The Best Murder Mystery Films Made Ranked

Not many genres are as strong as the murder mystery. Since the 1980’s, the whodunit genre has made unforgettable movies. Whether it’s psychotic serial killers, corrupt police-officers or detectives solving murder, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite murder mystery movies which 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 psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from murder of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured serial killers committing murders stunning people into silence as powerfully as “The Silence of the Lambs”. Ever since its release in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest murder mystery film ever made. The film forever changed the whodunit genre through its captivating portrait of serial killers causing trauma. Demme is one of those filmmakers with an aptitude for creating engaging murder mysteries, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a director. Demme used breathtaking visuals to create a murder mystery that’s engrossing. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter about murders causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the whodunit 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 murder mystery of all-time is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message acknowledging childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies in the whodunit genre, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a captivating classic about serial killers committing violence stunning police into a state of silence, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies earning a huge audience.

2. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that fascinated my brother. At an early age, my brother was fascinated with detectives investigating crimes causing damage. My brother was fascinated with detectives that investigated gruesome crimes whose hard work he appreciated. He would appreciate seeing the crimes that famous detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring a brother that loved detectives conducting an investigation, I appreciated “Se7en”. Following its release in 1995, David Fincher’s movie has stood the test of time as a murder mystery classic. Fincher has excelled at making murder mystery movies, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. One of the most common techniques Fincher uses in movies is plot twists. With “Se7en”, Fincher effectively used plot twists to create a compelling murder mystery investigation. For instance, the ending scene in which Detective Mills discovers the terrifying contents of the box causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the whodunit genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brad Pitt, who embodied a detectives determined to catch serial killers. 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 Somerset seeks to investigate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate.

3. Rope

Alfred Hitchcock is a filmmaker that has always impressed my father. Years ago, I bonded with a father that appreciated a filmmaker he regarded a hero. I remember seeing movies manufactured by the filmmaker with a father I grew up to treasure. My father was always an immense fan of the Master of Suspense. Hitchcock made several murder mystery movies in his career. However, “Rope” is definitely my personal favourite. Released in 1948, Hitchcock’s movie captured guests at a party investigating murder. Hitchcock always had an aptitude for using dialogue rather than violence to build suspense in his movies, and “Rope” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Hitchcock successfully used the symbol of a rope to create an engaging murder mystery. For instance, the scene in which Rupert discovers evidence of murder at the party causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the murder mystery genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by James Stewart, who embodied a compelling detective investigating murder. Ultimately, what makes “Rope” a murder mystery masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1940’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged incredibly with pertinent themes that remain relevant today. As memorable as murders committed by classmates with a rope, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies which always give audiences hope.

4. Prisoners

Child abduction is a painful process that causes stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. I remember my mother under pressure as she searched the store for my baby brother. Fearful he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that has witnessed dangers of child abduction, I adored “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Denis Villeneuve’s movie depicted a gripping murder mystery about child abduction. Villeneuve used breathtaking visuals to create a gloomy atmosphere capturing parents whose children suddenly disappear causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Kellar discovers that his daughters have disappeared out of thin air causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Hugh Jackman, capturing the anxiety of a parent struggling to find his missing children. Ultimately, what makes “Prisoners” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about child abduction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing lives of parents to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences appreciate.

5. Knives Out

Housekeepers have impacted my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember he was a generous housekeeper that treated my grandparents in a kind manner. My grandparents were shocked to find he had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by a housekeeper taking knives out, I admired “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson’s movie offered an engaging murder mystery about social class. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Knives Out” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. For instance, the scene in which detective Benoit Blanc becomes aware of the identity of the killer causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the whodunit genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who embodies a determined detective investigating murders. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a wonderful whodunit is its political message. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class disparities which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Benoit Blanc’s desire to investigate murders with knives out, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable films which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

6. The Batman

Batman is a beloved comic-book character that my cousin always treasured. I remember my cousin adored the caped crusader. As someone treasuring fond memories of a cousin that adored Batman, I loved “The Batman”. Released in 2022, Matt Reeves’ movie honoured the superhero through a captivating murder mystery. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Batman” stand out is its strong atmosphere. Reeves uses breathtaking visuals to create a gloomy atmosphere in a city facing despair. Assisted by Robert Pattinson who is extraordinary in the lead role, Reeves created a compelling comic-book movie about murder investigation. A captivating tribute towards the celebrated caped crusader, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

7. 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 whodunit genre, what makes “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Fincher uses captivating visuals to create feminist detectives. Assisted by Rooney Mara who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher honoured 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 by manufacturing timeless movies which audiences commonly value.

8. Gone Girl

It’s challenging to face the end of a marriage. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing emotional damage. Following the painful separation, it was hard for my aunt to move on. As someone haunted by a marriage gone wrong, I adored “Gone Girl”. Released in 2014, David Fincher’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved murder mystery book. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gone Girl” stand out is its narration. Fincher successfully uses narration to capture a doomed marriage facing destruction. Assisted by Rosamund Pike who is superb in the lead role, Fincher created a compelling murder mystery about marriages. A magnificent portrait of a broken marriage, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which have never lost abilities to engage.

9. The Nice Guys

One of the most common criticisms levelled against the whodunit genre is its predictability. The genre has followed a safe formula. It’s easy for viewers to guess who the culprit of a 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 comedy offered a unique take on the whodunit 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 murder 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 unforgettable films that audiences prize.

10. Murder on the Orient Express

Few books about murders have achieved the success of Murder on the Orient Express. Since its publication in 1934, Agatha Christie’s book has become a classic audiences adore. In 2017, Kenneth Branagh honoured the book in his film “Murder on the Orient Express”. Branagh effectively used the confined train to build tension. Assisted by Michelle Pfeiffer who is exceptional, Branagh honoured literature. Although I’m a massive fan of the movie, it isn’t perfect. The film lacks strong character development of the greatest murder mysteries. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable addition to the whodunit genre. As precious as the Orient Express train, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to entertain making timeless films I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism that keep me sane.