There are a few films that pull you in, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and has you second guessing where the story is going from beginning to end. In murder mysteries every character is a suspect and every clue could be a red herring. These films immerse viewers into the suspenseful worlds of secrets, lies, and shocking revelations amongst the lives of it’s very complex characters.
From clever detectives in whodunits to ordinary people caught in extraordinary crimes, these stories challenge us to piece together the truth alongside the protagonists. I must admit, some are dark and chilling, while others mix humor and class into solving crimes. Ultimately, they remind us that in the game of murder, nothing is ever as it seems and the line between innocence and guilt is nearly nonexistent. Here’s our list of some murder mysteries to add to your watchlist this weekend!
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Benoit Blanc is back in this Knives Out sequel. After someone turns up dead at a retreat hosted by a billionaire, Blanc must work to solve the murder.
Director: Rian Johnson / Starring: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr.
Sherlock Holmes
Detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. John Watson pursue a crafty adversary who dabbles in dark rituals and threatens England’s future. Holmes must work to unravel the mystery and expose the truth.
Director: Guy Ritchie / Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
Murder Mystery
A couple embark on a European vacation that takes a shocking turn. After they’re invited to a billionaire’s yacht party, the host is murdered, and the couple find themselves as the prime suspects.
Director: Kyle Newacheck / Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston
Zodiac
Based on a true story, the film follows the hunt for the notorious Zodiac Killer. Journalists and detectives work to decipher cryptic messages and track the criminal down.
Director: David Fincher / Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo
The Girl on the Train
Adapted from the bestselling novel, Rachel Watson is an alcoholic and divorcee who becomes entangled in a missing-person investigation after she witnesses something suspicious during her daily train ride.
Director: Tate Taylor / Starring: Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux
Murder On the Orient Express
An adaptation of Agatha Christie, Kenneth Branagh portrays the famed detective Hercule Poirot. An American passenger is found murdered aboard the Orient Express, Poirot must solve the case before the killer strikes again.
Director: Kenneth Branagh / Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr.
Seven
Two detectives hunt down a sadistic serial killer who stages his murders around the seven deadly sins.
Director: David Fincher / Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman
Death on the Nile
Another Christie adaptation, Kenneth Branagh reprises his role as Hercule Poirot. On a luxurious river cruise on the Nile, Poirot must solve the murder of a wealthy heiress.
Director: Kenneth Branagh / Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Emma Mackey, Letitia Wright, Annette Bening
