20 Underrated Movies with Darkly Compelling Mysteries

Finding someone who doesn’t enjoy a good mystery sounds impossible. A suspenseful story alone can be a powerful hook. A chilling murder mystery? An ominous secret society? Or perhaps a century-long family secret? Despite our familiarity with these introductions, these stories venture into various routes. While some remain simple mysteries, others experiment with the narrative. Both, however, unveil a greater truth about the world. Sprinkled with juicy bits of information, audiences can’t help but dig deeper. Among enigmatic characters, the story is transformed from typical fodder to an unforgettable thriller. Each character, with its defining traits, witty dialogue, and decisions made under duress, reveals more than meets the eye, pulling us closer to the astonishing climax.

Literary legends like Agatha Christie have been credited with creating the foundation for many of the mysteries we read and watch on screen. While many mystery movies have seen success, there are several that have gone under the radar during the time of their respective releases. These films have been overlooked depending on their country of origin, their premise, and the steps taken to reach their conclusions. The accessibility of these projects online and subsequent discourse has given them a second wind. Without further ado, here are several mystery films that many consider to be underrated, in no particular order.

Devil (2010)

Workplace horrors take the dread, stress, and exhaustion that seemingly permeates the office and expands on it, creating a fantastical tale that drives the point that no one is truly safe anywhere. M. Night Shyamalan’s Devil takes a typical fear and transforms it into a terrifying dance with the devil, literally. Following five co-workers in a Philadelphia office, the film finds them entrapped in an elevator. Initially weary of their predicament, the experience takes a turn for the worse when they endure debilitating and frightening encounters, leading up to the revelation that one of them is the Devil.

The Devil is in the Details

The film debuted to mixed reviews, with critics questioning the acting performances of the cast as well as its originality. However, Devil as an iteration of the classic “whodunit” story, is pitch perfect. For those who feel director M. Night Shyamalan can be hit or miss, Devil does stand as one of his more straight-forward stories that is more accessible than others. You can rent Devil on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.

Stray Dog (1949)

Akira Kurosawa’s 1949 Stray Dog is a Japanese film noir drama centered around a recently promoted homicide detective. Set during one of the hottest days in Tokyo, Detective Murakami (Toshiro Mifune) experiences one of the most stressful days of his career. After a pickpocket swipes his gun, Murakami spends the entire day looking for the person responsible, offering viewers an up-close look at postwar Tokyo simultaneously.

A Stunning Thriller From Japan’s Greatest Director

Keeping audiences engaged with alluring cinematography, the film goes against the grain and follows a protagonist that audiences can admire and possibly identify with. Typically collected, Detective Murakami’s exploration of the city sends him into a spiral after it is revealed that his gun is being used to carry out a series of crimes throughout the city. The film excellently examines Murakami’s trauma, symbolized by his attachment to his gun. However, what makes Stray Dog a true hallmark of cinema by Akira Kurosawa is its illuminating depiction of postwar Japan and the collective trauma of its citizens. You can stream Stray Dog (1949) on The Criterion Channel.

Incendies (2010)

Generation-spanning conflicts, immigration, and reputation are the foundational fabrics of a family’s shroud of secrets. In Incendies, we have the privilege of looking into Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon’s (Maxim Gaudette) family history. The film finds two French-Canadians of Levantine descent following their mother Nawal’s (Lubna Azabal) journey through adolescence following her passing. Left with two letters, the siblings learn of secret relatives and the life Nawal left behind in her home country.

A Profound Story Spanning Generations

Incendies may not carry the same energy as an action movie. Nonetheless, the various conflicts explored within the film and the siblings’ genuine desire to rediscover their mother in a new light make it a powerful film that will surely leave audiences emotionally invested and impressed with Denis Villeneuve’s interpretation of the Wajdi Mouawad play of the same name. Rent Incendies on Apple TV, Prime Video, or YouTube.

Memories of Murder (2003)

While many of us learn of Bong Joon-ho’s immense talent through films like Parasite and Snowpiercer, he made many films that received monumental praise in East Asia. These films, including Memories of Murder, currently enjoy a revisit from fans of Bong Joon-ho and first-time engagement from new fans. The film, a 2003 thriller, focuses on a series of murders and assaults in the city of Haeswong during the 80s. The detectives leading the case, Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho) and Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung) lead audiences through the criminal process while the latter learn more about their personal lives and the tactics they use to find the killer.

An Early Masterpiece From the Director of Parasite and Snowpiercer

From the police officers we follow to the locals, Memories of Murder separates itself from other crime thrillers. The satirical nature of the film would prove to be the driving force behind its cult classic status and overall veneration. Finding the characters succumb to the pressure of the investigation and their comical attempts to unwind makes the film engaging and enthralling for mystery fans. You can stream Memories of Murder on Tubi.

