Top 20 Most Captivating Detective Movies of All Time

Contratiempo, the original Spanish title of The Invisible Guest, may have only been released in 2017, but it quickly became a massive hit with its series of unexpected twists. The film keeps audiences guessing until the very end, forcing them to stay glued to the screen to discover the true culprit.

The story follows Adrián Doria, a successful young businessman with everything—career, wealth, and a happy family—until he becomes involved in a mysterious murder case. To save his career and personal life, Doria hires a renowned lawyer, Virginia Goodman. However, after three intense hours of revisiting his past in a claustrophobic room, a horrifying truth begins to surface. The Invisible Guest offers unexpected turns that will trap you in a whirlwind of deductions, making it impossible to look away from the screen from start to finish.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller

Director: Oriol Paulo

Cast: Mario Casas, Ana Wagener, José Coronado

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Based on Gillian Flynn's novel, Gone Girl is a critically acclaimed film directed by David Fincher, which was released on October 3, 2014. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne on her 5th wedding anniversary. A massive search is launched, but no trace of her is found. Suspicion falls on her husband, Nick Dunne, as the investigation uncovers a series of unanswered questions: Where is Amy? Is she alive or dead? Did Nick kill her?

The performance by Rosamund Pike was especially praised, earning her nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress. The film also earned several other Golden Globe nominations.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2014

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama

Director: David Fincher

Stars: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Before I Go To Sleep is a psychological thriller released in 2014, directed and written by Rowan Joffé.

The film follows Christine Lucas, a woman suffering from a rare form of memory loss. Every morning she wakes up with no recollection of her past, and each day she struggles to piece together the events of her life. Luckily, her loving husband helps her remember who she is. Under the guidance of her doctor, Christine begins recording a video diary, which uncovers horrifying memories from her past. This discovery not only terrifies her but also reveals the true nature of those closest to her. With suspenseful twists and revelations, this film keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.

Before I Go To Sleep highlights the strength of human will, as Christine fights to recover her lost memories and distinguish between truth and deception, determined not to let anyone control her life.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2014

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Mystery

Director: Rowan Joffé

Stars: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Prisoners, released in 2013, is the first English-language feature film directed by Denis Villeneuve. Based on a script by Aaron Guzikowski, the film became a major hit in the United States.

The story follows Keller Dover, a carpenter living in a small town, who faces his worst nightmare when his young daughter is kidnapped. The only clue is a rundown RV parked on the street, owned by Alex Jones. Detective Loki, a young and impulsive investigator, apprehends Jones, but the lack of evidence forces him to release the suspect. Feeling that the law can't help him and fearing for his daughter's life, Dover takes matters into his own hands and seeks to find Jones himself.

Prisoners premiered in the U.S. on September 20, 2013. With a production budget of $46 million, it earned a massive $122.1 million in revenue, making it both a commercial and critical success. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography at the 86th Academy Awards.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Trance is a psychological thriller directed by Danny Boyle, with a screenplay by Joe Ahearne and John Hodge, based on a story by Ahearne. The film became a landmark in British crime thrillers in 2013.

The story begins with a group of thieves led by Franck storming an auction house to steal the famous painting “Witches in the Sky” by Goya. During the heist, auction house employee Simon is struck on the head by Franck. The theft is successful, except for one crucial detail: the painting Franck took from Simon is actually just an empty frame. As the story unfolds, it's revealed that Simon was an inside man and helped plan the robbery with the gang. However, after recovering from his head injury, Simon cannot recall the fate of the painting, despite brutal interrogation by Franck and his crew. Desperate, the gang enlists the help of a hypnotherapist, Elizabeth, hoping to unlock Simon's memory. But as they delve deeper into Simon's mind, more mysteries emerge, not just about the missing painting, but about the lies, temptations, and secrets surrounding the criminal crew.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Mystery, Drama, Crime, Psychological Thriller

Director: Danny Boyle

Cast: James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel, Rosario Dawson

IMDb Rating: 6.9

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is one of the best American crime thrillers, with a famous original Swedish version released in 2009. Based on the novel by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, the film was remade by Hollywood in 2011, directed by David Fincher.

