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 a fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered in crime causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper faced a psychotic murder. Left emotionally devastated, my family never recovered from sad 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 on 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 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 commonly captivate.

3. Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that always impressed my father. I remember forming a strong bond with a father that adored the world-famous filmmaker. He would speak fondly about a director whose timeless movies shaped his identity. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a father that adored Alfred Hitchcock years ago, I loved “Psycho”. Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie captured a psychotic serial killer. Hitchcock always had an aptitude for capturing serial killers in his movies, and “Psycho” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is stabbed to death in the shower causing her town to face trauma is one of the greatest moments of the serial killer genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Anthony Perkins, who created one of the scariest serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” a commemorated serial killer classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. As strong as Norman Bates’ desire to commit murders that are psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies which captivated the movie-going public.

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 commonly 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 great role by Daniel Craig, who embodies a bold detective with murders. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a great whodunit is its broad appeal. Unlike most mystery films, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about social class issues which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Benoit Blanc’s desire to inspect murders with knives out, it’s a great reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable films which deserve to be talked about without any doubt.

6. 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 consistently engage.

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 undeniably value.

8. The Nice Guys

One of the most common criticisms levelled against the murder mystery genre is predictability. The mystery 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.

9. The Talented Mr. Ripley

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about murder mysteries, it’s worth discussing The Talented Mr. Ripley. Since its publication in 1955, Patricia Highsmith’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, Anthony Minghella honoured the legendary book in his movie “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” stand out is its depiction of con-artists. Minghella uses captivating montages capturing a con-artist deceiving wealthy millionaires that are frightening. Assisted by Matt Damon who is amazing in the lead role, Minghella honoured a legendary book about millionaires. A terrific adaptation of a book about con-artists that are talented, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated timeless movies which deserve to be absolutely appreciated.

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.