The Best New Mystery Movies Of The Last Few Years

Mystery movies are more popular than ever, and they’ve evolved beyond simple “who done it” stories. Today, you’ll find everything from mind-bending psychological thrillers and modern noir films to clever puzzle-based mysteries. Audiences are enjoying a wide variety of stories, including traditional detective work, investigations using modern technology, and gripping courtroom dramas. Filmmakers are also experimenting by combining mystery with other genres like satire and horror, creating complex and unpredictable movies. Here’s a list of thirty highly-rated and popular mystery films released between 2020 and 2024.

‘Monster’ (2023)

As a film lover, I was completely drawn in by this movie! It starts with a mom noticing something’s off with her son and taking it to his teacher, which then opens up this really intricate look at what’s happening at school – turns out there’s bullying, but it’s way more complicated than it seems. What I loved is how the story is told through so many different viewpoints, slowly revealing misunderstandings and secrets among the students and teachers. It’s a beautiful, subtle film by Hirokazu Kore-eda, set in a typical Japanese suburb, and it really makes you think about what ‘truth’ even means. It’s no surprise it won the Best Screenplay award at Cannes – the writing is just phenomenal.

‘The Batman’ (2022)

In his second year as a crime fighter, Bruce Wayne, acting as a vigilante in Gotham City, investigates a string of disturbing murders. The killer, known only as the Riddler, leaves behind complex puzzles at each crime scene. As Bruce delves deeper into the case, he uncovers corruption within Gotham’s political and law enforcement networks. This story particularly emphasizes Bruce Wayne’s skills as a brilliant detective.

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ (2023)

After a man falls to his death near their secluded chalet, his wife becomes the prime suspect in what might be a murder. Their son, who has limited vision, is the only person who saw what happened, and he’s torn between doing what’s right and protecting his mother. The ensuing trial delves into the couple’s troubled past and personal struggles to uncover whether the death was accidental, a suicide, or a crime. This compelling French legal drama was awarded the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023)

In 1920s Oklahoma, members of the Osage Nation were targeted in a series of suspicious deaths after oil was discovered on their land. An investigation uncovered a large-scale criminal plot involving powerful local figures who systematically took advantage of the Osage. The newly established FBI was brought in to solve these crimes, which became known as the Reign of Terror. This film is based on a thoroughly researched non-fiction book by David Grann.

‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

Cassie is living a secret life, driven by a need for revenge after a traumatic event ended her dreams of becoming a doctor. She spends her time in bars, pretending to be drunk to expose men who act friendly but have harmful intentions. Her quest for justice leads her to those she believes are responsible for the death of her close friend. The film is a gripping psychological thriller that won an Academy Award for its original screenplay.

‘Decision to Leave’ (2022)

A detective who can’t sleep is assigned to a mysterious death: a man found at the bottom of a mountain, and it looks like foul play. The detective finds himself increasingly fixated on the man’s wife, who is the main person of interest. As he digs deeper into the case, his professional relationship with her becomes complicated. This South Korean crime thriller was directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook.

‘Holy Spider’ (2022)

A journalist travels to the holy city of Mashhad, Iran, to report on a serial killer who is targeting sex workers. She uncovers a disturbing truth: local officials aren’t prioritizing the case because the killer sees himself as a righteous figure eliminating sin. The film is inspired by the true story of the “Spider Killer” from the early 2000s and examines the social and political challenges that obstruct the pursuit of justice.

‘The Menu’ (2022)

A couple journeys to a secluded island for a meal at a highly exclusive restaurant led by a famous chef. What starts as a special evening quickly becomes unsettling as each carefully crafted dish exposes hidden truths about the restaurant’s wealthy patrons. The chef has designed the entire menu as a dangerous and elaborate art installation, meant to punish those who are dining. The film is a darkly humorous, satirical thriller set in a remote location.

‘Red Rooms’ (2023)

This Canadian thriller follows a young woman who becomes consumed by the trial of a man accused of killing several teenage girls. She attends every day of the trial and then begins a dangerous quest to find a hidden “snuff” film – a crucial piece of evidence in the case. Her obsession pulls her into the disturbing world of the dark web as she desperately searches for the truth. The film delves into the psychological effects of online depravity and modern-day fixations.

