Best Detective Thrillers Streaming on Netflix

Best Detective Thrillers Streaming on Netflix

As a seasoned film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours in the dimly lit corners of cinemas, I must say that this list has left me utterly captivated! The sheer variety and quality of these thrilling tales are nothing short of extraordinary.


There’s nothing better than settling in with a great thriller. The genre has been a staple of cinema for decades, and the best ones have stood the test of time. Thanks to Netflix and other streamers, viewers no longer need to leave their homes to experience the delights of a detective thriller. Whether it be a disgraced PI, someone investigating the murder of a loved one, or just a classic game of cat and mouse, even a decent detective thriller can make for a fun night in.

If you’re searching for an exciting detective thriller to stream on Netflix, we’ve put together a selection of movies for your convenience. Just like any good suspenseful tale, these films will keep you on tenterhooks and guessing right up until the end. With renowned actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Liam Neeson, Rami Malek, and many others delivering exceptional performances, you’re bound to be gripped by your seat’s edge.

10 Red Dragon

In his third and last portrayal as the chilling Hannibal Lecter, the film titled “Red Dragon” features Anthony Hopkins. This movie functions as a precursor to both “Silence of the Lambs” and “Hannibal“. Notably, this role earned Hopkins his first Academy Award, which is why he considers Hannibal Lecter to be “one of the finest roles I’ve ever encountered.

Serious Sequels

In the movie “Red Dragon,” FBI agent Will Graham (played by Edward Norton) seeks assistance from the enigmatic Dr. Hannibal Lecter, famously known as “The Tooth Fairy” for his chilling crimes, to track down a murderer. This collaboration between Graham and Lecter forms the basis of an intense, suspenseful story filled with unexpected plot twists. The film also features performances from Ralph Fiennes and the late, highly-respected actor Philip Seymour Hoffman.

9 The Little Things

The Little Things stars three Oscar-Winners in the hunt for a serial killer. Denzel Washington, Jared Leto, and Rami Malek add intensity to each scene, coming at their characters from completely different perspectives. Washington stars as Deke, a cop with a checkered past. He works the case in the hopes of finally closing the book on one of his old cases.

A Dangerous Pursuit

In the movie “The Little Things,” Jared Leto portrays a man suspected of being a murderer due to his peculiar and enigmatic actions. However, as detectives Washington and Malek delve deeper into the case, it only grows more complex. Despite a less-than-stellar initial performance, this film has climbed to the peak of Netflix’s popularity charts, and for a valid reason.

8 The Guilty

The Guilty” is a reimagining of the 2018 Danish film with the same title, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal in the principal role. The script was written by Nic Pizzolatto, known for creating True Detective, and brought together director Antoine Fuqua and Jake Gyllenhaal again, following their collaboration on the 2015 film “Southpaw.” In this movie, Gyllenhaal plays a 911 operator who receives an urgent call from a woman who believes she is moments away from being murdered.

Finding The Victim

Joe Baylor, portrayed by Gyllenhaal, finds himself embroiled in legal issues stemming from a botched case. Despite the risks, he throws himself wholeheartedly into this fresh, perilous situation to aid a woman and her child who are alleged victims of a murderer. Critics laud Gyllenhaal’s performance in this remake, making it a must-see.

7 Fractured

A nerve-wracking thriller similar to “Fracture” will leave you puzzled. After taking his daughter to the hospital due to a fall, Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington) finds himself in a perplexing situation. In the movie “Fractured”, Ray becomes increasingly confused when he can’t find his daughter or wife following what was supposed to be a standard medical procedure.

Anything But Routine

However, Ray finds himself in a puzzling situation as he suspects the hospital and its personnel are concealing something from him. In his quest to find his family, he encounters no leads whatsoever. Yet, he diligently follows the cryptic clues, leading him to an unexpected twist that will leave viewers stunned. The Netflix thriller weaves a captivating mystery that demands your undivided focus and is highly recommended for immediate viewing.

6 The Clovehitch Killer

16-year-old Tyler Burnside (Charlie Plummer) is compelled to pursue an individual he least anticipated – his father. In a quiet Kentucky town, the Burnside family and the surrounding community have been deeply affected by a series of murders involving ten women in their vicinity. After discovering a troubling photograph belonging to his father, Tyler starts suspecting that his dad might be the perpetrator.

