40 mystery movies and TV series that will have you playing detective
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Who doesn't love a good detective? Mystery movies have had their fair share of epic sleuths, from Scooby-Doo (it's a fact) right the way to the king of the tash, Poirot!
There's something about a good mystery movie that we all love – and in a strange way, is comforting. Maybe it's because we all love to play armchair detective, donning our best sleuth personas and desperately trying to figure out the whodunnit before the grand reveal (we're normally always wrong!). Or maybe we all just love being on the edge of our seats, letting ourselves be totally immersed in the twist and turns of a mind-bending plot for a few hours.
It will star Sex Education's Anne-Marie Duff and How To Have Sex's Lara Peake.
Whether it's a recent masterpiece such as The Menu, Bodies, Bodies, Bodies and Aubrey Plaza's Emily the Criminal or Hitchcock's classic masterpiece Rear Window, or nail-biting A-list packed thrillers such as Widows (Viola Davis can do no wrong), we just can't get enough of an enthralling mystery flick. And you know what? Mysteries can also be comedies - for example, the 2020 flick, The Lovebirds! A Simple Favour starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively (what a duo, right?), is also a more light-hearted watch about a woman whose best friend suddenly disappears.
We also love modern classics, such as the 2009 film adaption of Dan Brown's bestselling novel Angel and Demons, which sees professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) following a trail of ancient symbols to prevent the Illuminati's deadly plot against Vatican City. Or the 2003 movie The Life of David Gale, which centres around a respected death penalty opponent who finds himself on Death Row. Three days before his scheduled execution, he agrees to give an exclusive interview to reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet).
It documents the dark side of growing up in the limelight.
Following the success of mystery movies, The Girl on a Train and Gone Girl, we also have the movie full of suspense, Woman In The Window. Amy Adams stars as New York agoraphobic Dr. Anna Fox, who witnesses something she shouldn't while keeping tabs on the Russell family who live across the street. Soon she realises there is plenty beneath the surface with the “perfect” neighbourhood family.
If that's not enough for you, here is GLAMOUR UK's list of the best mystery movies and TV series – happy sofa sleuthing!
Courtesy Everett CollectionEileen
Based on the thriller debut novel by Otessa Moshfegh of the same name, we meet frustrated and downtrodden prison worker Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie) who becomes fascinated by her new, mysterious co-worker Rebecca (Anne Hathaway). Things take a dark turn when the two women spend a festive night together, changing Eileen's life forever.
Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett CollectionWhere The Crawdads Sing
Simon RidgwayWolf (2023)
The BBC's mystery drama consists of two parallel mysteries, a murder from decades past and a terrifying attack this happening in the moment. As a detective encounters both, seriously intense whodunnit vibes ensue.
Want to know more? The official synopsis reads: "DI Jack Caffery is a young detective beset by nightmares. Obsessed with the neighbour he believes murdered his 10 year-old brother in the '90s, Jack finds himself trying to right the wrongs of others – but at what cost?
"In an isolated house in Monmouthshire, the wealthy Anchor-Ferrers family find themselves the victims of a psychopath’s cruel games, trapped and terrorised. When the two narratives collide, it’s a thrilling, nail-biting, and deeply disturbing race against time."
Universal PicturesGreta (2018)
When Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz) returns a handbag she finds on the New York subway to an eccentric woman Greta, she doesn't expect her new friend to become increasingly erratic and obsessive over her. Frances is suddenly stuck in a challenging position as she attempts to end the toxic relationship before it becomes fatal.
SonyBodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, starring Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders and Pete Davidson) follows a group of twenty-something friends who get stuck at a remote mansion during a hurricane. However, things truly take a tumultuous turn during their party game when a dead body suddenly appears, prompting the girls to navigate through fake friendships to find the killer.
@ 2022 Netflix, Inc.Windfall (2022)
Things take a chaotic turn for an ambitious burglar who breaks into a tech billionaire's empty vacation home, only to find that the arrogant mogul and his wife (Lily Collins) have arrived for a last-minute getaway. While the burglar is not keen on using violence, will he have to resort to his final straw as the stakes are raised?
20th Century FoxWidows (2018)
Studio CanalMulholland Drive (2001)
© 2023 20th Century Studios.The Menu (2022)
A young couple is invited alongside a handful of other guests to an exclusive destination restaurant on a remote island to try a lavish tasting menu from the acclaimed chef. However, the courses aren't served as expected, and there are some shocking surprises along the way. All-you-can-eat buffet? We think not.
Before I Go To Sleep (2014)
In Before I Go To Sleep, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman takes on the role of Christine Lucas, who suffers from anterograde amnesia due to a traumatic accident. Every day she has to become reacquainted with her husband, Ben (Colin Firth), and other aspects of her life. That's hard work in itself, however, one day, Christine starts to uncover several terrifying truths about her past and begins to question everyone around her.
Primal Fear (1996)
In the 1996 film Primal Fear, the ever-so-handsome Richard Gere stars as a Chicago defence attorney who believes his client, an altar boy, is innocent after being accused of murdering a priest. However the truth is more shocking than you would believe, so prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride with this flick, which also stars Edward Norton and Laura Linney.
The Lovebirds (2020)
Mysteries don't all have to be grim - case in point, The Lovebirds, starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani. This comedy follows the journey of a new on/off couple who realise the defining moment in their relationship when they become unintentionally embroiled in a murder mystery. Never thought we would associate mysteries with laughs, but here we are...
