Popular genres like crime, thriller, and mystery are still just as relevant as ever. Mystery movies are especially having a renaissance, with massively popular recent entries in the genre proving renewed interest in the familiar formula.
There are some mystery movies that have stood the test of time and are considered the best among the numerous films in the genre by IMDb users. Their votes have determined the must-see mystery movies that defined, reinvented, or pushed forward the established genre. The mystery genre continues to be a vital part of cinema. And while the top 10 mystery movies on IMDb rarely change, viewers who are itching for an exciting film can go further down the list to discover award-winning classics.
25
‘Zodiac’ (2007)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
David Fincher‘s 2007 hit, Zodiac, lays out a detailed account of the cases and suspects surrounding one of America’s most notorious cold cases, the Zodiac Killer. The thrilling mystery stars an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr., Jake Gyllenhaal, and Mark Ruffalo, and is one of the best silver screen accounts of the mysterious killer who terrorized the Bay Area in the 1960s and 1970s.
Even though the identity of the killer still remains a mystery today, Fincher does a fabulous job of delivering a satisfying ending full of facts and potential suspects. Zodiac meticulously hooks audiences in with the perfect amount of information, allowing audiences to come up with their own opinion and leave them wondering long after the credits have rolled.
24
‘The Fugitive’ (1993)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Harrison Ford stars in the action-packed mystery thriller, The Fugitive, as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, and goes on the run to not only clear his name but also find the real killer. As a team of U.S. marshals pursue him, Kimble soon uncovers the truth behind his wife’s murder and is faced with the challenge of exposing the real killer before the marshals catch up to him.
The Fugitive is an intense murder mystery full of unwavering suspense and action, which also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Joe Pantoliano, and Julianne Moore. The film follows an intricate web of corruption and greed that is heightened by the cat-and-mouse game played between Kimble and Jones’ character, who is the lead U.S. marshal. The Fugitive was one of the biggest hits of the year and earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Jones went on to win the film’s only Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
23
‘Mystic River’ (2003)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Clint Eastwood‘s Oscar-winning movie, Mystic River, is a chilling neo-noir mystery set in a small town in Boston and centered around a tight-knit community that slowly begins to turn on one of their own. Sean Penn stars as a former convict, Jimmy Markum, who, after the murder of his 19-year-old daughter, begins to suspect everyone, including those who are closest to him.
Mystic River has been cited as one of the greatest murder mysteries ever made and features an all-star cast including Tim Tobbins, Kevin Bacon, and Laurence Fishburne. Compared to similar films, Mystic River has a complex plot that slowly unravels a senseless murder but also a past traumatic experience involving Markum and his childhood friends, that effectively ties back to his daughter’s murder. Mystic River received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and went on to win Best Actor for Penn and Best Supporting Actor for Robbins.
22
‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
David Lynch’s 2001 mystery thriller, Mulholland Drive, immerses audiences in a dream-like state as a young woman, Rita (Laura Harring) who, after being involved in a car accident, has seemingly lost her memory and wanders the streets of Los Angeles until she crosses paths with an aspiring actress, Betty (Naomi Watts). As the two women try to solve the mystery surrounding Rita’s true identity, they are soon led down a rabbit hole one could only find in Tinseltown.
Mulholland Drive is a surrealist neo-noir mystery that effortlessly toys with audiences’ imagination and conveys a unique mystery with an unexpected twist that only a master like Lynch could pull off. The movie is regarded by many as one of the director’s finest films, which also earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director. While it might not be the traditional cut-and-dry mystery, Mulholland Drive is a must-see blend of mystery and fantasy that effectively captures the magically wicked tone of Hollywood.
21
‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Donnie Darko is a cross between the science-fiction and mystery genres and centers around the complex concept of parallel universes. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as an emotionally troubled teen, Donnie, who, one night, sleepwalks out of his house and comes face to face with a giant demonic-looking rabbit, Frank, who tells him the world is going to end in twenty-eight days. As Frank manipulates Donnie into committing a series of crimes, his actions end up setting off an explosive chain of events that beg the question: is Donnie living in his universe or another one?
Donnie Darko is an intelligent and intriguing science-fiction mystery that also features elements of horror and a psychological thriller, setting it apart from other mystery movies. The movie is noted for effortlessly merging fantasy and reality, conveying a classic tale of teen angst against an eerie and unsettling backdrop of mystery and anticipation. Donnie Darko is a testament of daring filmmaking and stands as a bold, dreamy-type mystery that is unlike any other modern mystery to date.
