My Favourite Films About Detectives of All-Time

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. Se7en

Serial killers are frightening figures that always terrified me. At an early age, I developed fear of dark serial killers when my beloved housemaid was murdered in crimes 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. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured tension faced by detectives conducting a serial killer investigation as powerfully as “Se7en”. Ever since its release in 1995, David Fincher’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about detectives. With the greatest film of his career, Fincher used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a pair of detectives facing despair. Fincher has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about detectives whose lives are in grave danger, and “Se7en” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. 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 serial killers. Ultimately, what makes “Se7en” my favourite film about detectives of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about detectives, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about detectives investigating murders by serial killers that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing commemorated movies which are definitely worth celebrating.

2. The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter is a terrifying serial killer that always frightened my mother. I remember my mother was once frightened by a serial killer committing gruesome murder. She would always fear a frightening serial killer committing gruesome murders causing despair. My mother’s fear of Hannibal Lecter first began when she saw “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie captured detectives investigating serial killers causing adversity. Demme used captivating dramatic monologues capturing a female detective investigating a serial killer that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter causing a dilemma 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” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. The film delivers a strong message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most old-fashioned detective movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. As memorable as crimes Hannibal has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which deserve to be appreciated.

3. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about abduction, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. 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 commemorated genre that deserves to be appreciated.

4. 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 can often be 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 Daniel Craig, who created a comical detective. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a murder mystery classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most murder mystery movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a 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 manufactured unforgettable films which definitely deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

5. Enola Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is a legendary detective that my father always loved dearly. I remember my father always appreciated a detective that investigated crimes which were conflicted. A huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, he would always love seeing movies about the detective. My father would appreciate a detective that had gruesome crimes to investigate. In 2020, Harry Bradbeer honoured the iconic detective investigating homes in his movie “Enola Holmes”. Bradbeer used captivating voice-over narration to capture a feminist detective investigating murders that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Enola reunites with her brothers at the train station following years of separation causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Millie Bobby Brown, who embodied a feminist detective investigating a murder mystery. Ultimately, what makes “Enola Holmes” a classic is its feminist appeal. Unlike most movies in the detective genre which are dominated by men, it gives women a chance to shine. It delivers a meaningful message about sexism which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as murders investigated by Enola, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

6. Zodiac

When it comes to the most notorious serial killers in American history, it’s worth discussing the Zodiac. During the 1960’s, the Zodiac was a serial killer that terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in America. A frightening killer, the Zodiac got away with murder. In 2007, David Fincher captured the serial killer in his movie “Zodiac”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Zodiac” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Fincher used captivating visuals to capture detectives investigating a serial killer that’s frightening. Assisted by Jake Gyllenhaal who is amazing in the lead role, Fincher created a serial killer movie that’s compelling.  Nearly 60 years after the Zodiac serial killer got away with murders in the San Francisco Bay without a price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that deserves to be celebrated today.

7. 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.

8. Judas and the Black Messiah

William O’Neal is a legendary detective that built a lasting legacy. During the 1960’s, O’Neal was an FBI informant that investigated the Black Panther party. An undercover agent, O’Neal was a detective with strong commitment. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic political leader that changed America in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” stand out is its depiction of racism. King uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a black undercover agent during the segregation era was facing. Assisted by LaKeith Stanfield who is sensational in the lead role, King honoured a detective in America. 60 years after William O’Neal became an informant that’s powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre making movies audiences consider special.

9. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a legendary book about detectives readers value. Since its publication in 2005, Steig Larsson’s book has become a beloved literary classic. In 2011, David Fincher honoured the iconic book about detectives with a tattoo in his movie “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”. Unlike most movies in the detective genre, what makes “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Fincher uses captivating visuals to capture feminist detectives investigating killers that are frightening. Assisted by Rooney Mara who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher honoured a commemorated 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 making timeless movies which audiences value.

10. The Usual Suspects

Few movies ever made about detectives investigating murder suspects are as beloved as “The Usual Suspects”. Released in 1995, Bryan Singer’s movie captured detectives solving a murder mystery. Singer used captivating narration to capture detectives in a investigation. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is extraordinary in the lead role, Singer created a compelling mystery. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of detectives treating murder suspects poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Keyser Soze’s desire to deceive, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences captivated making memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to believe that my film criticism dreams are possible to achieve.