Netflix subscribers looking for thrillers have three titles to sort through in the new movies streaming april 17-19 window: a South African revenge thriller called “180,” the holdover hit “Thrash,” and the 2025 horror-thriller “Him.” Netflix released “180” this week, while “Thrash,” which arrived on April 10, stayed at No. 1 on the streamer’s top 10 most-watched list.
The new release from South Africa centers on a father pushed into vengeance after an unexpected road rage incident leaves his son in critical condition. Directed by Alex Yazbek, “180” runs 95 minutes, a tight span for a story built around grief, rage and retaliation.
“Thrash” is the more obvious cautionary tale for viewers deciding what to press play on next. The movie takes place in a small coastal town shattered by a hurricane, then sends hungry sharks into the submerged streets. It has not been well received: Tom’s Guide’s Martin Shore gave it 2/5 stars, and viewers on Rotten Tomatoes have rated it at 25%.
That split matters because Netflix does not need every thriller to be a critical favorite for the category to keep working. The platform’s global content pipeline remains one of its biggest strengths, and this week’s lineup is a good example of that reach. Even without brand new thrillers arriving directly from Netflix U.S. this week, the service still has a fresh South African original, a returning No. 1 title and a 2025 horror-thriller in “Him,” which stars Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers. The movie follows Cam, a gifted young football player whose promising NFL career may end after he is violently assaulted following a late-night practice session, then invited to train at the isolated compound of his hero, legendary San Antonio Saviors quarterback Isaiah White.
For Netflix, the takeaway is plain: thriller fans have something new to watch, but the title most likely to keep climbing is not necessarily the one made this week. “Thrash” has already shown it can hold an audience, and “180” gives the streamer another sharp, compact option for viewers who want something darker over the weekend.