Detective movies have proven timeless, maintaining their appeal throughout the years. Their inherent structure allows for compelling narratives – a puzzle must be solved, and viewers are led step-by-step through potential suspects, hints, and motivations by an insightful detective. From Philip Marlowe to Hercule Poirot to Benoit Blanc, audiences enjoy watching characters unravel the mystery, and exceptional detective films both astonish us with unexpected twists and encourage us to try solving the case ourselves. The finest of these films offer repeated viewings that deepen our appreciation for the intricate plot developments leading us inexorably towards the final resolution.
In various forms, such as dark mysteries, humorous spoofs, intense dramas, or fast-paced action flicks, the structure of a detective movie has proven adaptable and effective. Over the decades, countless outstanding films in this genre have been produced, making it challenging to pick just a few highlights. To compile our list, we delved into critics’ reviews, Rotten Tomatoes scores, and fan rankings, acting as detectives ourselves. In this list, you will find the 15 greatest detective movies ever made, ranked according to their merit.
15. Murder on the Orient Express
Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney), seeking respite following a case solution in Istanbul, embarks on the Orient Express journey home. However, his peaceful voyage is disrupted when American businessman Samuel Ratchett (Richard Widmark) gets killed in his cabin. Every passenger becomes a potential culprit, prompting Poirot to interrogate each one individually once an avalanche halts the train’s progress.
The adaptations of Agatha Christie novels have been around since the early days of cinema and are still being made in the 21st century under the guidance of filmmaker Kenneth Branagh. These intricate plots and large casts of characters seem perfect for sophisticated mysteries starring top-notch ensembles. The 1974 version by Sidney Lumet is a classic example of excellent entertainment, with a star-studded cast from Old Hollywood and the British stage. The film garnered six Oscar nominations and won Ingrid Bergman the award for Best Supporting Actress, playing a Swedish missionary who conceals dark secrets.
Characters: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, Sean Connery, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark, and Michael York
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Actors: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, Sean Connery, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark, and Michael York
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Stars: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, Sean Connery, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark, and Michael York
Director: Sidney Lumet
Rating: PG
Runtime: 128 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
14. Knives Out
In the residence of renowned mystery author Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) on his 85th birthday, an unexpected guest, private detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), arrives to unravel a homicide. Initially, the authorities suspect suicide, but Blanc harbors doubts; he believes Thrombey was deliberately killed by one of his family members, all present at their grand estate for a birthday bash. However, it’s discovered that Harlan’s caregiver, Marta (Ana de Armas), inadvertently administered a fatal dose of morphine to him. Yet, as events unfold, there seems to be a hidden truth behind this apparent accident.
The smashing hit movie “Knives Out” from 2019 has given rise to a continuous series on Netflix, with the sequel, “Glass Onion,” debuting in 2022 and the third part, “Wake Up Dead Man,” scheduled for release in 2025. Rian Johnson’s screenplay, which earned an Oscar nomination, reimagines Agatha Christie mysteries for the modern era, featuring clever plot turns and colorful supporting characters. Daniel Craig brings the story to life as “the world’s best detective,” a role we hope to savor for many more years.
Characters: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, and Christopher Plummer
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Actors: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, and Christopher Plummer (in this production)
Director: Rian Johnson
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 130 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
13. Laura
Investigator Mark McPherson, portrayed by Dana Andrews, probes the killing of advertising magnate Laura Hunt, who met a grisly end when a shotgun blast disfigured her face in her Manhattan skyscraper residence. All are under suspicion, including Laura’s idle fiancé, Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price), and her confidante, columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb). In his pursuit of the murderer, McPherson unexpectedly develops feelings for Laura, who reappears through recollections.
In the 1940s, “Laura” was a groundbreaking film noir, receiving Oscar nominations for best director and best supporting actor (Webb), and winning for its striking black-and-white cinematography. As was often the case with Otto Preminger’s direction, sensitive themes were subtly woven into mainstream cinema. The character of McPherson’s feelings towards Laura hint at necrophilia, yet this serves to explore a more profound aspect: McPherson’s fixation on his victim is rooted in a chivalrous complex common in detective stories, which is given expression here.
