Top Detective Movies

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a 1995 thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. The film follows two homicide detectives, William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and David Mills (Brad Pitt), as they investigate a series of gruesome murders that appear to be inspired by the seven deadly sins. As the detectives uncover each clue, they discover that the killer is actually a highly intelligent and twisted individual who is using the seven deadly sins to punish those whom he believes deserve to suffer. As the investigation progresses, the detectives come face-to-face with the killer, and a terrifying cat-and-mouse game ensues. The film culminates in an explosive climax that leaves the audience in shock and disbelief.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a gripping psychological thriller following FBI cadet Clarice Starling as she interviews the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but dangerous serial killer, in order to gain insight into a separate and even more terrifying case. With Lecter’s help, Starling is able to identify the serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, who is currently in the middle of a kidnapping spree. As the case progresses, Starling and Lecter form an uneasy bond that leads to unexpected and terrifying results. The Silence of the Lambs won five Academy Awards and was the first horror film to win Best Picture.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento tells the story of Leonard Shelby, a man who has anterograde amnesia, meaning he can't form new memories. After his wife is brutally murdered, Leonard sets out on a quest to track down and kill her murderer. He tattoos himself with clues and details of his investigation, uses Polaroid photographs to remind him of his mission, and relies on the assistance of other people to help him piece together the events leading up to his wife's death. Throughout his journey, Leonard struggles to maintain his identity as he navigates a world of deception and lies. As the film progresses, it tells the story in reverse order, giving the audience a unique insight into Leonard's condition and the lengths he is willing to go to find his wife's killer.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore
Rated PG

Vertigo is a 1958 psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. The film follows ex-police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson (Stewart), who is hired to follow a friend's wife, Madeleine (Novak). Scottie becomes obsessed with Madeleine and eventually discovers that she is possessed by her dead ancestor Carlotta Valdes. He must use his detective skills to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance and figure out a way to save her. The film follows Scottie's journey as he confronts his fears and insecurities, ultimately leading to a tragic and haunting resolution.

From Juan José Campanella, starring Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago, Carla Quevedo
Rated R

The Secret in Their Eyes is a 2009 Argentine crime thriller film written, produced, and directed by Juan José Campanella. The film follows a retired criminal investigator, Benjamin Esposito, as he reflects on a case from 1974 that still haunts him. The crime involves the brutal rape and murder of a young woman, Liliana Coloto. Esposito, along with his assistant Pablo Sandoval, conducts an investigation that uncovers a complex web of secrets and lies. As the investigation progresses, Esposito discovers that the perpetrator is actually someone close to him - someone he thought he had let go. In a series of flashbacks, Esposito is forced to confront his own demons and the emotional turmoil of his past. The Secret in Their Eyes won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010, and is a gripping exploration of the human capacity for love, obsession, and revenge.

From Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
Rated R

Chinatown, the classic neo-noir film directed by Roman Polanski, is set in 1930s Los Angeles. Jack Nicholson plays private investigator J.J. Gittes, who is hired to investigate a case of infidelity by a woman claiming to be Evelyn Mulwray. As Gittes delves into the case, he stumbles upon a web of corruption and deceit involving Mulwray's father Noah Cross (John Huston) and the development of the city of Los Angeles. He discovers that Evelyn is actually Cross' daughter and that Cross is trying to control an important water supply, ultimately leading to the city's demise. Gittes must battle Cross to save the city, but in the end the truth is too much to bear and he must let go of Evelyn in order to protect her. The film is a classic exploration of the dark side of power and corruption, with a powerful ending that leaves the audience questioning the morality of the characters.

From Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger
Rated R

L.A. Confidential is a 1997 neo-noir film directed by Curtis Hanson and based on James Ellroy's novel of the same name. The film follows three LAPD officers in the 1950s who become tangled in a web of police corruption, blackmail and murder. The story centers on Bud White (Russell Crowe), Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), and Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) who must work together to unravel the mystery and restore justice. The central themes of the film include the corrupting influence of power and the compromises people make to get ahead. Through the corruption and double-crosses of those in power, the characters are forced to confront the choices they make and their consequences.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring William H. Macy, Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare
Rated R

Fargo is a dark comedy crime film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen in 1996. The movie follows the story of Jerry Lundegaard, an average car salesman from Brainerd, Minnesota, who hires thugs to kidnap his wife in order to convince his wealthy father-in-law to pay a ransom. When the plan goes awry, a car salesman and police chief from neighbouring Duluth, Minnesota get involved in the case. The Coens' trademark style of witty dialogue, dark humour, and eccentric characters are on full display in this crime caper. The film earned numerous awards, including Academy Awards for Best Actress (Frances McDormand) and Best Original Screenplay (Joel and Ethan Coen).

