The 15 Best Mystery Movies On Netflix Right Now

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Occasionally, a typical story doesn’t quite satisfy your curiosity and you might yearn for a narrative filled with unexpected twists, a plot that challenges you to predict the conclusion before the protagonists do. If this sounds like something you seek, you’re probably after an engaging mystery, a production laced with subtle hints that will keep you speculating until the grand unveiling. While there are numerous mysteries available, not all are equally intriguing.

As a game enthusiast who loves diving into the world of mysteries, I can relate to the challenge of finding the top mystery films on Netflix when you’re not sure where to begin. Fear not! This streaming platform offers a diverse collection of mystery movies that cater to every taste, from timeless whodunits and psychological thrillers to gritty crime fiction. To help you navigate this vast library, we’ve handpicked 15 standout titles ranging from classic masterpieces to lesser-known gems. Enjoy the suspense!

The Pale Blue Eye

The Pale Blue Eye” is a haunting period movie adapted from Louis Bayard’s murder mystery novel of the same name. The story revolves around Augustus Landor, a retired detective struggling in his twilight years. His peaceful retirement is disrupted when he’s summoned to investigate an unusual murder that took place on the grounds of West Point Military Academy. The victim was discovered hanging and had undergone a peculiar post-mortem procedure, with his heart mysteriously removed.

In the story, when Landor finds a puzzling message on the corpse, he enlists the aid of a cadet named Edgar Allan Poe, yes, the renowned Edgar Allan Poe himself. Known for masterpieces like “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart”, this West Point student in the 1830s would later gain fame for his writings about dark themes such as black magic and the occult. The movie “The Pale Blue Eye” depicts Poe assisting the embattled detective in a strange case that could involve these very subjects. While there are discrepancies between the film and the book, this period mystery is still an engrossing watch for fans of various genres.

Cast: Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson

Director: Scott Cooper

Year: 2022

Rating: R

Runtime: 130 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%

Disappearance at Clifton Hill

In a fresh take, the critically praised Canadian movie “Disappearance at Clifton Hill” narrates the story of a woman named Abby, who was raised in the Niagara Falls district. In her youth, Abby observed the kidnapping of a young boy within some surrounding woods. As time progressed, following their mother’s demise, Abby and her sister inherit The Rainbow – a previously thriving roadside motel where they spent their childhood. Despite her sister wanting to offload The Rainbow, Abby grows more attached to the property as she delves deeper into recollections of the kidnapping event.

As a curious gamer, I’ve always been haunted by the events I saw as a child. Now, I’m on a mission to uncover the truth about that boy and what really happened to him. Connecting with a local who shares my curiosity about the disappearance, I stumble upon rumors of a powerful family potentially involved in the crime. Intrigued by this revelation, I can’t wait to dive deeper into the captivating mystery unfolding in “Disappearance at Clifton Hill.” This gripping noir-style thriller, featuring a rare acting performance from David Cronenberg as a local podcaster and historian, is definitely worth watching for anyone seeking an intriguing murder mystery.

Cast: Tuppence Middleton, Hannah Gross, David Cronenberg

Director: Albert Shin

Year: 2019

Rating: Not rated

Runtime: 100 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

The Guilty

The Guilty,” a 2018 Danish crime thriller film remake, is a suspenseful movie set within the walls of a 911 dispatch center during night shift hours. LAPD officer Joe Baylor, awaiting a court hearing for a work-related shooting that ended in a teen’s death, finds himself stationed here. When he takes a frantic call from a woman named Emily, who insists she’s been kidnapped, Joe becomes unusually engaged.

In the thrilling narrative of “The Guilty,” I, as a fervent spectator, found myself following Joe’s predicament. Initially, he was instructed to let the field officers manage the situation. Yet, when these officers declined to search the suspected abductor’s residence, Joe took it upon himself to intervene. The query that lingered in my mind was whether Joe could truly be relied upon to uncover the truth alone, and if his decisions might be biased by the legal case looming over him. Just when I thought I had a grasp on the storyline, “The Guilty” skillfully yanked the rug from beneath me with an unexpected twist in its finale.

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke, Riley Keough

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Year: 2021

Rating: R

Runtime: 91 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

It’s What’s Inside

The award-winning independent film “It’s What’s Inside” skillfully combines mystery, science fiction, and humor. It reunites a group of former college friends for an enigmatic evening. However, the joyous gathering takes an unexpected twist when one long-absent party member unveils a peculiar gadget that enables them to swap bodies.

The group employs a device for gaming sessions, but when an unfortunate accident strikes them, resulting in the death of two members, speculation arises as to whether it was a murder. If so, who carried out the act and who controlled which bodies at the time? This intriguing plot is effectively explored by writer-director Greg Jardin, who drew inspiration from his own real-life experience with the game Mafia, also known as Werewolf.

