Dive into a cinematic journey that offers you gripping, spine-chilling suspense with these 25 of the best thriller Telugu movies.
Telugu cinema has a rich and diverse filmography and an extensive range of genres, and among them, Telugu thriller movies stand out as a captivating category that gives you an adrenaline rush.
Moreover, from psychological thrillers to suspenseful movies, Telugu cinema has certainly given us some of the best Telugu crime thriller movies in the industry. What’s more, these films stand out for their intriguing plots, stellar performances, unexpected twists and turns, and mind-bending narratives that make you think about your perception of reality.
If that has you hooked, then here are the top 25 best crime thriller Telugu movies that are a must-watch, starting from the popular Evaru to the well-acclaimed 13B – Fear Has a New Address.
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Evaru (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 60%
Run Time: 1h 58m
With plenty of twists and turns, Evaru is a gripping crime thriller movie in Telugu that has been declared a super hit film thanks to its riveting storyline. Moreover, the film is the official adaptation of the Spanish film ‘The Invisible Man’, but the director makes minor changes that really set the stage for the film to be called one of the best suspense thriller movies Telugu.
Watch one of the best crime thriller movies Telugu, starring Adivi Sesh, on Amazon Prime Video .
Virupaksha (2023)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
Run Time: 2h 26m
Virupaksha is a suspense thriller Telugu movie that offers a nail-biting suspense storyline with the right balance of mystery and tension. The film is character-driven and features Sai Dharam Tej and Samyuktha in the lead roles, who deliver impeccable performances that steal the hearts of the audience.
Furthermore, the film has a hauntingly beautiful background score that just adds the right amount of depth to the scenes.
If you enjoy watching suspense thriller movies Telugu, then you need to add Virupaksha to your watchlist and watch Virupaksha on Netflix .
Hit (2020)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 50%
Run Time: 2h 10m
Another one of the esteemed names in notable Telugu thriller movies is HIT: The First Case, which stars Vishwak Sen and Ruhani Sharma. The film is packed with action, romance, and mystery that keep the audience engaged, and the detailing doesn’t go unnoticed with the way the film breaks stereotypes.
Furthermore, a sequel to HIT: The Second Case , starring Adivi Sesh, was released on December 2, 2022, which, following the steps of its prequel, was received extremely well by the audience and critics alike.
Watch HIT: The First Case on Amazon Prime ; the OTT giant also houses the sequel, HIT: The Second Case on Prime Video .
U-Turn (2018)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 8m
A remake of the 2016 Kannada film of the same name, U-Turn is a notable mention in the list of Telugu suspense movies. The film is helmed by Pawan Kumar, who also directed the original film, marking his directorial debut in the Tamil and Telugu movie industries.
U-Turn has an ensemble cast featuring Samantha, Aadhi Pinisetty, Rahul Ravindran, and Bhumika Chawla, who have delivered stellar performances that are worthy of every applause.
Watch U-Turn available on MX Player , SonyLiv , and Amazon Prime Video .
Remakes of U-Turn
U-Turn Kannada (2016)
U-Turn Sinhala (2019)
U-Turn Filipino (2020)
U-Turn Bengali (2021)
U-Turn Hindi (2023)
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Aithe (2003)
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 20m
Aithe is a remarkable mention in the list of best thriller movies in Telugu and has won many accolades, including a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. The film marks the directorial debut of Chandra Sekhar Yeleti, who proves that he has the spark to direct a film, and Aithe proves to be a testament to his dedication.
Telugu suspense thriller movies offer you the right amount of adrenaline rush, and Aithe, with its gripping crime thriller plot, gives you just that.
Amazon Prime Video has some of the best Telugu thriller movies, and one such movie is Aithe. So go ahead and grab some popcorn and watch Aithe on Amazon Prime Video .
A Film By Aravind (2005)
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 13m
A mystery thriller film that offers you an impressive storyline starring Richard Rishi, Rajeev Kanakala, and Sherlyn Chopra in the lead roles, A Film By Aravind is undoubtedly one of the best thriller movies in Telugu.
What sets the movie apart from the rest is the narrative, which gives you an eerie feeling, making it a must-watch among Telugu thriller movie enthusiasts.
Watch one of the best psychological thriller movies Telugu, ‘A Film by Aravind’, available on MX Player and Hotstar .
Karthikeya (2014)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
Run Time: 1h 55m
A film that has been referred to as one of the finer films in recent times by many leading publications, Karthikeya is a cherished name among Telugu thriller movies that are a must-watch. Moreover, the film was widely acclaimed and nominated in several categories.
A sequel to the film was released in 2022 and can be seen as a stand-alone film, Karthikeya 2 was well acclaimed, and the fans of the franchise are demanding more films from the makers of the film.
Watch Karthikeya and Karthikeya 2 on Amazon Prime Video and MX Player .
