Here Are the Best Thriller and Mystery Movies of the 21st Century According to Fans

Thriller and mystery movies have a special way of keeping us glued to the screen. The twists, the suspense, the moments that make us question everything—these films deliver it all.

We’ve put together a list of the best thriller and mystery movies from the 21st century, based on what we can’t stop talking about. From gritty crime dramas to mind-bending puzzles, these films have left a mark. Let’s dive into the stories that keep us up at night, starting from the bottom of the list and working our way up.

15. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

This gripping drama pulls us into a dark chapter of American history. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ follows the murders of Osage Nation members after oil is found on their land.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone lead a stellar cast, unraveling a chilling conspiracy. Martin Scorsese’s direction makes every moment heavy with tension, earning praise for its raw storytelling. The film’s slow burn keeps you hooked until the shocking truth unfolds.

14. Knives Out (2019)

‘Knives Out’ is a fresh take on the classic whodunit. When a wealthy patriarch dies under suspicious circumstances, a sharp detective, played by Daniel Craig, digs into a family full of secrets.

The star-packed cast, including Chris Evans and Ana de Armas, brings wit and charm to this twisty tale. Rian Johnson’s clever script and vibrant direction make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a puzzle you’ll want to solve again and again.

13. Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

This French courtroom thriller keeps you guessing until the end. ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ centers on a writer accused of her husband’s mysterious death, with her young son caught in the middle.

Sandra Hüller delivers a powerhouse performance, blending doubt and defiance. The film’s tight script and realistic dialogue make it feel like you’re in the courtroom. It’s a tense, emotional ride that lingers long after the credits.

12. Gone Girl (2014)

‘Gone Girl’ is a dark, twisted look at marriage and deception. When Amy Dunne vanishes, her husband Nick, played by Ben Affleck, becomes the prime suspect in a media frenzy.

Rosamund Pike’s chilling performance as Amy steals the show. David Fincher’s sleek direction turns Gillian Flynn’s novel into a rollercoaster of surprises. The film’s sharp commentary on relationships and truth keeps you on edge.

11. Michael Clayton (2007)

This legal thriller dives into the murky world of corporate cover-ups. George Clooney stars as a fixer for a powerful law firm, unraveling a dangerous conspiracy tied to a shady client.

Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson shine in supporting roles, adding depth to the tense plot. Tony Gilroy’s debut as director is smart and gripping, with a slow build that pays off. It’s a film that rewards close attention.

10. Black Swan (2010)

‘Black Swan’ is a psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and obsession. Natalie Portman plays a ballerina pushed to her limits while preparing for a demanding role.

Darren Aronofsky’s intense direction and Portman’s Oscar-winning performance create a haunting experience. The film’s dark visuals and unsettling score pull you into her unraveling mind. It’s a chilling exploration of perfection and sacrifice.

9. Memento (2000)

This mind-bending thriller follows a man with short-term memory loss hunting his wife’s killer. ‘Memento’, directed by Christopher Nolan, tells its story backward, keeping us as disoriented as its lead, Guy Pearce.

The clever structure and raw emotion make every scene gripping. Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano add layers to the mystery. It’s a puzzle that challenges you to piece it together.

8. Memories of Murder (2003)

This South Korean gem follows two detectives investigating a string of brutal murders in a rural town. ‘Memories of Murder’ blends dark humor with gut-wrenching suspense, led by Song Kang-ho.

Bong Joon-ho’s masterful direction turns a true-crime story into a haunting reflection on failure. The film’s atmosphere and unanswered questions stick with you. It’s a must-watch for thriller fans.

7. Zodiac (2007)

‘Zodiac’ dives into the real-life hunt for the infamous Zodiac Killer. Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo lead a tense investigation spanning years, with no easy answers.

David Fincher’s meticulous direction captures the obsession and frustration of the case. The film’s moody visuals and detailed script make it a slow-burn masterpiece. It’s as unsettling as it is captivating.

6. Oldboy (2003)

This South Korean thriller is a gut-punch of revenge and mystery. ‘Oldboy’ follows a man, played by Choi Min-sik, imprisoned for 15 years without explanation, then released to find answers.

Park Chan-wook’s bold direction and shocking twists make it unforgettable. The film’s intense action and emotional depth hit hard. It’s a wild ride that demands your full attention.

5. The Departed (2006)

This crime thriller throws us into a cat-and-mouse game between cops and criminals. ‘The Departed’ follows an undercover agent, Leonardo DiCaprio, and a mole, Matt Damon, in a tense Boston underworld.

Martin Scorsese’s fast-paced direction and a stellar cast, including Jack Nicholson, keep you guessing. The film’s sharp dialogue and brutal twists earned it an Oscar. It’s a relentless, edge-of-your-seat story.

4. Inception (2010)

‘Inception’ is a mind-bending heist thriller about stealing secrets from dreams. Leonardo DiCaprio leads a team navigating layered dream worlds, where time and reality twist in wild ways.

Christopher Nolan’s stunning visuals and complex plot keep you hooked. The cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page, grounds the high-concept story. It’s a thrilling puzzle that sparks endless debates.

3. Get Out (2017)

‘Get Out’ blends social commentary with chilling suspense. Daniel Kaluuya stars as a man meeting his girlfriend’s family, only to uncover a horrifying secret behind their warm smiles.

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is sharp, funny, and terrifying. The film’s clever script and standout performances, like Allison Williams, make it a modern classic. It’s a thriller that hits both the heart and the mind.

2. No Country for Old Men (2007)

This Coen Brothers masterpiece is a tense game of chase in the Texas desert. ‘No Country for Old Men’ follows a hunter, Josh Brolin, stumbling on drug money, pursued by a ruthless killer, Javier Bardem.

The film’s stark visuals and haunting silence build dread in every scene. Bardem’s chilling performance as Anton Chigurh steals the show. It’s a brutal, unforgettable thriller that won Best Picture.

1. Mulholland Drive (2001)

‘Mulholland Drive’ is a surreal mystery that defies easy answers. Directed by David Lynch, it follows Naomi Watts as an aspiring actress caught in a dreamlike web of identity and betrayal in Hollywood.

The film’s eerie atmosphere and layered story keep you guessing. Laura Elena Harring and Justin Theroux add to the unsettling vibe. It’s a haunting puzzle that invites endless rewatches.

Which thriller or mystery movie is your favorite, or did we miss one you love? Drop your thoughts in the comments!