11 Best Detective Thrillers You Can Watch on Netflix Now

Few things are as enjoyable as watching a good thriller at night. This genre has been a favorite in movies for many years, and the most memorable films continue to be popular. Now, thanks to Netflix and other streaming platforms, you can enjoy detective thrillers without even leaving home. Whether it’s a story about a troubled detective, a murder investigation, or a classic pursuit, a well-made thriller is always a great way to spend an evening. If you’re searching for your next thrilling watch on Netflix, we’ve put together a list of recommendations for you.

‘Fractured’ (2019)

The thriller *Fractured* is a mind-bending story that will keep you guessing until the very end. When Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington) brings his daughter to the hospital after an accident, he’s soon desperately seeking answers. After a seemingly simple procedure, both his daughter and wife mysteriously disappear, leaving Ray confused and frantic.

Anything but Routine

Ray feels something isn’t right at the hospital and suspects the staff are keeping secrets from him. When he starts looking for his family, he can’t find any record of them. As he follows the available clues, he uncovers a shocking surprise. This Netflix thriller builds a captivating mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

‘I Came By’ (2022)

This suspenseful thriller centers on a tense rivalry between Toby, a graffiti artist with political motives (played by George MacKay), and Sir Henry Blake (Hugh Bonneville), a judge who initially appears respectable. But Toby discovers the judge is hiding a dark secret, and the judge retaliates by going after Toby and his family.

Bad Judge

The story keeps you guessing, with unpredictable events that surprise both the characters and the audience. Excellent performances from George MacKay and Stephen Bonneville – who brilliantly portrays a villain – add depth to the already captivating plot. Beyond the suspense, the film also explores important issues of fairness and will likely stay with viewers long after it ends.

‘The Pale Blue Eye’ (2023)

In the 1800s, the film *The Pale Blue Eye* centers around Augustus Landor (Christian Bale), a former detective who’s called upon to solve a murder at West Point. As he investigates, Landor teams up with a promising young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling), who will later become a celebrated poet. Written and directed by Scott Cooper, the atmospheric film was specifically crafted with Christian Bale in the lead role.

Death of a Cadet

As more murders happen at the academy, finding the killer becomes increasingly urgent. The film presents a complicated mystery, and viewers might need to watch it more than once to catch all the subtle clues. Additionally, *The Pale Blue Eye* effectively transports audiences to the period through its beautiful visuals, mood, and detailed costumes.

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

Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc in the second *Knives Out* film, *Glass Onion*. The story involves a murder mystery game hosted by a quirky billionaire, but what starts as a playful activity quickly becomes a genuine crime with unexpected turns, secrets, and betrayals.

A Thrilling Sequel

Following the success of the first movie, the detective is back for another thrilling adventure. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Edward Norton, Dave Bautista, and Kate Hudson, among others. This complex mystery is filled with both funny and frightening scenes, and it’s proven so popular that a third movie is already planned for release in November 2025.

‘Revelations’ (2025)

Recently added to Netflix’s impressive collection of Korean films, *Revelations* tells the story of two men whose paths cross due to tragic circumstances. Sung Min-chan (Ryu Jun-yeol), a pastor down on his luck, believes he’s been chosen by God to punish evil after accidentally killing a criminal in self-defense. Meanwhile, Detective Lee Yeon-hui (Shin Hyun-bin) feels her own sense of justice has been shattered because the man she was pursuing for her sister’s murder was killed by the pastor.

In the Realm of Moral and Religious Ambiguity

Revelations is a thrilling Korean film that expertly mixes horror, drama, and mystery. It builds a constant sense of unease and keeps you hooked as the story unfolds, while also thoughtfully exploring questions of faith and right and wrong – though answers aren’t revealed until the very end. The acting is superb, and the film features stunning visuals, including an incredible, unbroken shot during the climax. Overall, Revelations is a remarkably well-made thriller.