20
‘Chinatown’ (1974)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
A renowned neo-noir mystery film, director Roman Polanski’s Chinatown is a genre-defining timeless masterpiece that follows private detective J.J. “Jake” Gittes (Jack Nicholson) as he investigates a seemingly typical infidelity case. Before he knows it, he is plunged into a labyrinthine tale of corruption, deception, and power.
Set in 1930s Los Angeles, Chinatown perfectly captures the essence of the noir genre with its dark atmosphere and twisty story. Its stunning period details wonderfully complement its complex characters, who demonstrate the inextricable link between humanity, greed, and corruption.
19
‘Gone Girl’ (2014)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Based on the eponymous bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn and directed by David Fincher, Gone Girl is a mind-blowing psychological thriller and mystery film that follows the disappearance of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike). All eyes turn to Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), Amy’s husband, whose erratic behavior only makes authorities and the public – captivated by the media frenzy – more suspicious of him.
18
‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Featuring one of the most infamous twists by director M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense is an iconic supernatural film that follows Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a child psychologist who forms a bond with a young boy named Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who claims to see the dead.
The Sixth Sense stands out as a great mystery movie not only for its intriguing twist but also for the suspense and surprising emotional depth built up before it gets there. As the story unfolds, audiences find themselves drawn deeper into the eerie world of Cole’s visions, eagerly searching for answers alongside Dr. Crowe, not expecting that there’s an unfolding mystery in front of them all along.
17
‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
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Set in 1950s Los Angeles, L.A. Confidential is a gorgeous masterpiece centered on three LAPD detectives – Detective Lieutenant Exley (Guy Pearce), Officer White (Russell Crowe), and Sergeant Vincennes (Kevin Spacey). The trio navigates a complicated and dangerous situation involving murder, corruption, and scandal.
Directed by Curtis Hanson, the renowned classic brings the gritty and seductive world of 1950s Los Angeles to life. The film’s noir and mystery elements work to create an engrossing film full of twists and turns as the detectives confront their dark sides in the quest for justice or recognition.
16
‘Shutter Island’ (2010)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Director Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island is a twisty psychological thriller with an absorbing mystery at the center. It tells the story of U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient at Ashecliffe Hospital, a remote mental health facility located on the titular island.
Teddy eventually begins to delve deeper into a mind-bending journey that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. As he discovers more shocking secrets about the island, they all inevitably lead to realizations about his own life. The protagonist’s haunting story is made better by the dark, claustrophobic, and foreboding atmosphere that hangs over the entire film, reminding viewers that this doesn’t end well.
15
‘Prisoners’ (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Director Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners is a nail-biting mystery-thriller film that revolves around Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), whose world is shattered when his young daughter goes missing. He soon takes matters into his own hands, as the official investigation doesn’t seem to be going anywhere – in fact, the authorities released the prime suspect. Soon, alongside Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), the desperate families find themselves caught in a web of unexpected twists.
Prisoners explores the dark side of human nature by portraying ethical dilemmas that make audiences wonder what they would do if they were in the characters’ shoes. The line between right and wrong is blurred as the protagonist takes extreme measures to recover his loved one, while also doubting the competency of those supposed to help him unmask the criminal responsible.
14
‘North by Northwest’ (1959)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
A renowned Alfred Hitchcock thriller from the end of the ’50s, North by Northwest follows the exhilarating story of an advertising executive, Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), who goes on a wild journey after being mistaken for a government agent by international spies. As he’s pursued across the country, he winds up on a train, which also happens to be carrying the enigmatic passenger, Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint).
With remarkably elaborate set pieces and witty dialogue to go with tight pacing and action-packed sequences, it’s not surprising that the film enjoys the reputation it still has today. One iconic scene of Grant running away from a crop duster is still referenced and parodied in pop culture, a testament to this mystery movie’s far-reaching influence.
13
‘Vertigo’ (1958)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
One of Hitchcock’s most studied works, Vertigo is centered on a retired detective, Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart), who’s hired by his friend to investigate his wife’s bizarre behavior. The detective soon finds himself becoming obsessed with the subject he’s supposed to objectively observe, which is made even more challenging by sudden bouts of vertigo while he’s on the job.
Aside from being the film responsible for the “Vertigo Effect” cinematic shot, Hitchcock’s masterpiece provided necessary commentary about the male gaze in cinema. It’s an early critique of toxic masculinity, which the film does while also being impeccably scored and flawlessly shot from frame to frame.