Kartikeya Franchise
Karthikeya (2014)
Karthikeya 2 (2022)
Karthikeya 3 (TBA; expected release in 2024)
Drushyam (2014)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 30m
A nail-biting suspense story that is a remake of Jeethu Joseph’s Malayalam movie Drishyam and stars Venkatesh, Meena, and Nadhiya in the lead roles. Telugu crime thriller movies offer a captivating story, and Drushyam certainly offers you a gripping narrative that made the film one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year.
A sequel titled Drushyam 2, which is the remake of Drishyam 2, was released in November 2021 on Amazon Prime Video.
Watch Drushyam, undeniably one of the best Telugu Thriller movies ever created, on Sun NXT .
Nenokkadine (2014)
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
Run Time: 2h 29m
Mahesh Babu, all-time favourite South Indian Actor stars in a psychological thriller Telugu movie, Nenokkadine, that grossed about INR 25.2 crore in its first week. The film also features Mimi’s famed actress, Kriti Sanon , who makes her debut in Telugu cinema before debuting in Bollywood with Heropanti.
The film is considered one of the ‘25 Greatest Telugu Films of the Decade’ due to its riveting plot and impeccable performances by the star cast.
Standing highly among the remarkable Telugu thriller movies, Nenokkadine is a must-watch and is available on SonyLiv .
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Maaya (2014)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h
The film marks the debut of Avanthika Mishra, who is now known for movies like D Block and Enna Solla Pogirai. Maaya is a thriller Telugu movie that is packed with elements of the supernatural, paranormal, and parapsychology, the amalgamation of which captivates the audience.
Maaya boasts an ensemble cast of Harshvardhan Rane, Avanthika Mishra, Sushma Raj, and Nandini Rai, who portray their characters extremely well.
MX Player is an OTT platform that is home to many Telugu suspense thriller movies, including Maaya. Watch Maaya on MX Player for free.
Anaamika (2014)
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 1m
Another Harshvardhan Rane starrer, Suspense thriller Telugu movie, Anaamika is a mystery thriller film and is the official Telugu remake of Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani. While there are many suspense movies Telugu, Anaamika takes the crown as one of the best crime thriller movies in Telugu.
Sekhar Kanmula who is the director of the film, deviates from the original plot to a large extent, thus making it engrossing for the audience to watch.
Another OTT platform that has some of the best suspense movies Telugu is Netflix. Call your friends and grab your snacks to watch the Nayanthara starrer Anaamika available on Netflix .
Bhadram (2014)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%
Run Time: 2h 6m
Bhadram is a well-crafted edge-of-the-seat thriller film that, despite having a slow start at the box office, performs well in the later weeks. With an intriguing plot, the film stands tall among hit crime & suspense movies in Telugu.
The film features Ashok Selvan, Janani, and Jayaprakash, who have been praised for their performances and portrayals of their characters that add depth to the film.
Watch Bhadram, available on Aha , and Hotstar .
Awe (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:
Run Time: 1h 50m
A multi-starrer psychological thriller film that delves into the themes of multiple personality disorder, Awe is undeniably one of the best thriller Telugu movies ever created. Moreover, the film boasts an ensemble cast, including Kajal Aggarwal, Nithya Menen, Regina Cassandra, Eesha Rebba, Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Srinivas Avasarala, and Murali Sharma.
The film does not disappoint the audience and offers a thought-provoking narrative, making its place in the list of notable suspense thriller movies Telugu.
Watch Awe available on Netflix and Hotstar .
Game Over (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 67%
Run Time: 1h 43m
Game Over marks the return of Taapsee Pannu after a hiatus of four years. The psychological horror film was shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. What really sets this film apart from the rest is its unique narrative with jump scares and gripping edge-of-the-seat sequences that engross the audience.
While it is true that the film is not for everyone and has some weak points, it does stand out from the mainstream Telugu thriller movies, and that makes it a must-watch.
Watch Game Over, which has made its way onto the list of suspense movies in Telugu that are setting a new trend. The film is available on Netflix and can also be bought from YouTube , Apple TV , and Google Play Movies & TV .
Bhaagamathie (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 64%
Run Time: 2h 18m
A compelling mystery thriller story with a dose of the supernatural, Bhaagamathie stars Anushka Shetty in the titular role and narrates the story of IAS officer Chanchala Reddy as she gets imprisoned in a haunted house by law enforcers.
Bhaagamathie offers you a riveting tale that keeps you wondering if the possession of Chanchala is real or not. This is undeniably one of the best thriller Telugu movies and a must-watch.
Bhaagamathie is available on OTT platforms like ZEE5 , Hotstar , and Amazon Prime Video .
Vikram (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 57%
Run Time: 2h 54m
A high-octane action thriller film that doesn’t waste a minute in the film. Vikram is a Telugu film that offers a roller-coaster ride of suspense, and if you are a fan of movies that reveal an intricate web of secrets, then this movie is for you. Moreover, this film ranks highly among the best Telugu thriller movies and stars Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahaad Faasil.
If you need more convincing, then you should know that the film emerged as an all-time blockbuster and the highest-grossing Indian movie of 2022 with a collection of INR 500 crore worldwide.
