30 Best Mystery Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb

Popular genres like crime, thriller, and mystery are still just as relevant as ever. Mystery movies are especially having a renaissance, with massively popular recent entries in the genre proving renewed interest in the familiar formula.

There are some mystery movies that have stood the test of time and are considered the best among the numerous films in the genre by IMDb users. Their votes have determined the must-see mystery movies that defined, reinvented, or pushed forward the established genre. The mystery genre continues to be a vital part of cinema. And while the top 10 mystery movies on IMDb rarely change, viewers who are itching for an exciting film can go further down the list to discover award-winning classics.

30. ‘Zodiac’ (2007)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

David Fincher‘s 2007 hit, Zodiac, lays out a detailed account of the cases and suspects surrounding one of America’s most notorious cold cases, the Zodiac Killer. The thrilling mystery stars an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr., Jake Gyllenhaal, and Mark Ruffalo, and is one of the best silver screen accounts of the mysterious killer who terrorized the Bay Area in the 1960s and 1970s.

Even though the identity of the killer still remains a mystery today, Fincher does a fabulous job of delivering a satisfying ending full of facts and potential suspects. Zodiac meticulously hooks audiences in with the perfect amount of information, allowing audiences to come up with their own opinion and leave them wondering long after the credits have rolled.

Zodiac

Release Date

March 2, 2007

Runtime

157 minutes

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  Jake Gyllenhaal

  Robert Graysmith

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  Anthony Edwards

  William Armstrong

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  Robert Downey Jr.

  Paul Avery

29. ‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Harrison Ford stars in the action-packed mystery thriller, The Fugitive, as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, and goes on the run to not only clear his name but also find the real killer. As a team of U.S. marshals pursue him, Kimble soon uncovers the truth behind his wife’s murder and is faced with the challenge of exposing the real killer before the marshals catch up to him.

The Fugitive is an intense murder mystery full of unwavering suspense and action, which also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Joe Pantoliano, and Julianne Moore. The film follows an intricate web of corruption and greed that is heightened by the cat-and-mouse game played between Kimble and Jones’ character, who is the lead U.S. marshal. The Fugitive was one of the biggest hits of the year and earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Jones went on to win the film’s only Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

The Fugitive

Release Date

August 6, 1993

Runtime

130 minutes

28. ‘Mystic River’ (2003)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Clint Eastwood‘s Oscar-winning movie, Mystic River, is a chilling neo-noir mystery set in a small town in Boston and centered around a tight-knit community that slowly begins to turn on one of their own. Sean Penn stars as a former convict, Jimmy Markum, who, after the murder of his 19-year-old daughter, begins to suspect everyone, including those who are closest to him.

Mystic River has been cited as one of the greatest murder mysteries ever made and features an all-star cast including Tim Tobbins, Kevin Bacon, and Laurence Fishburne. Compared to similar films, Mystic River has a complex plot that slowly unravels a senseless murder but also a past traumatic experience involving Markum and his childhood friends, that effectively ties back to his daughter’s murder. Mystic River received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and went on to win Best Actor for Penn and Best Supporting Actor for Robbins.

Mystic River

Release Date

October 15, 2003

Runtime

138 minutes

27. ‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

David Lynch’s 2001 mystery thriller, Mulholland Drive, immerses audiences in a dream-like state as a young woman, Rita (Laura Harring) who, after being involved in a car accident, has seemingly lost her memory and wanders the streets of Los Angeles until she crosses paths with an aspiring actress, Betty (Naomi Watts). As the two women try to solve the mystery surrounding Rita’s true identity, they are soon led down a rabbit hole one could only find in Tinseltown.

Mulholland Drive is a surrealist neo-noir mystery that effortlessly toys with audiences’ imagination and conveys a unique mystery with an unexpected twist that only a master like Lynch could pull off. The movie is regarded by many as one of the director’s finest films, which also earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director. While it might not be the traditional cut-and-dry mystery, Mulholland Drive is a must-see blend of mystery and fantasy that effectively captures the magically wicked tone of Hollywood.

26. ‘Solaris’ (1972)

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Based on Stanislaw Lem’s eponymous novel, Solaris centers on a space station orbiting the titular, fictional planet, where the skeleton crew of three scientists suddenly find themselves in a psychological crisis caused by mysterious circumstances. When Kelvin (Donatas Banionis), a psychologist, is sent to investigate and help the crew, he also finds himself experiencing the same phenomena.