12
‘Citizen Kane’ (1941)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Citizen Kane is a film that needs no introduction. Widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made, Citizen Kane is directed by and stars Orson Welles, who plays the role of a wealthy newspaper magnate. A reporter soon delves into the magnate’s mysterious last word, “Rosebud,” and makes some disturbing discoveries along the way.
Welles’ powerhouse performance is perfectly complemented by his innovative narrative structure, which follows a non-linear style. The film also showcased a groundbreaking focus on cinematographic techniques, which are still used in the industry today. Of course, its enduring message about the complex connections between power, money, and the media is just as relevant as ever.
11
‘Oldboy’ (2003)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Oldboy is a cult classic and critically-acclaimed revenge movie that revolves around Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), who is kidnapped and held captive for fifteen years for seemingly no rhyme or reason. When he’s suddenly released, the protagonist decides to look for the captors responsible for his suffering, but soon becomes embroiled in a major conspiracy.
Directed by Park Chan-wook, Oldboy is infamous for its disturbing and iconic twist, which ties together its themes of payback and obsession. Of course, it’s also known for its flawlessly choreographed action sequences, particularly Oh Dae-su’s hallway fight against a group of goons, which highlights the film’s amazing cinematography.
10
‘The Lives of Others’ (2006)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The Lives of Others (German: Das Leben der Anderen) is a fantastic German mystery-drama film that’s centered on Stasi officer, Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), who’s ordered to spy on a playwright and his girlfriend. Written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and set in East Berlin during the Cold War, the captivating movie portrays the protagonist’s wavering loyalty to his government as he listens in on his subjects’ conversations and develops an emotional connection with them.
A bold commentary about life under a surveillance state, The Lives of Others doesn’t focus on the fighting, but rather explores the more intimate effects of constant observation on both the spy and the victim. Nuanced performances from its cast elevate the movie and turn it into a deeply emotional, yet unnervingly quiet one all throughout.
The Lives of Others
- Release Date
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March 23, 2006
- Runtime
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137 Minutes
9
‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella, Heart of Darkness, Apocalypse Now is set in the Vietnam War. It follows Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen), a burnt-out operative who is tasked with assassinating a rogue Green Beret Colonel named Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando). Kurtz has fashioned himself as a god among his followers and is leading unauthorized guerilla attacks – reaching him will not be easy.
Director Francis Ford Coppola showcases the horrors of war in Apocalypse Now, which has an undeniable intensity and fervor the deeper the protagonist goes during his river journey. Not often counted among great mystery movies, its inclusion in the genre is owed to the lack of information about Kurtz, as his motivations, plans, and past are initially unclear.
8
‘Memento’ (2000)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
A neo-noir psychological thriller and mystery film all in one, director Christopher Nolan‘s Memento is a must-see masterful combination of these genres. It follows a man with anterograde amnesia, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), who is looking for his wife’s killer. Since he can’t form new memories, the protagonist uses Polaroid photos and tattoos to keep track of clues and events.
Notable for its unconventional non-linear structure, Memento has two timelines that eventually meet to paint a complete picture. It subverts expectations by providing audiences with a puzzle to piece together, instead of just depicting the puzzle like a typical crime thriller. Aside from this novel approach to structure, Nolan’s thriller also effectively explores the human psyche and raises questions about the nature of memories and reality through Leonard Shelby’s mind-bending story.
7
‘Rear Window’ (1954)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking work, Rear Window, is centered on the photographer L. B. “Jeff” Jefferies (James Stewart), who is recovering from a broken leg. In the meantime, he looks through his window and watches the neighbors to keep him occupied (and entertained). He’s soon disturbed by something he sees and is convinced that he has spotted a murderer.
One of the best mystery movies from Hollywood’s roughest decade, Rear Window is known for its brilliant commentary on voyeurism, as audiences become voyeurs through the protagonist’s eyes, just waiting for something terrible to happen. Its intense scenes and flawless pacing also make the actual mystery in the movie gripping.
6
‘Psycho’ (1960)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Arguably Hitchcock’s most significant and enduring masterpiece, Psycho is a bold and innovative film that takes place in the now-iconic Bates Motel. This is where the fleeing criminal Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) decides to rest, and also where she meets the eccentric but seemingly harmless proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). She’ll soon discover that she has made the wrong choice.
With its infamous shower scene, transgressive subject matters, and even a flushing toilet, Hitchcock’s Psycho pushed the genre forward by leaps and bounds. Not to mention the riveting mystery that will keep audiences at the edge of their seats as those searching for Marion uncover truly disturbing things.