Zero Effect (1998)

The 1998 combination of comedy and mystery found Bill Pullman starring as Daryl Zero, “the world’s most private detective”. Zero’s isolation plays a significant role in his success and reputation. His misanthropic demeanor prevents him from coming into contact with any of his clients, instead going through his assistant, Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller). Both Daryl and Steve are hired by Portland area millionaire Greggory Stark (Ryan O’Neal), hoping to use the duo’s talents to help discover the key to an important safe box.

A Dark Yet Humorous Mystery

While the film debuted to generally favorable reviews, the chemistry between Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller made audiences appreciate the film for its depiction of friendship more than the mystery at hand. For those searching for a mystery led by bold personalities or an otherwise humorous approach to an otherwise dark genre, Zero Effect is a great start. You can rent Zero Effect on Apple TV, Prime Video, or YouTube.

I Am Mother (2019)

Interweaving science fiction into the film’s fabric, I Am Mother finds the surviving members of humanity sheltered in a bunker following a cataclysmic event. Mother (Rose Byrne) is a robot that carries and delivers an embryo that grows into a “Daughter” (Clara Rugaard). The Daughter is kept in the bunker, discouraged from leaving and interacting with the outside world due to the dangers ahead. However, a wounded woman (Hilary Swank) appears and threatens to unveil everything Mother has kept hidden.

Sci-Fi Mystery Exploring Motherhood

The chilling atmosphere of the bunker alone creates a uniquely unsettling feeling that keeps audiences engaged and, more importantly, concerned with Daughter’s safety. With the introduction of both Mother and Woman, poignant conversations about motherhood and the human connection start to break through, resulting in a refreshing, dystopian, sci-fi mystery that subverts expectations. You can stream I Am Mother on Netflix.

Crimson Peak (2015)

Crimson Peak is a 2015 mystery-horror that first takes place in Buffalo, New York, circa 1887. Centered around aspiring author Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), the film chronicles her career and her new marriage to English baronet Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston). Moving to a mansion with Sharpe and his sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain), Edith becomes afflicted with multiple paranormal visions. As Edith investigates these visions and learns more about her new home, she stumbles upon a series of secrets that upends her entire understanding of the world around her.

A Stylish Supernatural Mystery

Many online have come to appreciate the stellar performances in the film, especially Chastain’s. Many found her portrayal of Lucille to be particularly chilling, or as writer Bryan Alexander proclaimed in his review, “beautifully bad.” The film offers a compelling narrative that draws focus to the mansion itself but prompts questions about true love and envy. You can stream Crimson Peak on Prime Video.

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

Despite under performing at the box office, Devil In A Blue Dress still stands as a cherished and underrated 90s mystery. Framed as a neo-noir crime thriller, the film is an adaptation of Walter Mosley’s 1990 novel of the same name. Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins (Denzel Washington) is one of the most recognizable black detectives, and in Devil In A Blue Dress, audiences have the opportunity to follow him in his first investigation of a mysterious woman.

Adapting an Iconic Detective to the Screen

Taking place in the late 1940s, Easy’s journey dives into the political implications of the missing woman as well as the racial dynamics that play into the disappearance itself. While the suspense alone makes the film enjoyable, Devil In A Blue Dress places much more emphasis on the motivations behind the mysterious vanishing than it does on the culprit, making for a powerful conclusion to a film filled with wonderful performances from Washington and Don Cheadle. You can rent Devil in a Blue Dress on Apple TV, Prime Video, or YouTube.

Missing (2023)

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Missing is a 2023 thriller that is both relatable and experimental with the film’s entirety taking place online. The film introduces the audience to 18-year-old June Allen (Storm Reid) and her mother, Grace (Nia Long), on what seems to be a typical weekend. After she announces a week-long vacation to Colombia with her new boyfriend, Kevin (Ken Leung), Grace leaves June to her own devices. Nevertheless, when June heads to the airport to pick up her mother, she is nowhere to be found, sending her on a frantic search through the internet in hopes of finding her.

An Engaging Tale of a Young Internet Sleuth

Making a film around the internet is both an adventurous and intriguing approach, yet Missing manages to craft an engaging story of a daughter searching for her mother using only online resources. An interesting take on the screen-life sub-genre, Missing both speaks to issues close-to-home while tying in more nuanced perspectives around technology. You can stream Missing on Netflix.

