The finest conspiracy thrillers ever made

Not being in control of your own life isn't a good feeling, but they provide enough cinematic fodder—as long as it's happening to characters in a movie, it's fine, right? (Compiled by Sajin Shrijith)

Klute | The Parallax View | All the President's Men

Alan J. Pakula made the best films about paranoid characters. His 'paranoia' trilogy — one of which explores the Watergate scandal — is essential viewing for any conspiracy movie buff.

Three Days of the Condor (1975)

A year before All the President's Men, actor Robert Redford starred in another post-Watergate thriller, in which he played a CIA analyst entangled in sinister events that could put his life at risk.

The Insider (1999)

Al Pacino and Russell Crowe respectively played a real-life journalist and whistleblower in Michael Mann's portrait of one's battle, backed by several, against Big Tobacco—also one of the best journalism films ever made.

Syriana (2005)

It might take multiple viewings to fully comprehend the complex web of espionage, treachery and subterfuge conjured up by writer-director Stephen Gaghan (Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, for 'Traffic'), but it's rewarding nonetheless.

The Conversation (1974)

Francis Ford Coppola's "little" film, which he managed to make in between the first two 'Godfather' films, features one of the late Gene Hackman's extraordinary performances — as a lonely, paranoia-affected surveillance expert.

Blow Out (1981)

Another terrific thriller about another man whose profession revolves around sound, sometimes captured from places he is not supposed to be. Headlined by John Travolta, the film also doesn't forget to take satirical digs at some filmmaking challenges.

Seven Days in May (1964)

Written by the legendary Rod Serling, creator of the original 'Twilight Zone' series, the Cold War thriller pits a senior military man against the U.S. President, after the former strongly disapproves of a decision the latter made.

JFK (Director's Cut) (1991)

The definitive film on the John F. Kennedy assassination, directed by Oliver Stone, with Kevin Costner as the principal investigator. It's also a supreme masterclass in editing!