My Favourite Mystery Films of All-Time

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as the mystery. Since the 1990’s, the mystery genre has made strong movies. Whether it’s psychotic killers, sleuths solving murders or corrupt police officers, the genre has made many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best mystery films that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Silence of the Lambs

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper experienced a psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from murder of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated. As someone haunted by a sad murder mystery that stunned my family into silence, I adored “The Silence of the Lambs”. Ever since its release in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest mystery movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Demme used innovative cinematic techniques to capture serial killers evoking fear. Demme is one of those filmmakers that always had aptitude for making engaging mystery movies, 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 in their first meeting together causing trauma is one of the best moments of the mystery genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” my favourite mystery film of all-time is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies in the mystery genre, it tackles thought-provoking themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about detectives seeking to investigate serial killers that are frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which are worth appreciating.

2. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that have always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother that loved detectives with courage. He would always appreciate seeing dark crimes that dedicated detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that loved seeing detectives conduct an investigation, I loved “Se7en”. Released in 1995, David Fincher’s movie captured detectives investigating serial killers. David Fincher has always had an aptitude for creating murder mysteries with a strong atmosphere, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. 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 mystery genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brad Pitt, who embodies a detective seeking to resolve a serial killer mystery. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” a mystery masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crime which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as the murders that John Doe has committed, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies which deserve to be appreciated.

3. Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that always impressed by father. Years ago, I bonded with a father admiring a filmmaker he regarded a hero. I remember watching movies made by the filmmaker with a father that I grew up to treasure. Through his lifelong love for Alfred Hitchcock, my father inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that adored Hitchcock’s films years ago, I loved “Psycho”. Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie forever changed the mystery genre. Hitchcock always had an aptitude for creating an engaging murder mystery, and “Psycho” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker clearly. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is stabbed to death in the shower causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the mystery genre. The film is elevated to another level by a phenomenal performance by Anthony Perkins, who embodied a serial killer. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” a mystery classic is its enduring appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. Nearly 60 years following the release of an iconic film about psychotic killers committing murders that are catastrophic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has always made memorable movies captivating the public.

4. Prisoners

Child abduction is a painful process causing parents to face stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in stores which were humongous. I remember my mother facing terror as she searched the store for my brother. Fearful he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that has witnessed the dangers of child abduction, I adored “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Paul Dano’s movie captured detectives investigating the tragic disappearance of children in a mystery. Unlike most movies in the mystery genre, what makes “Prisoners” stand out is its strong atmosphere. Villeneuve uses stunning visuals to capture the gloomy atmosphere faced by parents whose children disappear. For instance, the scene in which Kellar is unable to locate his children after they disappear out of thin air causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the mystery genre. At the centre of it all is a superb performance by Hugh Jackman, capturing a father facing child abduction. Ultimately, what makes “Prisoners” a mystery masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about child abduction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing parents to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has never lost abilities to captivate.

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 he was a generous person that treated my grandparents in a kind manner. 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 an engaging murder mystery. Johnson has always had a sharp sense of humour, and “Knives Out” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which detective Benoit Blanc investigates the Thrombey family by examining their house grounds is one of the finest moments of the mystery genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who created an iconic 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. Enola Holmes

Women are rarely given opportunities to shine in murder mysteries. A criticism against the mystery genre is its sexism. Women are rarely given chances to investigate crimes. In a genre that has often denied women homes, it’s worth praising “Enola Holmes”. Released in 2020, Harry Bradbeer’s movie offered a feminist interpretation of Sherlock Holmes. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Enola Holmes” stand out is its depiction of women. Bradbeer uses voice-over narration to capture a female detective conducting an investigation. Assisted by Millie Bobby Brown who is amazing in the lead role, Bradbeer created a feminist murder mystery. 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 timeless movies achieving stardom.

7. Gone Girl

It’s challenging to face the end of a marriage. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage. I recall the night when she had a tense fight with her husband. As someone haunted by memories of a marriage gone wrong, I adored “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, David Fincher’s movie honoured a beloved mystery book about broken marriages. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Girl” stand out is its use of foreshadowing. Fincher used breathtaking foreshadowing to create a mystery that’s compelling. Assisted by Rosamund Pike who is exceptional in the lead role, Fincher honoured a murder mystery book. A dazzling adaptation of a book about women that disappear causing marriages to face despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about which audiences care.

8. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

When it comes to the greatest murder mystery books ever written, it’s worth discussing The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Since its publication in 2005, Steig Larson’s book has become a mystery literary classic. In 2011, David Fincher honoured the classic mystery book that readers value in his movie “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”. Unlike most movies in the mystery genre, what makes “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Fincher captured the enduring appeal of a book about strong feminist detectives. Assisted by Rooney Mara who is excellent in the lead role, Fincher honours a book about women experiencing trauma. As precious as Lisbeth’s dragon tattoo, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate that manufactured commemorated movies which audiences value.

9. The Sixth Sense

Psychologists have shaped my personality. When I was diagnosed with Autism, I began seeing a therapist that helped me cope with adversity. His strong guidance gave me strength to cope with a painful life experience. As someone treasuring fond memories of a psychologist that had sense, I adored “The Sixth Sense”. Released in 1999, M. Night Shyamalan’s movie captured psychologists assisting children facing adversities. Shayamalan has always excelled at making compelling mysteries through sounds, and “The Sixth Sense” showcased his strength as a filmmaker. Assisted by Haley Joel Osment who is superb in the lead role, Shyamalan created a compelling mystery. As powerful as Cole’s visions of dead people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a great genre that made memorable movies which audiences consider to be special.

10. The Usual Suspects

Few mystery movies ever made about mysterious murder suspects are as beloved as “The Usual Suspects”. Since its release in 1995, Bryan Singer’s movie has become a celebrated mystery classic. I may be in the minority but I’ve never been a huge fan of the movie. On a technical level, there’s no denying that the film is extremely well-made. Singer introduced plot twists which have become a tradition of the genre. However, the film’s focus on style leaves little room for storytelling. We’re barely given reasons to care for the murder suspects. Nevertheless, the film remains a worthy addition to the mystery genre. As powerful as Keyser Soze, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies with plenty to say which I will forever treasure for pulling off the greatest trick of inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.