From Carol Reed, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard
Rated Approved

The Third Man is a classic British film noir set in a post-war Vienna divided into four sectors, each under the control of a different occupying power. Holly Martins, an American, arrives in Vienna to meet his old friend Harry Lime, but finds out he has been killed in a suspicious accident. Refusing to believe his death was accidental, Martins investigates what really happened, and becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit. With the help of Lime’s former girlfriend, Martins discovers the truth of Lime’s activities and realizes that his friend was not as innocent as he had thought. In the end, Martins is forced to make a hard choice between justice and friendship. The Third Man is a suspenseful, thrilling story of loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate cost of greed.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi
Rated R

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 crime comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film follows "The Dude" (Jeff Bridges), a lazy, unemployed stoner who is mistaken for a millionaire with the same name and gets involved in some very strange and dangerous situations as he attempts to get his rug back. The supporting cast includes John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, and John Turturro. The Dude finds himself in the middle of a private investigation involving a system of extortion, the theft of a valuable rug, a case of mistaken identity, and the mysterious disappearance of a millionaire. Along the way, he encounters a variety of offbeat characters and is ultimately set on a path to uncovering a web of deception and lies. With the help of his friends, "The Jesus" (Turturro) and Walter (Goodman), The Dude eventually finds himself at the center of a wild, unpredictable, and often hilarious journey.

From Bong Joon Ho, starring Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-kyung, Roe-ha Kim, Jae-ho Song
Rated Not Rated

Memories of Murder is a 2003 South Korean crime thriller directed by Bong Joon Ho and based on a true story. The film follows detectives Park Doo-man and Cho Yong-koo as they investigate the country's first serial murder case in the rural town of Hwaseong in 1986. With no clues to go on, Park and Cho must use their wits and intuition to unravel the mystery and try to catch the elusive killer before he strikes again. Along the way, the detectives are faced with several obstacles, including the town's lack of modern technology, the people's fear and distrust of the authorities, and the corrupting influence of bribery. With time running out, Park and Cho must race against the clock in search of the killer before he claims another victim.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

Prisoners is a 2013 crime-thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, and Terrence Howard. The film follows Keller Dover (Jackman), a desperate father who takes matters into his own hands when his daughter and her friend are kidnapped. With the help of Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal), Keller begins an obsessive pursuit of the kidnappers, and the two men soon find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious and desperate criminal. In the end, both Keller and Loki must confront their own personal demons in order to uncover the truth.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre
Rated Passed

The Maltese Falcon is a classic 1941 film noir directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart as the hard-boiled detective Sam Spade. Spade teams up with the femme fatale Brigid O'Shaughnessy (Mary Astor) to unravel a complex mystery involving a valuable statue of a black bird known as the Maltese Falcon. As he investigates, Spade is pulled in between a group of criminals and a mysterious person known only as "the Fat Man" (Sydney Greenstreet). Spade eventually discovers the truth about the Maltese Falcon, and learns that love and loyalty are more valuable than riches.

From Jacques Tourneur, starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming
Rated Not Rated

Out of the Past is a 1947 film noir classic directed by Jacques Tourneur. It follows Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum), a gas station owner in a small town who is trying to live a quiet life away from his past. His past catches up with him when a figure from Jeff's criminal past, Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas), tracks him down. Jeff is forced to take a job from Whit and investigate a woman named Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer). Jeff falls in love with Kathie, but she is still involved with Whit and his criminal activities. Jeff's only hope is to uncover the truth and bring Whit to justice. Through a series of twists and turns, Jeff eventually gets the evidence he needs to bring Whit down and save Kathie. In the end, Jeff has to make a tough decision between his past and his future.

