15 Best Mystery Movies on Max You Need to Watch
Mystery movies pull you in with their twists, secrets, and the thrill of piecing together clues. Max has a rich lineup of these films, from timeless classics to modern brain-teasers, perfect for anyone who loves a good puzzle.
I’ve sifted through HBO Max’s offerings to bring you 15 standout mystery films that keep you guessing until the end. Whether you’re into noir vibes or psychological twists, these movies deliver suspense and surprises.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Humphrey Bogart stars as private eye Sam Spade, diving into a murky case involving a mysterious woman and a priceless statue. This noir classic crackles with sharp dialogue and shadowy intrigue.
John Huston’s tight direction and Bogart’s cool charisma make it a genre cornerstone. The hunt for the Falcon keeps you hooked with its web of lies and betrayal.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Orson Welles plays a media tycoon whose final word, ‘Rosebud,’ sparks a reporter’s quest to unravel his life’s secrets. This groundbreaking film blends mystery with bold storytelling.
Its innovative structure and deep emotional core make it a timeless puzzle. The search for ‘Rosebud’ is as gripping today as it was decades ago.
North by Northwest (1959)
Cary Grant’s ad executive is mistaken for a spy, sending him on a thrilling cross-country chase in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic. The crop-duster scene alone is iconic.
Hitchcock’s knack for suspense and Grant’s charm keep the tension high. It’s a masterclass in mistaken identity and relentless pursuit.
Klute (1971)
Jane Fonda shines as a call girl caught in a detective’s search for a missing man. Donald Sutherland’s gritty performance as the PI adds depth to this neo-noir gem.
The film’s moody atmosphere and psychological edge make it a standout. It’s a slow-burn mystery that rewards careful attention.
The Conversation (1974)
Gene Hackman plays a paranoid surveillance expert who overhears a conversation that may lead to murder. Francis Ford Coppola’s tense thriller explores privacy and guilt.
Its sound design and Hackman’s haunted performance create an unsettling vibe. The mystery unfolds with a creeping sense of dread.
L’Avventura (1960)
Michelangelo Antonioni’s art-house mystery follows a woman’s disappearance during a yacht trip, leaving her friends to grapple with the unknown. Its ambiguous tone is haunting.
The film’s stunning visuals and emotional depth make it a unique puzzle. It’s less about answers and more about the questions that linger.
Blue Velvet (1986)
David Lynch’s surreal neo-noir follows college student Jeffrey Beaumont, played by Kyle MacLachlan, who finds a severed ear and uncovers a dark underworld. It’s weird and gripping.
Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper add intensity to this bizarre tale. The mix of mystery and Lynch’s dreamlike style keeps you off balance.
Mystic River (2003)
Clint Eastwood’s chilling drama tracks three childhood friends, played by Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon, rocked by a murder in their Boston neighborhood. The emotional weight is crushing.
The film’s tight script and powerhouse performances unravel a tragic mystery. It’s a gut-punch that explores loss and suspicion.
Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s obsessive thriller follows journalists and cops, including Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr., chasing the elusive Zodiac Killer. It’s based on real events.
The film’s meticulous detail and relentless pace mirror the case’s complexity. It’s a gripping dive into an unsolved enigma.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law bring spark to Guy Ritchie’s action-packed take on the famous detective. Holmes tackles a ritualistic murder with wit and flair.
The film’s fast-paced mystery and dynamic duo make it a fun ride. Victorian London’s gritty backdrop adds extra intrigue.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
David Fincher’s adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s novel follows hacker Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara, and a journalist investigating a decades-old disappearance. It’s dark and intense.
The film’s icy visuals and Mara’s fierce performance drive the suspense. It’s a twisted puzzle with a haunting payoff.
Gone Girl (2014)
Ben Affleck’s Nick becomes a suspect when his wife, played by Rosamund Pike, vanishes in David Fincher’s sharp thriller. Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, it’s a masterclass in deception.
The film’s clever twists and biting commentary on relationships keep you guessing. Pike’s chilling performance steals the show.
Knives Out (2019)
Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit follows a star-studded cast, including Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, solving a patriarch’s murder. It’s witty and razor-sharp.
The film’s clever script and playful tone revive the classic mystery genre. Every clue and red herring is a delight.
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar-winner blends mystery, thriller, and social commentary as a poor family infiltrates a wealthy household. The Kims’ scheme unravels with shocking twists.
Its seamless mix of humor, suspense, and class critique makes it unforgettable. The basement reveal will leave you stunned.
Caddo Lake (2024)
A missing girl and a mysterious lake connect two strangers in this M. Night Shyamalan-produced thriller. Eliza Scanlen and Dylan O’Brien anchor the twisty, emotional story.
The film’s complex plot and haunting atmosphere build to a moving climax. It’s a fresh, engaging mystery with sci-fi undertones.
Which mystery movie on Max keeps you up at night, or did I miss a clever gem? Share your favorites in the comments!