10 Must-Watch Thrillers About Murder Investigations

Description: A young FBI agent recruits the help of a cannibalistic psychiatrist to catch another serial killer. This film's chilling portrayal of psychological manipulation and its iconic characters have made it a benchmark for thrillers.

Fact: It's one of only three films to win the "Big Five" Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay). Jodie Foster was initially hesitant to take the role due to its dark nature.

Description: A dark, gritty thriller where two detectives, one new to the city and one about to retire, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. The film's bleak atmosphere and shocking ending make it a standout in the genre.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Seven" but was changed to "Se7en" for marketing purposes. The director, David Fincher, insisted on keeping the ending as it was, despite studio pressure to change it.

Description: A group of criminals are brought together for a heist, but things go awry, leading to a complex investigation into the identity of the elusive Keyser Söze. Its twist ending has become legendary in film history.

Fact: The film's famous line, "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist," was inspired by a quote from Charles Baudelaire. The film was shot in only 35 days.

Description: Three very different cops navigate the corrupt underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles while investigating a series of brutal murders. The film's intricate plot and period setting make it a standout neo-noir thriller.

Fact: The film was adapted from James Ellroy's novel, which was initially considered unfilmable due to its complexity. Russell Crowe was cast after the director saw him in "Romper Stomper."

Description: A man with short-term memory loss uses notes, tattoos, and Polaroids to hunt for his wife's murderer. The film's unique narrative structure, told in reverse, challenges viewers to piece together the mystery.

Fact: The film was shot in two separate sequences: one in color and one in black and white, which were then intercut to create the final narrative. Christopher Nolan wrote the script based on his brother's short story.

Description: The murder of a young girl brings together three childhood friends, each with their own secrets and past traumas. The film's exploration of grief, guilt, and revenge makes it a poignant addition to the thriller genre.

Fact: Clint Eastwood directed and scored the film, showcasing his versatility. The film was shot in Boston, where the story is set, adding to its gritty realism.

Description: Based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, this film follows the investigation by a cartoonist, a journalist, and two detectives as they try to unmask the elusive murderer. Its meticulous attention to detail and real-life basis make it a compelling watch.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where the Zodiac Killer committed his crimes. Robert Downey Jr. improvised much of his dialogue, adding to the film's authenticity.

Description: When his daughter and her friend go missing, a father takes matters into his own hands, leading to a tense and morally complex investigation. The film's intense performances and ethical dilemmas keep viewers riveted.

Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the emotional progression of the characters. Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal improvised many of their scenes to add realism.

Description: A journalist and a hacker team up to solve a 40-year-old murder mystery, uncovering a web of corruption and secrets. The film's dark, brooding atmosphere and complex characters make it a modern classic in the thriller genre.

Fact: The film's title was changed from "Men Who Hate Women" to appeal to a broader audience. The Swedish version of the film was released in 2009, starring Noomi Rapace.

Description: When a man's wife disappears, he becomes the prime suspect in a media frenzy. The film's twisty plot and unreliable narrators keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to provide a more cinematic conclusion. David Fincher, known for his meticulous directing style, shot the film in sequence to capture the evolving dynamics between characters.