‘The Outfit’ (2022)

In 1950s Chicago, a skilled English tailor finds himself caught up with a dangerous family of gangsters. When two hitmen arrive at his shop seeking refuge and guarding an important recording, he’s forced into a deadly game of lies and betrayal. The entire story plays out within the tight, detailed space of his workshop, where he must rely on his intelligence and craft to survive.

‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ (2022)

I just finished watching this movie, and it really stuck with me. It’s about a woman named Kya, who basically raised herself in the marshes of North Carolina. When a popular guy in town turns up dead, everyone immediately suspects her, mostly because she’s always been an outsider. The trial is fascinating, and it really digs into her difficult upbringing and how the town always looked down on her. As the investigation unfolds, you start to piece together what really happened, and how Kya was connected to the victim. It’s based on the incredibly popular novel by Delia Owens, and it captures the book’s atmosphere beautifully.

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022)

Detective Benoit Blanc receives an invitation to a lavish murder mystery party on a private Greek island, thrown by a wealthy tech mogul. What starts as a playful game quickly becomes a genuine investigation when a guest is found dead. Blanc has to unravel the secrets and lies surrounding the host and his unusual circle of powerful friends. This movie is a new story, following the events of ‘Knives Out’ but can be enjoyed on its own.

‘Missing’ (2023)

This movie follows a teenage girl who uses the internet and social media to search for her mother after she goes missing during a trip to Colombia. While working from her home in Los Angeles, the girl discovers hidden details about her mother’s life and the person she was traveling with. Her search is complicated by frustrating international red tape and the spread of false information online. It’s a new story following the 2018 film ‘Searching’.

‘The Invisible Man’ (2020)

I’m completely captivated by Cecilia’s story. She managed to escape a really awful, controlling relationship with a scientist, but then he supposedly died by suicide soon after. I quickly started to believe, along with her, that his death wasn’t what it seemed. She’s convinced he’s figured out how to become invisible and is still watching her, and honestly, it’s terrifying. Her life is falling apart as she desperately tries to convince everyone that she’s being stalked by someone they can’t see. It’s a really powerful story, and it feels so relevant because it’s not just about being hunted, but about the trauma of abuse and how easily someone can be manipulated and made to doubt their own sanity.

‘Last Night in Soho’ (2021)

A young fashion designer starts having dreams that transport her to 1960s London, where she lives as a captivating singer. However, she quickly discovers that the decade’s glamorous facade hides a disturbing undercurrent of violence. As the lines between her dreams and reality blur, she becomes increasingly troubled by visions of crimes from the past. This suspenseful and mind-bending story is a film directed by Edgar Wright.

‘Barbarian’ (2022)

A woman arrives in Detroit for a job interview only to find her rental house has been mistakenly double-booked. She reluctantly agrees to share the space with a stranger for one night, and quickly uncovers a secret network of tunnels beneath the house. The property holds a terrifying secret, putting both her and the other tenant in danger, and exposing a disturbing past connected to the town. The movie is notable for its surprising changes in mood and its unconventional approach to the mystery genre.

‘The Dry’ (2020)

I was really gripped by this Australian mystery. It follows Federal Agent Aaron Falk as he goes back to his parched hometown for a friend’s funeral. What seems like a simple tragedy quickly turns into something much more complicated – did his friend take his own life, or was something darker going on? As Falk investigates, it stirs up painful memories of another death from his childhood, a case that never truly closed. It’s based on a hugely popular novel, and I can see why – it’s a fantastic story!

‘Vengeance’ (2022)

A New York City podcaster heads to rural Texas to look into the death of a woman he was seeing. He plans to turn his investigation into a podcast episode about American ideals and current conspiracy theories. But he quickly gets caught up in a real, complex mystery involving the town and illegal drug activity. This film is the first time B.J. Novak has directed a feature.

‘Reptile’ (2023)

A tough, experienced detective investigates the shocking murder of a young real estate agent. His investigation quickly reveals widespread corruption within his town and even the police force. As he gathers evidence, he begins to suspect everyone connected to the victim – from her boyfriend to her family. Benicio del Toro stars as the detective in this suspenseful crime thriller.

