Top 10 Best Murder Mystery Movies Ever Made

1. The Night Stalker (1972)

Journalist Carl Kolchak looks into a string of murders along the Las Vegas Strip where each victim's body was discovered completely exanguinated. Believing the culprit to be a vampire Kolchak struggles to track down the killer using methods. The police join forces with Kolchak and seem open to the idea that their prime suspect might be otherworldly.

2. April Fool's Day (1986)

In 1986 during April Fool's Day three horror movies were released including Slaughter High and Killer Party. One of them revolves around a rich socialite named Muffy who invites her friends to her mansion on an island for spring break. At first it seems like she’s just playing harmless pranks on them with a whoopee cushion and an exploding cigar. However things take a turn when people start disappearing mysteriously. The remaining guests soon realize that they’re stuck on the island for the weekend unable to reach the mainland. Adding to the suspense is the question of whether Muffy is truly the one hosting the party or if it’s her disturbed sister Buffy pretending to be her.

In the movie, Alex Cross a detective from DC portrayed by Morgan Freeman heads to North Carolina when his niece goes missing. He uncovers that she is one of several girls who have been kidnapped. The kidnapper known as Casanova holds his victims captive in his home. The film is recognized for its unsettling ambiance and skillful use of hand held cameras. It faced a ban in central Virginia due to its similarities with an ongoing real life serial murder case. SFGATE commended Freemans acting and the films chilling portrayal of anxiety and terror.

4. Cry Wolf (2005)

In a chilling tale set within the walls of a prestigious boarding school a group of students takes pleasure in tormenting one another. Their playful banter takes a turn for the sinister when they engage in a game known as "Cry Wolf" where whispers of a serial killer circulate throughout the campus. However things take a turn when a student is found dead seemingly at the hands of a wolf leading the remaining students to the shocking realization that one among them is pushing the boundaries of the game too far.

5. Perfect Stranger (2007)

Rowena Price portrayed by Halle Berry is on a mission to uncover the truth about a senator played by Bruce Willis who is rumored to engage in relationships with his male interns. As she digs deeper into the case she begins to suspect that the senator might also be involved in the murder of her childhood friend. Perfect Stranger was shot with three different endings featuring killers. This film marked the collaboration between Bruce Willis and Halle Berry since their previous movie The Last Boy Scout in 1991. However NPR criticized the film describing it as "flawed.

6. Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

A captivating thriller inspired by Agatha Christies book of the same title. Set in 1934 the story follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot (played by Kenneth Branagh) as he embarks on a journey aboard the Orient Express train heading back to London. However things take a turn when one of his fellow passengers is found dead that night. Determined to uncover the truth Poirot questions a lineup of well known individuals to unravel the enigma surrounding the murder.

7. Knives Out (2019)

An wealthy author named Harlan Thrombey in his 80s throws a party for his family at his lavish estate to mark his birthday. However the following day he is discovered dead. Initially ruled a suicide the unsettling reality reveals that his family ties were far from healthy and several relatives had valid motives to harbor ill will towards him. Among them is the son in law entangled in an affair with Harlans daughter the son who was ousted from his publishing company the daughter in law whose financial aid he withdrew upon uncovering her theft and the grandson with whom he recently clashed. Could it also be a tragic mistake made by his nurse rather than foul play?

8. Seance (2021)

Camille has recently enrolled at Edelvine Academy for Girls only to become the target of a clique of bullies. They coerce her into conducting a seance to connect with the ghost of Edelvine and uncover the story of a former student who met a tragic demise at the ghosts hands. However following the seance the girls begin to face their fates one by one leading everyone to question whether these deaths are caused by forces or if there's a murderer lurking, among them.

9. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Bodies Bodies Bodies is a thrilling slasher film centered around a group of affluent young adults seeking refuge from a storm in a lavish mansion. As they celebrate together they engage in a game called Bodies Bodies Bodies where one person takes on the role of the murderer and pretends to eliminate another guest in the dark. The entire group then gathers to unravel the identity of the supposed killer. However the dynamics shift when the friends begin to drop one by one and their debates over whos behind the killings turn into a reality.

10. A Haunting In Venice (2023)

Inspired by Agatha Christies novel Halloween Party this mystery movie serves as a follow up to Death on the Nile (2022). In the story a retired Hercule Poirot played by Kenneth Branagh is called to a séance hosted by an opera singer in Venice with the aim of revealing a fake psychic. However when a murder occurs Poirot shifts his focus towards uncovering the identity of the guest responsible for the crime.