30 Best Mystery Movies You Must Add To Your Watch List

Like enemies to lovers? Well, you'll love this friend to rivals. However, this competition of creating the ultimate illusion and being better than the other brings some fatal consequences, forcing them to sacrifice everything and destroy each other. Like the magic in the film, the film itself is magic with all the non-predictable twists and turns and the ensemble cast. You can't miss out on this Nolan movie (we forbid you to do so), which is one of the best mystery movies ever made.

IMDb Rating: 8.5

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine

Director: Christopher Nolan

Two words, absolutely crazy! Teddy with his new partner Chuck, is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient at a psychiatric facility on a remote island, but as the investigation deepens, fears of not being able to get off the island alive start to crawl in. The many details, secrets, and superb performances will amaze you. Shutter Island is a moving, thought-provoking thriller film.

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Where to watch: Jio Cinema

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams, Ben Kingsley

Director: Martin Scorsese

One of Irrfan Khan's bests Talvar is Based on a true story. The film follows the investigation into the double murder of a teenage girl and her family's servant. The case became a media sensation with conflicting theories and evidence and is to date unsolved because of no concrete evidence. Although the movie differs a bit from reality, it is a gripping tale of the infamous Talvar murder case and one of the top mystery movies in Indian cinema. 

IMDb Rating: 8.2

Where to watch: Hotstar

Cast: Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi, Sohum Shah, Gajraj Rao

Director: Meghna Gulzar

A Bollywood movie that truly went under the radar is the Siddharth Malhotra, Akshaye Khanna, and Sonakshi Sinha starrer Ittefaq. This movie will have you questioning the truth until the last moment with two suspects of a double murder case and their alibis. The movie is framed in an immersive way, giving the murders from the perspective of each character. 

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, Akshay Khanna

Director: Abhay Chopra

The protagonist, Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman, comes down to Kolkata from London to find her missing husband, but all she's been able to meet are clues with dead ends despite all her desperate efforts. Kahaani is a gem that must be treasured, it's intriguing from the start to the end, and you'll be engrossed at every step of Vidya and all the characters. 

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Where to watch: Jio Cinema

Cast: Vidya Balan, Parambrata Chatterjee, Indraneil Sengupta, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saswata Chatterjee

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

On the day of his daughter's birthday, Oh Dae-Su is kidnapped and isolated from the world without any explanations given when one day, after fifteen years of imprisonment, he is suddenly released. He starts his journey to search for answers while his kidnapper is unaware of the sufferings his fate awaits.

IMDb Rating: 8.4

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Choi Min-sik, Yu Ji-tae, Gang Hye-jung, Kim Byoung-ok, Chi Dae-han

Director: Park Chan-wook

This movie is inspired by terrifying true events that took place in Hwaseong, a small rural town in South Korea. A city detective from Seoul city comes to investigate a series of murders and rapes of women happening in the town, all with the help of only two local and skill-lacking detectives who only wish to solve the case without any techniques or logicality.

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Where to watch: Apple TV

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Kim Sang-Kyung, Kim Roe ha

Director: Bong Joon-ho

The story of a rural village where unexplainable deaths have everyone scared and suspicious of the old Japanese man. The movie will leave you questioning your choices with some bone-chilling plot twists while the protagonist, a policeman, investigates into the mystery and tries to save his family from evil.

IMDb Rating: 7.4

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Do-won Kwak, Jung-min Hwang, Jun Kunimura

Director: Hong-jin Na

What makes Zodiac a masterpiece are the details, the realistic portrayal of one of the most famous unsolved cases, and the amount of investigation and research that followed the killings to find the zodiac killer. You need to go watch it now if you haven't already! Robert's efforts in using his puzzle-solving powers to identify the killer on the loose, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, RDJ, and David Fincher—what more do you need?

IMDb Rating: 7.7

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Brian Cox, Mark Ruffalo, Donal Logue, Robert Downey Jr., Elias Koteas, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dermot Mulroney, Chloë Sevigny

Director: David Fincher

This movie is about a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives in a series of gruesome murders, while two cops investigate him, Somerset and Mills, (played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman). At the risk of revealing a little more, delve into the maniac of a character, John Doe. Hearing his reasons for killing people and his perception of this world spreads an eerie feeling inside you, and as a result, you resent the character more and more till the very end. 