‘The Killer’ (2023)

After a hit job in Paris goes badly, an assassin finds his life turned upside down. He then begins a dangerous worldwide pursuit to eliminate those who ordered the hit and anyone else who poses a threat to him. Throughout this journey, he relies on a strict personal code and constant self-reflection to stay on track. The film, directed by David Fincher, is adapted from a French graphic novel.

‘Emily the Criminal’ (2022)

Burdened by student loans and a past mistake, Emily finds herself working as a ‘dummy shopper’ for a group committing credit card fraud. She’s quickly drawn into the risky and shadowy world of illegal businesses in Los Angeles. As she gets deeper involved, she starts planning a daring robbery, hoping to finally achieve financial stability. This story is a modern mystery that explores the financial struggles many people face today.

‘Enola Holmes 2’ (2022)

Enola Holmes launches her detective career by searching for a missing worker from a local factory. The case quickly becomes much bigger, uncovering a web of corruption that reaches into powerful government circles. She ultimately joins forces with her brother, Sherlock, to untangle the connected puzzles. This story is based on the books by Nancy Springer.

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

Okay, so I just heard about this movie and it sounds amazing. It’s about an FBI agent who gets stuck on a really old, unsolved case – a serial killer is leaving these creepy, occult symbols at all the crime scenes. But it’s not just a standard procedural; as she investigates, she realizes she actually knows this killer, and their history goes way back to her childhood. Apparently, it’s got a really unsettling atmosphere, set in the Pacific Northwest, and there’s a supernatural vibe going on. And get this – Nicolas Cage is playing the killer! He’s always good for a strange, memorable performance, and this sounds like it’ll be right up his alley. I’m definitely adding this to my watchlist.

‘The Pale Blue Eye’ (2022)

In 1830, an experienced detective is called to West Point Military Academy to solve a string of disturbing murders. He teams up with a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe, who helps him understand the complex and secretive world within the academy. Their investigation uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving dark occult practices and long-buried military secrets. This atmospheric mystery is adapted from the novel by Louis Bayard.

‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

When Enola Holmes turns sixteen, she discovers her mother has vanished, leaving behind secret messages and some money. Determined to find her, Enola heads to London, but her famous brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, are determined to bring her home. During her search, she gets caught up in a puzzling case involving a young lord who’s run away and a dangerous political conspiracy. The movie highlights themes of freedom and the strength of women during the Victorian era.

‘Woman of the Hour’ (2023)

This movie tells the chilling true story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on ‘The Dating Game’ in the 1970s. It focuses on the experiences of the women he encountered and how failures in the system allowed his crimes to continue. The film is also the first time actress Anna Kendrick has directed a movie.

‘Blink Twice’ (2024)

A waitress gets the chance of a lifetime – an all-expenses-paid vacation to a private island hosted by a tech billionaire and his circle. But as the trip unfolds, she and her partner begin to experience unsettling events and realize they’re losing their memories. They soon realize they need to figure out what’s really going on behind the lavish hospitality if they want to survive and escape. This thrilling story delves into the dangers of unchecked power, extreme wealth, and the manipulation of memory.

‘A Haunting in Venice’ (2023)

Retired detective Hercule Poirot finds himself drawn into a murder investigation while visiting a crumbling palazzo in post-war Venice. He’d reluctantly agreed to attend a séance, and when one of the attendees is killed, Poirot is forced to come out of retirement to solve the mystery. The case is complicated by possible supernatural occurrences, which challenge Poirot’s reliance on logic and reason. The film is inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel, ‘Hallowe’en Party’.

‘See How They Run’ (2022)

A tired detective and a fresh-faced police officer team up to solve a murder in 1950s London. The victim? A Hollywood director working on a film version of a popular West End play. The investigation unfolds within the colorful world of the theater, playfully referencing familiar mystery clichés. This funny and intriguing story stars Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan as part of a talented ensemble cast.

‘Confess, Fletch’ (2022)

Fletch, a playful and determined investigative reporter, finds himself suspected of murder while trying to recover a valuable stolen art collection. He travels from Italy to Boston, dodging a relentless police detective and a cast of quirky characters, all while working to find the real killer and clear his name. The movie is based on the bestselling mystery novels by Gregory Mcdonald.

Please share which of these modern mysteries kept you guessing the longest in the comments.

2026-02-10 15:48