From well-known classics like Shutter Island to treasured international films such as Oldboy, some of the best films in the thriller mystery genre have captured the hearts of many over the years. This is especially true when they feature a compelling, brainy narrative that keeps audiences invested and on the edge of their seats, which is the case for the entries mentioned on this list.

When feeling bored, a film that switches on every part of our brain is the perfect way to keep boredom at bay. From a mystery killer to an intriguing character on the loose, the best thriller mystery movies are the ones that pull you into their world with ease and make you live like you’re the protagonist. Finding such compelling works might be difficult in today’s commercialized movie business, but there are still some gems that can brighten up a dull mind. With so many great movies in the mystery thriller genre, it can be hard to pick where to start. As such, we have gathered some of the best mystery thriller movies that audiences most definitely do not want to miss, from the modern The Luckiest Girl Alive to the iconic psychological thriller Vertigo.

17 'Luckiest Girl Alive' (2022)

Director: Mike Barker

Based on the book of the same name, this Mike Barker film tells the story of Ani FaNelli (Mila Kunis), who endured a shocking public humiliation at a prestigious school. Years later, she finds herself leading the life of her dreams. However, it all comes crashing down when Ana finds herself forced to face her trauma.

Netflix's Luckiest Girl Alive is an example of a great thriller movie in modern-day cinema. From the plot to the storytelling, the movie unfolds events in a very fascinating manner. It reveals necessary details while leaving you wanting more at the same time. The events of the film are separate yet linked so intricately that viewers can see a cascading domino effect that leads the characters in their respective actions. Furthermore, Mila Kunis made a smashing comeback with this thrilling flick, delivering a career-best performance.

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16 'Orphan' (2009)

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

A one-of-a-kind movie with a thrilling premise, Orphan follows the story of a killer kid who finds a home in a new family that looking to adopt. Unfortunately, everything comes crashing down when the 9-year-old Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) reveals her true dark nature. The shocking turn of events leaves audiences astonished and wondering what went wrong.

Orphan is based on a true story and is rather intense. The entire quality of the film is terrific, with powerful performances, a fantastic script, and flawless production. The movie has a lot of suspense, and the twist is expertly executed and shocking to the audience. For a more rounded experience, viewers can check out the thrilling sequel that was released in 2022.

15 'A Haunting in Venice' (2023)

Director: Kenneth Branagh

In this most recent and well-received Agatha Christie adaptation set in post-World War II Venice, Kenneth Branagh steps into the shoes of Hercule Poirot once more. A Haunting in Venice finds the iconic character enjoying retirement when he reluctantly attends a seance. However, when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to uncover the killer again.

A Haunting in Venice is objectively the best out of the three films in the franchise (it also features the highest scores on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes). It manages to capture the brilliance of Branagh in both acting and directing, making for a thoroughly entertaining must-see whodunit film that combines elements of mystery and the supernatural to great results.

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14 'Us' (2019)

Director: Jordan Peele

Us is one of Jordan Peele's most well-known features (though perhaps one of his most underrated too). Although it is often cataloged as a psychological horror feature, it certainly contains mystery and thriller elements. Starring Lupita Nyong'o in one of her best performances alongside Winston Duke, the 2019 movie centers around Adelaide Wilson and her family as they are attacked by mysterious lookalikes dressed in red.

Peele's Us is not everyone's cup of tea. However, it is an engaging tale of duality and repression that will keep those who dare to watch it on the edge of their seats as unanswered questions pile up. Questioning privilege and freedom, Peele's entertaining film also features great acting performances and an absorbing, utterly atmospheric cinematography.

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13 'Burning' (2018)

Director: Lee Chang-dong

In this Steven Yeun-led Korean flick, a young writer and deliveryman (Yoo Ah-In) sees himself caught up in the middle of a love triangle between his childhood friend (Jeon Jong-seo) and her mysterious friend, Ben, whom she meets while on a trip to Africa. Upon their return, Jong-su finds himself drawn to the charismatic man, who he later discovers has a secret hobby.

