stop a catastrophic threat, with a mix of strategy and explosive set pieces.

Fact: Sean Connery's character was originally written as British, but he insisted on playing him as Scottish. The film's climax involved real military personnel as extras.

Description: A high-stakes scenario where the protagonist must protect his family and country from terrorists, combining political drama with intense action sequences.

Fact: The film's famous line 'Get off my plane!' was ad-libbed by Harrison Ford. The Air Force One set was built to scale and could tilt to simulate flight movements.

Description: A protagonist with a mysterious past must evade powerful enemies while uncovering the truth about himself, featuring gritty action and psychological depth.

Fact: The film's shaky-cam action style became highly influential in the action genre. The car chase scene in Paris was filmed without permits, adding to its realism.

Description: A gripping narrative centered around escape and survival, with intricate planning and constant danger. The protagonist's ingenuity under pressure drives the story.

Fact: The show's iconic tattoos were designed by a real tattoo artist and took hours to apply for filming. The series was initially planned as a limited miniseries but expanded due to its popularity.

Description: A relentless pursuit narrative where the protagonist uses his skills to rescue a loved one, filled with intense action and high personal stakes.

Fact: The film's famous phone call monologue was improvised by Liam Neeson. It was originally conceived as a more low-key thriller but was rewritten to emphasize action.

Description: Real-time storytelling with relentless pacing, where the protagonist faces escalating threats and must outthink adversaries to prevent disasters.

Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its real-time format, with each season representing 24 consecutive hours. Kiefer Sutherland performed many of his own stunts.