Cast: Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Vincent Price, Judith Anderson
Director: Otto Preminger
Rating: Approved
Runtime: 88 minutes
Where to watch: Apple TV
12. Memories of Murder
Back in 1986, I found myself as a gamer in a small South Korean town, where I was drawn into a chilling tale of a serial killer on the loose. As a detective, Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho) and his partner Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung), we were determined to unravel the mystery behind the gruesome murders of young women in our town. The stakes grew higher as it became apparent that we were dealing with the country’s first serial killer.
Desperate for answers, we took extreme measures to extract a confession from our suspects. But as the body count continued to rise and our investigation seemed to hit a dead end, we felt a growing sense of frustration and despair. The game was proving to be far more challenging than we had initially anticipated.
Back in 2003, I stumbled upon “Memories of Murder” – a gripping masterpiece by director Bong Joon Ho that recently gained newfound recognition in the U.S. after his historic Oscar wins for “Parasite.” Now, this movie is widely regarded as one of Bong’s finest works. As a second-time filmmaker, he showcased his knack for juggling tones and skillfully employing genre to subtly delve into societal matters. In the case of “Memories of Murder,” it’s the blurred boundary between law enforcement and criminality, and the psychological impact of confronting wickedness head-on.
Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Roi-ha, Song Jae-ho, Park Hae-il
Director: Bong Joon Ho
Rating: NR
Runtime: 131 minutes
Where to watch: Tubi
11. Seven
Approaching retirement, I find myself teamed up with the enthusiastic Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt). We’re on the trail of a chilling serial killer who seems to be reenacting the seven deadly sins in his gruesome murders. With each crime, the savagery escalates, leaving us in a race against time. Our investigation eventually leads us to an intelligent and dangerous individual named John Doe (Kevin Spacey), a psychopath with ambitious plans for his swan song.
David Fincher’s groundbreaking 1995 film, “Seven,” gained notoriety for its graphic violence (it shows only the aftermath, not the actual acts of violence), yet this gruesomeness somehow enhances its appeal. The movie is set in a city shrouded by violence, and it skillfully combines classic noir style with a modern MTV aesthetic to make our darkest fears come true. The chilling finale symbolizes the film’s overarching message, which posits that the world can be relentlessly harsh and ultimately destructive.
Cast: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, R. Lee Ermey, Kevin Spacey
Director: David Fincher
Rating: R
Runtime: 127 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
10. The Thin Man
In this rephrased version: When Dorothy Wynant (Maureen O’Sullivan) finds her father inexplicably vanishing just before her wedding, she seeks the aid of retired detective Nick Charles (William Powell), who’s currently vacationing in New York with his spouse Nora (Myrna Loy). Despite having given up detective work for a life of relaxation, he agrees to tackle the case due to Nora’s encouragement, seeking a touch of excitement. However, things quickly escalate when the missing persons investigation morphs into a complex murder mystery.
In 1934, “The Thin Man” became such a hit that it led to a series of follow-ups, with five additional movies released from 1936 to 1947. During their crime-solving adventures, Nick and Nora frequently indulged in copious amounts of alcohol, exchanged clever dialogues, and enjoyed the company of their faithful terrier, Asta. Although the sequels are excellent, they can’t surpass the original, which infused a zany spirit into the mystery genre. The film was so popular that it received four Academy Award nominations, including best picture, direction, acting, and screenplay.
Cast: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O’Sullivan, Nat Pendleton, Minna Gombell
Director: W. S. Van Dyke
Rating: Approved
Runtime: 91 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
9. Zodiac
In the tumultuous 1960s and ’70s, San Francisco was gripped by fear as the Zodiac Killer wreaked havoc. As a fervent fan captivated by this enigma, I found myself drawn to the pages of the San Francisco Chronicle, where cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) immersed himself in unraveling the mystery. My colleague, crime reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.), joined me in this pursuit as inspectors Dave Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and Bill Armstrong (Anthony Edwards) doggedly chased each lead that came their way. However, even the most promising paths seemed to lead us nowhere.
In the filmmaking of “Zodiac”, released in 2007, Director David Fincher meticulously replicates various aspects of the true story, as he had strong recollections of the events since he grew up in Marin County during the Zodiac Killer’s terror. Surprisingly, one might expect a film about an unsolved case to be disappointing, but this is far from accurate here. Drawn from ’70s suspense thrillers, “Zodiac” generates a profound feeling of disquiet that intensifies because there’s no resolution – the evil persists.