Solaris is a slow-burn and meditative sci-fi mystery, unlike most films in the genre as we know it. It is a thoughtful and thought-provoking psychological thriller with metaphysical and spiritual themes in a contemplative narrative that director Andrei Tarkovsky is best known for. Tarkovsky uses sci-fi as the framing device to explore humanity, human nature, and our existence, supported by the haunting electronic background score and J.S. Bach’s composition as the theme music. Solaris has been critically acclaimed for its concept and execution, which became a major influence on sci-fi films of the future, including the 1997 film Event Horizon. —Maddie P

Solaris

Release Date

September 26, 1972

Runtime

167 Minutes

25. ‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1941)

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

In this second screen adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s novel of the same name, Humphrey Bogart slips into the shoes of Hammett’s fan-favorite detective, Sam Spade, a role that catapulted him to stardom. Directed by John Huston, in his directorial debut, The Maltese Falcon sees Spade entangled in a dangerous web of crime and criminals, when he onboards a secretive female client, Miss Wonderly (Mary Astor), leading him on a high-stakes chase for a precious and mysterious statuette.

The Maltese Falcon is unarguably one of the best examples of a classic detective noir with action, suspense, and thrill, wrapped in a labyrinthine narrative that intrigues and entertains at the same time. Huston delivers a brilliant take on Hammett’s original work and protagonist, by balancing brain, brawn, and sophistication in Bogart’s Sam Spade. Known for its excellent scripting, direction, acting, and effects, The Maltese Falcon remains one of the most influential mystery films of all time. —Maddie P

The Maltese Falcon

Release Date

October 18, 1941

Runtime

100 minutes

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  Humphrey Bogart

  Samuel Spade

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  Mary Astor

  Brigid O’Shaughnessy

24. ‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Donnie Darko is a cross between the science-fiction and mystery genres and centers around the complex concept of parallel universes. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as an emotionally troubled teen, Donnie, who, one night, sleepwalks out of his house and comes face to face with a giant demonic-looking rabbit, Frank, who tells him the world is going to end in twenty-eight days. As Frank manipulates Donnie into committing a series of crimes, his actions end up setting off an explosive chain of events that beg the question: is Donnie living in his universe or another one?

Donnie Darko is an intelligent and intriguing science-fiction mystery that also features elements of horror and a psychological thriller, setting it apart from other mystery movies. The movie is noted for effortlessly merging fantasy and reality, conveying a classic tale of teen angst against an eerie and unsettling backdrop of mystery and anticipation. Donnie Darko is a testament of daring filmmaking and stands as a bold, dreamy-type mystery that is unlike any other modern mystery to date.

Donnie Darko

Release Date

October 26, 2001

Runtime

113 minutes

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23. ‘Chinatown’ (1974)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

A renowned neo-noir mystery film, director Roman Polanski’s Chinatown is a genre-defining timeless masterpiece that follows private detective J.J. “Jake” Gittes (Jack Nicholson) as he investigates a seemingly typical infidelity case. Before he knows it, he is plunged into a labyrinthine tale of corruption, deception, and power.

Set in 1930s Los Angeles, Chinatown perfectly captures the essence of the noir genre with its dark atmosphere and twisty story. Its stunning period details wonderfully complement its complex characters, who demonstrate the inextricable link between humanity, greed, and corruption.

Chinatown

Release Date

June 20, 1974

Runtime

130 minutes

22. ‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Based on the eponymous bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn and directed by David Fincher, Gone Girl is a mind-blowing psychological thriller and mystery film that follows the disappearance of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike). All eyes turn to Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), Amy’s husband, whose erratic behavior only makes authorities and the public – captivated by the media frenzy – more suspicious of him.

Layers of secrets and lies are peeled back as Gone Girl unfolds, leading to unexpected twists and turns that are satisfyingly faithful to the source material. Fincher’s signature style shows through the film’s atmosphere of tension and unease, which further immerses audiences in a psychological game of cat and mouse. A standout in the genre, it’s a modern psychological thriller audiences should see knowing as little as possible about its shocking mid-point reveal.

Gone Girl

Release Date

October 1, 2014

Runtime

2h 29m

21. ‘Rebecca’ (1940)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

In his first American production, Alfred Hitchcock directed this Gothic romance psychological thriller, which became his only film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. Based on Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel of the same name, Rebecca tells the story of a young woman (Joan Fontaine) who has a whirlwind romance with a fascinating widower named Maxi De Winter (Laurence Olivier) in Monte Carlo and marries him soon after. When she moves into Winter’s family estate in Cornwall, she learns about the mysterious death of his first wife, Rebecca, and finds herself living in her shadow, unaccepted and unacknowledged by the jealous and cagey housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson).