Cast: Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Alycia Debnam-Carey

Director: Greg Jardin

Year: 2024

Rating: Not rated

Runtime: 103 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Rear Window

As a photography enthusiast like L.B. Jefferies (played by James Stewart), I found myself confined to a wheelchair due to a severe injury. Boredom became my constant companion in my New York City apartment, until I started observing my neighbors from my rear window. This harmless pastime took an unexpected turn when I heard a woman’s scream and then her sudden disappearance from my restricted view. My suspicions grew that she had met with foul play. However, with limited mobility and scant evidence, proving this crime seemed like an insurmountable task for our curious protagonist – me.

Alfred Hitchcock, a well-known director, wasn’t unfamiliar with what are called chamber pieces – these are films that take place entirely within a single location, often creating a sense of confinement. Despite other notable films like “Lifeboat” and “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window” stands out as the finest among them. Its distinctive setting, unusual narrative, and constant suspense make it one of those Hitchcock movies that every film enthusiast should see.

Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Year: 1954

Rating: PG

Runtime: 111 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Currently, the original “Knives Out” movie isn’t available on Netflix, but here’s some encouraging news: The follow-up titled “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” which features Daniel Craig reprising his role as the insightful detective Benoit Blanc, was specifically made for Netflix. This suggests that it likely won’t be leaving their platform any time soon. With an impressive ensemble cast, this mystery film is one of the best in the genre from the last decade.

In this instance, detective Blanc receives an invitation to a secluded Greek island owned by an eccentric tech billionaire during the COVID-19 pandemic. The host has gathered his peculiar friends for a murder mystery game, but when one guest is fatally poisoned at the dinner table, the event turns into a real-life murder case, and everyone becomes a suspect. It’s now Blanc’s responsibility to uncover the culprit, yet some question whether he can be trusted as well. This intriguing confrontation of minds makes for an engaging viewing experience, although “Glass Onion” does leave some questions unanswered, it still provides a fulfilling watch overall.

Cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson

Director: Rian Johnson

Year: 2022

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 139 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

The Buckingham Murders

From India emerges the gripping crime thriller titled “The Buckingham Murders,” featuring the character of British-Indian detective Jass Bhamra. At the beginning of the story, Bhamra is still grappling with the sorrow of losing her young daughter who was brutally killed by a madman. Following this devastating event, Bhamra decides to make a change and transfers to the English county of Buckinghamshire. In this new location, she is given the task of finding a missing Indian child and is paired with seasoned detective, Detective Inspector Hardy Patel.

When Patel seemingly finds the individual responsible for the child’s disappearance and demise, the case seems to be concluded. However, Jass becomes wary upon learning that both the suspect and the victim had ties to Patel. Although the case appears solved at first glance, Bhamra can’t help but suspect Patel’s involvement, prompting her to investigate further. To uncover the truth, she must disobey orders and break all established rules.

Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Brar, Keith Allen

Director: Hansal Mehta

Year: 2023

Rating: Not rated

Runtime: 107 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

The Wonder

In a departure from the typical murder mystery, “The Wonder” focuses on an intriguing enigma surrounding a supposed religious miracle instead. This film, featuring Florence Pugh, is set in the 1800s following the Great Irish Famine, a time of widespread starvation and disease that sparked strong anti-British sentiments due to the U.K. government’s insensitive handling of the crisis. The story follows Elizabeth Wright, an English woman who served as a nurse during the Crimean War.

In a small, religious Irish town, Wright arrives to scrutinize Anna, a girl who asserts she’s been fasting for four months without visible harm. Believing it to be a divine gift, Wright and a local reporter endeavor to unveil the truth behind this phenomenon. Pugh delivers an exceptional performance in this captivating, suspenseful movie that leaves you questioning the unknown until the very end.

Cast: Florence Pugh, Tom Burke, Kíla Lord Cassidy

Director: Sebastián Lelio

Year: 2022

Rating: R

Runtime: 103 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

Vertigo

In a repeat collaboration, James Stewart will work alongside Alfred Hitchcock for the film “Vertigo.” He’ll portray John “Scottie” Ferguson, a character who transitions from a morally ambiguous detective to a private investigator. After being compelled to resign from his previous position due to a crippling fear of heights and vertigo, Ferguson takes on the task of probing the increasingly strange, possibly supernatural actions of an acquaintance’s wife. However, as Ferguson’s condition erodes his mental stability, distinguishing reality from illusion becomes progressively challenging.

Throughout his career, he produced numerous films that were hard to miss, yet “Vertigo” is frequently acknowledged as Hitchcock’s masterpiece in various rankings. It stands out as one of his most impactful pieces, pioneering innovative cinematic methods such as the dolly zoom. This unique camera technique, later replicated by Steven Spielberg in “Jaws,” was employed to convey Ferguson’s disorienting state. However, the true charm of “Vertigo” lies in its intriguing narrative, making it a must-watch for Netflix viewers seeking a gripping tale to solve.

Cast: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Year: 1958

Rating: PG

Runtime: 128 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Svaha: The Sixth Finger

Prior to his role in “Squid Game,” Lee Jung-jae was the lead actor in the South Korean film “Svaha: The Sixth Finger.” In this movie, Jung-jae played Pastor Park, who is known for unearthing and exposing harmful cults that exploit vulnerable individuals. As the story unfolds, Pastor Park becomes interested in a newly formed group called Dongbanggyo (Dear Mountain). During his investigation, he stumbles upon a chilling conspiracy that seems to be linked to a string of killings.

