10 Best Murder Mystery Shows, Ranked

THE Murder Mystery

It has formed an integral aspect of the popular culture landscape since the early days of film and television, a status quo that shows no signs of slowing down. From classic numbers like Charade and Murder on the Orient Express to contemporary rivals like Hot fuzz and Knives outCinema has witnessed a number of standout genre offerings over the years, with talented directors like Alfred Hitchcock, Rian Johnson, and David Fincher all delivering a number of the best murder mystery films of all time.

This extends to television; The best television shows of all time include several seminal murder mystery offerings, including blockbuster stories for smaller screens. Inviting endless reflection and debate through its very nature, the genre has produced a diverse range of shows that have received praise from fans and critics alike. Ranging from the straightforward detective format of classic murder mystery TV that can still surprise viewers to suggestive non-linear genre subversions the best murder mystery shows seek to thrill, surprise and horrify your audience in equal measure.

10

Poirot by Agatha Christie (1989-2013)

Created by Agatha Christie

One of iconic novelist Agatha Christie’s most famous and celebrated characters, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot was the basis for one of the best-loved and longest-running murder mysteries of all time on ITV. Poirot. Airing 70 episodes across 13 seasons, the network’s adaptation of Christie’s Poirot detective novels sees David Suchet take on the role of the eponymous detective in one of British television’s must-see murder mysteries.

Despite Kenneth Brannagh’s admirable efforts as the character in the later Poirot-centric films, Suchet’s impressive tenure as the mustachioed detective remains the greatest version of the notorious character ever seen. The ITV production faithfully adapts the author’s material in a polished way to produce the most ironic of things; a comforting, family-friendly crime series that still features plenty of top-notch mystery stories.

9

The Bridge (2011-2018)

Created by Hans Rosenfeldt

An unnerving Nordic murder mystery, The bridge begins after two halves of two murdered women are discovered on the border between Denmark and Sweden, leading to a joint investigation into the mysterious deaths. The show decidedly doesn’t let up in terms of tension from there, turning into an unpredictable, high-stakes murder mystery offering for the ages.

Taken by a superb curve of Alex Cavaleiro stars Sofia Helin in the lead role as Swedish detective Saga Norén, The Bridge National success meant the series was shown in over 100 countries, introducing Hans Rosenfeldt’s noir crime drama to international audiences. Also one of the highest-rated murder mysteries on IMDb, with an impressive score of 8.6, The bridge is an emotional and moving story that will resonate with any fan of the genre, despite the language barrier for Western audiences.

8

Only murders in the building (2021 to present)

Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman

A compelling cocktail of comedy and mystery, Only murders in the building has been a true success story for Hulu since its debut in 2021. Led by an all-star trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez, the murder mystery show showcases the group’s unlikely bond through a shared love of true crime podcasts. as they investigate a series of deaths in their building.

A hilarious genre subversion that also doubles as a stellar murder mystery, Only murders in the building received critical acclaim over four highly successful seasons. A show that makes the most of the charming chemistry between its main trio, Only murders in the building it’s loud, self-aware and relentlessly fun. Fortunately, this is a situation that will not end in the near future, as Only murders in the building was renewed for season 5 in September 2024.

7

How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)

Created by Peter Nowalk

Led by a powerful performance from Viola Davis as Annalize Keating, How to get away from murder follows the lives of a university professor and a group of her students who become involved in an intricate murder plot. The show proved to be a resounding success for ABC, with How to get away from murder airing for six seasons and receiving positive reviews throughout its run.

A gloriously unpredictable story full of twists and turns that features one of Shonda Rhimes’ most impressive leading ladies How to get away from murder claims all the trademark goodies one would expect from an excellent murder mystery. The show is dark and exciting, featuring a compelling cast of morally ambiguous characters who serve to raise tension levels through their volatile personalities.

6

Poker Face (2023 to present)

Created by Rian Johnson

Led by a magnificent curve of Orange is the new black stars Rian Johnson’s Natasha Lyonne poker face follows Charlie Cale, a casino employee with an uncanny ability to detect lies. Fleeing across the country from a vengeful tormentor, Cale finds herself inextricably entangled in a series of murders. Dealing with a new mystery every episode, poker face adopts the story format used by seminal offerings such as Columbus.

