15 Best Murder Mystery Movies To Watch
Have you ever found yourself on the edge of your seat, trying to solve a mysterious crime? If so, you know how thrilling and exciting murder mystery movies can be.
Whether you are watching a classic like a Clue or something more modern like Knives Out, there is nothing quite as gripping as an unsolved case of murder that needs solving.
From forensic science to surprising twists and turns, this genre has everything for viewers who love a bit of suspenseful drama. This blog post will take you through our top picks for the best murder mystery films out there – perfect for all those movie night cravings!
What is a murder mystery movie, and why are they so popular?
A murder mystery movie is a film genre that includes crime and suspense in investigating a death or several deaths.
These movies usually focus on detective work to solve the case and often involve an element of surprise—the revelation of who committed the crime being the most popular plot twist.
Murder mystery movies have been around since the early 1900s, and the genre has grown in popularity. People love these movies because they provide an exciting way to explore complex characters and situations.
The best compelling murder mystery movies are cleverly written and contain suspenseful sequences that keep us guessing until the end. They also often feature unexpected plot twists and a plethora of clues for viewers to decipher.
15) Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
A neo-noir thriller set in a hotel where seven strangers come together for one night, each with a dark past and something to hide. What follows is an enthralling mystery of betrayal, blackmail, and murder.
The plot revolves around six strangers and an employee of the El Royale, a hotel on the California-Nevada border, who arrive with dark personal secrets that eventually collide on a fateful night in the late 1960s. The state border and other visualizations represent the concept of right and wrong in the film, which explores themes of morality, faith, and redemption.
14) In a Lonely Place (1950)
This classic noir contains elements of mystery and romance as a jaded veteran searches for the murderer of his best friend. What follows is an intense investigation full of suspenseful twists and turns.
Whether it’s a classic detective film or a more recent psychological thriller, there are plenty of great murder mystery movies out there to satisfy your craving for suspense. So the next time you’re in the mood for something thrilling and mysterious, why not try one of these films? Who knows, maybe you’ll even manage to solve the case before the end.
13) L.A. Confidential (1997)
This neo-noir mystery crime drama follows three detectives in 1950s Los Angeles who are trying to unravel a conspiracy. What follows is an intense journey full of corruption, betrayal, and murder.
In 1953 Los Angeles, LAPD Sergeant Edmund Exley is determined to live up to his father’s reputation, famed detective Preston Exley, who was assassinated by an unknown assailant whom Exley secretly nicknamed “Rollo Tomasi,” his prototype of “the guy who gets away with it.” Against the advice of precinct captain Dudley Smith, he volunteers to testify against corrupt police officers involved in the “Bloody Christmas” case in exchange for promotion to Detective Lieutenant.
13) Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Based on Agatha Christie’s classic novel, this remake starring Kenneth Branagh follows a detective who must solve a murder on the Orient Express. An exciting investigation follows that will keep you guessing until the end.
A murder is committed on the famous Orient Express, which travels between Istanbul and Paris in the 1930s. An American millionaire is found dead on the train. Among the many passengers on the train is the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The train stuck in snow will give Poirot several hours to solve the murder before the local authorities take control of the situation.
12) The Third Man (1949)
This classic noir mystery-thriller follows a writer who travels to Vienna in search of his old friend, only to find out he’s been murdered. What follows is an intriguing investigation full of secrets and lies as the truth slowly unravels.
The Third Man is considered one of the most important British films. The events that developed when the American pulp novel writer Holly Martins came to Vienna after the war upon the call of her old friend Harry Lime and learned that her friend died in a traffic accident as soon as she arrived. A disappearance story is the main theme of the film, and Graham Greene’s short story is brought to the screen in an impressive and unforgettable way. In the movie, where all the performances of the actors are impressive, especially Orson Welles’ play has taken its place in the history of cinema.
The successful noir atmosphere of the film led to the Third Man’s history as one of the most impressive examples of the “film noir” genre.
11) Clue (1985)
This classic black comedy takes the murder mystery genre and adds a humorous twist. Based on the popular board game, Clue follows six guests who must figure out which of them is the murderer before they become their next victim.
10) The Maltese Falcon (1941)
The quintessential detective film, this classic follows private eye Sam Spade, who is hired to track down a valuable statuette. What follows is an exciting investigation full of unexpected twists and turns.
