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If you’re the type who pauses movies to guess the killer, rewinds scenes to catch hidden clues, or finds yourself still thinking about a plot twist days later, this list is for you. Investigation thrillers are more than just entertainment — they’re a mental workout, an adrenaline rush, and an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in one.
The post-2015 era has brought some of the most gripping, visually stunning, and brilliantly written investigation thrillers to streaming platforms. From small-town murder mysteries to high-stakes conspiracies, each film here is designed to keep you guessing until the final frame.
1. Knives Out (2019)
A modern take on the classic whodunit, Knives Out delivers razor-sharp wit, a colorful cast of suspects, and a mystery that unfolds with delicious unpredictability. Daniel Craig’s southern-accented detective is a delight, and the intricate plotting rewards sharp-eyed viewers.
- Why Watch: It’s witty, stylish, and endlessly rewatchable.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2018 TV Movie Adaptation)
This reimagining of the modern classic novel follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they uncover dark family secrets in a wealthy Swedish clan. It’s atmospheric, chilling, and powered by complex characters.
- Why Watch: Gritty atmosphere meets high-tech sleuthing.
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
3. Enola Holmes (2020)
While lighter in tone than the rest, Enola Holmes still brings solid detective work, plenty of charm, and a refreshing focus on a female lead in the investigative world. Millie Bobby Brown shines as Sherlock’s younger sister, outsmarting everyone around her.
- Why Watch: Fun, clever, and surprisingly heartfelt.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
4. The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo) – Remake Version (2016)
This Spanish thriller remains one of the most jaw-dropping murder mysteries in modern cinema. Every conversation peels back another layer of lies, and the final twist is a gut punch you won’t see coming.
- Why Watch: Brilliant structure and a finale that changes everything.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
5. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Rian Johnson returns with another intricate puzzle, this time set on a private Greek island during a billionaire’s exclusive gathering. It’s flashier and more satirical than the first Knives Out, but still packed with surprises.
- Why Watch: Extravagant setting, juicy satire, and a killer mystery.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
6. The Little Things (2021)
Three powerhouse actors — Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto — elevate this slow-burn crime drama. It’s not just about catching a killer; it’s about the emotional toll the hunt takes on those chasing him.
- Why Watch: A moody, psychological twist on the serial killer genre.
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
7. Decision to Leave (2022)
A South Korean masterpiece from director Park Chan-wook, this film blends romance and murder mystery into a hypnotic, visually stunning experience. The investigation becomes as much about emotional entanglement as it is about the crime itself.
- Why Watch: Lyrical filmmaking meets razor-sharp mystery.
- Where to Watch: MUBI
8. The Night House (2020)
Part psychological mystery, part slow-burn horror, this film follows a widow uncovering disturbing secrets about her late husband. While not a conventional detective story, its investigative core keeps you hooked.
- Why Watch: Haunting, emotional, and layered with twists.
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
9. Searching (2018)
Told entirely through computer screens, Searching revolutionizes the investigation thriller with its gripping real-time storytelling. John Cho’s performance as a desperate father searching for his missing daughter hits hard.
- Why Watch: Innovative format, emotional depth, and non-stop tension.
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
10. The Guilty (2021)
Set entirely in a 911 dispatch center, this tense thriller relies on Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance and a taut script to keep viewers glued to the screen. The mystery unravels through nothing but voices.
- Why Watch: Minimalist setting, maximum suspense.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Final Take
These post-2015 investigation thrillers prove that you don’t need to be in a trench coat to be a detective — just a sharp mind and the willingness to follow every clue. Whether you’re into big-budget ensembles, psychological chess matches, or experimental formats, there’s a mystery here worth your time (and your theories).