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox
Director: David Fincher
Rating: R
Runtime: 157 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
8. The Long Goodbye
Initially, private investigator Philip Marlowe (played by Elliott Gould) feels remorseful for giving a lift to his friend Terry Lennox (Jim Bouton) to Mexico. Upon his return to Los Angeles, the police arrest him, suspecting he had intentionally assisted Terry in fleeing the country following the murder of his wife. Marlowe is eventually cleared when Terry takes his own life in Tijuana. Subsequently, a stunning blonde named Eileen Wade (Nina van Pallandt) hires Marlowe to locate her missing husband, Roger (Sterling Hayden), drawing him deeper into Terry’s web of troubles.
In the 1940s-to-1970s shift, Robert Altman doesn’t limit his departures from Raymond Chandler’s novel with just the time period. Instead, “The Long Goodbye,” released in 1973, deviates significantly from traditional detective stories by incorporating a relaxed and humorous tone, reflecting the culture of the hippie era with its focus on sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. The film portrays a private investigator who prefers a leisurely lifestyle over crime-solving, making him quite distinct. It’s challenging to envision “The Big Lebowski” or “Inherent Vice” without “The Long Goodbye” laying the groundwork for this genre-bending approach.
Cast: Elliott Gould, Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, Mark Rydell
Director: Robert Altman
Rating: R
Runtime: 112 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
7. The French Connection
Detectives Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle (played by Gene Hackman) and Buddy “Cloudy” Russo (Roy Scheider) hear whispers of a massive heroin shipment heading towards New York City from France. Popeye’s probe eventually uncovers Alain Charnier, also known as “Frog One” (played by Fernando Rey), whom he tenaciously tracks down, jeopardizing his own life and the safety of New York residents. A thrilling car chase ensues when Popeye chases a suspect who hijacks an elevated train, putting the lives of New Yorkers in peril during this daring pursuit.
1971’s “The French Connection” was inspired by real-life events and used a documentary style, capturing a raw, street-level realism that heightened the intensity of its action scenes. Director William Friedkin, much like his character, went to considerable lengths to create this authenticity, notably during the iconic car chase scene, which required some rule-bending to execute successfully. The film garnered five Academy Awards, among them best picture, director, and actor, and continues to be held as the benchmark for police dramas.
Cast: Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco
Director: William Friedkin
Rating: R
Runtime: 104 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
6. The Big Sleep
In this rephrased version: Private detective Philip Marlowe, portrayed by Humphrey Bogart, is employed by wealthy General Sternwood (Charles Waldron) to handle some debts accumulated through gambling by his daughter Carmen (Martha Vickers). However, Vivian, the older sister (Lauren Bacall), suspects Marlowe’s true mission is to locate the missing Sean Regan. As the investigation unfolds, Marlowe finds himself in grave danger as individuals connected to the Sternwood family start meeting an untimely end.
According to lore, the filming of 1946’s “The Big Sleep” came to a standstill when director Howard Hawks struggled to determine whether the Sternwood family’s chauffeur, Owen Taylor, met his end through murder or suicide. Even novelist Raymond Chandler, who worked on the screenplay, was left in the dark about the matter. Unlike many films, “The Big Sleep” shines more for its captivating atmosphere, tantalizing mysteries, and clever banter rather than its intricate plot. The film greatly profited from the electric chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who first sparked their romance during the making of Hawks’ “To Have and Have Not” and went on to be one of Hollywood’s most iconic duos.
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Martha Vickers, Dorothy Malone
Director: Howard Hawks
Rating: Approved
Runtime: 114 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
5. L.A. Confidential
In 1950s Los Angeles, three policemen delve into a grisly murder at a downtown coffee shop. Detective Ed Exley (played by Guy Pearce) aims to leverage this case for promotion and freedom from his father’s legacy, a fallen detective. Officer Bud White (Russell Crowe) seeks vengeance for his partner who perished in the massacre. Meanwhile, Detective Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) sees an opportunity for redemption following years of unscrupulous acts. As they delve deeper into their investigation, they find themselves confronting increasingly dangerous situations.
The director, Curtis Hanson, along with Brian Helgeland, earned an Oscar for their screenplay on “L.A. Confidential,” skillfully transforming James Ellroy’s extensive novel into a compelling drama brimming with tension and mystery. An accurate portrayal of 1953 Los Angeles, the 1997 movie blends classic noir elements from old Hollywood with contemporary themes like sex and violence. Reminiscent of “Chinatown,” it pays homage to the detective genre while giving it a fresh twist.
