The Best Mystery Movie In Each Of The Last 10 Decades (According To Letterboxd)
Mystery movies have given audiences mind-boggling viewing experiences for decades. The best ones often go beyond presenting a simple whodunnit, instead weaving a complex tale with characters who fans quickly find themselves rooting for.
Users on Letterboxd – a social media platform for film buffs – have made it easy for fans of the genre to decide which mystery movies should be on their to-watch list. The highest-scoring films for each decade represent the elements, trends, and major characteristics the genre had in that period of time, making it easy to see how it has evolved and improved since then.
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
In one of the earliest versions of Sherlock on the big screen directed by and starring Buster Keaton, fans are pulled into the titular character’s first unsolved mystery. In Sherlock Jr., the wacky protagonist works as a projectionist for a movie theater but dreams of becoming a detective someday.
That day soon comes when his potential girlfriend’s father becomes the victim of theft and he makes it his mission to catch the culprit and find the missing item. As if that premise wasn’t interesting enough for a romcom, things get even more complicated when the protagonist is framed by his rival, which leads to some difficult situations.
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Director Fritz Lang’s disturbing crime thriller film, The Testament of Dr. Mabuse, tells the story of the titular character, who, despite being confined in a mental health facility, is somehow communicating his evil plans with criminals outside of the building’s walls.
This boggles the detective who discovers the criminal genius’ notes, which contain detailed accounts that seem to correspond with real-life crimes. He has to prove that they’re not just ramblings though, which is a task that becomes increasingly harder when he realizes he’s in danger. It’s a gripping film with an unnerving premise that gets even better with each shocking twist that builds up to its memorable ending.
Available to stream on The Criterion Channel.
Things aren’t looking up for Holly Martins in The Third Man who, after being offered a job by her childhood friend in Vienna, arrives to find out that he’s dead. She becomes suspicious once she learns there was someone else with Harry Lime at the time of his death, and she decides to stay in the country to find out what really happened to him.
Aside from its absorbing plot, the film is known for its brilliant use of expressionism to evoke feelings of fear and uncertainty. With its sharp angles and harsh lighting, audiences are bound to feel just as disoriented as Holly with each new clue she discovers.
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Often considered one of the best mystery movies of all time, Rear Window is a groundbreaking masterpiece by the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. The film is centered on L. B. "Jeff" Jefferies, who is forced to stay in his apartment as he recuperates from an injury. Over time, he finds himself watching his neighbors through his window, which one day leads to him witnessing a murder.
With its incredible use of visual storytelling and flawless pacing, viewers will soon be at the edge of their seats trying to figure out if Jeff is right about the whole thing, or if there’s something more sinister at play.
Available to stream on The Criterion Channel.
Helmed by Akira Kurosawa, High and Low revolves around an exhilarating story full of betrayal, violence, and extortion. It’s a well-written police procedural crime film that is centered on a shoe company executive who must make the right decisions after his chauffer’s son is kidnapped and held for ransom.
The film is separated into three parts, with each one showing a unique perspective of its own. Audiences can’t be blamed for thinking that it’s an anthology film, but they’ll eventually see how it all comes together seamlessly towards the end.
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Director Roman Polanski’s Chinatown may seem like it has a straightforward plot at first, as it introduces private investigator Jake Gittes who is tasked with uncovering the details about a local socialite’s extramarital affair. The critically-acclaimed neo-noir soon becomes astonishingly complex, though, with the protagonist learning things he shouldn’t know about political and personal scandals.
The film is inspired by the real-life California water wars, which becomes clear when viewers see its multi-layered narrative. There’s a new revelation in every corner, which barely gives audiences the time to breathe in between each fascinating clue.
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Fanny and Alexander is a three-hour-long 1980s film that thrusts viewers into the world of the messy family of the titular children and depicts their troubling experiences at the hands of their new stepfather. Helmed by the legendary Ingmar Bergman, the semi-autobiographical film is absorbing from start to finish.
Praised for being well-written and surprisingly dark, its bold use of a child’s eyes to comment on the dangers of religion has been discussed and studied countless times. Its elements of mystery are often overshadowed by its supernatural aspects but is nonetheless present throughout the gripping film.
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Easily one of the most memorable movies ever made, director David Fincher’s Se7en is popular for its twist ending. The 1995 film tells the story of two detectives and their experiences as they chase a serial killer who always finds a way to incorporate the seven deadly sins into each well-planned murder.
Se7en may begin as a typical crime drama, but escalates into a genuinely riveting mystery with each disturbing scene. Fans who pick up on the subtle clues about its iconic twist may see it coming from miles away, but it doesn’t take away from the impact of that scene.
Director Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy is a neo-noir action film that is centered on the recently released convict, Dae-su, who finds himself in the middle of a massive conspiracy. He’s suspicious about who is working behind the scenes to frame him and ruin his reputation, but he doesn’t realize what it will take for him to find out.
It’s a non-English language film that’s best seen knowing as little information as possible about its disturbing plot. Aside from perfectly choreographed action sequences, viewers can expect to be curious, unsettled, and shocked when the mystery in the movie is solved.
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
In what is often considered director Denis Villeneuve’s best film, the auteur points the spotlight on two grieving twins, Jeanne and Simon, who have recently lost their mother. In Incendies, they decide to travel to her old home in a Middle Eastern country, but soon find that they may have bitten off more than they can chew.
As they uncover more about their mother’s enigmatic past, they learn more about their family and themselves in the process. The stark contrast between their love for their mother and the horrific situation they’re in will leave a lasting impression on viewers.