Over the years, International audiences have grown close to a lot of content other than Hollywood, specific to a lot of countries, such as Japanese, Russian,South Korean, Israeli, Chinese, Nordic etc. And with the advent of OTT, these contents are now closer than ever to those who wish to explore international contents. Amongst them, in recent years Israeli contents have gained the most interest and recognition due to their non-linear story lines and unique way of storytelling. Mostly focusing on the thrill genre, Israeli contents are extremely popular in today’s OTT generation.
Therefore, if you are new to international contents and tend to grow your interest towards Israeli contents, here’s top 10 thrillers from the same country for you to check:
10. The Angel – Netflix
Directed by ace Israeli director Ariel Vromen, The Angel is an adaptation of the non-fiction book The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel written by Uri Bar-Joseph. Featuring Marwan Kenzari and Toby Kebbell among others, it is based on a true true story of a high-ranking Egyptian official, Ashraf Marwan who became a spy for Israeli Mossad prior to the 1973 Arab-Israel war and helped achieve peace between theIsrael and Egypt. Available on Netflix, this film is fantastic content to unwind your Sunday..
9. Black Space – Netflix
created by Anat Gafni and Sahar Shavit, this Israeli thriller revolves around a rogue detective named Rami Davidi with unorthodox means who leads an investigation into a massacre committed by unicorn mask-wearing assassins at an Israeli high school. A compeling thriller and relatively new content on Netflix, the season one will surely give you chills.
8. Mossad 101 – Netflix
Another Netflix content, Mossad 101 is a 2015 thriller series revolving around a fictional group of Israeli soldiers training to be Mossad spies. Featuring Yehuda Levi and Hana Laszlo it chronicles the lives of soldiers who endure harsh challenges all while dealing with personal experiences. It’s the right balance of drama, thrill and bit of comic relief to keep you engaged throughout the two seasons.
7. When Heroes Fly – Netflix
Revolving around four friends who were Israeli military veterans and their final reunion for a deeply personal rescue mission 11 years after having a bitter falling out, When Heroes Fly is a 2018 Israeli thriller drama, loosely based on the novel of the same name by Amir Gutfreund. This one is also available on Netflix and it’s a worthy inclusion to the list.
6. Maktub – Netflix
Not exactly a thriller but a comedy thriller, Maktub is a 2017 Netflix film which centers around two criminals who decide to change their ways after surviving a restaurant bombing in Jerusalem and they go to fulfill the wishes of strangers by answering prayers left at the Wailing Wall. Directed by Oded Raz, this Israeli film deserves your attention.
5. Tehran – Apple TV+
One of the most talked-about spy thrillers in recent times, Tehran premiered on 25th September internationally on Apple TV+. It follows a Mossad agent, Tamar Rabinyan who goes undercover on her first mission in Iran’s capital, which also happens to be the place of her birth and the mission has implications not just for the Middle East, but for the rest of the world. If you are an Apple TV+ subscription holder, just go ahead and start binging this supremely intriguing series.
4. Hostages – Netflix
Created by Rotem Shamir and Omri Givon, the story of Hostages revolves around a brilliant surgeon, Yael who is set to operate on Israel’s Prime Minister when suddenly four men kidnap her family and take them hostage. This two season show has a stellar cast and captivating plot to keep you on the edge of your seat and sets new standards for the thriller genre. This Netflix series is the one to beat..
3. The Spy – Netflix
Directed by Israeli director Gideon Raff and Max Perry, based on the life of Israel’s top Mossad spy Eli Cohen, this Netflix content is one of Sacha Baron Cohen’s finest. The story revolves around Eli Cohen, who infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s. Released in 2019 to rave reviews, this spy thriller is definitely worth investing your time.
2. Fauda – Netflix
Widely regarded as one of the best Israeli thrillers around the world, Fauda is developed by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff drawing on their experiences in the Israel Defense Forces. Fauda is one of the most realistic TV shows on the subject, though they do exaggerate from time to time to keep the drama running, but the figures and the background story are some of the best out there. Returning for season 4, Fauda should be on your watchlist if you are a thriller lover.
1. Homeland – Disney+ Hotstar Premium
Not exactly an original Israeli thriller, but an American espionage thriller television series developed by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa based on the Israeli series Prisoners of War, Homeland is arguably the most popular Israel based thriller in the world. Revolving around CIA operative Carrie Mathison who is on the lookout for an American prisoner who may have joined forces with Al-Qaeda, the series has received largely positive reviews, with its first two seasons gaining near universal praise. A winner of 2011 and 2012 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama, Homeland has to be at the Top of this list.