15 Whodunit Movies That Still Keep Fans Guessing

A whodunit movie keeps you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who committed the crime. With complex characters and layers of mystery, these films are designed to keep you guessing from start to finish. The challenge comes from spotting the subtle clues hidden throughout the story, often overshadowed by clever misdirection. The best whodunit movies leave you questioning everyone, even the most innocent-looking characters. If you love a movie that makes you think and keeps you hooked, these films will keep you guessing.

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Knives Out

Released in 2019, Knives Out quickly became a modern classic in the whodunit genre. The story centers around the death of a wealthy crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey, whose family members become the prime suspects. What makes this film so intriguing is the complex web of relationships, motives, and secrets among the family members. Each character seems to have a hidden agenda, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. The film is filled with clever twists, making it a thrilling experience for anyone who loves a good mystery.

Director Rian Johnson weaves a brilliantly structured narrative, with sharp dialogue and unexpected turns. The all-star cast, including Daniel Craig as the charming detective Benoit Blanc, adds layers of charm and wit. What stands out is the constant subversion of expectations, with one twist after another. The movie plays with classic tropes of the genre while also keeping viewers on edge with its surprising revelations. Knives Out is a must-see for fans of modern whodunits.

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Kenneth Branagh, premiered in 2017 as a new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel. The story follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a wealthy passenger aboard the famous train. The suspense grows as Poirot questions each of the passengers, all of whom have hidden motives. What makes this movie so captivating is its stunning setting and intricate character development. The identity of the killer keeps shifting, leaving the audience guessing until the very last moment.

The film is rich in atmosphere, with the luxurious yet claustrophobic train setting creating a perfect environment for the mystery to unfold. Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot, complete with his sharp wit and meticulous nature, adds depth to the story. The narrative’s structure, which carefully reveals clues while offering misdirections, makes it a satisfying experience for whodunit fans. The movie’s ensemble cast, featuring actors like Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer, adds further intrigue. If you enjoy classic mysteries, Murder on the Orient Express will keep you hooked until the final reveal.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Released in 2011, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a gripping adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling novel. The story follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young woman 40 years ago. The film’s strength lies in its complex characters and the dark, twisted narrative that unfolds as Blomkvist and Salander dig deeper into the family’s secrets. The suspense builds as the investigation uncovers shocking truths, keeping the audience on edge. The combination of crime, thriller, and psychological drama makes this a compelling whodunit.

David Fincher’s direction keeps the tension high, with a moody and atmospheric setting that enhances the mystery. The dynamic between Daniel Craig’s Blomkvist and Rooney Mara’s Salander adds an interesting layer of intrigue and suspense. The story is filled with dark twists, and the unexpected reveals leave you questioning everyone involved. The film skillfully plays with themes of power, corruption, and revenge. For fans of intense mysteries, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a must-watch.

Gone Girl

Gone Girl, directed by David Fincher and based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, premiered in 2014. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne, with her husband Nick becoming the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, secrets about their marriage and hidden motives come to light, creating a web of deception. What keeps viewers guessing is the constant shifting of perspectives and the unreliable nature of the characters. The twisty narrative keeps the audience on their toes, questioning who is telling the truth.

The film’s exploration of media manipulation, public perception, and psychological games makes it a fascinating study of modern relationships. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike deliver gripping performances, making their characters both sympathetic and disturbing. The clever pacing and shocking reveals ensure that no one can predict the film’s outcome. Fincher’s direction adds a layer of tension, drawing the audience into the dark, twisted world of the story. Gone Girl remains one of the most compelling psychological thrillers of the decade.

The Usual Suspects

Released in 1995, The Usual Suspects is a classic in the whodunit genre, with a story that unfolds through the lens of a police interrogation. The film centers around a group of criminals who are connected by a mysterious figure, Keyser Soze, whose identity is kept secret. What makes this film so brilliant is its structure-revealing bits of the truth through flashbacks while leaving enough doubt to keep viewers guessing. The final twist is legendary, flipping everything you thought you knew about the story. The Usual Suspects is a perfect example of how a well-executed mystery can completely surprise its audience.

The film is built around an ensemble cast, with Kevin Spacey’s portrayal of Verbal Kint standing out as one of his most memorable roles. The narrative’s clever use of unreliable narration and misdirection keeps the audience constantly engaged. Director Bryan Singer plays with audience expectations, crafting a story that becomes more intricate with each reveal. The iconic line The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist has become part of movie history. If you love a mind-bending whodunit, The Usual Suspects is a must-watch.