From Orson Welles, starring Charlton Heston, Orson Welles, Janet Leigh, Joseph Calleia
Rated PG-13

Touch of Evil is a classic film noir from director Orson Welles. It tells the story of a Mexican detective, Miguel Vargas (Charlton Heston), and his American wife, Susie (Janet Leigh). They are on their honeymoon in a small border town, when a car bomb is detonated, killing a local drug dealer. Vargas finds himself drawn into a dangerous investigation of the crime, with the help of police captain Hank Quinlan (Welles). As Vargas digs deeper, he discovers a web of corruption, involving local criminals and crooked cops. He soon finds himself the target of a powerful and sinister criminal syndicate. With his life threatened, Vargas must use his resourcefulness and cunning to survive. As his investigation progresses, Vargas and Quinlan come to a confrontation that will determine the fate of the town.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive is a surreal neo-noir mystery film directed by David Lynch and written by Lynch and screenwriter Mary Sweeney. The film follows the story of Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), an aspiring actress arriving in Los Angeles, and her encounter with an amnesiac woman (Laura Harring) who has lost her identity and is trying to unravel the mystery of her past. Along their journey, the two women encounter an array of bizarre characters, including a film director (Justin Theroux), a mobster (Robert Forster), a bizarre cowboy (Monty Montgomery), and a mysterious Spanish-speaking man (Eddie Alderete). The film culminates with a stunning, perplexing climax, leaving audiences to make sense of the characters' mysterious fates.

From Rian Johnson, starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated PG-13

Knives Out is a 2019 murder mystery film directed by Rian Johnson. The film follows detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates the mysterious death of wealthy novelist Harlan Thrombey. After discovering that each of Harlan's family members had a motive to kill him, Blanc must unravel a web of secrets, lies, and corruption to learn the truth. Along the way, he is helped by Harlan's nurse Marta Cabera, who also finds herself in the crosshairs of the investigation. With a twisty plot and an all-star cast, Knives Out is a whodunit that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Emmy Rossum
Rated R

Mystic River is a 2003 drama film directed by Clint Eastwood. The story follows three childhood friends, Sean (Kevin Bacon), Dave (Tim Robbins), and Jimmy (Sean Penn), who are reunited in adulthood by a terrible tragedy. Sean and Dave were childhood friends growing up in the same Boston neighborhood, while Jimmy was an outsider. As adults, Sean and Dave have settled down and started families, but Jimmy is a career criminal. When Jimmy's daughter is found murdered, Sean and Dave come together to help him find her killer. Through their investigation, the three men uncover a web of corruption and deceit that leads to a shocking truth. Along the way, they face their own demons and learn the power of forgiveness and redemption. It is a powerful exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the cost of justice.

From David Fincher, starring Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a 2011 mystery thriller directed by David Fincher. The film follows the story of Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist who is hired to solve the mysterious disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a woman who has been missing for forty years. With help from a computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander, Blomkvist discovers the dark, twisted secrets of the Vanger family and uncovers a decades-old conspiracy. Together, Blomkvist and Salander must race against time to find the truth and help solve the mystery of Harriet’s disappearance.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American live-action/animated mystery comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, and Charles Fleischer. The film follows Eddie Valiant (Hoskins), a former private detective who must prove the innocence of Roger Rabbit, a Toon (cartoon character) framed for the murder of Marvin Acme, the owner of Toontown. As Valiant attempts to solve the case, he finds himself in an interdimensional crossfire between Acme's business rival Judge Doom (Lloyd) and the Toons, who have been threatened with extermination by the villain. Throughout the course of the investigation, Valiant meets a variety of eccentric characters and discovers the secrets of Toontown, which are in danger of being exposed. In the end, Valiant must prove Roger's innocence and save Toontown from Doom's dastardly plan.

From David Fincher, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards
Rated R

Zodiac is a 2007 American mystery thriller film directed by David Fincher, based on the true story of the unsolved Zodiac Killer murders that occurred in Northern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The film follows the story of San Francisco newspaper cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his involvement in the investigation into the Zodiac Killer's identity. Along the way, Graysmith is helped by Inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and criminal psychologist Dr. Melvin Belli (Anthony Edwards) in his search for the killer. The film also focuses on the lives and relationships of the people affected by the investigation, including Graysmith's wife Melanie (Chloë Sevigny) and the victims' families. Although the killer remains unidentified, the film ultimately suggests that the Zodiac Killer was Arthur Leigh Allen (John Carroll Lynch).