A powerful and deep psychological film, Rebecca is a masterpiece in the genre, characterized by its gothic atmosphere and gripping suspense that haunts the viewer through the end and beyond. With generous doses of romance, dark humor, thrills, melodrama, and mystery, Rebecca makes for an evergreen film. —Maddie P

Rebecca

Release Date

March 23, 1940

Runtime

121 minutes

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20. ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Featuring one of the most infamous twists by director M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense is an iconic supernatural film that follows Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a child psychologist who forms a bond with a young boy named Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who claims to see the dead.

The Sixth Sense stands out as a great mystery movie not only for its intriguing twist but also for the suspense and surprising emotional depth built up before it gets there. As the story unfolds, audiences find themselves drawn deeper into the eerie world of Cole’s visions, eagerly searching for answers alongside Dr. Crowe, not expecting that there’s an unfolding mystery in front of them all along.

19. ‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Set in 1950s Los Angeles, L.A. Confidential is a gorgeous masterpiece centered on three LAPD detectives – Detective Lieutenant Exley (Guy Pearce), Officer White (Russell Crowe), and Sergeant Vincennes (Kevin Spacey). The trio navigates a complicated and dangerous situation involving murder, corruption, and scandal.

Directed by Curtis Hanson, the renowned classic brings the gritty and seductive world of 1950s Los Angeles to life. The film’s noir and mystery elements work to create an engrossing film full of twists and turns as the detectives confront their dark sides in the quest for justice or recognition.

18. ‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Director Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island is a twisty psychological thriller with an absorbing mystery at the center. It tells the story of U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient at Ashecliffe Hospital, a remote mental health facility located on the titular island.

Teddy eventually begins to delve deeper into a mind-bending journey that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. As he discovers more shocking secrets about the island, they all inevitably lead to realizations about his own life. The protagonist’s haunting story is made better by the dark, claustrophobic, and foreboding atmosphere that hangs over the entire film, reminding viewers that this doesn’t end well.

17. ‘Prisoners’ (2013)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Director Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners is a nail-biting mystery-thriller film that revolves around Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), whose world is shattered when his young daughter goes missing. He soon takes matters into his own hands, as the official investigation doesn’t seem to be going anywhere – in fact, the authorities released the prime suspect. Soon, alongside Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), the desperate families find themselves caught in a web of unexpected twists.

Prisoners explores the dark side of human nature by portraying ethical dilemmas that make audiences wonder what they would do if they were in the characters’ shoes. The line between right and wrong is blurred as the protagonist takes extreme measures to recover his loved one, while also doubting the competency of those supposed to help him unmask the criminal responsible.

Prisoners

Release Date

September 20, 2013

Runtime

153 minutes

16. ‘M’ (1931)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Directed and co-written by Fritz Lang of Metropolis fame, M marks the first talkie by the legendary Austrian filmmaker. Set in Berlin, the classic mystery thriller follows Hans Beckert (Peter Lorre), a serial killer who preys on children and becomes the target of a citywide manhunt by Berlin police. His heinous crimes also attract the attention of the city’s seedy underworld, making the criminals join hands with the police to catch him.

M is one of the first howcatchem mysteries and an early example of crime procedurals, where an entire city comes together to catch an unhinged criminal desperately trying to escape justice. The film is recognized for its innovative filming techniques using unique camera angles and sound effects. M is considered an influential work of cinema and one of the greatest German Expressionist films that established the conventions of serial killer tropes used in the crime, mystery, and thriller genres even today. —Maddie P

M

Release Date

May 11, 1931

Runtime

99 Minutes

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15. ‘North by Northwest’ (1959)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

A renowned Alfred Hitchcock thriller from the end of the ’50s, North by Northwest follows the exhilarating story of an advertising executive, Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant), who goes on a wild journey after being mistaken for a government agent by international spies. As he’s pursued across the country, he winds up on a train, which also happens to be carrying the enigmatic passenger, Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint).

With remarkably elaborate set pieces and witty dialogue to go with tight pacing and action-packed sequences, it’s not surprising that the film enjoys the reputation it still has today. One iconic scene of Grant running away from a crop duster is still referenced and parodied in pop culture, a testament to this mystery movie’s far-reaching influence.

14. ‘Vertigo’ (1958)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

One of Hitchcock’s most studied works, Vertigo is centered on a retired detective, Scottie Ferguson (James Stewart), who’s hired by his friend to investigate his wife’s bizarre behavior. The detective soon finds himself becoming obsessed with the subject he’s supposed to objectively observe, which is made even more challenging by sudden bouts of vertigo while he’s on the job.

