From cozy murder mysteries to suspenseful psychological thrillers, viewers don’t have to depend on supernatural horror films for a spooky time
Growing up in a strictly Catholic household, both my parents weren’t fond of watching horror flicks—especially those that involved demons. For them, viewing these kinds of films meant inviting evil spirits into the household.
Luckily, horror flicks aren’t the only ones that can put viewers on the edge of their seats.
As a substitute for the suspense, here are 10 heart-racing mystery and crime thriller films with frightening serial killers and dangerous culprits.
READ: Why Sierra Madre deserves more of our attention
“Knives Out” (2019)
What better way to start this list than the dark-academia-inspired “Knives Out.” Directed by Rian Johnson, the story revolves around the sudden death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. Detective Benoit Blanc is hired anonymously to investigate the sudden death, thrusting him into the web of politics inside the Thrombey household.
Apart from its engaging plot where viewers are made to suspect every family member in the household, the film features a stunning cinematography and dazzling performances by Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, and Daniel Craig.
“Clue” (1985)
One of the original pillars of “Knives Out”-like films is none other than the iconic “Clue.” Based on the popular board game of the same name, the film revolves around eight main characters who were anonymously invited to a dinner at Hill House, a Victorian-inspired mansion overlooking the city. The get-together turns bloody when one of the guests ends up dead and all visitors become suspects.
Set in the 50s, the film’s colorful wardrobe and witty dialogue are enough to lock viewers in and immerse them in the story—as if they were solving the mystery themselves.
“A Haunting in Venice” (2023)
Of course, it wouldn’t be appropriate to not include one of the film adaptations of Agatha Christie’s books, which shaped the cozy mystery genre of today through her infamous character, Detective Hercule Poirot.
The most recent Agatha Christie adaptation is “A Haunting in Venice” (2023), which is loosely based on Christie’s 1969 novel, “Hallowe’en Party.” In the film, Hercule Poirot’s rational and logical thinking is put to the test when he is tasked to solve the mysterious hauntings of a famed opera singer’s old palazzo.
READ: ‘A Haunting In Venice’ film review: A tale of acceptance
“Sherlock Holmes” (2009)
Christie’s Hercule Poirot isn’t just the only famed fictional detective in the mystery genre. Rivaling him is none other than the renowned Sherlock Holmes, whose character has been adopted in various popular media—whether it be films, shows, or video games.
One of the more well-received adaptations is the 2009 period mystery film, “Sherlock Holmes,” where Robert Downey Jr. stars as the titular and eccentric detective. What makes the film true to its book counterpart is its depiction of the gritty visuals of Victorian era London, making it a treat for Holmes fans worldwide.
“Enola Holmes” (2020)
Though the original Sherlock Holmes was not depicted as having any sisters in Arthur Conan Doyle’s books, author Nancy Springer twisted the original story and introduced his much younger sister, Enola Holmes.
Springer’s book series was then adapted into film by Netflix, with the titular female detective played by actress Millie Bobby Brown.
Both “Enola Holmes” films center on puzzling cases that involve politics and high-ranking officials set in Victorian England. An example of this is how the film delves into women’s rights during this time. This makes them not just an enjoyable piece for mystery fans, but also for those looking for a taste of historical fiction.
“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
“The Silence of the Lambs” is a crime thriller film that features the cannibalistic murderer, “Dr. Hannibal Lecter” and the serial killer, “Buffalo Bill,” who skins his victims.
The film itself is serious and silent when needed, alluding to its title and keeping its viewers hanging in suspense. One of its core strengths is the realistic depiction of solving cases that involve serial killers, making audiences uneasy with the familiarity of these dangerous figures.
“Gone Girl” (2014)
Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same title, “Gone Girl” is a psychological thriller film that centers on the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne (played by Rosamund Pike), who is renowned for being the inspiration behind the famous children’s book series, “Amazing Amy.”
Amy’s sudden disappearance puts her husband Nick Dunne (played by Ben Affleck) as the primary suspect after various incriminating details hinting at their turbulent marriage surfaces. The film, directed by renowned director David Fincher, delves deeper into this mystery, revealing a shocking plot twist that even mystery veterans wouldn’t have guessed in the first place.
“Se7en” (1995)
Another David Fincher psychological thriller classic, “Se7en” stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as a detective duo solving the crimes of a serial killer whose string of murders are thematically based on the seven deadly sins.
Straying away from the cozy mysteries in this list, “Se7en” borders into the horror genre with its graphic, gory murder scenes. The ending—which may be violent and shocking to viewers—makes it more than just a crime thriller, but also an introspective reflection of today’s society.
“Zodiac” (2007)
The third David Fincher mystery thriller film on this list, “Zodiac” is based on Robert Graysmith’s nonfiction book of the same title.
The film, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle, details the search of journalists and police for the “Zodiac Killer,” who is based on a serial killer that terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 60s and early 70s.
The famed killer taunts not just the police, but also the viewers, with letters, blood-stained clothing, and a series of ciphers that are mailed to various news publications—perfect for a thrilling mystery to watch with friends under comfy blankets and mugs of hot choco.
“Shutter Island” (2010)
Of course, a list of the best thrilling mystery films can’t be complete without Martin Scorcese’s “Shutter Island” (2010), based on Dennis Lehane’s novel of the same name.
The film centers on a United States Marshal named Edward “Teddy” Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), who visits Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane on the secluded Shutter Island, to investigate the disappearance of a patient who had previously drowned her three children.
From the get-go, the film banks on its dark lighting and atmospheric environment to build suspense. The story itself also contains various puzzling twists and turns—with the film concluding with an unexpected ending that will leave viewers wanting for more.