The story follows Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker often compared to a female Sherlock Holmes for her exceptional investigative and crime-solving skills. At 24 years old, Lisbeth is covered in tattoos and piercings, yet she possesses extraordinary intelligence. A genius hacker, she infiltrates police networks to uncover deadly secrets and the dark history of a wealthy family in the financial world.

The Swedish version was released in over 50 countries, grossing over $150 million worldwide, making it a global box office success. However, the American remake surpassed expectations, earning $232,101,958 from a $90 million budget. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2011

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Drama

Director: David Fincher

Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Director Ben Affleck achieved remarkable success in crafting Gone Baby Gone into one of the top American crime thrillers and psychological dramas of 2007. The screenplay, co-written by Affleck and Aaron Stockard, is based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane.

The film begins with the mysterious disappearance of 4-year-old Amanda McCready from her home, and the reluctant police investigation that follows. In desperation, her aunt Beatrice hires private detectives Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro to search for the missing girl. However, the detectives, though determined, have little experience with such cases. Despite their inexperience, the family trusts them because, unlike the police, the detectives are familiar with the unsavory neighbors in the area. As the investigation leads them into the world of drug dealers and criminal gangs, the detectives face moral dilemmas that could potentially tear apart their friendship.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2007

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime

Director: Ben Affleck

Stars: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman

IMDb Rating: 7.6

With a screenplay by Fernley Phillips and directed by Joel Schumacher, The Number 23 is considered one of the top American psychological thrillers and horror films of 2007.

Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) leads a quiet and peaceful life as an animal control officer with a loving wife and a well-behaved son. His calm existence is disrupted when he stumbles upon a mysterious novel, The Number 23. Intrigued by the book’s plot, Walter soon realizes that the events in the story seem to mirror his own life. As he delves deeper into the book, its world begins to consume him, turning his reality into a terrifying obsession.

The more Walter watches the unfolding story, the more convinced he becomes that he may have committed murder, just like the character Fingerling in the book. Nightmares and haunting images plague him, and his life spirals into madness. The number 23 becomes an obsession: the Earth’s axis tilts at 2 degrees, each parent contributes 23 chromosomes to their child’s DNA, the longest psalm in the Bible is Psalm 23, William Shakespeare was born and died on April 23, 1564 and 1616, and Julius Caesar was stabbed 23 times. What is the truth? Is Walter a murderer? Suspenseful, thrilling, and packed with Jim Carrey’s impressive performance, The Number 23 is sure to keep audiences on edge until the final moment.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2007

Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Drama

Director: Joel Schumacher

Stars: Jim Carrey, Paul Butcher, Virginia Madsen

IMDb Rating: 6.4

1408 is a 2007 American horror film directed by Mikael Håfström, based on a short story by the legendary author Stephen King.

The film follows Mike Enslin (John Cusack), a writer known for documenting paranormal activities at places like haunted mansions, graveyards, and motels. He lives alone after the death of his daughter Katie, having separated from his wife Lily. One day, Mike receives a postcard warning him not to enter room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York City. Ignoring the warnings of the hotel manager, Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson), who insists no one can survive more than an hour in the room, Mike checks in. What follows is a terrifying series of events that unfold in the cursed room.

1408 is truly a chilling experience, with three different endings. The film also features a memorable tagline: "The Dolphin Hotel invites you to stay in any of its stunning rooms. Except one."

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2007

Genre: Psychological Horror, Thriller, Fantasy

Director: Mikael Håfström

Stars: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack

IMDb Rating: 6.8

It can be said that The Da Vinci Code is one of the most controversial works, sparking heated debates even before its release. Based on the best-selling detective novel by Dan Brown, this 2006 crime thriller became a sensation in the U.S. Upon release, the film faced severe criticism, particularly from the Catholic Church, which accused it of uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy tied to the Holy Grail and suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene were married, having a daughter. The film also touched on secret societies such as the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei.

The story begins when the curator of the Louvre Museum is mysteriously murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message written in blood, with his body positioned to mimic Da Vinci’s famous painting. The message is directed to Professor Robert Langdon, a symbolist expert. Alongside the victim’s granddaughter, Sophie, Langdon must evade the police, who consider him the prime suspect, while solving a series of riddles to uncover the truth behind the murder and a secret hidden for over 2000 years—one that could challenge the faith of millions: the real Holy Grail exists, and its location is unknown.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2006

Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller

Director: Ron Howard

Stars: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Released in 2008, The Oxford Murders is a British-Spanish film directed by Álex de la Iglesia that captivated audiences worldwide. This chilling thriller is based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Argentine mathematician and writer Guillermo Martínez.

