There’s nothing better than settling in at night with a great thriller. The genre has been a staple of cinema for decades, and the best films have stood the test of time. Thanks to Netflix and other streaming services, viewers no longer need to leave their homes to experience the delights of a detective thriller. Whether it be a disgraced private detective, someone investigating the murder of a loved one, or just a classic game of cat and mouse, even just a decent detective thriller can make for a fun night in. If you’re looking for the next great detective thriller on Netflix, we’ve compiled a list of films to watch at your leisure.
‘Fractured’ (2019)
An unsettling thriller like Fractured will have you questioning everything. After bringing his daughter to the hospital due to a fall, Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington) is left searching for answers. Fractured finds Ray scratching his head after he can no longer locate his daughter or wife after what should have been a routine procedure.
Anything but Routine
But nothing adds up for Ray, who believes the hospital and its staff are hiding something from him. He begins to search for his family, but there is no trace of them. He follows the clues left behind for him, but he discovers a twist no one will see coming. The Netflix thriller crafts a compelling mystery that demands your full attention.
‘I Came By’ (2022)
This thriller follows a tense cat-and-mouse game between politically-motivated graffiti artist Toby (George MacKay) and, at first, a seemingly decent judge, Sir Henry Blake (Hugh Bonneville). However, Toby stumbles across the fact that the judge harbors a dangerous secret. In retaliation, the judge targets Toby and his loved ones.
Bad Judge
The events that Toby triggers cannot be foreseen by either the character or the audience. The standout performances from MacKay and Bonneville — who plays against type in a pitch-perfect villainous role — help elevate the already intriguing story. The movie also touches on some deeper themes of injustice that will make the film resonate with viewers after the credits roll.
‘The Pale Blue Eye’ (2023)
Set in the 1800s, The Pale Blue Eye follows retired detective Augustus Landor (Christian Bale) is hired to investigate the murder of a young cadet at West Point. During the investigation, Landor enlists the help of another cadet, the yet-to-be-famous poet Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling). The eerie film, written and directed by Scott Cooper, was created with Bale specifically in mind for the role.
Death of a Cadet
When more murders occur at the academy, the quest for the culprit becomes more pressing. The film crafts a complex mystery that may require multiple viewings to understand all the hidden clues. The Pale Blue Eye also successfully immerses viewers in the era with its cinematography, atmosphere, and great costume design.
‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022)
The second installment of the Knives Out series finds Daniel Craig reprising his role as Benoit Blanc. Glass Onion pairs Craig with yet another A-list cast centered around a murder mystery game created by an eccentric billionaire. However, what was initially supposed to be a game turns into a real-life case with lies, deception, and plenty of twists.
A Thrilling Sequel
After dazzling fans in the first film, it was no surprise to see the detective return to the screen again. The cast features high-profile names, including Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Edward Norton, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, and many more. This twisting detective story has countless moments of humor and horror. It even led to an upcoming third installment, slated for release in scheduled to hit select theaters in November 2025.
‘Revelations’ (2025)
One of the latest additions to Netflix’s outstanding selection of Korean Cinema, Revelations follows two men whose lives intersect after a series of unfortunate events. Sung Min-chan (Ryu Jun-yeol), a struggling pastor who, after killing a thug in self-defense, begins to cope by believing he was ordained by god to punish the wicked, and Detective Lee Yeon-hui (Shin Hyun-bin), who had his own sense of justice stripped away when the man he was hunting for the murder of his sister was the Pasto’s victim.
In the Realm of Moral and Religious Ambiguity
Revelations blends elements of horror, drama, and detective thriller in exhilarating fashion. The continued sense of dread and suspense is perfect for fully immersing viewers in the unfolding mystery, and the film explores themes of religion and morality in a way that remains ambiguous until the thrilling conclusion. The performances here are top-notch, and the cinematography is phenomenal, including a single-take scene at the film’s climax. Revelations is an all-around well-rounded Korean thriller.
‘To Catch a Killer’ (2023)
Eleanor Falco (Shailene Woodley), a Baltimore cop with a history of addiction and self-harm, is given another chance to prove her merit when she is tasked by the FBI to aid in the search for a sniper terrorizing the city. Starting with a New Year’s Eve Massacre, the trail to catch the shooter becomes a race against time, with mistakes along the way pushing Falco further than ever before in her years of fighting crime.
