Classic Detective Films
Several classic detective films are recommended for those interested in traditional detective narratives. "Se7en" is often highlighted as a masterpiece of the thriller genre, known for its gripping storyline and iconic cinematography [3:1]
[5:9]. "Silence of the Lambs" is another acclaimed detective film that combines psychological suspense with crime-solving
[3:1]
[5:2]. Additionally, "LA Confidential" is frequently mentioned as one of the best detective films, praised for its complex plot and engaging characters
[3:8]
[3:9].
Modern Detective Films
For those seeking more contemporary settings, "Knives Out" is a popular choice. It offers a modern twist on the classic whodunit format, blending humor with a serious plot [5]. Another modern option is "Gone Girl," which presents a dark and intricate mystery that keeps viewers guessing
[3:1]. "Prisoners" is also noted for its intense atmosphere and compelling narrative
[3:1].
Neo-Noir and Unique Takes
Films like "Brick" offer a unique take on the detective genre by setting a noir-style story in a high school environment [3:2]
[5:1]. Directed by Rian Johnson, who also directed "Knives Out," it provides an intriguing blend of classic detective elements with a fresh perspective
[5:3]. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is another neo-noir film that combines investigative journalism with detective work
[3:1].
Films with Detective Twists
For those interested in detective stories with unexpected twists, "The Usual Suspects" is renowned for its surprising ending and intricate plot [3:1]. "Memento," while not featuring a traditional detective, involves an insurance investigator piecing together a mystery with a non-linear narrative
[3:5]. These films are known for their ability to keep audiences engaged and provide mind-bending experiences.
Detective Films with a Touch of Humor
For a lighter take on the detective genre, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" combines live-action with animation to create a comedic yet engaging detective story [3:3]
[5:7]. While it may not be a conventional detective film, it offers a fun and entertaining experience that still adheres to the core elements of mystery and investigation.
Hey! As per the title, I'm looking for action movies with noir elements to watch. Some examples are the John Wick series and the Korean The Roundup series. Doesn't necessarily have to be a series of movies, and I also don't care much about language barriers either as long as it has subtitles. But I am looking for movies that are more modern though. Movies that were made after like 2000. After 2010 would be better. I tried looking for lists and recommendations online but I kept getting stuff with the Taxi Driver, Pulp Fiction, etc., and they're all fantastic movies that I've enjoyed but they're not what I'm quite searching for.
Thanks in advance!
Edit: Some satirical/dark humor is also a welcome haha. I think what I love about John Wick and The Roundup is how they manage to slip in humor in them.
Is Sin City (2005) in this category to you?
Brick and Inherent Vice come to mind
Ever hear of the Kansas City shuffle?
Luck Number Slevin (2006)
Dark City
Drive
Collateral
Oldboy
The Man From Nowhere
Hi all,
Looking for shows/movies where journalists or police investigate and uncover a breaking story, or a murder case etc.
I have watched most I would say, on top of my head I am thinking along the lines of:
We Run This City Spotlight Dopesick Unbelieveable True Detective Zodiac When They See Us The Big Short
Something like that’ish
The night of
Smoke
I don't know any detective movies or at least any I am interested in so any suggestions.
Tricky... Are you looking for films where the protagonist is strictly a detective? Or are we talking Mystery genre in general? Or the noir subgenre?
For example, Miller's Crossing is one of my all time favorites in the Noir category but the protagonist is not a detective. He's the type who knows all the angles. Then another all time favorite of mine that was heavily influenced by Miller's Crossing, Brick. Take a film noir detective story... now throw it in a high school. Rian Johnson's feature directorial debut. Heavy on the slang and lingo. But Joseph Gordon-Levitt is definitely your stock private detective type character.
The Maltese Falcon
Seven
Fincher's Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Memento
The Big Lebowski (yet another Coen Bros film, but a very different approach to the noir detective story)
Almost like Sherlock Holmes, Poirot. I want an actual detective movie, but some of these I'll watch because I have heard good things about them.
If you want an actual detective, give "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" a shot... It doesn't get the respect it deserves but it's enjoyable start to finish...
See also Knives Out. I didn't like The Glass Onion as much but enjoyable enough.
It's been a long time since I've seen The Maltese Falcon but I think it still fits what you're going for. All those bullet point titles fit. The schtick with The Big Lebowski is that it's the kind of plot one would expect from a classic Noir Detective story... but in this case the "detective" is... Well he's The Dude.
Memento, he wasn't a detective but an insurance investigator. And he's now investigating his wife's assault and murder. The only problem is, he himself was injured in the attack and can no longer form new memories. He has no short term memory anymore. To portray this experience for the audience, the story of the film plays backwards. One of my all time favorite films. Can't recommend this one enough on so many levels.
Prisoners
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Gone Girl
Seven
Silence of the Lambs/Red Dragon
Clue
The Usual Suspects
I mean, depending on how do you define "Detective Movie" I feel like there are a TON of options and that's just off the top of my head...
Almost like Sherlock Holmes, Poirot (without watching these specific movies about these people). I want an actual detective movie, but some of these I'll watch because I have heard good things about them.
