Michael Caine Calls This Movie the “Best Thriller Ever” — Urges Everyone to Watch It

Michael Caine is calling one classic film the ultimate thriller, and it’s a movie that has captivated audiences for decades.

In his memoir The Elephant to Hollywood, the legendary actor names The Third Man as his all-time favorite thriller, a film that first stunned viewers 76 years ago.

Set in post-World War II Vienna, The Third Man follows American writer Holly Martins, played by Joseph Cotten, who arrives in the city to work with his friend Harry Lime, only to discover Lime has apparently died.

As Martins investigates, he becomes drawn deeper into a web of mystery, deception, and danger, with Orson Welles’ Harry Lime at the heart of the story. Alida Valli and Trevor Howard also star, bringing depth and tension to the unforgettable narrative.

Caine praised the film for its vivid sense of time and place. “Post-war Vienna is an extraordinary setting for what I consider to be the best thriller ever,” he wrote.

The city itself, still scarred from bombings, adds authenticity to the tension, while the film’s striking black-and-white cinematography, Dutch angles, and dramatic shadows create a mood that perfectly captures the unease of the era.

The screenplay, written by Graham Greene, and the direction of Carol Reed make the film a standout. Caine highlighted Welles’ performance, especially his “cuckoo clock” speech, noting that a single piece of dialogue could convey so much about the character and the story. Music also plays a memorable role, with Anton Karas’ zither score, particularly The Third Man Theme, achieving international acclaim.

The Third Man is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. In 1999, the British Film Institute named it the greatest British film ever, and a 2011 Time Out poll ranked it second. Its influence on film noir and thrillers remains significant, and its blend of suspense, atmosphere, and complex characters continues to draw new fans.

Caine’s praise is well-deserved. The Third Man is a masterclass in tension and storytelling, showing that great thrillers don’t rely solely on action, they rely on atmosphere, character, and mood. What do you think is the greatest thriller ever? Share your thoughts in the comments.