The Invitation (2015)
An invite is always lovely to receive, but we're sure that Will (Logan Marshall-Green) regretted accepting it after attending a dinner party invitation hosted by his ex-wife. Soon after arriving, tensions arise, old wounds begin to open, and he starts to believe that his ex (Tammy Blanchard) and her new husband (Michiel Huisman) have sinister plans for himself and the other guests. You may never accept another invite after watching The Invitation.
All photos are copyrighted and may be used by press only for the purpose of news or editorial coverage of Sundance Institute programs. Photos must be accompanied by a credit to the photographer and/or 'Courtesy of Sundance Institute.' Unauthorized use, alteration, reproduction or sale of logos and/or photos is strictly prohibited.Searching (2018)
The clock is ticking after a desperate father attempts to find his missing daughter while searching for clues on her laptop. Starring John Cho, Debra Messing and Michelle La, the mystery thriller Searching was critically acclaimed upon its release and is sure to get your adrenaline going and your heart pumping.
Prisoners (2013)
Hugh Jackman should have won an Oscar for his portrayal of a desperate father in search of his missing daughter and her missing friend in Pennsylvania. After a weird young suspect is arrested and quickly released, Hugh's character Keller takes matters into his own hands. Prisoners also boast a star cast of Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, and Paul Dano. Not one to be missed!
© Universal PicturesRear Window (1954)
This one's a classic, folks. This Fifties thriller/mystery from Alfred Hitchcock stars James Stewart alongside Grace Kelly. Taking place during a particularly intense, hot New York summer, Rear Window tells the story of a photographer who, while recovering from a broken leg, spots what he perceives to be a murder in the apartment opposite his. It's widely considered one of the best films ever made – so it's a must-watch if you haven't seen it already.
Hold The Dark (2018)
When director Jeremy Saulnier is at the helm, you know things are going to be suspenseful, to say the least. A reclusive writer and wolf expert (Jeffrey Wright) is summoned to a remote Alaskan village in order to take out the wolves that a mother suspects of killing her missing child, but he's soon swallowed up in a dark and disturbing mystery.
Death on the Nile (1978)
Aboard a luxury Nile steamer, a wealthy heiress is murdered, so fellow passenger Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) and his companion Colonel Race (David Niven) get to work. The star-studded cast includes Maggie Smith, Angela Lansbury, Bette Davis and Mia Farrow.
Shutter Island (2010)
In 1954, troubled U.S. marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner (Mark Ruffalo) must investigate the disappearance of a murderer who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane.
The Life of David Gale (2003)
A respected professor and respected death penalty opponent finds himself on Death Row for the rape and murder of fellow activist Constance Hallaway (Laura Linney). Three days before his scheduled execution, he agrees to give an exclusive interview to reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet).
Angels & Demons (2009)
Based on Dan Brown's novel and the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, this gripping action-mystery movie follows professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) who must follow a trail of ancient symbols in order to prevent the Illuminati's deadly plot against Vatican City.
Gone Girl (2014)
Based on the wildly successful Gillian Flynn novel, Gone Girl follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who becomes the prime suspect when his successful and glamorous wife Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. The media frenzy and police pressure reveals that the famous couple may not have been so happy after all, as unexpected twists and turns begin to reveal what really happened to 'Amazing Amy'.
The Interpreter (2005)
Nicole Kidman is interpreter Silvia Broome, who believes she has overheard a plot to assassinate the president of Matobo, Edmond Zuwanie (Earl Cameron). She alerts the authorities, but Secret Service agents Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) and Dot Woods (Catherine Keener) begin to suspect Silvia herself.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo tells the story of disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), who recruits the help of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) as he tries to find out what happened to a woman from a wealthy family who disappeared 40 years ago.
Psycho (1960)
This classic horror from Hitchcock will make your blood run cold, especially if you've never seen it (and that shower scene) before! After stealing $40,000 from her employer, secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) goes on the run and stops for the night at the secluded Bates Motel, where she meets the owner-manager Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).
A Simple Favour (2018)
A comedy-mystery starring Anna Kendrick as Stephanie, a widowed single mum who works as a vlogger and whose best friend Emily Blake Lively mysteriously goes missing. Stephanie starts investigating her friend's disappearance, and discovers secrets and surprises along the way.
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Another Hercule Poirot tale from Agatha Christie that is a must-watch for all armchair detectives. When a billionaire is murdered on the Orient Express, everyone on board becomes a suspect in Poirot's investigation. The 2017 remake starring Tom Bateman, Kenneth Branagh and Penelope Cruz is also available to rent/ buy on Amazon Prime.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Robert Downey Jr is legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in this Guy Ritchie reinvention of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic tale. Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson (Jude Law) send serial killer Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) to the gallows – but things don't exactly go to plan when he returns from the dead.
Knives Out (2019)
I mean, who ISN'T in this movie? Daniel Craig stars as Detective Benoit Blanc, who is deployed to the family home of the Thrombeys to investigate the death of the crime novelist Harlan Thrombey, played by the late Christopher Plummer. Every family member and the nurse is a suspect but who will it be. Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Katherine Langford, Jamie Lee Curtis and Toni Collette play the cast of suspects.
Woman In The Window (2021)
Enola Holmes (2020)
Well this is a bit of a lighter mystery movie! We are so over every single movie detective being male so we are SO here for Millie Bobby Brown's Netflix movie, Enola Holmes which proves Sherlock wasn't the only good detective in the family. In this mystery while Enola searches for her missing mother, an early Suffragette played by Helena Bonham Carter, she comes into contact with a young Lord on the run.