Prisoners

Premiering in 2013, Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal in a gripping thriller about two young girls who are kidnapped. The film follows the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the families involved, as well as the detectives working the case. As the investigation stalls, one of the fathers, Keller Dover (played by Jackman), takes matters into his own hands, leading to a series of tense and morally complex situations. What makes Prisoners a standout whodunit is its slow-burn tension and the unsettling decisions made by the characters. The constant guessing about the identity of the kidnapper keeps viewers captivated until the very end.

Director Denis Villeneuve creates a dark, atmospheric tone that amplifies the film’s suspense. The complex performances from both Jackman and Gyllenhaal make their characters’ decisions feel both tragic and understandable. The film’s shocking twists and grim portrayal of a parent’s worst nightmare make it unforgettable. Every new revelation forces the audience to reevaluate their assumptions, keeping the tension high. Prisoners is a powerful thriller that makes you question how far people will go to protect their loved ones.

The Secret in Their Eyes

This Argentine film, released in 2009, blends crime, romance, and a stunning mystery that keeps audiences guessing. The story follows a retired legal counselor who revisits an unsolved case from his past, which has haunted him for years. As he attempts to write a novel about the case, the twists and turns of his investigation unravel long-hidden secrets. What makes this film so compelling is its balance of deep character development and a suspenseful, unpredictable storyline. The final twist is one that leaves a lasting impact, changing everything you thought you knew.

The film expertly navigates between past and present, keeping the audience in suspense while also delving into the emotional lives of the characters. The performances by Ricardo Darín and Soledad Villamil make the film more than just a mystery; it’s also a poignant exploration of love, loss, and justice. The slow reveal of clues and the constant questioning of the characters’ motives creates a tense atmosphere. The film’s ending will have you reflecting on its themes of justice and redemption. The Secret in Their Eyes is a whodunit that offers more than just a mystery-it’s an emotional journey.

The Conversation

The Conversation, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a tense thriller about surveillance and paranoia. Premiering in 1974, the film follows Harry Caul, a private surveillance expert, who becomes entangled in the lives of his subjects, leading him to question his own morality. As he uncovers more about the people he’s watching, he begins to doubt the true nature of the situation, and his role in it. The film’s mystery lies not just in the plot, but in the psychological unraveling of its protagonist. The Conversation keeps the audience guessing as they try to figure out what’s real and what’s imagined.

Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Harry Caul is captivating, as his character’s internal struggle adds depth to the thriller. The film is a masterclass in tension-building, with long, drawn-out scenes that make the viewer feel as though they’re watching a surveillance operation unfold in real-time. The use of sound and silence plays a major role in the film’s atmosphere, creating an uneasy sense of paranoia. The film’s exploration of privacy, guilt, and obsession makes it a classic in the psychological thriller genre. The Conversation is a whodunit that challenges the viewer’s perception of truth and ethics.

Identity

Identity, released in 2003, is a psychological thriller that centers on a group of strangers who find themselves stranded at a remote motel during a storm. As they begin to die one by one, the group realizes that they are connected in some strange way. The film’s complex structure, with multiple twists and turns, keeps the audience guessing about the true identity of the murderer. What makes Identity so fascinating is its ability to play with the viewer’s perception of reality. The film builds tension with each passing minute, leading to a shocking final twist.

John Cusack leads a stellar cast, with each actor delivering strong performances that keep you engaged in the mystery. The film’s use of isolation and psychological torment creates an atmosphere of unease that intensifies the mystery. As the story unfolds, the audience is forced to reconsider their assumptions about the characters and the events that are taking place. The final twist is one that completely changes the context of everything that came before it. Identity is a thrilling, twist-filled ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last moment.

The Bone Collector

Released in 1999, The Bone Collector stars Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie in a suspenseful thriller based on the novel by Jeffrey Deaver. The story follows a quadriplegic detective and his rookie partner as they investigate a series of gruesome murders linked by cryptic clues left by the killer. What makes this film so compelling is the intense cat-and-mouse game between the detective and the killer, with each clue bringing them closer to the truth. The film keeps viewers on edge, as the identity of the killer is hidden behind clever misdirections.

Denzel Washington’s portrayal of the disabled detective adds depth to the character, while Angelina Jolie’s role as the determined young partner brings energy to the film. The film’s suspense is heightened by the chilling nature of the crimes and the ever-present threat of the killer striking again. The investigation into the killer’s twisted mind makes the story feel personal, as the characters must confront their own fears and doubts. The Bone Collector is a tense and thrilling whodunit that grips you from the start and doesn’t let go.

The Night of the Hunter

Premiering in 1955, The Night of the Hunter is a classic psychological thriller that tells the story of a sinister preacher, Harry Powell, who seeks to steal a large sum of money hidden by his late wife. As he begins to target her children, the suspense builds, leaving viewers wondering if the children will escape his clutches. What makes this film so captivating is its haunting imagery, compelling performances, and the constant tension between good and evil. The film’s use of shadows and dark symbolism keeps the audience guessing about Powell’s true nature. The chilling nature of the story, combined with a groundbreaking performance by Robert Mitchum, makes this a timeless whodunit.

