A Glean movie guide
Essential Murder Mysteries
Trust no one.
From classic whodunnits to gritty procedurals, these are the definitive films for every...
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
Knives Out
A sharp, modern whodunnit that revitalizes the classic ensemble mystery with wit and style.
When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.
- 02
Se7en
A grim and atmospheric procedural following two detectives on the trail of a methodical serial killer.
Two homicide detectives are on a desperate hunt for a serial killer whose crimes are based on the "seven deadly sins" in this dark and haunting film that takes viewers from the tortured remains of one victim to the next. The seasoned Det. Somerset researches each sin in an effort to get inside the killer's mind, while his novice partner, Mills, scoffs at his efforts to unravel the case.
- 03
Rear Window
Hitchcock’s masterclass in suspense where a confined photographer witnesses a crime from his window.
A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder.
- 04
Zodiac
A meticulous and haunting exploration of the real-life obsession to unmask an elusive killer.
Over the course of a decade, editors of the San Francisco Chronicle entice themselves in the murders of the Zodiac Killer. However, as time runs its course, interest in the case dwindles in the eyes of the professionals. The Killer stops interacting with the public. However, believing he has the answers, an amateur cartoonist from the initial sightings races against time to prevent what he believes is another murder.
- 05
The Usual Suspects
A twisty, non-linear investigation into a mysterious criminal mastermind known as Keyser Söze.
Held in an L.A. interrogation room, Verbal Kint attempts to convince the feds that a mythic crime lord, Keyser Soze, not only exists, but was also responsible for drawing him and his four partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro harbor – leaving few survivors. Verbal lures his interrogators with an incredible story of the crime lord's almost supernatural prowess.
- 06
Memories of Murder
A gripping South Korean masterpiece based on the true story of a frustratingly difficult investigation.
A sadistic serial rapist and murderer of young women terrorizes a small province in 1980s South Korea. To prevent further crimes, three increasingly desperate detectives with conflicting methods race against time to unravel the violent mind of the killer in a futile effort to solve the case.
- 07
L.A. Confidential
A stylish neo-noir that uncovers layers of corruption behind a mass murder in 1950s Los Angeles.
Three detectives in the corrupt and brutal L.A. police force of the 1950s use differing methods to uncover a conspiracy behind the shotgun slayings of the patrons at an all-night diner.
- 08
Clue
A fast-paced and hilarious cult classic that brings the iconic board game’s murder mystery to life.
Clue finds six colorful dinner guests gathered at the mansion of their host, Mr. Boddy -- who turns up dead after his secret is exposed: He was blackmailing all of them. With the killer among them, the guests and Boddy's chatty butler must suss out the culprit before the body count rises.
- 09
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
An intense and atmospheric cold case investigation involving a journalist and a brilliant hacker.
Disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist investigates the disappearance of a weary patriarch's niece from 40 years ago. He is aided by the pierced, tattooed, punk computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander. As they work together in the investigation, Blomkvist and Salander uncover immense corruption beyond anything they have ever imagined.
- 10
The Invisible Guest
A clever Spanish thriller that uses a locked-room scenario to deliver a series of shocking revelations.
Barcelona, Spain. Adrián Doria, a young and successful businessman accused of murder, meets one night with Virginia Goodman, an expert interrogation lawyer, in order to devise a defense strategy.
- 11
Murder on the Orient Express
A lavish adaptation of Agatha Christie’s most famous puzzle set aboard a luxury train.
Genius Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of an American tycoon aboard the Orient Express train.
- 12
Vertigo
A hauntingly beautiful mystery that delves into obsession and identity following a strange disappearance.
A retired San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend's wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her.