With renewed interest in Al Pacino following the controversial release of ‘The Ritual’, many fans are seeking the best Al Pacino horror and thriller movies list to revisit his acclaimed performances. As his latest supernatural thriller receives harsh reviews and stirs debate among critics, audiences may want to explore Pacino’s wide-ranging filmography known for compelling crime dramas and psychological thrillers.
Controversy Surrounding ‘The Ritual’
‘The Ritual’ places Al Pacino in the role of Father Theophilus Riesinger, a real-life Capuchin friar and Roman Catholic priest recognized for a famous exorcism in 1928. The film tracks Priests Riesinger and Joseph Steiger, played by Pacino and Dan Stevens, as they attempt to save the possessed Emma Schmidt, portrayed by Abigail Cowen. Despite the film’s dramatic premise, it has debuted to negative reviews, notably a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics labeling it as derivative and underwhelming. One notable moment from the exorcism in the film preserves history with the desperate plea:
“My Jesus! Mercy! Praised be Jesus Christ!”
—Emma Schmidt
Despite this centerpiece, harsh comparisons to classics like ‘The Exorcist’ have left some fans disappointed. For those eager to see Al Pacino at his best in the genre, there are several other horror and thriller movies that showcase his enduring talent.
1. Cruising (1980): Undercover in a World of Danger
‘Cruising’ spotlights Al Pacino as Detective Steve Burns, assigned to infiltrate the underground S&M scene in New York City after a series of murders targeting gay men. Many of the police, uncomfortable with the assignment, refuse, but Burns accepts in an effort to advance his career, leading him into a risky investigation that challenges his identity and views.
The direction, led by William Friedkin, distinguishes the film with its focus on prejudice, ambition, and loss, bringing a much-discussed open-ended finale. Pacino’s understated performance stands as a highlight, although major award recognition eluded him. The film also features Paul Sorvino and Karen Allen. ‘Cruising’ remains controversial but is praised for its intensity and unapologetic depiction of its era’s social realities.
2. People I Know (2002): A Publicist Entangled in Scandal
Al Pacino takes the role of Eli Wurman, a fatigued publicist based in New York, in ‘People I Know’. His career on the decline, Wurman is drawn into a major scandal involving a celebrity client and a political power play. The film explores the burdens and moral conflicts in the intersection of celebrity and politics, with notable supporting performances from Kim Basinger as Victoria Gray, Ryan O’Neal as Cary Launer, and Tea Leoni as Jilli Hopper.
The atmosphere is marked by evocative visuals and a restrained performance by Pacino. Director Daniel Algrant brings an eye for both the city and character drama, rendering a rich portrait of ambition and downfall. ‘People I Know’ delves into the psychological toll of high-profile careers and personal sacrifice.
3. Righteous Kill (2008): Veteran Detectives Hunt for a Murderer
Uniting Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, ‘Righteous Kill’ presents both actors as seasoned New York detectives, Rooster and Turk, investigating a spree of vigilante-style killings. The murderer, dubbed the Poetry Boy Killer, targets criminals who have evaded justice, leaving cryptic poems with each body. As suspicion grows, the shocking plot twist reveals that the perpetrator may be closer than either detective realizes.
The film’s gritty style is underscored by sharp dialogue and a tightly wound narrative, keeping viewers guessing until the end. Strong performances from Carla Gugino as Karen Corelli and John Leguizamo as Detective Simon Perez add depth to the suspense. Under Jon Avnet’s direction, the movie stands out for its dark tone and unexpected developments.
4. The Son of No One (2011): Secrets from the Past Resurface
Channing Tatum plays rookie NYPD officer Jonathan “Milk” White, assigned to his childhood neighborhood in Queens, where he struggles to hide a secret involving a youthful act of violence. Al Pacino stars as Detective Charles Stanford, the partner of Milk’s late father, who once helped him cover up the incident. As threats to expose Milk mount, tension and guilt haunt the characters.