Johnson’s case of the week format has been a smash hit since its debut in 2023, with a second season of poker face already commissioned. The gripping murder mystery received critical acclaim, with particular praise directed toward the show’s compelling blend of intrigue and dark humor, as well as Lyonne’s incredible lead performance as Cale. A refreshing and inventive new take on the cop who heads to a strong star, poker face It’s a triumph.

5

True Detective: Night Country (2024)

Created by Issa López

The second and third seasons of the crime anthology True Detective received a disappointing critical response, especially since the show’s haunting first season is often cited as one of the most impressive seasons of television ever produced. Fortunately, the fourth season of the program True Detective: Night Country, has proven to be an excellent boost in form for the HBO mainstay, with Issa Lopez’s Alaskan offering receiving rave reviews upon release in 2024.

A gritty mystery drama with eerie trappings of the supernatural, Night country is a magnificent return to the roots of what made True Detective original tour a success. A pair of excellent lead performances from Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as detective duo Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro are complemented by breathtaking visuals, poignant social commentary, and an engaging narrative, leading to a chilling viewing experience that deftly avoids the associated traps. its most recent predecessors.

4

Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Created by Joe Penhall

A terrifying deep dive into the twisted minds of a series of serial killers, David Finch Mindhunter is one of the most prominent on television”what could have been” stories. Chronicling the beginnings of the FBI’s criminal profiling process and based on real accounts from agents tasked with interviewing some of America’s most gruesome killers, Mindhunter features names like David Berkowitz and Charles Manson, to name just a few.

The Finch murder mystery received critical acclaim, with critics pointing to the show’s slow-paced style, the cast’s performances, and the terrifying authenticity of the killers’ interviews as notable highlights. Surprisingly, despite Finch’s show quickly gaining critical darling and fan favorite status, the acclaimed series only lasted two seasons on Netflix before Mindhunter was canceled due to cost concerns. Fans had hope, but Finch confirmed the show was dead and buried in 2023.

3

Broadchurch (2013-2017)

Created by Chris Chibnall

Featuring a star-studded British cast including David Tennant, Olivia Colman and Jodie Whitaker, BBC’s acclaimed crime drama large church It’s also one of the best murder mystery shows television has to offer. Running for three seasons between 2014 and 2017, the first part of the show chronicles the investigation into the unsolved murder of a young boy after his body was found on a local beach, with the ramifications of his death having a far-reaching effect on later seasons.

Featuring powerful performances from the accredited cast large church has glorious cinematography and a haunting soundtrack to complement the show’s compelling narrative and rich array of characters. A slow-burn whodunit of the highest order, Chris Chibnall’s crime drama received consistently positive reviews throughout its run and is considered one of the most universally celebrated titles on British television.

2

Easttown Mare (2021)

Created by Brad Inglesby

Depicting the investigation into the brutal murder of a young woman in a fictional Philadelphia suburb, 2021 Easttown mare stars Kate Winslet in the lead role of Mare Sheehan. A career-best performance that earned the actress a slew of rave reviews, Winslet also received several dramatic awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, courtesy of her lead role in Brad Inglesby’s impeccable drama.

The praise for Easttown mareThe quality of Inglesby doesn’t just focus on the strength of Winslet’s performance, with the Inglesby series being acclaimed for its acting and story. A suspenseful tale that makes the most of the talents of its talented cast, Easttown mare utilizes many jaw-dropping narrative twists to produce an unforgettable murder mystery drama – although a second season of Easttown mare faces challenges.

1

Twin Peaks (1990-2017)

Created by Mark Frost and David Lynch

An impeccable murder mystery, Twin Peaks has stood the test of time to maintain its status as the best murder mystery show on television. A story that begins under the guise of a typical police murder mystery, Twin Peaks spirals into an intricate spider’s web of narrative developments and supernatural twists that never fail to entertain. The show ran for two seasons on ABC until it was canceled in 1991, before returning for an acclaimed third season under the Showtime banner in 2017.

Widely considered one of the best series of all time, as well as one that has inspired a number of horror films and television shows, it’s not surprising that Twin Peaks appears as the most praised on television murder mystery offer. The show’s unique blend of genres and lasting cultural impact make it one of the most celebrated and inimitable names in entertainment history, a powerful and enigmatic drama that entertained several generations.