‘To Catch a Killer’ (2023)

Baltimore police officer Eleanor Falco (Shailene Woodley) is struggling with a difficult past, including addiction and self-harm. She gets a crucial opportunity to redeem herself when the FBI asks for her help in tracking down a sniper who is terrorizing the city. The investigation begins after a deadly New Year’s Eve shooting, and as the hunt intensifies, Falco faces setbacks that challenge her like never before.

To Catch a Sniper

Shailene Woodley gives an outstanding performance as Eleanor in *To Catch a Killer*, making the film’s emotional impact and suspense truly felt by viewers. The movie’s steady pace and unsettling atmosphere expertly build tension, and the constant threat of a sniper keeps you on the edge of your seat. Though the story shares similarities with films like *Zodiac* or *Seven*, fans of mystery thrillers will likely enjoy *To Catch a Killer* as a satisfying and engaging watch.

‘Reptile’ (2023)

Detective Tom Nichols, a seasoned and cynical investigator played by Benicio del Toro, is tasked with finding the killer of a real estate agent. The initial suspect is her boyfriend and coworker, Will Grady (Justin Timberlake), who discovered the body. As Nichols delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a complex network of corruption, drug dealing, and fraud. He must unravel a web of deceit, even within his own police department, to uncover the truth and solve the case.

Corruption Hiding in Plain Sight

Benicio del Toro gives a standout performance in *Reptile*, playing a detective with a strong sense of duty who’s forced to make difficult choices. The movie is heavily inspired by classic noir films, creating a dark and suspenseful mood that unfolds gradually. Like any great detective story, *Reptile* is full of misleading clues and unexpected twists to keep viewers guessing.

‘Inside Man’ (2006)

Spike Lee’s film, *Inside Man*, centers around a meticulously planned bank robbery on Wall Street. Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) and his team take hostages and cleverly disguise everyone in matching outfits, making it difficult for the police to tell who is a robber and who is a victim. When negotiator Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) arrives, he quickly realizes the robbery is more complex than it appears, and that the bank’s owner, Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer), is desperately trying to hide a damaging secret.

Committing a Crime To Unearth a Greater Evil

As a huge Spike Lee fan, I think *Inside Man* is one of his absolute best. It takes the classic heist movie and flips it on its head – it’s not just about stopping a robbery, but about a detective getting pulled into something much bigger and more twisted. Seriously, it’s super intense and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Plus, the cast is amazing, and Spike Lee really nails the energy of New York City. The whole thing just moves at a perfect pace and feels so real.

‘Wind River’ (2017)

Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed film, *Wind River*, centers around a murder investigation on a Native American reservation in Wyoming. The story follows Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner), a wildlife official, who finds the body of a young woman. When the FBI sends rookie agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) to investigate, she quickly realizes she needs Lambert’s help to navigate the unique challenges of the reservation and solve the crime.

Taylor Sheridan’s Early Masterpiece

Wind River is a gripping, slow-paced mystery that demonstrates why Taylor Sheridan is so highly regarded today. What sets it apart from typical detective thrillers is its unique combination of crime investigation and wilderness tracking, all set within the compelling world of life on Native American reservations. The film also powerfully displays Sheridan’s emotionally honest storytelling and offers a genuine look at the challenges faced by indigenous communities.

‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009)

Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant detective played by Robert Downey Jr., and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) think they’ve stopped a series of ritualistic murders committed by Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong). But after Blackwood is executed, he mysteriously returns, causing fear throughout London. Holmes and Watson must now investigate how he came back to life and save the city from chaos.

The World’s Greatest Detective Gets a New Look

Guy Ritchie’s films tend to divide audiences, but his version of Sherlock Holmes has become very popular thanks to its fast-paced action and realistic feel. Robert Downey Jr. also brings a lot of energy and cleverness to the role, making it a really enjoyable performance. While it might not appeal to traditional detective fans, if you’re looking for an exciting and mysterious movie, Sherlock Holmes is a fantastic option.

2025-10-10 05:06