I don't really want a cringe or corny detective movie. The ones you suggested are good tho. I'm planning on watching several of the ones you named
Sin City!
It’s not a movie but True Detective season 1 is the highest tier of detective movie/television.
LA Confidential
L A Confidential is one of the best you'll find.
Murderville, its on par or might even better.
Really? It's one of the most exciting I've ever seen. The clash if characters is thrilling, the central mystery interesting
In this case, I would enjoy the journey, not the destination.
Please block the title but not the release date, so I can pick and choose by decade, like so:
>!Title!< (1963)
Thank you!
Not exactly the murderer, >!but an accomplice!<
>!Searching!< (2018)
I was going to say this one too!
>!Angel Heart!< (1987)
>!Kiss the Girls!< (1997)
It’s a spoiler but Ransom
Wow was it? I think I saw it in the theaters (I think) but don't recall
Not strictly police detective but this might count?
>!Backdraft!<(1991)
I'm in the mood for a gripping detective movie, ideally something with a modern setting but doesn't rely extensively on technology. Something like knives out to set the tone of what I'm looking for. I don't mind some comedy as long as the plot remains serious. It's gotta have some twists and turns, something seriously mind-blowing to turn the entire movie on its head. Hopefully I'm not asking for too much.
Chinatown (1974)
Heat (1995)
LA Confidential (1997)
The Departed (2006)
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Don't forget Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Great list I'd add To live and die in L.A. (1985)
Great list!
Try Brick (2005) starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He's basically a high-school detective trying to find out who murdered his girlfriend. It's an underrated gem that's more serious and intriguing than some movies centered on older characters.
Good call. Film noir in a high school. It's also by the same filmmaker as Knives Out, so OP should enjoy it.
I didn't realize it's the dame filmmaker! 🤣 Lol. That explains a lot. Thanks for this.
Memories of Murder
The Invisible Guest
Fargo
Sam’s director of Invisible Guest also did The Body, Mirage, and God’s Crooked Lines, all of which I’d recommend. Only The Body is a typical detective movie but all have mystery elements. Oriol Paulo is the filmmaker
angel heart. it's a little old (late 80s) so the setting is of its time.
Se7en
It's an extremely well-made movie that I think has become more well-known for the ending than it should have. For one, people think it's more violent than it actually is. And it's pretty funny at times, despite the grim settings and subject matter. A great cast, a story with genuine twists that respects the viewer, and iconic (copied) cinematography and editing.
Se7en is a masterpiece right up there with the greatest thrillers in film history. And it was nominated for an Oscar.
Hi everyone! I'm looking for some great detective movies to watch. I really enjoyed the Knives Out franchise and the Murder on the Orient Express franchise. I love the blend of mystery, twists, and clever storytelling in these films. Do you have any recommendations for other movies with a similar vibe or just great detective stories in general? Thanks in advance!
L.A Confidential
Se7en
Memories of Murder is incredible, I would consider it a must watch for you, considering your request 👍
Fucking fantastic movie
It was, I'm right there with you, it really deserves to be talked about more. Glad to see the love!!
Completely agree. Loved it!
Chinatown
Chinatown is great!
Usual suspects.
Missing a "the" big fella
I sure did :)
Something mindf*ck with really nice storyline. Some movies I enjoyed were - momento, identity, session 9, Se7en, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the number 23.
Any suggestions?
Memories of Murder (Bong Joon-ho, 2003)
Cure (Kurosawa, 1997)
Zodiac (Fincher, 2007)
Mother (Bong Joon-ho, 2009)
Le Cercle Rouge (Melville, 1970)
The French Connection (Friedkin, 1971)
Also not a film but Twin Peaks is great for this sort of thing
edit: Can’t believe I forgot High and Low (Kurosawa, 1963)
Pretty much my list. I'd also add Fargo, the secret in their eyes, tinker tailor soldier spy, the conversation, insomnia, mystic river, prisoners, the third man, Le samourai.
Twin Peaks is probably my most favorite tv series with Dekalog.
Le Samouraï really isn't a detective story imo.
This is my jam. In addition to this excellent list (some mindfuck, some not)
Movies
Predestination Prisoners Eden Log Session 9 The Name of the Rose Marshland Citizen X Strangled Knives Out Gosford Park Blow Out
Series
The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix) The Sinner S1 and S2 (Netflix maybe) Cardinal (Hulu) Bosch (Prime) True Detective S1 and S3 (Hbo) The Fall (not really a mystery or mindfuck but excellent TV) Unbelievable (Netflix) The Stranger (Netflix) The Five
As a bonus: Harlan Coben’s books
Predestination is really good.
I've been watching Twin Peaks recently and wow I don't know what's happening but it's blowing my mind. Also I've watched Mother and Memories of Murder, great movies!
Came here to say memories of a murder.... just thinking about the ending gives me chills.
I think it’s definitely my favourite of the genre. I’ve never seen a film that can remain so dark and introspective while having a drop kick every 5 minutes that made me laugh every time
If you're into comedy, The Nice Guys is a really funny PI mystery.
