A swirling fog of secrets, a labyrinth of deception, and a gripping game of cat-and-mouse—the allure of crime mystery movies has captivated audiences for generations. These films transport us into a world of intricate plots and enigmatic characters, keeping us on the edge of our seats as we attempt to unravel the riddle before the grand reveal. NetflixNFLX, with its vast library of cinematic treasures, is the perfect haven for fans of this genre.
In this article, I’ll present a meticulously curated list of the ten best crime mystery movies currently available on Netflix. From demonic period pieces to comedic parodies to contemporary masterpieces, these tales of suspense and intrigue will have you questioning every twist and turn.
The Snowman (2017)
Directed by Tomas Alfredson and based on the best-selling novel by Jo Nesbø, The Snowman stars Michael Fassbender as detective Harry Hole. Set against the icy backdrop of Norway, Hole is drawn into a chilling game with a vicious serial killer who leaves snowmen as a calling card. Alongside Fassbender, the cast includes Rebecca Ferguson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and J.K. Simmons. Despite its frosty setting, The Snowman will keep you guessing and your pulse racing as you follow the detective’s desperate search for the elusive killer.
I See You (2019)
I See You is a suspenseful crime mystery directed by Adam Randall and starring Helen Hunt, Jon Tenney, and Judah Lewis. The film follows detective Greg Harper (Tenney) as he investigates the disappearance of a young boy, while his family simultaneously grapples with a dark presence haunting their home. Hunt delivers a captivating performance as Jackie, the detective’s wife, whose secrets intertwine with the mysterious occurrences. This chilling tale will leave you questioning who’s watching whom and what’s lurking in the shadows.
Murder Mystery 2 (2023)
The second film in the Netflix franchise, Murder Mystery 2 delivers more of the same crude humor and wild shenanigans found in the first film. Directed by Jeremy Garelick and starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, this hilarious sequel introduces a brand new mystery to solve after their wealthy friend is abducted at his own wedding. Introducing some great new characters in the form of Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith and John Kani, Murder Mystery 2 is a fun time and delivers some twists you won’t see coming.
The Guilty (2021)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, The Guilty is a gripping crime thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Joe Baylor, a demoted police officer working as a 911 operator. When he receives a distressing call from a kidnapped woman, Joe finds himself in a high-stakes race against time to save her, all while confined to his call center. The film, largely set in a single location, relies on Gyllenhaal’s intense performance to keep the tension high as Joe uncovers the truth behind the abduction.
Lost Girls (2020)
Lost Girls, directed by Liz Garbus, is a powerful crime mystery based on a true story. The film stars Amy Ryan as Mari Gilbert, a mother determined to find her missing daughter, Shannan, despite facing police indifference. As Mari’s search deepens, she uncovers a series of unsolved murders of young women in the area. Featuring a stellar performance from Ryan and a compelling story, Lost Girls exposes the devastating impact of systemic failure on the lives of ordinary people.
Red Dragon (2002)
Brett Ratner’s Red Dragon delves into the dark world of Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by the mesmerizing Sir Anthony Hopkins. As a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, this psychological thriller follows the story of former FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) as he reluctantly returns to duty to track down a ruthless serial killer known as “The Tooth Fairy” (Ralph Fiennes). Graham’s unique ability to empathize with psychopaths leads him to seek help from the notorious Hannibal Lecter, sparking an intricate game of manipulation and deceit.
The Pale Blue Eye (2023)
Directed by Scott Cooper and starring Christian Bale and Harry Melling, The Pale Blue Eye is a piece of historical fiction that brings the famous Edgar Allan Poe (Melling) into a sleuthing role. The film follows veteran detective Augustus Landor (Bale) who must investigate a series of appalling murders of young cadets. Featuring a slew of great character actors, including Lucy Boynton, Gillian Anderson, Timothy Spall and Robert Duvall, The Pale Blue Eye is a period piece that brings an unexpectedly demonic twist to the crime mystery genre.
Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a chilling and intense crime thriller that follows the story of two missing girls and the desperate search for their abductor. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Hugh Jackman as the anguished father Keller Dover, Jake Gyllenhaal as the persistent Detective Loki, and Paul Dano as the prime suspect. As the investigation progresses, moral ambiguity blurs the lines between right and wrong, leading to a heart-pounding race against time. This haunting and riveting tale will keep viewers gripped until its shocking conclusion.
In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
Directed by Jim Mickle, In the Shadow of the Moon is a sci-fi crime thriller that explores the intertwining lives of a determined Philadelphia police officer, Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook), and a time-traveling serial killer. As the mysterious murders occur every nine years, Lockhart becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind these seemingly unconnected killings. The film also stars Michael C. Hall as Lockhart’s brother-in-law and Cleopatra Coleman as the enigmatic killer. With a captivating narrative that weaves through time, this movie offers a refreshing take on the crime mystery genre.
Inside Man (2006)
Spike Lee’s Inside Man is a stylish and intelligent heist thriller that centers around the perfect bank robbery. Clive Owen plays the charismatic and enigmatic Dalton Russell, orchestrating the meticulously planned heist, while Denzel Washington stars as Detective Keith Frazier, the shrewd negotiator tasked with defusing the tense standoff. The film also features Jodie Foster as the influential power broker, Madeleine White. With its unique storytelling, engaging characters, and intricate plot, Inside Man is a standout flick, showcasing Lee’s directorial flair and the exceptional talent of its cast.
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