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 formed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered in crimes 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. 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 worldwide audience.

2. Se7en

Detectives are dazzling figures that have always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed relationships with a brother appreciating seeing detectives with courage. He would always appreciate seeing gruesome crimes that dedicated detectives sought to investigate. As someone treasuring 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 classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most serial killer movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about crime which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as the murders that John Doe has committed, it’s a solid reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies which deserve to be absolutely 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 movie-going 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 consistently captivate.

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 single doubt.

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 absolutely today.

7. The Nice Guys

One of the most common criticisms levelled against the murder mystery 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. 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.

9. 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 tremendous stardom.

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.