Mystery movies have come a long way, leaving behind the predictable endings of yesteryear. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’re in for a treat because Netflix has an incredible selection of mind-bending mysteries just waiting to be discovered. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey as we unveil a curated collection of enigmatic films, both well-known classics and hidden treasures that will leave you spellbound.
Unearthing mystery movies on Netflix can be a bit of an adventure, as the platform doesn’t make it a walk in the park to search by genre. But fear not, for we have done the digging for you. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported into a world of captivating whodunits that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you’ve stumbled upon a favorite mystery movie within this list, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your top pick and let your voice be heard. Together, we can create a comprehensive guide that every mystery enthusiast will treasure.
(Note: We must mention “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” as part of this list, although its polarizing nature won’t be the focus of our discussion here.)
1. Burning
Jong-soo unexpectedly bumps into Hae-mi, a girl he used to live near. She requests him to look after her cat while she’s away. After her return, she introduces him to Ben, a guy she met during her trip. To Jong-soo’s surprise, Ben starts talking about his hobby.
Released: 2018
Directed by: Lee Chang-dong
Actors: Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, Jeon Jong-seo
2. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
In the thrilling roller-coaster ride, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, we join Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a famous archaeologist and collector of rare artifacts. Taking place in 1936, Jones is thrown into a dangerous mission to outsmart his Nazi rivals who are determined to control the mystical Ark of the Covenant. With the help of his former flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Jones must navigate treacherous landscapes and unrelenting enemies. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie won four Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a classic action-adventure film that skillfully blends history, mysticism, and heart-stopping moments.
Released: 1981
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
3. The Invisible Guest
The Invisible Guest is a super gripping Spanish movie from 2016. It’s a mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Directed by Oriol Paulo, this film is a must-watch.”
“In the movie, we meet a Spanish businessman played by Mario Casas. He finds himself in a sticky situation when he’s arrested for the murder of his lover, portrayed by Bárbara Lennie. But wait, there’s more! Just when you think things can’t get any worse, a defense attorney pays our protagonist a visit with some shocking news.”
“This defense attorney spills the beans, revealing that the prosecution has found a witness who’s ready to testify. Talk about a bombshell moment! This twist adds a whole new layer of suspense to the story.”
“Get ready to be captivated by The Invisible Guest as it unravels the truth behind the murder. With its intense plot and mind-boggling twists, this film is a real treat for mystery and thriller lovers.
Released: 2016
Directed by: Oriol Paulo
Actors: Mario Casas, Ana Wagener, Jose Coronado
4. Fractured
A man’s wife and injured daughter vanish from the emergency room, leaving him with a growing suspicion that the hospital is concealing something.
Released: 2019
Directed by: Brad Anderson
Actors: Sam Worthington, Lily Rabe, Stephen Tobolowsky
5. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Harrison Ford is back in action as everyone’s favorite archaeologist, Indiana Jones, in the thrilling movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This time, he sets out on a dangerous mission to save his father, Dr. Henry Jones, who has been captured because of his research on the Holy Grail. With the help of museum curator Marcus Brody and the spirited Elsa Schneider, played by Denholm Elliott and Alison Doody respectively, Indiana takes on the Nazis in a thrilling race against the clock across the globe. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, this film was even recognized with an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing, highlighting its heart-pounding and exciting sequences.
Released: 1989
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott
6. The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs is a gripping thriller that introduces us to FBI trainee Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster. Her assignment is nothing short of unnerving: she must extract information from the infamous and imprisoned cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins. The goal? To help catch another active serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, played by Ted Levine, before he strikes again. This chilling narrative, skillfully directed by Jonathan Demme, has been recognized with five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It brilliantly weaves together suspense, crime solving, and psychological manipulation, resulting in a film that is both thought-provoking and horrifying.
Released: 1991
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Actors: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
7. The Night Clerk
The Night Clerk is a crime drama film released in 2020, directed by Michael Cristofer. The story revolves around a voyeuristic front desk clerk, played by Tye Sheridan, who finds himself entangled in a murder investigation that occurs while he is on duty.”
“The film explores the intriguing life of a hotel clerk, who secretly observes the guests and their activities. However, his curiosity takes a dark turn when he becomes a suspect in a murder that unfolds during his shift.
Released: 2020
Directed by: Michael Cristofer
Actors: Tye Sheridan, Ana de Armas, Helen Hunt
8. The Invitation
The tension-filled thriller, The Invitation, tells the story of Will, played by Logan Marshall-Green, who finds himself attending a dinner party at his former home. The hosts of the party are his ex-wife Eden, portrayed by Tammy Blanchard, and her new husband David, played by Michiel Huisman. As the night progresses, the hosts’ strange behavior starts to escalate, causing Will to question their true intentions. Director Karyn Kusama skillfully builds the suspense and mystery in this gripping tale, which unfolds in real-time. The film blurs the line between paranoia and real danger, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.
Released: 2015
Directed by: Karyn Kusama
Actors: Logan Marshall-Green, Tammy Blanchard, Michiel Huisman
9. Lost Girls
A determined woman embarks on a personal investigation in her quest to find her missing daughter. Her desperation drives her to uncover information that eventually brings the attention of the police to the unsolved cases of murdered sex workers.
Released: 2020
Directed by: Liz Garbus
Actors: Amy Ryan, Thomasin McKenzie, Lola Kirke
10. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a thrilling espionage thriller set in the secretive world of British Intelligence during the Cold War. The story centers around George Smiley, a smart and composed character brilliantly portrayed by Gary Oldman. Smiley is called back from retirement to uncover a Soviet mole hidden within their ranks. The movie has received high praise for its intricate plot and tightly written screenplay. It also features outstanding performances by Colin Firth as Bill Haydon and Tom Hardy as Ricki Tarr. As the narrative unfolds, suspicion and secrets become intertwined, resulting in a chilling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the intense world of spies.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
Actors: Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch
11. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) is an exciting action-adventure film directed by the talented Steven Spielberg. The story revolves around the iconic character, Indiana Jones, played by the brilliant Harrison Ford. In this installment, Indy finds himself in India, embarking on a mission to locate a powerful mystical stone. Alongside him are the spirited Willie Scott, portrayed by the talented Kate Capshaw, and the resourceful Short Round, played by Jonathan Ke Quan.
As their journey unfolds, our intrepid hero stumbles upon a hidden cult practicing horrifying acts of enslavement and human sacrifice within the ancient catacombs of a majestic palace. Faced with imminent danger and the presence of dark magic, Jones fearlessly confronts his adversaries, determined to put an end to their sinister plans.
It is worth mentioning that this remarkable film received critical acclaim and was honored with an Academy Award for its outstanding visual effects
Released: 1984
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Actors: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan