Are you a fan of mysteries and puzzles? Do you enjoy watching young minds unravel complex cases? Then this collection of detective films about students is just for you! These films not only offer thrilling plots but also showcase the intellectual prowess of students as they navigate through mysteries, often with a touch of youthful energy and campus life. From classic whodunits to modern thrillers, this list will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Paper Chase (1973)
Description: This film focuses on a first-year law student at Harvard who becomes obsessed with understanding the law and impressing his demanding professor. While not a traditional detective story, it involves the pursuit of knowledge and solving legal puzzles.
Fact: The film was adapted into a TV series that ran for four seasons.


The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: Although not strictly about students, the film features a teacher who wakes up from a coma with psychic abilities, leading him to solve crimes. His interactions with students play a key role in the narrative, making it relevant to our theme.
Fact: This film is based on Stephen King's novel and was directed by David Cronenberg.


The Secret of My Success (1987)
Description: A young man from Kansas moves to New York City to work at his uncle's company but ends up uncovering corporate espionage. Although more of a comedy, it involves a student-like character solving a mystery in a corporate setting.
Fact: Michael J. Fox plays both the lead character and his cousin in this film.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley, a young man with a talent for mimicry and manipulation, is sent to Italy to bring back a wealthy man's son. His journey becomes a twisted tale of identity theft and murder, with a strong undercurrent of mystery.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.


The Skulls (2000)
Description: A college student uncovers a secret society at his university, leading him into a web of murder and conspiracy. This film explores the dark side of campus life and the lengths to which students will go for power and prestige.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life secret societies at Yale University like Skull and Bones.


The Oxford Murders (2008)
Description: This film follows a student at Oxford University who becomes embroiled in a series of murders linked by mathematical symbols. It's a perfect blend of academia and detective work, showcasing the intellectual duel between a student and his mentor.
Fact: The film was shot on location at Oxford University, providing an authentic backdrop to the story. The plot is loosely inspired by real-life unsolved murders.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: A college student takes on a babysitting job that turns out to be a setup for a satanic ritual. This film blends horror with mystery, showcasing how a student's curiosity leads to uncovering dark secrets.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: While not exclusively about students, the film features a young hacker, Lisbeth Salander, who teams up with journalist Mikael Blomkvist to solve a 40-year-old murder mystery. Their investigation involves delving into the past of a wealthy family, with many of the clues linked to the university environment.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander.


The Riot Club (2014)
Description: While not a traditional detective story, this film explores the dark secrets and moral decay within an elite university dining club, with elements of mystery and intrigue as the club's actions come under scrutiny.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life Bullingdon Club at Oxford University.


The Oxford Detective (2016)
Description: A student at Oxford University finds himself solving a series of crimes on campus, blending traditional detective work with the academic environment. This film captures the essence of student life intertwined with mystery.
Fact: The film was shot in various historic locations around Oxford, enhancing its academic atmosphere.