To Catch a Sniper
Shailene Woodley’s portrayal of Eleanor is phenomenal in To Catch a Killer, allowing the emotional ups and downs and high stakes to truly resonate with the audience. The pacing and atmosphere also perfectly build tension, with the ever-looming threat of another sniper attack making for an engaging watch. While the plot does seem slightly derivative of other familiar titles like Zodiac or Seven, those who can’t get enough of mystery-driven detective thrillers will find To Catch a Killer a pleasant surprise.
‘Reptile’ (2023)
Hardened detective Tom Nichols (Benicio del Toro) is assigned to solve the brutal murder of a real estate agent. While the first major suspect becomes her boyfriend and colleague, Will Grady (Justin Timberlake), who found the body in a vacant home, the more Nichols digs, the more he discovers. This includes police corruption, drug-trafficking, and scams. Tom Nichols is forced to navigate a web of lies, even from his own department, to solve the case.
Corruption Hiding in Plain Sight
Reptile offers up Benicio del Toro at his best, as a morally challenged detective forced to choose between his commitment to the force and his own morality. The film also draws heavily from the noir genre, crafting a gritty and suspenseful atmosphere through a slow-burn approach. Like all good detective thrillers, Reptile throws in plenty of red herrings, and twists and turns that will keep audiences on their toes.
‘Inside Man’ (2006)
Spike Lee’s Inside Man follows the aftermath of a seemingly perfect heist where Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) and his crew take over a Wall Street bank, disguising themselves and the hostages in identical jumpsuits and masks, making it challenging for the police to distinguish the robbers from the victims. Negotiator Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) is sent in. However, he soon discovers that the purpose behind the heist is not just about money, as the bank’s owner, Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer), is harboring a dark secret he will do anything to keep out of the public light.
Committing a Crime To Unearth a Greater Evil
One of Spike Lee’s best films, Inside Man, offered a clever twist on the heist genre, enlisting a detective sent in to stop a robbery and involving him in a grander and more nefarious crime. Extremely intense at points, the thriller stays unpredictable until the end, making for a gripping viewing experience. If that is not enough, the ensemble cast here is phenomenal under Spike Lee’s tight pacing and eye for authenticity in capturing the atmosphere of a bustling New York.
‘Wind River’ (2017)
Written and directed by the highly acclaimed Taylor Sheridan, Wind River tells the story of an investigation that unfolds on an Indigenous reservation in Wyoming. Here, the movie follows Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner), a U.S. Fish and Wildlife official who discovers the body of a young indigenous woman in the snow. The discovery sparks an FBI investigation, with rookie agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) assigned to the case. However, with the cultural and jurisdictional challenges of the reserve, she soon finds herself working in tandem with Lambert to solve the case.
Taylor Sheridan’s Early Masterpiece
Wind River is an intense yet slow-burn mystery which highlights why Taylor Sheridan has become one of the most beloved creatives in the modern era. The blend of detective skills and wildlife tracking, set against the backdrop of life and culture on the reserves, also lends the movie additional intrigue compared to many other detective thrillers. Wind River also showcases Sheridan’s raw, emotional storytelling while presenting a sincere exploration of the injustices faced by indigenous people.
‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009)
Revered detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his trusted cohort Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) believe they have foiled the ritualistic murder attempts of Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong). However, shortly after the case is closed and Blackwood is executed for his crimes, the enigmatic figure re-emerges and causes panic across London. Holmes and Watson must uncover the truth behind Blackwood’s miraculous return and restore order to the world.
The World’s Greatest Detective Gets a New Look
Guy Ritchie is one of those directors fans either love or love to hate. Still, Ritchie’s new take on Sherlock Holmes offers a more action-oriented and gritty portrayal of the beloved detective, which has found enduring popularity. Additionally, there is an undeniable charm in Downey Jr.’s interpretation of the character, bringing abundant energy to match the detective’s infallible wit. This may not be for all detective thriller fans, but for those who want a popcorn flick with action and mystery, Sherlock Holmes is a great choice.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