Characters: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, David Strathairn, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito (in a simplified and conversational manner)
Director: Curtis Hanson
Rating: R
Runtime: 138 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
4. The Silence of the Lambs
FBI trainee Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster) is tasked with questioning Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a genius but ruthless psychiatrist known for murdering and consuming his patients. As she converses with Lector, her aim is to develop a psychological profile that can assist in apprehending Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), a notorious serial killer who abducts and skins young women. However, the more their dialogues unfold, the further Lecter appears to delve into Starling’s inner thoughts.
1991’s “The Silence of the Lambs” is exceptional as it’s one of only three films to take home all five major Oscars (best picture, director, actor, actress, and screenplay). This is particularly impressive considering its genre. However, “The Silence of the Lambs” transcends the horror genre; it delves deeply into the disquieting exploration of evil lurking within us. When Starling encounters Lecter, she doesn’t find a monster, but a refined, empathetic person capable of heinous acts. The fact that we as viewers find ourselves drawn to him raises questions about our own fascination with true crime.
Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine
Director: Jonathan Demme
Rating: R
Runtime: 118 minutes
Where to watch: Max
3. Vertigo
Retired detective John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart) quits the police due to his fear of heights causing the death of his partner. His old friend, Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore), requests Scottie to trail his wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak), who’s acting strangely. Scottie develops feelings for Madeleine, and when she falls from a church tower, he becomes fixated on another woman, Judy Barton (Novak), who bears an uncanny resemblance to her.
Initially receiving mixed reactions when it premiered in 1958, “Vertigo” has since been celebrated as Alfred Hitchcock’s magnum opus and an essential film for cinema enthusiasts. In Sight and Sound’s decennial poll of 2012, it was crowned the greatest movie ever made, retaining its second position in 2022. The film showcases Hitchcock at his creative zenith, delving deeply into his fascinations and tendencies. While the plot serves as a MacGuffin, or narrative device, the film’s true purpose is to explore the manipulative strategies a director employs to craft their ideal femme fatale, revealing insights into Hitchcock’s directorial techniques.
Cast: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore, Henry Jones
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Rating: PG
Runtime: 128 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix
2. The Maltese Falcon
The life of detective Sam Spade (portrayed by Humphrey Bogart) is disrupted when a woman named Ruth Wonderly (Mary Astor) enters his office, claiming she’s looking for her missing sister. However, it later transpires that this was a false claim, and instead, Spade finds himself on the trail of a valuable artifact called the Maltese Falcon. It turns out that “Ruth” is actually Brigid O’Shaughnessy, one of several shady individuals seeking the jeweled statue, which Spade describes as “the essence of dreams.
1941 marked John Huston’s first directorial effort, which was actually the third screen adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s novel. Not only did it successfully portray the story as intended, but it essentially set the stage for film noir. This classic detective tale features a jaded private investigator, a captivating femme fatale, and a stellar cast of character actors that add vibrant quirkiness to the bleak narrative. Immersed in darkness and shrouded in shadows, “The Maltese Falcon” is truly an embodiment of cinematic brilliance.
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet
Director: John Huston
Rating: Approved
Runtime: 100 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video
1. Chinatown
In the 1930s, Los Angeles, private investigator J.J. “Jake” Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is hired by a woman suspected to be Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway). The task appears to be an ordinary infidelity case involving her husband, Hollis (Darrell Zwerling), who works at the city’s Department of Water and Power. However, what Jake uncovers is far from routine – a complex plot involving murder, corruption, and incest orchestrated by Evelyn’s father, Noah Cross (John Huston). The climax unfolds on the streets of Chinatown where, as Jack puts it, the aim is to intervene as minimally as possible.
The screenplay for the 1974 movie “Chinatown,” written by Robert Towne and earning an Oscar, is often praised as one of the best ever created. It’s intelligent, complex, and heart-wrenching. Adopting the format of classic detective novels, it connects the desecration of California’s farmlands with the exploitation of a young woman, implicating powerful men who commit these atrocities because they can. The film concludes with the line, “Forget it, Jake, it’s Chinatown,” which has since become a mantra for those who understand that the world is too corrupt to change, so why make the effort?
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Hillerman, Burt Young, John Huston
Director: Roman Polanski
Rating: R
Runtime: 130 minutes
Where to watch: Paramount+
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2025-07-04 23:32