Watch this absolute Telugu thriller masterpiece, available on ZEE5 and Hotstar .
More movies in the LCU
V (2020)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 20m
A gripping action thriller that stars Nani and Sudheer Babu and is the first mainstream Telugu film to have a digital release. This film is a perfect example of the best thriller movies in Telugu cinema. Moreover, what sets V apart from other suspense thriller Telugu movies is its powerful narrative, stellar performances, and well-executed action sequences.
The cat-and-mouse game between the two characters pumps your adrenaline and keeps you guessing until the end.
Watch V on Amazon Prime Video .
Gatham (2020)
IMDb Rating: 6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 1h 42m
A deceptively engaging thriller that will keep you engaged from the get-go comes with an unconventional story that challenges your perception. Gatham is a notable mention in the list of the best suspense thriller Telugu movies.
The film stars Rakesh Galebhe, Poojitha Kurapathi, Bhargava Poludasu, and Lakshmi Bharadwaj, who have delivered exceptional performances that have made this film a success.
Watch this mind-bending Telugu thriller movie, Gatham, available on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix .
Bharat Ane Nenu (2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
Run Time: 2h 37m
A political thriller drama film like no other, Bharat Ane Nenu starring Mahesh Babu in the titular role, is a must-watch. Moreover, the film marks the debut of Kiara Advani in Telugu cinema.
Bharat Ane Nenu stands tall among the best thriller movies in Telugu and offers a gripping narrative and a thought-provoking take on political issues that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
If you are a fan of Telugu thriller movies that combine political drama with suspense, then you cannot miss out on this movie. Watch Bharat Ane Nenu, available on Hotstar , ZEE5 , Jio Cinema , and Amazon Prime Video .
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118 (2019)
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 6m
Featuring Kalyan Ram, Shalini Pandey, and Nivetha Thomas in the lead roles, 118 is a pulse-pounding action thriller Telugu movie that blends mystery with the supernatural. The film follows the story of an investigative journalist who becomes obsessed with a recurring dream that leads him to trace a mysterious woman’s whereabouts and stumble upon a web of secrets.
The film has commendable cinematography that adds to the visual appeal of the film and is a must-watch for thriller Telugu movies enthusiasts.
Watch one of the best Telugu movies starring Kalyan Ram available on Hotstar .
Okkadunnadu (2007)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 10m
Okkadunnadu establishes itself among the best thriller Telugu movies ever created with its engaging plot and suspenseful storytelling that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
The film boasts an ensemble cast of Gopichnad, Neha Jhulka, and Mahesh Manjrekar, who hold the film together with their stellar performances. Undoubtedly, Okkadunnadu is a remarkable gem on the list of the best suspense thriller Telugu movies.
Watch Okkadunnadu on Amazon Prime .
Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru or D-16 (2016)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 1h 45m
An Indian neo-noir crime thriller film starring the phenomenal actor Rahman, D-16 or ‘Every Detail Counts’ is one of the best thriller Telugu movies ever made. This suspenseful masterpiece helmed by Karthick Naren grabs your attention right from the start and never lets you go with its gripping plot.
The film keeps you engaged with its intellectually stimulating storytelling and Rahman’s spectacular portrayal of his character.
If you enjoy watching suspenseful crime thriller movies Telugu, then you cannot miss out on D-16 which is available to watch on Aha , ZEE5 , MX Player , and Amazon Prime Video .
Anukokunda Oka Roju (2005)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
Run Time: 2h 25m
A 2005 thriller movie in Telugu that offers a roller-coaster ride of suspense and hooks the audience with its intriguing storyline, Anukokunda Oka Roju is a gem in Telugu thriller movies and its plot centers around a woman with amnesia who tries to uncover the mystery of the missing day in her life and gets entangled in a web of crime.
The film features Jagapathi Babu, Charmy, and Shashank in the lead roles, and their performances are applause-worthy especially Charmy, whose convincing portrayal of Sahasra stands out in the film.
Watch this mind-bending suspense thriller Telugu movie, Anukokunda Oka Roju, on Amazon Prime Video .
13B: Fear Has a New Address (2009)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
Run Time: 2h 17m
Dubbed as 13 – Padamoodu in Telugu, this one is a must-watch thriller Telugu movie and stars R. Madhavan, Neetu Chandra, Sachin Khedekar, Deepak Dobriyal, Ravi Babu, and Murali Sharma.
This Telugu film offers a spine-chilling cinematic experience to the audience and blends supernatural and thriller elements. Not only that, Madhavan’s performance adds depth to the film along with the eerie visuals that contribute to the film’s immersive storytelling.
Watch 13 – Padamoodu on Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video .
Wrapping up!
That was all about the Top 25 Best Thriller Movies in Telugu that offer you an adrenaline rush and are a must-watch. So go ahead and grab your snacks and watch these mind-bending suspense thriller Telugu movies on OTT platforms. For more of these lists, stay tuned to FamousBollywood
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