The Greatest Detective Movies Ever Made Ranked

Few figures are as effective at attracting audiences as the detective. Since the 1970’s, the detective genre has made unforgettable movies. Whether it’s police-officers, serial killers or suspects of murders, the genre has produced several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best detective movies ever made the deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Silence of the Lambs

Serial killers are frightening figures that always terrified me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower, my housekeeper faced psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from murder that wasn’t investigated. As someone haunted by murder that stunned my family into silence, I loved “The Silence of the Lambs”. Ever since its release in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest detective movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Demme used innovative cinematic techniques to capture detectives investigating serial killers evoking fear. Demme is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at capturing the lives of detectives, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a director. Demme effectively used scenes of silence to capture serial killers committing gruesome violence. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter remains one of the greatest moments of the horror genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jodie Foster, who created one of the most memorable female detectives in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” the greatest detective movie ever made is its message. The film delivers a strong message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most detective movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about dedicated detectives seeking to investigate cannibalistic serial killers that are frightening, it’s an inspiring reminder about a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.

2. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that have always fascinated by brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother that was fascinated with detectives investigating crimes causing damage. He would always appreciate seeing the gruesome crimes that world-famous detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a brother that loved seeing detectives conducting a murder investigation, I adored “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s movie captured detectives investigating serial killers. Arguably the darkest film about detectives ever made, it forever changed the genre through its violence. Fincher has never been afraid of showing gruesome violence in his movies, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Se7en”. For instance, the ending scene in which Detective Mills and Somerset discover the terrifying contents of the box causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the detective genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brad Pitt, who embodies a detective trailing a serial killer. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about serial killers which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders that detective Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has never lost its abilities to captivate.

3. Rope

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that impressed my father. I remember a father that was once a huge fan of the world-famous filmmaker. He would also speak fondly about the timeless movies made by the Master of Suspense that shaped his identity. My father loved all of Hitchcock’s movies but his favourite film was always “Rope”. Ever since its release in 1948, Hitchcock’s movie has stood the test of time as a murder mystery classic. Hitchcock was one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for creating compelling murder mysteries, and “Rope” showcased his strengths as a director. Whereas most detective movies are driven by violence, Hitchcock relied on thoughtful conversations to keep audiences captivated. For instance, the scene in which Rupert discovers shocking evidence of the murder is one of the finest moments of the genre. The film is anchored by an amazing performance by James Stewart, who embodies an old-fashioned detective solving a murder mystery. Ultimately, what makes “Rope” a murder mystery classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1940’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. As precious as the rope that a pair of men use to commit strangulation, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre that has made movies which deserve celebration.

4. Prisoners

Child abduction is a painful process putting parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. Fearful that he had been abducted, she couldn’t overcome a situation leaving her affected. After hours of searching the store, she was relieved when she found my brother. As someone that has witnessed pressures faced by parents enduring child abduction, I adored “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Denis Villeneuve’s movie depicted detectives searching for abducted children. Villeneuve has always excelled at creating a distinct atmosphere in movies, and “Prisoners” showcased his strengths. Villeneuve used thoughtful dialogue to capture unbearable tension of a child abduction investigation. For instance, the scene in which Keller has a tense argument with detective Loki in his car causing trauma is one of the best moments of the detective genre. Elevating the film is an extraordinary performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, who embodies a dedicated detective. Ultimately, what makes “Prisoners” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about child abduction which would resonate with everyone. As strong as detective Loki’s desire to find missing children that are abducted, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that deserves to be appreciated.

5. Knives Out

Housekeepers have impacted my family.  Several years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember that he was a kind person that would treat my grandparents in a kind manner. However, appearances are deceiving. My grandparents were shocked to find that he was a thief that had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper taking knives out, I admired “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson’s movie offered a unique take on the murder mystery genre. Rian Johnson has always been one of those filmmakers with a witty sense of humour, and his strengths as evident in “Knives Out”. For instance, the scene in which detective Benoit Blanc investigates the murder of the Thrombey family by examining their house grounds is one of the finest moments of the detective genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who created a comical detective. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a murder mystery classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. As strong as detective Benoit Blanc’s desire to investigate murders with knives out, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable films which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

6. Blade Runner

“Blade Runner” is a spectacular science-fiction film that shaped my teacher’s identity. A huge sci-fi nerd, he would speak fondly about a film that made him feel heard. As someone treasuring a teacher that adored the science-fiction film, I loved “Blade Runner”. Released in 1982, Ridley Scott’s movie offered a dark depiction of futuristic detectives. What makes Scott’s science-fiction film stand out in the genre is its philosophical nature. Scott uses breathtaking visuals to capture detectives questioning their life purpose. Assisted by Harrison Ford who is exceptional in the lead role, Scott created a detective film audiences adored. As strong as Roy’s tears in the rain, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has managed to gain a humongous following by making memorable movies that have the abilities to entertain.

7. Enola Holmes

Women are rarely given opportunities to shine in detective movies. One criticism often levelled against the detective genre is its sexism. In a genre that has created barriers against women denied homes, it’s worth praising “Enola Holmes”. Released in 2020, Harry Bradbeer’s movie offered a fresh feminist take on Sherlock Holmes. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Enola Holmes” stand out is its strong depiction of women. Bradbeer effectively uses voice-over narration to capture female detectives fighting oppression. Assisted by Millie Bobby Brown who is amazing in the lead role, Bradbeer creates a fantastic feminist detective film. As strong as Enola Holmes’ desire for freedom, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that thrives when it avoids sexism giving women chances to shine in memorable movies achieving stardom.

8. Gone Girl

It’s challenging to face end of a marriage. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage. I recall the tense night when she had a heated argument with her husband. As someone haunted by memories of a marriage gone wrong, I adored “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, David Fincher’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a book about marriages. Fincher used stunning visuals to demonstrate a declining marriage investigated by detectives. Assisted by Rosamund Pike who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher captured marriages experiencing deterioration. As strong as Nick’s desire to investigate the disappearance of his wife that vanished out of thin air, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has created an enduring legacy by manufacturing memorable movies about which audiences deeply care.

9. The Nice Guys

One of the most common criticisms levelled against the detective genre is its predictability. The detective genre has often followed a safe formula. It’s often easy to guess who the culprit of murder is. In a genre that has lost its abilities to surprise, it’s worth praising “The Nice Guys”. Released in 2016, Shane Black’s crime comedy offered a unique take on the detective genre. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Nice Guys” shine is its unpredictability. Black effectively used surprising plot twists to create a mystery which was engaging. At the centre of it all are phenomenal performances from Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, creating a team that’s compelling. As memorable as crimes investigated by nice guys, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to surprise making timeless films that audiences prize.

10. Shutter Island

Few books ever written about scary islands are as beloved as Shutter Island. Since its publication in 2003, Dennis Lehane’s book has gained a huge following. In 2010, Martin Scorsese honoured the book about a scary island in his movie “Shutter Island”. Scorsese effectively uses unreliable narration to capture an unstable detective in an investigation. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is superb in the lead role, Scorsese captures a detective spiralling out of control. Although “Shutter Island” may not rank among the best detective movies, it proves the enduring appeal of the genre. As strong as Teddy’s desire to escape islands causing trauma, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its magic in the modern era making unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.