The film is about a San Francisco private detective who finds himself caught in the struggle of three ambitious and ruthless individuals to seize a jewel-encrusted falcon statue worth millions of dollars.
9) The Fugitive (1993)
This action-packed adventure follows a doctor wrongly accused of murdering his wife and must go on the run to prove his innocence. What follows is an intense journey filled with unexpected plot twists as he must uncover the truth.
Famous surgeon Dr. Richard Kimble is falsely accused of killing his wife and imprisoned. A prisoner’s attempt to escape during his transfer to prison results in a major accident. Kimble flees to find the real killer of his wife.
8) The Hateful Eight (2015)
This ensemble mystery-western follows eight strangers stranded together in a remote mountain cabin during a snowstorm. What follows is an explosive investigation where secrets and lies will be revealed to the surprise of all.
Murder mysteries can be thrilling, suspenseful, and even humorous, depending on which type of movie you choose to watch. From classic detective films to neo-noir thrillers, there is something for everyone. So get your popcorn ready and dive into the world of mysteries with one of these top picks.
7) Identity (2003)
A Psychological thriller about a man trying to discover his true identity. The movie follows him as he uncovers clues that lead to unexpected revelations and sinister secrets. No matter what type of film you prefer, there is no shortage of exciting murder mystery movies waiting for you to solve their cases. So grab some snacks, settle down with your detective hat on, and enjoy one of these top picks!
6) Knives Out (2019)
This modern-day murder mystery is a clever and witty homage to classic detective fiction. What follows is an intriguing investigation full of surprise twists and turns as the eccentric family of a deceased crime novelist must figure out who killed him.
5) Mystic River (2003)
This intense drama follows three childhood friends who are reunited after one of their daughters is brutally murdered. What follows is an emotional investigation filled with grief, pain, and redemption.
The movie begins with a childhood memory of 3 friends: Jimmy, Dave and Sean, three friends who live in the same neighborhood. One day, while they were playing in the street, a police car came and took Dave away. But just as the vehicle that takes the little child is not a police vehicle, neither are those who take it. This event remains a bad memory in the memories of 3 friends, but it has broken Dave’s psychology.
4) Gone Girl (2014)
Based on the popular novel, this psychological thriller follows a woman who suddenly disappears and her husband who becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. What follows is an intense journey filled with surprises and shocking revelations.
3) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
This psychological crime drama follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist who teams up with an investigator, Lisbeth Salander, to solve a disappearance that has been unsolved for 40 years. What follows is a complex and thrilling journey of revenge and justice.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who is about to go to jail, and the mysterious, antisocial, misfit, tattooed hacker girl Lisbeth Salander, who helps him, uncover a string of murders as they track down Harriet Vanger, who disappeared four decades ago; Moreover, the murderer is one of the family. However, when faced with the wrath of the Vanger dynasty, they fall from hunter to prey.
2) Se7en (1995)
In this crime thriller, all are nice guys, two detectives try to solve a series of some murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. What follows is an intense, thrilling ride full of plot twists and surprises.
It is a Hollywood-made thriller about a serial killer who kills those who commit the 7 deadly sins of Christianity with his own brutal methods and the efforts of two police detectives in pursuit of him. A city with constant rain, musty tones, and scenes shot in dark places are shown among the classics of cinema.
1) Zodiac (2007)
This gripping psychological thriller is based on the true story of a serial killer who terrorized San Francisco in the late 1960s and 1970s. An intense journey follows as four detectives set out to solve one of California’s most notorious unsolved cases.
In the movie, which started with the Zodiac’s second murder, Graysmith starts working in San Francisco at the same time. The murders continue, but the police cannot find any clues. Victims are randomly chosen and killed in random places. After a while, letters started to come to the newspapers with the signature of Zodiac.
As the years progress, the murders decrease, but from time to time they happen again and letters are received sporadically. Over the past 10 years, the murderer is somewhat forgotten, but Graysmith begins to work on the case.
Conclusion
I hope this list of best murder mystery movies provides you with some great ideas for your movie night. From suspenseful thrillers to thought-provoking dramas, these films will keep you guessing until the end!
Whether you’re a fan of classic whodunits or modern crime noir, there’s something here for everyone. So gather some friends, pop popcorn, and get ready to solve the ultimate murder mystery! Who knows, maybe you’ll even become a detective in your own right.