The Oxford Murders follows Martin, an ordinary student who arrives at the prestigious University of Oxford to attend lectures by his idol, the brilliant mathematician and logician Seldom. However, Martin's life is turned upside down as a series of mysterious murders begin to unfold at the university. Together with his professor, Martin embarks on a personal investigation, delving into the university's darkest corners. What will happen to this young student? What lies behind these murders? This is a truly gripping film that will take you on a journey full of intrigue and suspense, leaving you hooked until the very end.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2006

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction

Director: Álex de la Iglesia

Stars: Elijah Wood, John Hurt, Leonor Watling

IMDb Rating: 6.1

Produced by both the USA and Germany in 2005, Flight Plan is not only a thrilling mystery film but also a deeply emotional portrayal of a mother’s love for her child.

On a flight from Berlin to New York, Kyle Pratt loses track of her young daughter. Though the girl boarded the plane with her, she vanishes without a trace, and no records from the airline show any sign of her presence. Having recently lost her husband, Kyle is already struggling with intense grief – which leads passengers and crew to doubt her sanity, assuming she is merely suffering from depression. Determined to prove she is in full control of her faculties, Kyle embarks on a desperate search for the truth. As the situation grows more bizarre, even Kyle starts questioning her own perception of reality. She knows something is wrong, and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. Don’t miss out on this gripping journey by watching Flight Plan now!

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2005

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Drama

Director: Robert Schwentke

Stars: Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Sean Bean

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Directed by Alan Parker and written by Charles Randolph, The Life of David Gale (2003) became a standout American crime thriller, marking a memorable conclusion to Alan Parker's directing career.

Bitsey Bloom is a journalist who interviews David Gale, a renowned professor and outspoken activist against the death penalty. A tragic event leads to Gale being accused of murder, with the victim being his fellow activist, Constance Harraway. With only three days until his execution, Gale’s fate rests in the hands of Bitsey. The more she investigates, the more she realizes that it is up to her, and her alone, to prove his innocence. The Life of David Gale is a suspenseful film packed with unexpected twists and a conclusion that will leave you stunned – perfect for an engaging weekend watch.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2003

Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction, Drama

Director: Alan Parker

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Considered one of the finest films by director David Lynch, Mulholland Drive is a critically acclaimed psychological thriller that has earned numerous awards. Upon its release, the film not only won David Lynch the prestigious Best Director award at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival but also earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Critically regarded as one of the greatest works of Lynch's career, Mulholland Drive is widely considered one of the best films of all time by many authoritative film review sites.

Mulholland Drive follows the story of a woman suffering from amnesia who is the sole survivor of a car accident in the Hollywood Hills. She adopts the name Rita, after a name on a movie poster. Struggling to start over in Hollywood, the woman finds herself haunted by the mysterious secrets of her past. Who were the two men sitting next to her in the car? Who died in the accident? And why does Betty, a new friend, suddenly enter her life at such a crucial time?

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2001

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Crime

Director: David Lynch

Stars: Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts, Laura Harring

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Christopher Nolan, who wrote and directed Memento, must have been incredibly proud to see his film hailed as one of the most exceptional psychological thrillers in American cinema. What's even more intriguing is that Nolan adapted the script for Memento from his own brother Jonathan Nolan's short story, Memento Mori.

The film presents its narrative in two distinct timelines: one in traditional black and white, and the other in color, unfolding in reverse chronological order. The two narratives converge at the end to form a cohesive story. Memento follows Leonard Shelby, a man with short-term memory loss, on a quest to find the man who raped and murdered his wife. Leonard can only remember events prior to the murder, and anything after that slips away after 10 minutes. He relies on notes, photos, and even tattoos to retain essential information. The mysteries slowly unravel with each new scene.

Released on March 16, 2001, Memento quickly grossed over $39 million from an initial budget of just $9 million. The film received overwhelming positive feedback from audiences and was widely praised as one of the best films of its time. In 2012, it ranked second in Total Film's list of the top 50 films ever made.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2000

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Director: Christopher Nolan

Stars: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano

IMDb Rating: 8.4

Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs is a haunting 1991 American horror film directed by Jonathan Demme.