As the title suggests, this Lee Chang-dong film is a slow-burn watch that will keep viewers intrigued throughout. Compelling from beginning to end, Burning features an impeccable narrative that focuses on class and the oppression of Korean society, providing audiences with a sharp commentary on the poor and the rich while shedding light on loneliness and gender inequality.

12 'Shutter Island' (2010)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Shutter Island follows Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, two US Marshals, who are sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient at an asylum on a remote island. Teddy uncovers a shocking truth about the place. Shocking, engaging, and all things thriller, the Martin Scorsese film is not a breezy watch — hence why it is only recommended for streaming when viewers are in the right headspace to gather all that is thrown toward them.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, Shutter Island is a thought-provoking film that certainly incites audiences to reflect on numerous aspects that affect their daily lives, doing everything in its power to taint the viewer's point of view, unleashing a whole new truth in the end. Among the best mystery thriller movies ever made (and, at times, even scarier than some horror movies), Shutter Island unquestionably calls for and demands multiple viewings.

11 'Se7en' (1995)

Director: David Fincher

Se7en is an unconventional detective film that follows a serial killer on a killing spree. Two officers (Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt) work day and night to piece together clues and get a hold of evidence that points them in the direction of the deadly murderer. Things get tense when the detectives' personal lives get entangled, and they see no way out.

David Fincher's must-see psychological horror keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering who is next. On top of its incredibly written screenplay, the fantastic on-screen chemistry and dynamics between Pitt and Freeman are refreshing and elevate their evergreen crime thriller movie to even higher grounds. The good news is that Se7en is getting a 4k remaster.

10 'Oldboy' (2003)

Director: Park Chan-wook

After being taken off the street, Dae-su Oh (Choi Min-sik) awakens in a cell and spends the next 15 years there, only having the television for companionship. When he is suddenly released, he is invited to find his kidnapper and finally get his brutal revenge.

Directed by Park Chan-wook and featuring a highly disturbing ending, the unforgettable South Korean arthouse action film Oldboy is certainly one for the books. The fan-favorite film is filled with gripping action and ahead-of-its-time storytelling, making for a visually impressive and immersive viewing experience that is guaranteed to provide food for thought. Entertaining those sitting in front of the screen, Chan-wook's second part of the Revenge Trilogy is regarded as one of the best of its genre.

9 'Mulholland Drive' (2001)

Director: David Fincher

David Fincher's essential film has captured the attention of many cinephiles around the globe, and understandably so. Mulholland Drive is a trippy viewing experience that takes audiences to other dimensions while focusing on the story of Betty Elms, an aspiring L.A. actress (Naomi Watts) who befriends an amnesiac woman recovering from a car crash (Laura Harring)

This must-see arthouse film blurs the line between reality and dreams to incredible results – Mulholland Drive provides a lot of food for thought, making for an undeniably memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. On top of that, Lynch's feature, which endures an essential in the genre after all these years, is incredibly absorbing and intellectually stimulating, with some viewers even finding it slightly hard to understand.

8 'The Sixth Sense' (1999)

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the 1999 movie seamlessly blends tragic character development and terrifying, spine-tingling thrills to astonishing results. The highly successful flick centers on child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) who starts treating a young boy (Haley Joel Osment) who encounters dead people. In return, Cole helps him reunite with his estranged wife.

While there is no shortage of spine-tingling spectral experiences in The Sixth Sense, none can compare to the most horrifying one, which involves a puking child ghost. Cole's experiences in the film successfully evoke empathy for him and his struggles. Despite their vast age differences, the film treats Cole and Malcolm equally, demonstrating that they have both gone through a great deal of pain and come out on top. The film's iconic ending is known for making viewers question everything they've watched.

7 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' (2011)

Director: David Fincher

Daniel Craig plays Mikael Blomkvist, a financial journalist whose career is in jeopardy in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. He is responsible for discovering who murdered a wealthy girl who vanished 40 years before with the aid of a young computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). Her uncle wants Mikael's assistance to finally get some answers because he thinks a family member committed the murder.

When talking about the best investigation thriller movies, this fantastic psychological thriller definitely earns a nod. Based on the eponymous 2005 novel by Stieg Larsson, the film adaptation masterfully captures the gripping and twisty nature of the source material. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo makes for a nail-biting, at times even hard-to-watch experience given the explicit content it features.