Director Charles Laughton’s use of visual storytelling and pacing adds to the suspense, making The Night of the Hunter a standout thriller. The film’s stark contrast between light and dark adds to the uneasy atmosphere, making every scene feel filled with danger. Mitchum’s portrayal of the villainous preacher is both charismatic and terrifying, keeping audiences on edge. Despite its initial lack of commercial success, it has become a beloved classic, frequently cited as one of the greatest films of its time. This is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers with a unique style.

The Fugitive

The Fugitive, released in 1993, stars Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongfully convicted of murder who escapes from custody and tries to prove his innocence. As Kimble races to find his wife’s real killer, he is pursued by U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones. The film’s suspense comes from the chase and the constant question of whether Kimble will prove his innocence before it’s too late. The combination of a thrilling investigation and the manhunt keeps viewers hooked until the very end. With its intense action and emotional depth, The Fugitive remains one of the most compelling thrillers of the 90s.

What sets The Fugitive apart is its focus on both the thrilling pursuit and the emotional stakes of the characters. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of the determined yet vulnerable Kimble adds heart to the story, while Tommy Lee Jones’ performance as the no-nonsense marshal earned him an Academy Award. The fast pace, the clever twists, and the clever interplay between Kimble’s investigation and Gerard’s pursuit make for a captivating ride. The film’s brilliant pacing and character-driven narrative ensure it remains a classic. If you’re a fan of tense, action-packed whodunits, The Fugitive is essential viewing.

The Secret Window

Based on a Stephen King novella, The Secret Window was released in 2004 and stars Johnny Depp as Mort Rainey, a writer accused of plagiarism by a mysterious man named John Shooter. As Shooter becomes more threatening, Rainey’s life begins to spiral into chaos, and the audience is left questioning what is real and what is a product of Rainey’s deteriorating mind. The film’s suspense builds steadily as it blurs the line between reality and paranoia. The final twist leaves viewers completely stunned, turning everything they thought they knew on its head. Johnny Depp’s chilling performance adds depth to this unsettling psychological thriller.

What makes The Secret Window so engaging is the clever unraveling of the mystery, where every clue leads to another layer of doubt. The slow-burning tension between Rainey and Shooter keeps you guessing about the true identity of the threat. The film is full of subtle psychological games that challenge the viewer’s assumptions. The rural setting adds to the claustrophobic feel, enhancing the sense of isolation. The movie’s ability to keep you on edge and second-guessing until the end makes it a memorable whodunit.

Zodiac

Zodiac, directed by David Fincher and released in 2007, is a chilling crime thriller about the search for the notorious Zodiac Killer in San Francisco during the late 1960s and 1970s. The film follows a cartoonist, a journalist, and a pair of detectives as they become obsessed with solving the cryptic messages left by the killer. The movie’s suspense comes from the uncertainty surrounding the killer’s identity and the frustrating lack of answers. The film does not provide closure, leaving the mystery unresolved, which makes it both haunting and thought-provoking. The meticulous attention to detail and the dark, atmospheric tone make Zodiac a standout in the genre.

The film’s strength lies in its deep exploration of obsession and the toll that an unsolved case can take on those involved. Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. all deliver powerful performances, adding to the film’s sense of dread and frustration. The film’s methodical pace and real-life connection to the unsolved case create a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. Zodiac is a unique whodunit in that it doesn’t offer the usual resolution, making it more about the process of solving the case than the solution itself. For fans of true crime and psychological thrillers, Zodiac is an unforgettable experience.

The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep, released in 1946, is a classic film noir directed by Howard Hawks and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The story follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he is hired to investigate the blackmailing of a wealthy family. What makes this movie so intriguing is the labyrinth of secrets, lies, and twisted relationships that Marlowe uncovers during his investigation. The plot is dense with subplots and red herrings, keeping the audience guessing about who’s guilty and who’s innocent. With its dark atmosphere and complex characters, The Big Sleep remains one of the most celebrated films of the noir genre.

The film’s intricate plot and fast-paced dialogue keep viewers engaged, even as they try to keep up with the ever-shifting clues. Humphrey Bogart’s portrayal of Marlowe is iconic, embodying the hard-boiled detective who always seems to know more than he lets on. The chemistry between Bogart and Bacall adds an extra layer of intrigue, making their partnership one of the most memorable in film history. The story’s complexity and the film’s moody, shadowy cinematography make it a perfect example of a whodunit. For fans of classic noir, The Big Sleep remains an essential watch.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.