Presumed Innocent (1990)

A tense legal drama, Presumed Innocent follows famous lawyer Rusty Sabich (Harrison Ford) in his endeavors to vindicate himself after being falsely accused of the murder of prosecutor Carolyn Polhemus’s (Greta Sacchi). Rusty hires Sandy Stern, a rival attorney, to defend him, and the trial becomes an international sensation as Rusty races to find the truth behind the murder.

A Courtroom Drama With Twists and Turns

While retaining all the expected suspense of a typical mystery, Presumed Innocent brings viewers into the legal world and informs them of elementary processes and the more insidious aspects of the American justice system. Director Alan J. Pakula manages to navigate the complex world of courtroom and criminal proceedings with ease. The stunning reveal at the end is both fulfilling and speaks to a phenomenon much more common than most would admit. You can rent Presumed Innocent on Apple TV, Prime Video, or YouTube.

Winter’s Bone (2010)

The thought of waking up to a missing parent is a debilitating feeling. Much like Missing, Winter’s Bone explores the same feelings. Following 17-year-old Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), the film tracks her journey to find her father, who disappears shortly after putting their home up for his bail bond. In hopes of saving her family from being unhoused, Ree attempts to sift through her family’s secrets and lies to find the answers she needs.

The Strength to Go Against Family Traditions

What makes Winter’s Bone particularly fascinating is the lengths it goes to highlight Ree’s isolation. Breaking her family’s unwritten vows of silence, Ree’s determination mirrors that of anyone who makes the difficult choice to confront their loved ones and ask difficult questions, even if it costs them their comfort and connections. Jennifer Lawrence also gave one of the best performances of her career in Winter’s Bone. You can stream Winter’s Bone on Kanopy or Plex.

A Perfect Murder (1998)

A Perfect Murder may owe itself to Alfred Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, but the 1998 murder mystery is a marvel in its own right. Starring Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Viggo Mortensen, the film follows disgruntled financier Steven Taylor, who, upon finding out that his wife Emily is having an affair, plots to murder her. Unveiling himself as a callous mastermind, Steven orchestrates the plot by hiring his wife’s lover, David (Viggo Mortensen), as the assassin, much to his dismay.

Envy Can Make a Man Do Horrible Things

Despite the enormous pressure of remaking a Hitchcock film, the stellar performances of the leading cast and the revised plot resulted in a newfound appreciation. While initially debuting to mixed reviews for its romantic flourishes and flashiness, the film has garnered more adoration over time for its power to keep audiences invested with its many twists and turns. You can rent A Perfect Murder on Apple TV, prime Video, or YouTube.

The Empty Man (2020)

The Empty Man takes place in a small town that is reeling over the disappearance of several young teenagers. Having lost someone himself, James Lasombra (James Badge Dale) begins to investigate the bizarre events around their disappearance. He finds that the events trace back to centuries, to an ancient deity with dedicated followers, and that he may have a part in their devious plans.

A Lovecraftian Detective Story

Calling forth Lovecraftian level terrors, The Empty Man is one of the most divisive films to come out of 2020. Notably, The Empty Man was far removed from the “creepy pasta” scares that audiences were expecting, instead focusing on a long, dark, investigation into the unknown. If you are a fan of mysteries with a tinge of horror, The Empty Man is certainly worth a look. You can stream The Empty Man on Hulu.

Tenebrae (1982)

Famed director Dario Argento would go on to release Tenebrae in 1982. The film follows Peter Neal (Anthony Francoisa), an American author in Rome promoting his new murder-mystery novel. After news of a killer, inspired by his novel, spreads, Peter recruits the help of local detectives and his agent in hopes of trying to prevent the impending killing spree.

Dario Argento’s Ode to Giallo

Incorporating themes of dualism and stylistic choices such as filming from the point-of-view of its characters, fans have noted that Argento uses Tenebrae to both deconstruct critiques of his past work while returning to form. Known for his contributions to the giallo subgenre, Tenebrae finds the director dissecting horror’s fascination with the violent murder of women and the subsequent glorification of the trope. In the end, the film acts as a poignant swan song of sorts, commemorating the end of the giallo genre’s first wave of popularity. Tenebrae is streaming for free on Tubi and Plex.

Black Coal, Thin Ice (2014)

Black Coal, Thin Ice is a Chinese thriller that chronicles the horrific murder and dismemberment of an unknown victim. With their body parts being shipped out to different cities receiving shipments of coal. Detective Zhang Zili (Liao Fan) is tasked with investigating the murder and trying to uncover the identity of the mystery woman.

