Love mystery? The thrill of a classic whodunit or some dark serial killing case can be unmatchable from normal thriller movies. Here is a list of 30 such movies that you can watch spanning over the years and which are considered as some of the best mystery movies of all time. From classic Agatha Christie adaptations to some dark anime movies, we have collected it all here for you!
30 Mystery Movies To Add To Your Never-ending Wishlist
The Prestige (2006)
Like enemies to lovers? Well, you'll love this friend to rivals. However, this competition of creating the ultimate illusion and being better than the other brings some fatal consequences, forcing them to sacrifice everything and destroy each other. Like the magic in the film, the film itself is magic with all the non-predictable twists and turns and the ensemble cast. You can't miss out on this Nolan movie (we forbid you to do so).
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Shutter Island (2010)
One word, absolutely CRAZY! Teddy with his new partner Chuck is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient at a psychiatric facility on a remote island, but as the investigation deepens, fears of not being able to get off the island alive start to crawl in. The many details, secrets and superb performance will amaze you. Shutter Island is a moving, thought-provoking thriller and not just a great film.
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Talvar (2015)
One of Irrfan Khan's bests is Talvar, based on a true story, this film follows the investigation into the double murder of a teenage girl and her family's servant. The case becomes a media sensation with conflicting theories and evidence and is till date unsolved for concrete evidence, although the movie differs a bit from the reality, it is a gripping tale of the infamous Talvar murder case.
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Ittefaq (2017)
A Bollywood movie that truly went under the radar is the Siddharth Malhotra, Akshaye Khanna and Sonakshi Sinha starer Ittefaq. This movie will have you questioning the truth until the last moment with 2 suspects of a double murder case and their alibis. The movie is framed in an immersive way giving the murders from the perspective of each character.
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Kahaani (2012)
The protagonist, Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman comes down to Kolkata from London to find her missing husband but all she's been able to meet are clues with dead ends despite all her desperate efforts. Kahaani is a gem that must be treasured, it's intriguing from the start to the end, and you'll be engrossed at every step of Vidya and all the characters.
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Oldboy (2003)
On the day of his daughter's birthday, Oh Dae-Su is kidnapped and isolated from the world without any explanations given when one day, after fifteen years of imprisonment he is suddenly released. He starts his journey to search for answers while his kidnapper is unaware of the sufferings his fate awaits.
IMDb Rating: 8.4
Memories of Murder (2003)
Inspired by terrifying true events that took place in Hwaseong, a small rural town in South Korea. A city detective from Seoul city comes to investigate a series of murders and rapes of women happening in the town all with the help of only two local and skill- lacking detectives who only wish to solve the case without any techniques and logicality.
IMDb Rating: 8.1
The Wailing (2016)
The story of a rural village where unexplainable deaths have everyone scared and suspicious of the old Japanese man. The movie will leave you questioning your choices with some bone-chilling plot twists while the protagonist, a policeman investigates into the mystery and tries to save his family from evil.
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Zodiac (2007)
What makes Zodiac a masterpiece is the details and the realistic portrayal of one of the most famous unsolved cases and the amount of investigation and research that followed the killings to find the zodiac killer. You need to go watch it now if you haven't already! Robert's efforts in using his puzzle-solving powers to identify the killer on the loose, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, RDJ and David Fincher, what more do you need?
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Seven (1995)
A serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives in a series of gruesome murders, while two cops who investigate him, Somerset and Mills played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. At the risk of revealing a little more, delve into the maniac of a character, John Doe. Hearing his reasons for killing people and his perception of this world spreads an eerie feeling inside you and as a result, you resent the character more and more till the very end.
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Who says a murder mystery has to be gruesome and dark? For an Agatha Christie fan, this is a Godsend. While travelling on the luxurious Orient Express, renowned detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder that occurs on the train before the killer strikes again. With an ensemble cast of Johnny Depp, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Edward Ratchett, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penélope Cruz, William Defoe and many more, this movie even though a little slow will have you on the edge of your seats throughout the journey (pun intended).
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Death on the Nile (2022)
Yes we know, people might have polarising opinions on whether you should watch it or not. But if you are a fan of Agatha Christie or let's say you like watching or reading about Hercule Poirot, then for the sake of that love or for nostalgia, give this movie a watch. The cast, especially the supporting cast is amazing, we have to agree on that. And who doesn't like to watch Hercule Poirot in action unfolding the layers of a mystery?
IMDb Rating: 6.2
A Haunting in Venice (2023)
Another ensemble cast edition of an Agatha Christie mystery features Poirot— retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world's most glamorous city. Who reluctantly attends a seance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. He soon gets thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets when one of the guests is murdered. One of the most underrated movies in the detective genre this is a must-watch for all you mystery lovers! It is a bit slow and the dialogues can be a tad clunky, but still worth the watch.
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Gone Girl (2014)
On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. As the police investigate and the media frenzy grows, secrets are revealed that turn the case upside down. This is one movie with a plot twist so crazy that it will have you second guessing everything. Outright evil, she starts by giving the audience a faux pas about how miserable she is. As we follow her plan, we realise she's the one who's manipulative and dangerous. Though Nick was at fault, he wasn't as pathetic as Amy. In her story, she was the victim and she made sure everyone else saw her the same until she committed something unforgivable.
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Kathal (2023)
Netflix's original release, Kathal is funny and eye-opening at the same time. Sana Malhotra acts her heart out as we get to see this sincere police officer, Mahima Basor. Being a woman in the police force is never easy and even harder when people look down upon your orders due to caste differences. The movie sheds light on a lot of social malpractices while calling out the incompetence of the structure using satire. Definitely one of the best movies that came out of Netflix in 2023.