Have you ever had to confront your primal fears? FBI agent Clarice Starling faces her own terrifying visions—haunted by the cries of lambs. The case she is assigned involves a missing girl and a serial killer whose depraved actions are driven by disturbing fantasies. The only person who can potentially help is the infamous cannibal, Hannibal Lecter. Clarice is tasked with gaining valuable insight from him, and through this, she begins to unravel the dark connection to her own haunting past.

With a modest budget of $19 million, The Silence of the Lambs became a massive success, earning a remarkable $272,742,922 at the box office. The film also won five major Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, and Best Actor and Actress in Leading Roles—an extraordinary feat in Oscar history.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 1991

Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller, Crime, Mystery

Director: Jonathan Demme

Cast: Jodie Foster, Masha Skorobogatov, Anthony Hopkins

IMDb Rating: 8.6

Chinatown is a 1974 crime-thriller film directed by the controversial Roman Polanski. Although classified as a noir, it remains one of the top 100 films of all time according to the American Film Institute. The film was nominated for 11 Oscars in 1975, winning just one for Best Original Screenplay. This was Polanski's last film in the U.S. and was based on a script purchased for only $25,000. Despite its humble beginnings, Chinatown became a defining classic in the noir genre, both artistically and culturally, largely due to the outstanding performance of Jack Nicholson.

The story centers around the wealthy Hollis Mulwray family in California. A woman named Ida Sessions, posing as Mulwray's wife Evelyn, hires private detective J.J. “Jake” Gittes to investigate her husband’s infidelity. As Jake digs deeper, he uncovers a web of darker secrets. A former cop from Chinatown, Jake fights to separate right from wrong, seeking justice for the innocent and punishing those who deserve it.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 1974

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Psychological

Director: Roman Polanski

Stars: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston

IMDb Rating: 8.2

In 2007, Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros produced Zodiac, based on Robert Graysmith's bestselling book of the same name. Directed by David Fincher, the film quickly became a sensation on the big screen.

Robert Graysmith, a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle, lives an eccentric life that often frustrates his colleague, Paul Avery, a reporter whose alcoholism frequently hinders his work. Despite their differences, they form a bond over a shared obsession: the Zodiac Killer. As Graysmith becomes increasingly consumed by the case, Avery's life spirals out of control due to his drinking.

Zodiac follows the hunt for the notorious serial killer known as the Zodiac. Operating in the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the killer claimed numerous victims while taunting the police with cryptic letters and symbols sent to local newspapers. He remains one of the most dangerous and elusive criminals in the region’s history.

Upon its release on March 2, 2007, Zodiac grossed $84,785,914, against an initial budget of just $65 million. The film was also nominated for several prestigious awards, including Best American Film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Screenplay Adaptation.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2017

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Director: David Fincher

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo

IMDb Rating: 7.7

Agatha Christie is often hailed as the queen of crime fiction, with her works captivating audiences worldwide, even when adapted for the screen. Murder On The Orient Express, brought to life by director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Michael Green, became one of the standout mystery films of 2017.

Murder On The Orient Express follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a mysterious murder aboard the luxurious Orient Express train. The film centers on the journey of 13 passengers aboard the famed train, which is suddenly thrown into chaos when one passenger is brutally stabbed multiple times. With the train stranded in a snowstorm, Poirot races against time to uncover the identity of the killer before another victim is claimed. Amidst the snowy mountains and an atmosphere of distrust, will the brilliant detective be able to piece together the clues and solve the case?

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2017

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Drama

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe

IMDb Rating: 6.5

Based on the debut novel of the same name by Paula Hawkins, published in 2015, The Girl On The Train was adapted into a film in 2016, with a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson. This psychological thriller from the United States kept audiences on edge throughout its gripping plot.

The Girl On The Train tells the story of Rachel Watson, a woman who takes the train to work every day. Along her route, she passes a suburban neighborhood where she observes a seemingly perfect couple. However, one day, something shocking happens that forever alters Rachel’s life.

Released on October 7, 2016, the film earned $173.2 million at the box office, with a relatively modest budget of $50 million. The film garnered nominations for Best Actress at the SAG Awards and the BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime

Director: Tate Taylor

Cast: Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux

IMDb Rating: 6.5