6 'Nightcrawler' (2014)

Director: Dan Gilroy

Among Jake Gyllenhaal's best performances is in the 2014 film Nightcrawler, where the actor steps into the shoes of Lou Bloom (a character written based on the ideas of capitalism). Desperate for work, the con man makes his way into the crime scene of L.A. where he dips his foot in crime journalism, ultimately blurring the lines between observer and participant.

Dan Gilroy's incredible directorial debut will not fall short of audiences' expectations - especially audiences who enjoy sitting through puzzling thrillers. Dealing with intriguing themes such as exploitation and unethical journalism, Nightcrawler is uniquely captivating and at times downright disturbing, making for an unforgettable and undeniably stylish viewing experience that ranks high among the best in the genre from the early 2010s.

5 'Gone Girl' (2014)

Director: David Fincher

Gone Girl kicks off with an honest wife gone missing and the husband making all efforts to find her and get her back. What unravels next is a web of lies, betrayal, and a sequence of events that audiences probably did not see coming.

Starring the talented Rosamund Pike – who delivered an Oscar-worthy performance and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the unnominated film – and Ben Affleck in lead roles, they do everything in their power to blend in the world inspired by the novel written by Gillian Flynn. The twisted characters come together to create an intricate story that shocks you and triggers a lot of psychological elements for the viewer. At this point, there is hardly any doubt that Gone Girl is among the best crime thriller movies.

4 'The Wailing' (2016)

Director: Na Hong-jin

Another film that some could argue fits into the horror category best because of its body horror elements is Na Hong-jin's The Wailing, a South Korean film that follows a policeman, played by Kwak Do-won, who investigates a series of killings and illnesses in a remote Korean village, Goksenog. In the meantime, he attempts to save his daughter.

The Wailing is a near-classic exorcism film that's an equally intense thriller and mystery, forcing audiences to put their brains to use thanks to its complex, layered storyline involving a string of highly suspicious murders. No doubt, Na Hong-jin's film is the kind of movie that stays with viewers after the credits roll; most of it is thanks to its incredible direction and masterful writing that keeps audiences immersed in its worldbuilding.

3 'Zodiac' (2007)

Director: David Fincher

Featuring some of their most unforgettable efforts, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo star in David Fincher's 2007 picture. The film revolves around the real-life terrifying case of the notorious Zodiac killer who plagued San Francisco in the late 1960s and '70s.

Zodiac can be quite ominous and unsettling at times, but it's subtle; there are no overdone aspects to it. The acting is, of course, top-tier. While both Ruffalo and Downey are outstanding, a younger Jake Gyllenhaal is the star of the mystery film, stealing the spotlight in every scene he is in. There is no doubt that Zodiac is truly an excellent film. With that being said, it assuredly ranks high among the top mystery thriller movies.

2 'Memento' (2000)

Director: Christopher Nolan

One of Christopher Nolan's best films to date, Memento follows Guy Pearce's character Leonard, who is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. Still, he suffers from a rare and untreatable form of memory loss, and the loss of his soulmate is the last thing he remembers.

Filled with twists and turns, there is no doubt that Memento is among the most unforgettable and impactful features of the genre – it's definitely a film that is great to go into blind. On top of its compelling narrative, Nolan's film also features fantastic performances, with Pearce obviously standing out of the bunch. The way it explores memory, identity, and manipulation are among its strongest assets.

1 'Vertigo' (1958)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Often named the greatest film of all time – in the Sight and Sound poll, it is deservingly featured in the second place – Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, Vertigo, is a mystery thriller unlike any other. It follows a former San Francisco police detective (James Stewart) who becomes slowly smitten with the gorgeous but seemingly disturbed woman (Kim Novak) he has been hired to trail. In the meantime, he attempts to face his own demons.

Twisted and engrossing, Vertigo provides audiences with a brainy, suspenseful narrative and social commentary on obsession that will certainly keep them entertained. Additionally, it features a hypnotizing romantic relationship at its center, making for the perfect pick for hopeless romantics who are keen on mystery thrillers.

NEXT:The Best Thrillers of All Time, Ranked