No cinematic genre is as reliant on the world seeming in flux as the conspiracy thriller.

With a creepy atmosphere and excellent pacing,Comareally works because of how high the conspiracy goes.

It’s a film that is unpredictable without resorting to ridiculousness.

J.J.

Image via Paramount Pictures

Beginning with a political assassination, the film follows a reporter’s investigation into the cryptic Parallax Corporation.

The film isn’t flashy, but makes good use of its Washington D.C. setting and quality twist.

Rife with two facedness and criminal conversation,No Way Outsees Costner andGene Hackmansquarely in their element.

coma_1978_genevieve bujold

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

The cast here is excellent, withWill SmithandGene Hackmanleading the charge.

However, critics and scholars alike acknowledge theBrian De Palmathriller as one of his seminal works.

The film is far more sleazy than other conspiracy thrillers.

the_parallax_view_poster

In these roles, Douglas is a victim of uncontrollable forces, although not always a sympathetic one.

The best director and arguably the best film to bring out this side of Douglas wasDavid FincherwithThe Game.

Fincher’s always sharp direction and the films playful yet cunning scenario makesThe Gamea twisty treat.

no_way_out_hackman and costner

The Conversationis tragic, but it’s hard to verbalize exactly why.

It is perfectly constructed, both literary in all the right places and cinematic in all the right places.

Every member of the elite ensemble add their own flavor, making the film the perfect dish.

Will Smith and Gene Hackman talking next to satellite dishes in ‘Enemy of the State’

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

Private eye movies by nature are often conspiracy thrillers as they are focused on lies and coverups.

However,Chinatownruns deeper than meager human diversions or seedy red herrings.

NEXT:10 Thrillers From the 70s That Bombed, But Became Cult Classics

three days of the condor

Image via Paramount Pictures

blow-out_john travolta

the-game-michael-douglas-social

Image via PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Richard Kimble standing alone in a subway car looking forward in The Fugitive

Image via Warner Bros

Gene Hackman as Harry monitoring surveillance equipment in The Conversation

Image via Paramount Pictures

Jack Nicholson as Jake Gittes resting his hand on his car in ‘Chinatown.'

Image via Paramount Pictures

Movie