Imagine lounging on a sun-drenched beach or exploring a quaint European village, only to stumble upon a mystery that demands solving. This collection of detective films set during vacations offers a delightful escape into worlds where leisure time turns into an adventure. Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits or modern thrillers, these movies blend the allure of travel with the excitement of solving crimes, making them perfect for anyone looking to add a dash of suspense to their cinematic journey.

The Lady Vanishes (1938)
Description: This classic Hitchcock film follows a young woman on a train journey who witnesses the mysterious disappearance of an elderly lady, leading to a suspenseful investigation.
Fact: The film was remade in 1979 with a different plot but retained the original title.


The Last of Sheila (1973)
Description: A group of friends on a yachting vacation play a murder mystery game that turns deadly, with each guest harboring secrets that could be motives for murder.
Fact: The film was co-written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, showcasing their talents beyond music and acting.


Death on the Nile (1978)
Description: This film, based on Agatha Christie's novel, follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder on a luxury cruise down the Nile. The vacation setting provides a picturesque backdrop for a classic whodunit.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, and it features a star-studded cast including Peter Ustinov as Poirot.


The Mirror Crack'd (1980)
Description: Miss Marple investigates a murder at a film set in a quaint English village, where the vacation-like atmosphere is disrupted by a deadly mystery.
Fact: The film features a cameo by Agatha Christie herself, who appears in a mirror in one of the scenes.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley's journey to Italy to bring back a rich man's son turns into a tale of deception and murder, set against the backdrop of a luxurious European vacation.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Jude Law.


A Perfect Getaway (2009)
Description: A honeymooning couple in Hawaii suspects that other vacationers might be the killers they've heard about on the news, leading to a thrilling investigation in paradise.
Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in Hawaii, making the most of its stunning landscapes.


The Ghost Writer (2010)
Description: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister uncovers a web of secrets during his stay at the politician's secluded island home.
Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski and won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival.


The Tourist (2010)
Description: A romantic thriller where an American tourist in Venice gets entangled in a web of espionage and intrigue. The vacation setting of Venice adds a layer of charm and mystery to the plot.
Fact: The film was originally set to star Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron, but Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie eventually took the lead roles.


The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Description: Although not strictly a detective film, the story involves a legendary concierge and his lobby boy solving a theft and murder at their renowned European hotel, blending humor with mystery.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score by Alexandre Desplat.


The Girl on the Train (2016)
Description: While not a traditional vacation film, the protagonist's daily commute and her observations from the train window lead her into a murder investigation, offering a unique twist on the vacation theme.
Fact: The film is based on Paula Hawkins' best-selling novel and was a box office success, grossing over $173 million worldwide.