IMDb Rating: 8.6

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, Richard Roundtree

Director: David Fincher

Who says a murder mystery has to be gruesome and dark? For an Agatha Christie fan, this is a godsend. While travelling on the luxurious Orient Express, renowned detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder that occurs on the train before the killer strikes again. With an ensemble cast of Johnny Depp, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Edward Ratchett, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, and many more, this movie, even though a little slow, will have you on the edge of your seats throughout the journey (pun intended). 

IMDb Rating: 6.5

Where to watch: Hotstar

Cast: Johnny Depp, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Edward Ratchett, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Yes, we know, people might have polarising opinions on whether you should watch it or not. But if you are a fan of Agatha Christie, or, let's say, you like watching or reading about Hercule Poirot, then for the sake of that love or for nostalgia, give this movie a watch. The cast, especially the supporting cast, is amazing; we have to agree on that. And who doesn't like to watch Hercule Poirot in action, unfolding the layers of a mystery?

IMDb Rating: 6.2

Where to watch: Hotstar

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Emma Mackey, Armie Hammer, Gal Gadot, Ali Fazal

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Another ensemble cast edition of an Agatha Christie mystery features Poirot—retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world's most glamorous city, who reluctantly attends a seance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. Soon, he gets thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets when one of the guests is murdered. One of the most underrated movies in the mystery genre, this is a must-watch for all you thriller lovers! It is a bit slow, and the dialogue can be a tad clunky, but still worth the watch. 

IMDb Rating: 6.5

Where to watch: Hotstar

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey

Director: Kenneth Branagh

On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. As the police investigate and the media frenzy grows, secrets are revealed that turn the case upside down. This is one movie with a plot twist so crazy that it will have you second-guessing everything. Outright evil, Amy starts by giving the audience a faux pas about how miserable she is. As we follow her plan, we realise she's the one who's manipulative and dangerous. Though Nick was at fault, he wasn't as pathetic as Amy. In her story, she was the victim, and she made sure everyone else saw her the same until she committed something unforgivable.

IMDb Rating: 8.1

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry

Director: David Fincher

Netflix's original release, Kathal, is funny and eye-opening at the same time. Sana Malhotra acts her heart out as we get to see this sincere police officer, Mahima Basor. Being a woman in the police force is never easy and even harder when people look down upon your orders due to caste differences. The movie sheds light on a lot of social malpractices while calling out the incompetence of the structure, using satire. 

IMDb Rating: 6.7

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Anant Joshi, Vijay Raaz

Director: Yashowardhan Mishra

Anweshippin Kandethum captivates with Tovino Thomas's stellar performance in a riveting murder mystery. Its brilliant execution, along with top-notch sound and cinematography, makes you feel right in the middle of the action. Watch this to join Thomas and his team to unravel the mystery that shook Kerela. 

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Tovino Thomas, Siddique, Vineeth Thattil David

Director: Darwin Kuriakose

Harry Lockhart, a petty thief, gets mistaken for an actor when he stumbles into an audition while getting chased by the cops. After landing the role, he is sent to train for his role under Gay Perry, a private detective. Things get complicated when the duo witness a real murder, throwing them into a murder conspiracy investigation with Harry's childhood love, who's now a glamorous actress. You should definitely not miss out on this dark comedy starring Robert Downey Jr.

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Where to watch: Jio Cinema

Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Van Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bernsen

Director: Shane Black

The film is centred on three childhood friends, Jimmy, Sean, and Dave. The three are reunited once again when Dave becomes the prime suspect in Jimmy's daughter Katie's murder case investigated by Sean, who's now a homicide detective. The tragedy brings out the horrors and traumas from the past to resurface. A powerful and heart-wrenching film that will stay with you even after months and years of watching.

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Emmy Rossum, Cameron Bowen, Laura Linney, Kevin Chapman, Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Cayden Boyd

Director: Clint Eastwood

Set in 1830, a detective investigates a series of murders at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, with the help of a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe. This movie is a treat to the eyes of the beautiful cinematography with talented actors who are so convincing on screen. This movie is a real gift for all literary nerds, as it has so many Poe references that you will just have fun catching them. 

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Christian Bale, Harry Melling, Gillian Anderson

Director: Scott Cooper

This is an anime lover's hidden gem about a determined teenager named Suzume. As the skies turn red and the planet trembles, Japan stands on the brink of disaster. However, able to see supernatural forces that others cannot, it's up to her to close the mysterious doors that are spreading chaos across the land. A perilous journey awaits as the fate of Japan rests on her shoulders.