Aside from being the film responsible for the “Vertigo Effect” cinematic shot, Hitchcock’s masterpiece provided necessary commentary about the male gaze in cinema. It’s an early critique of toxic masculinity, which the film does while also being impeccably scored and flawlessly shot from frame to frame.

Vertigo

Release Date

May 28, 1958

Runtime

128 minutes

• 

  James Stewart

  Det. John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson

• 

  Kim Novak

  Madeleine Elster / Judy Barton

13. ‘Citizen Kane’ (1941)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Citizen Kane is a film that needs no introduction. Widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made, Citizen Kane is directed by and stars Orson Welles, who plays the role of a wealthy newspaper magnate. A reporter soon delves into the magnate’s mysterious last word, “Rosebud,” and makes some disturbing discoveries along the way.

Welles’ powerhouse performance is perfectly complemented by his innovative narrative structure, which follows a non-linear style. The film also showcased a groundbreaking focus on cinematographic techniques, which are still used in the industry today. Of course, its enduring message about the complex connections between power, money, and the media is just as relevant as ever.

Citizen Kane

Release Date

April 17, 1941

Runtime

119 minutes

12. ‘Oldboy’ (2003)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Oldboy is a cult classic and critically-acclaimed revenge movie that revolves around Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik), who is kidnapped and held captive for fifteen years for seemingly no rhyme or reason. When he’s suddenly released, the protagonist decides to look for the captors responsible for his suffering, but soon becomes embroiled in a major conspiracy.

Directed by Park Chan-wook, Oldboy is infamous for its disturbing and iconic twist, which ties together its themes of payback and obsession. Of course, it’s also known for its flawlessly choreographed action sequences, particularly Oh Dae-su’s hallway fight against a group of goons, which highlights the film’s amazing cinematography.

Oldboy

Release Date

November 21, 2003

Runtime

120 minutes

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11. ‘The Lives of Others’ (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The Lives of Others (German: Das Leben der Anderen) is a fantastic German mystery-drama film that’s centered on Stasi officer, Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), who’s ordered to spy on a playwright and his girlfriend. Written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and set in East Berlin during the Cold War, the captivating movie portrays the protagonist’s wavering loyalty to his government as he listens in on his subjects’ conversations and develops an emotional connection with them.

A bold commentary about life under a surveillance state, The Lives of Others doesn’t focus on the fighting, but rather explores the more intimate effects of constant observation on both the spy and the victim. Nuanced performances from its cast elevate the movie and turn it into a deeply emotional, yet unnervingly quiet one all throughout.

10. ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella, Heart of Darkness, Apocalypse Now is set in the Vietnam War. It follows Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen), a burnt-out operative who is tasked with assassinating a rogue Green Beret Colonel named Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando). Kurtz has fashioned himself as a god among his followers and is leading unauthorized guerilla attacks – reaching him will not be easy.

Director Francis Ford Coppola showcases the horrors of war in Apocalypse Now, which has an undeniable intensity and fervor the deeper the protagonist goes during his river journey. Not often counted among great mystery movies, its inclusion in the genre is owed to the lack of information about Kurtz, as his motivations, plans, and past are initially unclear.

9. ‘Memento’ (2000)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

A neo-noir psychological thriller and mystery film all in one, director Christopher Nolan‘s Memento is a must-see masterful combination of these genres. It follows a man with anterograde amnesia, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), who is looking for his wife’s killer. Since he can’t form new memories, the protagonist uses Polaroid photos and tattoos to keep track of clues and events.

Notable for its unconventional non-linear structure, Memento has two timelines that eventually meet to paint a complete picture. It subverts expectations by providing audiences with a puzzle to piece together, instead of just depicting the puzzle like a typical crime thriller. Aside from this novel approach to structure, Nolan’s thriller also effectively explores the human psyche and raises questions about the nature of memories and reality through Leonard Shelby’s mind-bending story.

Memento

Release Date

May 25, 2001

Runtime

113 minutes

8. ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ (1957)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/0

Based on Agatha Christie’s play of the same title, Witness for the Prosecution explores the ethical dilemma of a prolific lawyer and how he navigates a complex trial. It follows legendary barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) who represents Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), is accused of murdering Mrs. Emily Jane French (Norma Varden), a wealthy widow who has made Leonard the benefactor of her will. Sir Robart’s case gets complicated when Leonard’s callous wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich) appears in court to testify against her husband, leading to shocking and puzzling revelations.