In Park’s investigation, we discover a girl born with an evil twin that is demonic in nature and has been confined since birth. However, the connection between the cult on Dear Mountain and this malevolent girl remains unclear. To find out, Park must delve into his personal beliefs and confront challenging questions about them. “Squid Game” enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy watching Lee portray a completely new type of character in this intriguing and gripping mystery movie.

Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Jeong-min, Lee Jae-in

Director: Jang Jae-hyun

Year: 2019

Rating: Not rated

Runtime: 122 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score (audience): 74%

Colors of Evil: Red

The Crimson Shore: A Polish Mystery Thriller” starts with the discovery of a young woman’s body on the seashore, her lips cruelly torn away. She is later identified as the daughter of a local judge, Helena Bogucka. With the aid of prosecutor Leopold Bilski, Helena uncovers evidence suggesting the crime might be the work of a notorious killer who was recently freed from prison after serving 20 years for his crimes.

In the investigation, Jakubiak was suspected as the murderer, but before any confession could be obtained, he committed suicide, leading many to presume his guilt. However, Detective Bilski isn’t completely convinced that Jakubiak’s death solves the case. He later discovers evidence suggesting another person might have been responsible instead. Despite not being an urgent watch (since it’s a Netflix original and won’t disappear), mystery enthusiasts should find “Colors of Evil: Red” intriguing and worth their time.

Cast: Maja Ostaszewska, Jakub Gierszał, Zofia Jastrzębska

Director: Adrian Panek

Year: 2024

Rating: Not rated

Runtime: 112 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%

Copycat

The 1990s produced some exceptional thrillers; however, one underappreciated gem from that era is the crime mystery film “Copycat,” starring Sigourney Weaver. This movie has largely slipped people’s minds. In it, Weaver portrays Dr. Helen Hudson, a psychologist specializing in criminal behavior with a focus on serial killers. After being assaulted by one of her past patients, Hudson retreats from the public eye and leads a secluded life.

Years down the line, she is coaxed back into semi-activity by Inspector Mary Jane Monahan, who is tracking a fresh serial killer whose methods seem to replicate those studied by Hudson. Essentially, the plot of “Copycat” and the Netflix original horror movie “The Woman in the Window” are quite similar, so if you’re a fan of the latter film, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate this underappreciated ’90s gem.

Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney

Director: Jon Amiel

Year: 1995

Rating: R

Runtime: 123 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%

The Good Nurse

The story “The Good Nurse” is narrated from Amy’s point of view, who is a hardworking single mom and hospital nurse, dealing with a serious health condition she keeps hidden for fear of losing her job. Feeling lonely and secluded, Amy develops a friendship with a colleague named Charles Cullen. However, as their bond deepens, Amy starts to sense an unsettling quality in young Charles that worries her.

In the story, titled “The Good Nurse,” Charles shows unusual actions and suspect choices, causing Amy to ponder his true identity. As multiple patients in their care mysteriously pass away, suspicion falls upon Charles. This captivating mystery and nerve-wracking thriller gains extra intrigue because it’s inspired by the chilling real-life tale of a serial killer, believed to have taken over 400 lives.

Cast: Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, Nnamdi Asomugha

Director: Tobias Lindholm

Year: 2022

Rating: R

Runtime: 121 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

1922

1922,” a movie adaptation of Stephen King’s story, is not just any ordinary horror film; it delves deeper into psychological dread rather than relying on startling surprises. The narrative revolves around Wilfred James, a dissatisfied husband and father, who conspires with his teenage son, Henry, to kill his wife to prevent her from selling their house. After committing the act, their lives take a turn for the worse as strange events lead to terrifying outcomes.

This isn’t your typical mystery film; instead, it delivers an exhilarating experience much like any well-crafted murder tale would. By skillfully weaving elements of suspense, excitement, and ethical commentary – not forgetting its Poe-esque doses of haunting terror – “1922” stands out among its peers on Netflix, surpassing other mystery titles to become one of the platform’s top original movies.

Cast: Thomas Jane, Neal McDonough, Molly Parker

Director: Zak Hilditch

Year: 2017

Rating: TV-MA

Runtime: 101 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Compliance

In a chilling reenactment based on real events, the movie “Compliance” opens as fast food manager Sandra receives an alarming phone call, allegedly from local authorities. The caller informs her that one of her staff, Becky, is suspected of stealing money from a customer. Convinced by the officer’s instructions, Sandra confines Becky in her office, waiting for detectives to arrive.

For the remainder of the movie, a sequence of startling incidents transpire. The authority figure commands Sandra and others to force Becky through a series of degrading actions, claiming it was necessary to prove her innocence. However, the identity of this authority figure is questionable, as is the true intention behind these actions. This story is captivating yet distressing, made even more chilling because it is based on real events.

Cast: Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker, Pat Healy

Director: Craig Zobel

Year: 2012

Rating: R

Runtime: 90 minutes

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

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2025-07-05 22:32