Small Town Tragedy

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by my personal exploration into “The Clovehitch Killer.” In this gripping tale, I find myself delving into the enigma that is my father, a man suspected of being a monster. The chilling belief that I may be facing pure evil puts me squarely in the crosshairs of danger. To survive and avoid becoming the next victim, I must tap into my inner resourcefulness. This suspenseful journey is nothing short of a masterpiece, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

5 I Came By

In this action-packed narrative, we witness a nerve-wracking game of chase involving an artist with political leanings, Toby (George MacKay), and what initially appears to be an honorable judge, Sir Henry Blake (Hugh Bonneville). However, as the story unfolds, Toby discovers a hidden, menacing truth about the judge. In response, the judge begins to pursue Toby relentlessly, even threatening his loved ones.

Bad Judge

Toby’s actions are unpredictable, neither the characters nor viewers can foresee them.

4 A Walk Among The Tombstones

In recent times, Liam Neeson is almost synonymous with thrillers, and following the success of Taken, he’s tackled a wide range of such roles. In the movie A Walk Among The Tombstones, he portrays a private detective on a mission to uncover the truth behind the murder of a drug lord’s spouse. Adapted from a book bearing the same title, Neeson’s character employs his investigative abilities to trace the killers and halt the series of gruesome slayings.

Dangerous Detective Work

In a new take, Neeson’s character, Detective Matt Scudder, chases down the perpetrators of kidnappings and discovers interconnected cases. When he uncovers a young girl who has been abducted, he must act swiftly to prevent her from becoming another casualty. Packed with excitement and suspense, A Walk Among The Tombstones is nearly impossible to tear your eyes away from.

3 The Pale Blue Eye

In the 1800s, former detective Augustus Landor, portrayed by Christian Bale, is brought back into service to unravel the mystery of a cadet’s murder at West Point. Along his journey, Landor collaborates with future literary icon Edgar Allan Poe, played by Harry Melling, in this chilling production. The movie, entitled “The Pale Blue Eye,” was conceived and helmed by Scott Cooper, particularly with Bale in mind for the leading role.

Death of a Cadet

As a passionate cinephile, every new mystery unfolding at the academy has me gripped with anticipation. The intricate web of secrets the movie weaves demands repeated viewings to catch all the subtle hints. The captivating case leaves me guessing until the final moments, offering a twist that seems impossible to foresee.

2 Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

In the next chapter of the Knives Out saga, Daniel Craig once again steps into the shoes of Benoit Blanc. The movie titled Glass Onion brings Craig together with another star-studded cast around a murder mystery scenario engineered by a quirky billionaire. However, what was intended to be a mere game takes an unexpected turn into a genuine investigation filled with deceit, falsehoods, and numerous surprises.

Benoit Blanc’s Second Appearance

Following a stunning debut in the first movie, it was only expected that the detective character would reappear on our screens once more. The star-studded cast includes big names such as Janelle MonĂ¡e, Kathryn Hahn, Edward Norton, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, and several others. This intricate detective tale offers numerous instances of both laughter and chills. In fact, a third installment is already in the works for a 2025 release. Here are some characters we’re looking forward to seeing again in Knives Out 3.

1 The Stranger

Best Detective Thrillers Streaming on NetflixBest Detective Thrillers Streaming on NetflixBest Detective Thrillers Streaming on Netflix

The movie is loosely based on a true kidnapping incident, and it tells the story of Mark Frame, played by Joel Edgerton, who embarks on a dangerous undercover mission. His goal is to gather enough evidence to prosecute the kidnapper, but as he delves deeper into the case, his own child’s safety becomes a growing worry, causing him to lose sleep and feel increasingly anxious.

Getting Close To The Enemy

Law enforcement officials, including Frame, strategically set up a decoy criminal network to mislead the suspect into feeling safe. This tactic guides them towards the correct path, but they must maintain their disguise to prevent alarming their target. The hunt for clues and close proximity to the killer will send shivers through you, making this an unmissable watch.

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2024-11-08 07:02