Zodiac, Silence of the Lambs, Mystic River
Knives Out (2019)
Haha, I think it’s just one of the most watchable genres. If I can’t decide on something I’ll always enjoy a mystery
Doesn't matter if it's private detective or part of the police.
Some examples:
Blade Runner & sequels, Tracer & sequels, Dollman (scifi)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cool World (animation world)
Catch a Deadly Spell, Witch Hunt (fantasy/magic)
Dark City
I like it and it's a good mystery movie but I was searching more with movies either the police or a private detective.
I, Robot
Minority Report
Logan's Run
Equilibrium
Virtuosity
Minority Report (2002)
Bright (2017)
This was surprisingly better than I expected.
Not a film, but the show Sugar on Apple TV
Weird I searched to see if someone commented this and yours didn't come up maybe I misspelled it accidentally. But I agree good show.
Predestination (2014) is more spy than detective but definitely a worthwhile sci-fi mystery if you haven’t seen it
I'm seeing a ton of mystery/thriller/crime movies where the description is essentially "A police tracks down a serial killer but realizes his own life may be in danger :O!" However, I don't find these very interesting, and I want to see the story of an average person dealing with criminals or some mystery in general.
I'm not really sure what examples I can provide though.
Are you looking for mysteries that don't feature a detective as the main character, or don't involve police or detectives at all? The latter is a little trickier, but for the former:
The Third Man
Les Diaboliques
Psycho
Deep Red
Blow Out
Blue Velvet
Eyes Wide Shut
Memento
Mulholland Drive
Oldboy
Zodiac
Prisoners
Gone Girl
Nocturnal Animals
Zodiac and Prsioners has cops, might not be what OP wants but good recommendations anyway.
Yeah they're a little iffy, but I thought I'd recommend them because their actual lead characters aren't cops, even though they do have police in large roles. Thanks for pointing that out for the OP in any case though!
Kiss kiss bang bang? Sorta? Well I guess not really
Actually I think ‘Kiss Kiss bang bang’ is a good answer, a thriller/crime/mystery featuring an actor and his gay agent. Fits the bill nicely. ��
Yeah but Gay Perry was a private eye. That’s the only reason I thought it didn’t meant op’s criteria. But Harry does most of the “investigating” lol
Watchmen lol
Watched haha. It was good.
Scooby-Doo, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, You Were Never Really Here
Brick (2005)
Not really. All of them deal with the corruption of men; whether is be for power, money, or to scare off guests and employees to businesses by dressing up in various disguises
Under the Silver Lake.
I’m very much looking for something reminiscent of:
As you can probably tell, I adore David Fincher and have a soft spot for movies about detectives, private investigators, and journalists becoming immersed and entangled in disturbing mysteries, particularly when a serial killer and/or an eerie connection to a past event is at the forefront.
And if you’re anything like me, please watch Mindhunter and the first season of True Detective (I know, not movies, but both are absolutely unbelievable experiences).
Does that sound like anything you know of?
Not a movie but Mindhunter on Netflix is great
Definitely Chinatown. Also Gone Girl if you haven't seen it.
Memories of Murder
The Chaser
Narc
The Chaser is so great, atmosphere drips from every shot and its hard to predict where the story could go at any given moment. Kept me feeling truly present and engaged every step of the way, which is rare in films these days.
You’ve named some of the best. The Ghost Writer is one of my favorite political thrillers of all time. So good every time I watch it.
Spotlight
is there an element of horror like the films OP listed? I was under the impression that it was more like a documentary style, but if it's a genuine thriller, I'll probably give it a watch
This is a movies that everyone should watch.
movies featuring detective stories
Key Considerations for Detective Movies:
Genre: Detective stories can range from classic film noir to modern thrillers. Consider what style you prefer—gritty, suspenseful, or more light-hearted.
Adaptations: Many detective films are based on novels or short stories. Familiarize yourself with works by authors like Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, or Raymond Chandler for classic adaptations.
Character Development: Look for films that not only focus on the mystery but also develop the detective's character, providing depth and intrigue.
Plot Twists: Great detective stories often feature unexpected twists and turns. A good plot twist can elevate the entire film experience.
Cinematography and Setting: The visual style and setting can enhance the mood of a detective story. Noir films often have a distinct visual aesthetic.
Recommended Movies:
"Se7en" (1995): A dark thriller featuring detectives hunting a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.
"Chinatown" (1974): A classic film noir that combines mystery with a complex plot involving water rights in Los Angeles.
"Knives Out" (2019): A modern whodunit with a star-studded cast, featuring a detective unraveling a family mystery after a wealthy patriarch's death.
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011): A gripping adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel, focusing on a journalist and a hacker investigating a decades-old disappearance.
"Murder on the Orient Express" (2017): Based on Agatha Christie's novel, this film features the famous detective Hercule Poirot solving a murder on a luxurious train.
These films offer a mix of classic and contemporary storytelling, ensuring a captivating viewing experience for detective story enthusiasts!
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