The Very Best Mystery Shows & Movies

Ranker Entertainment
Updated October 26, 2023 979 votes 117 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Mystery Shows & Movies
Voting Rules
Vote up the most entertaining mystery shows and movies that keep you guessing.
Latest additions: Sebastian Fitzek's Therapy, The Vanishing Triangle, The Spencer Sisters
Most divisive: Lost

There's something about good mystery movies and television shows that keep you on the edge of your seat. Are you the type of viewer who figures out whodunnit in the first few moments of the movie and wait to see if you are right? Do you prefer to see who the culprit is in the beginning and focus more on how they are caught? Whatever your interest in the genre, Hollywood has made some of their best films and television series over the years following the mystery genre.

Fortunately, there have been some recent additions to the mystery genre audiences have greatly enjoyed. In film, fairly new mystery movies like Mystic River and Eyes Wide Shut help keep the audience guessing throughout the entire film. When it comes to mystery shows on TV, some make you wonder who the guilty party is right up to the last few episodes like on USA's The Mentalist while other series like Monk tend to show you right up front who did it and it's up to the detective to determine just how and make sure the criminal pays.

Which mystery movies and shows deserve the top spots on this list? Help decide the top mystery shows and movies by giving your favorites a thumbs up and adding any good ones missing from the list.

Ranked by
  • Sherlock
    1

    Sherlock

    36 votes
    Delving into the intricate world of crime-solving, Sherlock presents a contemporary adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved detective stories. With its clever writing and masterful performances from Benedict Cumberbatch as the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as the loyal Dr. John Watson, this British television series has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Amidst its four seasons, the show has earned numerous accolades, including BAFTA and Emmy awards. Each episode unravels a new mystery, keeping viewers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns, all while showcasing the undeniable chemistry between the lead characters.
  • Mystic River
    2

    Mystic River

    36 votes
    In Mystic River, childhood friends Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn), Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins), and Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon) are drawn back together after a horrifying incident shakes their Boston neighborhood. Directed by Clint Eastwood, this gripping drama examines the lasting impact of trauma on friendship and family. It's a tale woven with threads of suspicion, grief, and loss - all underpinned by an unyielding quest for justice. The film won two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Penn and Best Supporting Actor for Robbins. A complex narrative unfolds against the gritty backdrop of working-class Boston, where past demons refuse to rest.
  • The Originals
    3
    A dark and intriguing journey into the supernatural world, The Originals delves into the lives of the Mikaelson siblings, as they navigate through power struggles, family bonds, and ancient curses. Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, this dramatic series boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gillies), and Rebekah (Claire Holt). Earning acclaim for its engaging storytelling and complex characters, the show has been nominated for several Teen Choice Awards throughout its five-season run. While it explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and sacrifice, The Originals also serves as a fitting spin-off to The Vampire Diaries, satisfying fans with its own distinctive charm and allure.
  • Stranger Things
    4
    In a small town shrouded in 80s nostalgia, Stranger Things unravels an enigmatic tale of supernatural occurrences and covert government experiments. The series has garnered numerous accolades for its stellar performances by a talented ensemble cast, including the young telekinetic Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and dedicated police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour). Seamlessly blending elements of sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age drama, the show captivates audiences with its engaging storytelling and memorable characters. With each season, viewers are transported to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, where they delve deeper into the mysteries that lie beneath the seemingly ordinary surface.
  • Twin Peaks
    5

    Twin Peaks

    30 votes
    In a quaint, seemingly idyllic town nestled amidst towering trees and misty mountains, lies a web of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Twin Peaks, a groundbreaking television series, masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and supernatural intrigue. With its compelling narrative and surreal visuals, the David Lynch show has garnered a cult following since its inception in the early '90s. The enigmatic Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) leads the investigation into the tragic demise of young Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), unearthing the darkness beneath the veneer of small-town innocence. A recipient of numerous accolades and critical acclaim, Twin Peaks remains an influential force in the realm of television storytelling.
  • Murder on the Orient Express
    6
    Murder on the Orient Express is a classic whodunit. On a lavish train journey through Europe, Detective Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney) is thrust into a murder investigation when a passenger is found dead. With the train stranded due to snow and a killer among the eclectic guests, Poirot must unravel the intricate web of deceit before another strike.