A Gruesome Murder Mystery

An already intriguing mystery surrounding a grotesque act of violence, the film delves deeper and soon focuses on the officers implicated in the case as well as the parties involved in the initial murder. Black Coal, Thin Ice not only provides audiences with an engaging story but also highlights silence as a powerful tool used to evade crime and reinforce rigid hierarchies. You can stream Black Coal, Thin Ice on Prime, Tubi, or Plex.

Master (2022)

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Master follows a promising young student, Jasmine (Zoe Renee), who moves into the Belleview House, a residence hall under the tutelage of Gail Bishop (Regina Hall). Holstered by Ancaster College as the first black “master” of a residence hall, Gail tries to the best of her ability to protect her students. However, a series of horrific murders take place, wreaking havoc on campus. As Jasmine attempts to get to the bottom of the murders, she begins to unearth an unsettling reality that only reaffirms a terrifying truth.

An Uncomfortable Truth Unearthed

Master incorporates existing criticisms about tokenism and dabbles in current conversations about “black fishing” in order to create a compelling horror. The characterization of Gail, Jasmine, and other members of the faculty have enriched the film overall, with critics celebrating Master as “a complex, character-driven” project. You can stream Master (2022) on Prime Video.

Body Double (1984)

Body Double joins A Perfect Murder as another thriller that owes its debts to Alfred Hitchcock’s classics. Following struggling actor Jake Scully (Craig Wasson), the film follows him on one of the worst days of his life. Being replaced by another actor on set and coming home to his unfaithful girlfriend, Jake is left to fend for himself until he comes across Sam Bouchard (Gregg Henry). The film soon tracks Jake’s experience house-sitting Sam’s home in the affluent Hollywood Hills, where he witnesses a worrying event.

A Visually Stylish Erotic Thriller

Body Double uses the suspense baked in Jake’s subsequent investigation and highlights existing conversations about voyeurism, exhibitionisms, and illusion. An alluring look into the adult entertainment industry unveils the film’s overall examination of misogyny: both found in villains and seemingly friendly faces. While receiving mixed reviews, the cinetography of Brian De Palma is so perfect in Body Double that you can enjoy the crime-thriller on style alone. You can rent Body Double on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.

Deep Red (1975)

Deep Red is a 1975 Italian horror film that opens with the murder of a psychic. When Marcus Daly (David Hemmings), a musician, discovers the body, he feels inclined to solve the case. His desire to find the killer grows after a tragedy hits too close to home. Teaming up with reporter Gianna Brezzi (Daria Nicolodi), the duo attempt to find the murderer and prevent any more calamities.

A Classic Giallo

Considered a quintessential entry in the giallo genre, Deep Red toes the line between crime and mystery. Known for their gruesome depictions of murders and building intrigue among the audience, giallo films tend to explore themes of delusion, paranoia, sexuality, trauma, and alienation. Deep Red excels at creating a compelling mystery that plays with the minds of its viewers while offering them a wonderful assortment of body horror and suspense. You can stream Deep Red on AMC+, Shudder, Scrambox, or The Criterion Channel.

The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)

The Place Beyond The Pines is a 2012 crime-mystery that finds Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, and Bradley Cooper in a riveting drama that interrogates the cycle of violence and the legacy of corruption. The film opens with an introduction to Luke (Gosling), a motorcycle stuntman who tries to turn a new leaf after learning that he shares a child with Romina (Mendes), his former lover. In hopes of providing for both of them, Luke decides to find work, which quickly turns into a string of robberies.

A Chilling Crime Thriller with an All-Star Cast

Corruption is, seemingly, a tale as long as time. The Place Beyond The Pines excellently explores lives forever changed by secrets and lies. Furthermore, the film stresses the lasting impacts of said omissions. A leap forward finds the actions of Avery and Luke, as well as their peers, influencing the next generation, highlighting that the truth can never be buried under the sands of time. You can rent The Place Beyond the Pines on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.

Cure (1997)

Cure finds our protagonist solving a series of seemingly random murders. Detective Kenichi Takabe (Koji Yashuko) is at the center of the investigation, coming across suspects only mere moments after they have committed the murder. What makes these cases even more peculiar is the recurring “X” found near all the victim’s bodies. Aside from the worrisome developments, the film also shines a light on Fumie (Anna Nakagawa), Takabe’s wife, who struggles with schizophrenia.

Churning in the Dark Underbelly of Tokyo

A psychological thriller at its core, Cure impressed critics and fans alike, progressing from just another police procedural to an unforgettably horrific masterpiece. Films that stand the test of time tend to speak to a universal truth. Cure also acts as a dissection of the human psyche, pulling audiences away from the seemingly inviting veneer of 90s Tokyo to a darker underbelly. You can stream Cure (1997) on The Criterion Channel.​​​