The 10 Best Mystery Movies On Netflix Right Now – Forbes

Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe star in ‘The Nice Guys.’
Netflix’s NFLX mystery film lineup delivers an eclectic and entertaining mix that’ll satisfy movie night, offering a cavalcade of films filled with nail-biting suspense and curveballs that will surely glue you to your screen. From the cleverly woven plots of modern whodunits to the high-stakes tension of international thrillers, the streamer has something for every mystery aficionado. And since Netflix doesn’t have a “mystery” section on its site, I’ve decided to pick out the best of the best for you. Every movie in this lineup hits differently, with its own spin on cracking the core riddle. You’ll find killer acting, complex storylines, and that gripping narrative that keeps sleuths coming back for more. So let’s jump into the best options for somebody interested in a good mystery flick for movie night.
In the heart of Greece lies a mystery only one man can unravel. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery sees Daniel Craig reprising his role as the sharp-witted detective Benoit Blanc. Rian Johnson steers us back into a world of intrigue on a tycoon’s secluded retreat, where what starts as playful sleuthing quickly spirals into genuine peril. Starring big names like Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, and Kathryn Hahn, the movie deftly mixes laughs with edge-of-your-seat moments, presenting a riddle that’ll have mystery buffs racing to piece together the clues. A riveting story paired with top-notch performances ensnares you, weaving laughter with edge-of-your-seat moments that hold your attention until the very last twist.
Shane Black’s The Nice Guys throws Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling into the seedy underbelly of 1970s Los Angeles. In this gritty, laugh-laced neo-noir, a hard-nosed muscleman teams up with an out-of-luck detective to unravel a mystery rife with unexpected turns. Peeling back the layers of a young woman’s vanishing and a porn star’s death, they stumble into a labyrinthine conspiracy that perfectly blends dark comedy with riveting suspense. Crowe and Gosling’s rapport, paired with a clever screenplay, breathes new life into the whodunit scene—mixing humor and mystery in just the right amounts.
The Killer places Michael Fassbender in the shadows as a meticulous assassin whose solitary life is as cold as his methodical approach to his craft. With each target, he finds himself spiraling further into a psychological maelstrom, questioning his sanity amidst the silence of his waiting game. David Fincher’s sleek thriller hooks us once again with a plot that’s as bizarre as it is captivating, anchored by Fassbender’s masterfully understated performance. Supported by Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, and Tilda Swinton, the film is a dance of anonymity, professionalism, and the thin line between losing one’s mind and the cold detachment required for survival. Fincher’s unique style shines through in this gripping film, enhanced by performances that seize your attention and deliver a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
The streets of 1950s Los Angeles serve as the backdrop for L.A. Confidential, where corruption and glamour collide. Curtis Hanson helms the movie, starring Kevin Spacey alongside Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, as they unravel a complex murder case layer by layer. Through the eyes of three distinct policemen, viewers are drawn into a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. The movie plunges you into a world shrouded in shadow and secrecy, delivering exactly what noir enthusiasts crave—a richly woven tale that demands your full attention.
A haunting journey across Europe unfolds in The Postcard Killings, where Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays a New York detective hunting the murderer of his daughter. Before each victim is discovered, a mysterious postcard arrives, pulling the detective into a grim labyrinth of artistic expression and long-held grudges. Danis Tanovic steers this cinematic journey with Famke Janssen illuminating the shattered soul of a man teetering on the edge of fixation. The film’s gripping narrative and eerie mood captivate those intrigued by the dark pursuit of vengeance.
Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, presents a twisted tale of vengeance and mystery. After being inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) is released only to face an even more bizarre challenge. The movie weaves a complex tale filled with unexpected twists and raw, intense action that redefines the conventions of its genre. Park’s direction masterfully weaves a tale of fate, identity, and redemption that resonates with viewers long after they’ve left the theater.
Roman Polanski’s Chinatown stands as a towering achievement in the mystery genre, featuring Jack Nicholson as private detective Jake Gittes, embroiled in a complex case in 1930s Los Angeles. As private eye Jake Gittes delves into what seems like a simple case of infidelity, he stumbles upon a tangled web where the fight for water control turns out to be a front for greed and deep-seated corruption. The movie’s complex narrative and vivid depiction of a past era serve as an exemplary lesson in the art of storytelling. Nicholson and Faye Dunaway masterfully navigate the gray areas of morality, delivering performances that are as nuanced as they are memorable.
In the digital age, the battlefield extends beyond the physical realm, as showcased in Michael Mann’s Blackhat, where Chris Hemsworth steps into the shoes of Nicholas Hathaway, a hacker behind bars who’s roped into neutralizing a dire cyberthreat with global repercussions. Mann’s direction elevates the film, turning a global cybercrime chase into an edge-of-your-seat spectacle. Plunging into the digital realm’s intricacies, the film weaves a narrative that captures the essence of cybercrime and its global footprint. Hemsworth amps up the thrill, drawing us into a world where tech-savvy criminals pose real dangers that hit close to home. Hemsworth takes the helm, guiding a dynamic crew through a labyrinth packed with danger and thrills.
Sea of Love takes viewers into the gritty world of New York City homicide detective Frank Keller, played by Al Pacino, as he hunts a serial killer using personal ads to lure his victims. In his film, Harold Becker deftly weaves the raw intensity of a New York detective’s hunt with the nail-biting suspense that defines a top-notch thriller. As Keller goes undercover, he finds himself entangled with a woman who may be the prime suspect, played by Ellen Barkin. Keller’s undercover gig gets dicey when he tangles with Barkin, suspected of foul play. Their connection? It’s a wild mix, part love story, part ticking time bomb that ratchets up the tension in our tale.
Lee Chang-dong’s Burning is a mesmerizing slow-burn thriller that explores obsession, class disparity, and unresolved tension. Jong-su, working as a courier, reconnects with Hae-mi, an old acquaintance, and crosses paths with the enigmatic Ben who harbors a strange pastime. With Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, and Jeon Jong-seo leading the charge, this flick takes Murakami’s “Barn Burning” to new heights. It hooks you slowly but deeply with its layers of mystery and eye-catching shots that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.

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