The film benefits from Jonathan Elias’ haunting score and contributions from a strong supporting cast, including Ray Liotta and Katie Holmes. Pacino embodies the flawed, fatherly mentor, complicating the lines between loyalty and justice. ‘The Son of No One’ creates a suffocating atmosphere of paranoia and concealed truths.
5. The Recruit (2002): Espionage and Deception at the CIA
In ‘The Recruit’, Al Pacino stars as Walter Burke, a veteran CIA officer who spots potential in James Clayton, an MIT cryptography student played by Colin Farrell. Burke enlists Clayton to help root out a mole within the agency, plunging the young recruit into tests that blur the boundaries between trust and manipulation. Bridget Moynahan and Gabriel Macht also play prominent roles, deepening the intrigue.
This tense thriller leverages modern technology and the ethical gray areas of intelligence work. Pacino’s portrayal as a forceful yet paternal mentor to Farrell’s character anchors the story, which balances action with psychological suspense. The film is frequently cited as one of Pacino’s standout performances in thrillers set within the shadowy world of espionage.
6. Insomnia (2002): Facing Darkness in Alaska
Directed by Christopher Nolan, ‘Insomnia’ finds Al Pacino as Detective Will Dormer, sent to a remote Alaskan town to investigate a brutal murder. Struggling with personal demons and relentless daylight, Dormer is soon drawn into a cat-and-mouse game with the prime suspect, played by Robin Williams. As guilt and sleep deprivation erode his judgment, Dormer’s resolve is severely tested.
Pacino’s intense performance is complemented by stellar acting from supporting cast members and the film’s moody, atmospheric setting. ‘Insomnia’ is lauded for its psychological complexity and the moral ambiguity faced by its characters.
7. Panic in Needle Park (1971): Descent into Addiction
In this early thriller, Pacino delivers a raw performance as Bobby, a heroin addict navigating the desperate world of Manhattan’s Needle Park. The movie, co-starring Kitty Winn, exposes the grim realities and spiraling dangers of life among the city’s most vulnerable. The film’s documentary-like style and fearless portrayal of addiction make it both gripping and tragic.
8. Heat (1995): Cop and Criminal in a Battle of Wits
Pacino takes on the iconic role of LAPD detective Vincent Hanna in Michael Mann’s relentless thriller, ‘Heat’. Tasked with bringing down master criminal Neil McCauley, played by Robert De Niro, Hanna’s pursuit tests his moral boundaries and professional dedication. This film stands out for its intense shootouts, sharp dialogue, and climactic face-off between two of cinema’s greatest actors.
‘Heat’ is noted for its exploration of obsession, sacrifice, and the costs of living on both sides of the law. Supporting performances from Val Kilmer and Ashley Judd add richness to this high-stakes drama.
9. Sea of Love (1989): Romance and Deadly Obsession
As Detective Frank Keller, Pacino investigates a series of murders linked to personal ads, only to become entangled with the alluring Helen Cruger, played by Ellen Barkin. The case blurs the borders between professional duty and personal risk, as Keller must determine whom to trust in this suspenseful thriller. The film captivates with its atmospheric tension and nuanced performances.
10. The Devil’s Advocate (1997): Temptation and Supernatural Intrigue
In this psychological horror-thriller, Pacino stars as the enigmatic lawyer John Milton, enticing a young attorney, Kevin Lomax—played by Keanu Reeves—into a world of temptation and moral ambiguity. The film weaves themes of ambition, ethics, and supernatural evil, culminating in an unforgettable climax that challenges viewers’ concepts of right and wrong. Charlize Theron’s role as Lomax’s tormented wife adds emotional weight to the film’s chilling narrative.
Al Pacino’s body of work in horror and thriller genres showcases his range and enduring appeal, from gritty undercover cop dramas to supernatural tales and high-wire crime investigations. As ‘The Ritual’ divides critics and fans alike, this best Al Pacino horror and thriller movies list offers fans a rewarding journey through some of his most intense and memorable screen performances, reinforcing his status as an icon of suspense-themed cinema.
