25 Best Thrillers of 2015: A Cinematic Journey

Description: The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston. Johnny Depp's chilling performance adds depth to this crime thriller.

Fact: Johnny Depp spent hours in makeup to transform into Whitey Bulger, including wearing blue contact lenses to match Bulger's eyes.

Description: A group of investors bet against the US mortgage market, predicting the 2008 financial crisis. Its innovative storytelling and humor make complex financial concepts accessible and thrilling.

Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to break the fourth wall and explain financial terms to the audience.

Description: A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by his companions. Its stunning visuals and intense survival story make it a must-watch.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role, which included eating raw bison liver for authenticity.

Description: The true story of how the Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese. Its investigative journalism theme and ensemble cast make it gripping.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual Boston Globe newsroom, adding to its authenticity.

Description: A mother and her young son escape from their captor after years of confinement, exploring themes of freedom, resilience, and the bond between parent and child. Its emotional depth and unique perspective make it a compelling watch.

Fact: The film was adapted from the novel by Emma Donoghue, who also wrote the screenplay.

Description: An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to bring down a drug cartel, leading her into a shadowy world of corruption and violence. Its intense atmosphere and moral ambiguity make it a standout thriller.

Fact: The film was shot in real locations in Mexico, including Juárez, to capture the gritty realism of the drug war.

Description: In post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters and fugitives take shelter during a blizzard, leading to tension, betrayal, and violence. Quentin Tarantino's signature style of dialogue and tension makes this a thrilling watch.

Fact: The film was initially intended to be released as a miniseries but was later adapted into a feature film.

Description: An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars and must use his ingenuity to survive. Its blend of science fiction, survival drama, and humor makes it a unique entry in the thriller genre.

Fact: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory provided technical advice to ensure the film's depiction of Mars exploration was as accurate as possible.

Description: During the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to negotiate the release of a U.S. pilot captured by the Soviet Union. Its historical context and Steven Spielberg's direction make it a tense and engaging watch.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Berlin, where much of the real-life events took place.

Description: A seemingly innocent encounter with an old schoolmate turns sinister, revealing dark secrets from the past. This film is a masterclass in psychological tension and the art of the slow burn.

Fact: Joel Edgerton, who also directed the film, wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences with a childhood bully.