Best locked-room murder mystery movies you can't miss
The genre of locked-room murder mystery captivates audiences with clever detective work, unexpected twists, and a puzzle-like narrative structure. Characterized by crimes committed in seemingly impenetrable spaces, it ingeniously combines suspense, intrigue, and intellectual challenges. With this curated collection of movies, delve into closed spaces where every character is a suspect, and there's hardly a way out. Dive in.
'And Then There Were None' (1945)
An adaptation of Agatha Christie's namesake novel, And Then There Were None follows 10 strangers lured to a secluded island under different pretexts. There, a mysterious voice accuses each of murder, setting the stage for a chilling game of survival. The tension builds as they succumb to a series of deadly events, finally leading to a shocking revelation. It was directed by René Clair.
'Murder on the Orient Express' (1974)
In the 1974 classic Murder on the Orient Express, also based on another Christie novel, detective Hercule Poirot is thrust into a high-stakes investigation aboard a luxurious train. A wealthy American is found dead in his compartment, and Poirot unravels a web of alibis and motives among the eclectic group of passengers. Director Sidney Lumet masterfully combined suspense and intrigue in the film.
'Clue' (1985)
Adapted from the popular same-named board game, Clue transforms the murder mystery genre into a comedic whirlwind as a group of guests—each with colorful aliases—is invited to a mansion. When the host is found dead, chaos ensues as they navigate secret passages and hidden motives. It offers multiple endings, adding a unique twist to the classic locked-room mystery. Rent it on Amazon Prime Video.
'Gosford Park' (2001)
Set in 1932, Gosford Park revolves around a weekend hunting party at the opulent Gosford Park estate. As guests assemble, a murder occurs, triggering a meticulous investigation by a clever butler. Director Robert Altman weaves an intricate tapestry of class dynamics, revealing secrets, tensions, and clandestine motives. The film intricately merges social commentary with a classic locked-room murder mystery.
'Identity' (2003)
James Mangold's psychological thriller Identity is about 10 strangers seeking refuge from a storm at a desolate motel. Stranded by flooding, they soon realize a killer is among them, picking them off one by one. As tensions rise, disturbing secrets and connections surface, leading to a mind-bending climax. It dissects the realms of identity and sanity, delivering unexpected twists until the final bombshell revelation.