Academy-winning director Billy Wilder of Sunset Boulevard fame brings Christie’s play to life in a witty narrative with film noir and black comedy elements, and is regarded as one of the best courtroom dramas. With its ingenious storytelling style using well-staged scenes, balanced characters, and an astounding denouement, Witness for the Prosecution makes for a taut mystery thriller that remains a favorite for genre fans. —Maddie P

7. ‘Rear Window’ (1954)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Director Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking work, Rear Window, is centered on the photographer L. B. “Jeff” Jefferies (James Stewart), who is recovering from a broken leg. In the meantime, he looks through his window and watches the neighbors to keep him occupied (and entertained). He’s soon disturbed by something he sees and is convinced that he has spotted a murderer.

One of the best mystery movies from Hollywood’s roughest decade, Rear Window is known for its brilliant commentary on voyeurism, as audiences become voyeurs through the protagonist’s eyes, just waiting for something terrible to happen. Its intense scenes and flawless pacing also make the actual mystery in the movie gripping.

Rear Window

Release Date

September 1, 1954

Runtime

112 minutes

• 

  James Stewart

  L.B. ‘Jeff’ Jefferies

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6. ‘Psycho’ (1960)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Arguably Hitchcock’s most significant and enduring masterpiece, Psycho is a bold and innovative film that takes place in the now-iconic Bates Motel. This is where the fleeing criminal Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) decides to rest, and also where she meets the eccentric but seemingly harmless proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). She’ll soon discover that she has made the wrong choice.

With its infamous shower scene, transgressive subject matters, and even a flushing toilet, Hitchcock’s Psycho pushed the genre forward by leaps and bounds. Not to mention the riveting mystery that will keep audiences at the edge of their seats as those searching for Marion uncover truly disturbing things.

Psycho

Release Date

September 8, 1960

Runtime

109 minutes

5. ‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Director Bryan Singer’s The Usual Suspects is a neo-noir classic that is centered on the interrogation of Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey). The police question him about the mysterious crime lord, Keyser Soze, who is supposedly behind their daring but disastrous multi-million dollar heist that left several people dead or injured.

A movie mostly told through flashbacks, everything viewers (and authorities) know comes from Verbal’s convoluted version of the events that transpired. There’s a frustrating sense of urgency to figure out exactly what happened and answer the questions about the massacre, but a huge and iconic twist towards the end makes the entire film worth watching.

4. ‘The Prestige’ (2006)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

One of director Christopher Nolan’s more rewatchable films, The Prestige follows the stage magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), and the rivalry that forms between them towards the end of the 19th century. They both become obsessed with beating each other through impossible performances and perilous stunts, often with tragic outcomes.

The riveting and somewhat frightening film highlights the consequences of taking things too far for the sake of competition or ambition. Its mystery element comes from the explanation behind strange and startling tricks that seem like actual magic, but turn out to be far darker than viewers may expect.

The Prestige

Release Date

October 20, 2006

Runtime

130 minutes

3. ‘The Green Mile’ (1999)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Director Frank Darabont’s The Green Mile revolves around Warden Supervisor Paul Edgecomb’s (Tom Hanks) experiences while supervising death row, which turns into something extraordinary after the arrival of John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan). John has been sentenced to die after being found guilty of murdering two young girls, but, after a series of inexplicable interactions, Paul soon realizes that there’s more to the story.

The blockbuster is based on Stephen King’s eponymous novel from 1996. The mystery The Green Mile depicts is of a magical and fantastical nature, which is made better by the compelling characters (Paul and John). Their unexpected friendship and the movie’s heartbreaking ending make it a memorable one.

2. ‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Studio Ghibli’s most popular film, Spirited Away, follows the misadventures of 10-year-old Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi). Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the animated movie depicts the way Chihiro finds herself in the spirit world of the Kami, which she has to brave to rescue her parents. She encounters all kinds of fascinating, terrifying, and comforting beings in the mysterious realm.

From its gorgeous visuals and wonderfully weird creatures to its touching story and endearing protagonist, viewers who have never seen the animated film should know that there are several reasons it’s so popular and beloved by fans. Its element of mystery is in more than one thing, as the people and beings Chihiro meets are often hiding astounding secrets.

1. ‘Se7en’ (1995)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

When a serial killer begins actively murdering victims and using the seven deadly sins as inspiration, retiring detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) partners with the inexperienced David Mills (Brad Pitt) in Se7en. They follow the grotesque trail the enigmatic murderer leaves behind, while also dealing with their own differences that affect how they handle the case.

Director David Fincher’s critically acclaimed film is known for its sharp writing, gruesome scenes, and jaw-dropping twist. It’s a daring and dark entry from the filmmaker would would go on to be associated with the genre. The shocking climax and the end of the mystery it presents are still referenced and parodied today, emphasizing just how impactful the movie is.

Se7en

Release Date

September 22, 1995

Runtime

127 minutes

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