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Anweshippin Kandethum (2024)
Anweshippin Kandethum captivates with Tovino Thomas's stellar performance in a riveting murder mystery. Its brilliant execution, along with top-notch sound and cinematography, makes you feel right in the middle of the action. Watch this to Join Thomas and his team to unravel the mystery that shook Kerela.
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Harry Lockhart, a petty thief gets mistaken for an actor when he stumbles into an audition while getting chased by the cops. After landing the role, he is sent to train for his role under Gay Perry, a private detective, things get complicated when the duo witness a real murder throwing them into a murder conspiracy investigation with Harry's childhood love who's now a glamorous actress. You should definitely not miss out on this dark comedy starring Robert Downey Jr.
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Mystic River (2003)
The film is centred on three childhood friends Jimmy, Sean, and Dave. The three are reunited once again when Dave becomes the prime suspect in Jimmy's daughter Katie's murder case investigated by Sean who's now a homicide detective. The tragedy brings out the horrors and traumas from the past to resurface. A powerful and heart-wrenching film that will stay with you even after months and years of watching.
IMDb Rating: 7.9
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Set in 1830, a detective investigates a series of murders at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with the help of a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe. This movie is a treat to the eyes of the beautiful cinematography with talented actors who are so convincing on screen. This movie is a real gift for all literary nerds as it has so many Poe references that you will just have fun catching them.
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Suzume (2022)
This is an anime lovers hidden gem about a determined teenager named Suzume. As the skies turn red and the planet trembles, Japan stands on the brink of disaster. However, able to see supernatural forces that others cannot, it's up to her to close the mysterious doors that are spreading chaos across the land. A perilous journey awaits as the fate of Japan rests on her shoulders.
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Spirited Away (2001)
Chihiro and her parents discover an abandoned amusement park. Venturing inside, she sees ghostly apparitions and her parents turn into pigs. Chihiro has unwittingly crossed over into the spirit world. Now trapped, she must summon the courage to live and work amongst spirits. Vivid and intriguing, Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro's journey through an unfamiliar world as she strives to save her parents and return home.
IMDb Rating: 8.6
Knives Out (2019)
Knives Out is a clever and well-knitted crime mystery. The story begins when the renowned Detective Benoit Blanc investigates the death of a famous crime writer Harlan Thrombey and Harlan's dysfunctional family where everyone's hiding and protecting something. As we get more and more entangled in the many lies and secrets just like all the family members, one thing that is guaranteed is a fun watch delivered by the ensemble cast.
IMDb Rating: 7.9
The Usual Suspects (1995)
A group of criminals are brought together for a police lineup but soon find themselves embroiled in a complex heist orchestrated by the mysterious Keyser Söze. This movie is famous for the iconic line-up scene, the noticeboard that haunts everybody forever and its killer twist, one for the ages and not one to forget in the long one. A cult classic that fans rewatch over and over again despite knowing the mystery, this movie is one of the bests of this genre.
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Andhadhun (2018)
Andhadhun is truly brilliant, it's dark and intense but knows when to add a little laugh. This well-crafted story will grip you and you won't be able to let it go even when you're done watching it. Akash, a blind pianist invites trouble over after witnessing a murder he was not supposed to. Ayushmann, Tabu and the whole cast absolutely nail their roles because of whom Andhadhun will be such a classic! Go watch it and feel proud.
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Incendies (2010)
This movie will not only have you craving for answers but also let you in on the reality of countries that are always in war. Nawal, a dying Middle Eastern woman living in Montreal, leaves separate letters to her twin children to be read once she passes away. Jeanne is to deliver hers to the father the twins never knew, and Simon is to give his to the brother they never knew they had.
IMDb Rating: 8.3
Donnie Darko (2001)
28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds is all that Donnie has as the world's going to come to an end as claimed by the man in the bunny suit Donnie started seeing after escaping an accident. Donnie Darko builds up constant suspense, fear and tension, it's an absolute gem with a young Jake, an amazing plot, a beautiful soundtrack and an ending you did not see coming (for real).
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Ratsasan (2018)
Arun, the Protagonist, dreams of being a filmmaker and ends up taking the job in the police. He, then, finds a case of a psycho-serial killer who targets school girls. Arjun tries to chase the killer down by following the chain of evidence & faces an avalanche of twists and turns. He almost solves the mystery and finds out it's his daughter who's been missing!
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Manorama Six Feet Under (2007)
If you're looking for a plot twist that will leave your mouth agape, look no further. This film is full of surprises. Satyaveer reflects on his monotonous life, unaware of what his life has planned against him. It is loosely based on Jack Nicholson's movie — China Town. The protagonist is entangled in the twist of fate that has him change his perspective towards life. There is a wonderful juxtaposition between the narration that Satyaveer gives at the film's opening and towards the end.
IMDb Rating: 7
Killers of the flower Moon (2023)
Martin Scorsese, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Robert De Niro working to make this Western-style film! The plot explores the infamous Osage Indian murders and the birth of the FBI. This movie is a must-watch for all you cult lovers and in general fans of these superstars.
IMDb Rating: 7.6
The Black Phone (2021)
One of the most anticipated horror/thriller releases ever. The Black Phone follows Finney Shaw, who is a smart 13-year-old kid. But he is being held captive in a murderer's basement. Things start to take a turn when a mysterious phone helps Finney to connect with the murderer's previous victims who are hellbent on saving Finney. It's really eerie, it'll take you by shock at times, but it's definitely worth the watch.
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Sherlock Holmes
Love Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock. But when we're talking about movies, we can't deny how amazing Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock is. What's most amazing about this is, how each actor brings out a different aspect in Sherlock Holmes. And with Jude Law as Watson, and Rachel McAdams as Adler, this adaptation was one hell of an amazing ride.
IMDb Rating: 7.6