IMDb Rating: 7.6

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Josh Keaton, Nichole Sakura

Director: CoMix Wave Films

Chihiro and her parents discover an abandoned amusement park. Venturing inside, she sees ghostly apparitions, and her parents turn into pigs. Chihiro has unwittingly crossed over into the spirit world. Now trapped, she must summon the courage to live and work amongst spirits. Vivid and intriguing, Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro's journey through an unfamiliar world as she strives to save her parents and return home.

IMDb Rating: 8.6

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Knives Out is a clever and well-knit crime mystery. The story begins when the renowned detective Benoit Blanc investigates the death of a famous crime writer, Harlan Thrombey, and Harlan's dysfunctional family, where everyone's hiding and protecting something. As we get more and more entangled in the many lies and secrets, just like all the family members. One thing that is guaranteed is a fun watch delivered by the ensemble cast.

IMDb Rating: 7.9

Where to watch: Apple TV

Cast: Christopher Plummer, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis

Director: Rian Johnson

A group of criminals are brought together for a police lineup but soon find themselves embroiled in a complex heist orchestrated by the mysterious Keyser Söze. This movie is famous for the iconic line-up scene, the noticeboard that haunts everybody forever, and its killer twist—one for the ages and not one to forget in the long run. A cult classic that fans rewatch over and over again despite knowing the mystery, this movie is one of the bests of this genre. 

IMDb Rating: 8.5

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio Del Toro, Benicio Del Toro, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak, Pete Postlethwaite, Kevin Spacey, Suzy Amis

Director: Bryan Singer

Andhadhun is truly brilliant; it's dark and intense but knows when to add a little laugh. This well-crafted story will grip you, and you won't be able to let it go even when you're done watching it. Akash, a blind pianist, invites trouble over after witnessing a murder he was not supposed to. Ayushmann, Tabu, and the whole cast absolutely nail their roles because of whom Andhadhun will be such a classic! Go watch it and feel proud.

IMDb Rating: 8.3

Where to watch: YouTube

Cast: Tabu, Ayushmann Khurrana, Radhika Apte, Anil Dhawan

Director: Sriram Raghavan

28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds is all that Donnie has, as the world's going to come to an end, as claimed by the man in the bunny suit Donnie started seeing after escaping an accident. Donnie Darko builds up constant suspense, fear, and tension; it's an absolute gem with a young Jake, an amazing plot, a beautiful soundtrack, and an ending you did not see coming (for real).

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne

Director: Richard Kelly

This movie will not only have you craving for answers but also let you in on the reality of countries that are always in war. Nawal, a dying Middle Eastern woman living in Montreal, leaves separate letters to her twin children to be read once she passes away. Jeanne is to deliver hers to the father the twins never knew, and Simon is to give his to the brother they never knew they had.

IMDb Rating: 8.3

Where to watch: Apple TV

Cast: Remy Girard, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Arun, the protagonist, dreams of being a filmmaker and ends up taking a job in the police. He then finds a case of a psycho serial killer who targets schoolgirls. Arjun tries to chase the killer down by following the chain of evidence and faces an avalanche of twists and turns. He almost solves the mystery and finds out it's his daughter who's been missing!

IMDb Rating: 8.5

Where to watch: Hotstar

Cast: Vishnu Vishal, Amala Paul, Saravanan

Director: Ram Kumar

If you're looking for a plot twist that will leave your mouth agape, look no further. This film is full of surprises. Satyaveer reflects on his monotonous life, unaware of what his life has planned against him. It is loosely based on Jack Nicholson's movie—China Town. The protagonist is entangled in the twist of fate that has him change his perspective towards life. There is a wonderful juxtaposition between the narration that Satyaveer gives at the film's opening and towards the end.

IMDb Rating: 7

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Abhay Deol, Jogiji, Brijendra Kale, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Gul Kirat Panag, Vinay Pathak, Sarika, Raima Sen

Director: Navdeep Singh

Martin Scorsese, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Robert De Niro come together to make this Western-style film! The plot explores the infamous Osage Indian murders and the birth of the FBI. This movie is a must-watch for all you cult lovers and, in general, fans of these superstars. 

IMDb Rating: 7.6

Where to watch: Apple TV

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone

Director: Martin Scorsese

Love Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock? But when we're talking about movies, we can't deny how amazing Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock is. What's most amazing about this is how each actor brings out a different aspect in Sherlock Holmes. And with Jude Law as Watson and Rachel McAdams as Adler, this adaptation was one hell of an amazing ride.

IMDb Rating: 7.6 

Where to watch: Prime Video

Cast: Kelly Reilly, Robert Downey Jr., Rachel McAdams, Eddie Marsan, Mark Strong, Jude Law

Director: Guy Ritchie