Andrew Klavan Ranks The Greatest Thriller Movies Of All Time
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In this episode of The Andrew Klavan Show, host Andrew Klavan presents a personal ranking of what he considers the greatest thriller movies of all time using a custom S-tier grading system. He candidly evaluates films such as Psycho, Vertigo, Diabolique, and Blow-Up, praising their artistry, suspense, and cultural impact while offering sharp critiques of others like Dressed to Kill and Basic Instinct. Klavan shares personal anecdotes, including how Diabolique inspired Psycho and his own experience with the film Don't Say a Word, which was based on his novel but drastically altered in adaptation. He reflects on the emotional weight of cinema, the lasting power of classic thrillers, and the importance of original storytelling. The episode blends film criticism with introspective commentary on creativity, legacy, and the fleeting nature of time.
Diabolique (1955) is a foundational thriller that inspired Psycho and deserves an S-tier rating for its psychological depth and suspense.
Vertigo and Psycho are among Hitchcock’s greatest works, with Vertigo standing as a masterpiece of visual storytelling and emotional complexity.
Many modern thrillers are derivative; Klavan values originality and authenticity over style or shock value.
The adaptation of Don't Say a Word from book to film shows how Hollywood often sacrifices narrative integrity for commercial appeal.
Classic thrillers like M (1931) and Night of the Hunter (1955) remain powerful despite their age, proving that strong storytelling transcends time.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor: Stamps.com – Skip the Line
Andrew Klavan opens the episode with a promotional segment for Stamps.com, highlighting its ability to save time and money on postage, with a free welcome gift for new users using code PODCAST.
S-Tier Thriller Ranking System & Introduction
Klavan introduces his S-tier grading system (S, A, B, C, D) for ranking thriller films, clarifying that he hasn’t seen all the movies and invites listeners to focus on the deeper question: 'When will I get a real life?'
Top-Tier Thrillers: Psycho, Diabolique, Vertigo
“That is an S film. That is a great, great movie and also inspired the S film Psycho.”
Mixed & Critical Reviews: Dressed to Kill, Basic Instinct, Blue Velvet
Klavan delivers harsh critiques of Dressed to Kill (1980) and Basic Instinct (1992), calling them sleazy and derivative. He gives Blue Velvet a B plus, acknowledging its boldness but noting its off-putting weirdness.
Personal Reflections & Final Thoughts
“The best thrillers are not just scary or exciting—they are meaningful, emotionally resonant, and thematically rich.”
“The best thrillers are not just scary or exciting—they are meaningful, emotionally resonant, and thematically rich.”
“That is an S film. That is a great, great movie and also inspired the S film Psycho.”
“I just think that they're ripoffs. I think this is one of the sleaziest, stinkiest movies ever.”
Host
Andrew Klavan
person
Alfred Hitchcock
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Psycho
media
Diabolique
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Vertigo
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Don't Say a Word
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Preborn
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Brian De Palma
person
Robert Mitchum
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Grace Kelly
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