Top 10 Detective Science Films

Description: A team of scientists must solve the mystery of a deadly extraterrestrial microbe. This film combines detective work with microbiology, making it a classic in the genre of science-based mysteries.

Fact: The film was directed by Robert Wise, who also directed "The Day the Earth Stood Still." It was one of the first films to use computer-generated imagery.

Description: A surveillance expert becomes increasingly paranoid as he uncovers a potential murder plot through his recordings. The film explores the science of sound and surveillance technology in a detective context.

Fact: Francis Ford Coppola wrote the screenplay in 1966 but didn't direct it until

Description: While not explicitly about science, this film delves into the psychological and paranormal, with a detective twist. The science of perception and belief plays a crucial role in the unfolding mystery.

Fact: M. Night Shyamalan wrote the screenplay in just five days. The film's famous twist ending was kept secret until its release.

Description: Set in a future where crimes are predicted before they happen, this film explores the ethical and scientific implications of pre-crime technology. It's a detective story where the science of precognition is the key to unraveling the plot.

Fact: The film was based on a short story by Philip K. Dick. Steven Spielberg used real-life scientists to consult on the film's technology.

Description: A detective story with a twist of time travel, where a son communicates with his deceased father through a ham radio, altering the past and solving a murder. The science of time and radio waves is central to the plot.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life phenomenon of radio waves traveling through time. Dennis Quaid and James Caviezel play father and son, respectively.

Description: A tale of two rival magicians in Victorian London, where the secrets of their tricks involve science and deception. The film explores the lengths to which one would go for the perfect illusion, blending detective work with scientific innovation.

Fact: The film was inspired by a novel by Christopher Priest. The Tesla machine used in the film was designed to look like real Nikola Tesla inventions.

Description: A series of murders in Oxford, linked by mathematical symbols, requires the detective work of a logic professor and his student. The film intertwines mathematical theory with detective work.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Guillermo Martínez. It was shot in Oxford, providing an authentic backdrop for the academic setting.

Description: This film delves into the life of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who helped crack the German Enigma code during WWII. It's a detective story where the science of cryptography is at the heart of the mystery.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Turing was critically acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination. The film also highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by Turing in his quest to save lives.

Description: While not a traditional detective story, this film involves solving scientific problems to survive on Mars. It's a detective tale where the mystery is how to stay alive in an inhospitable environment.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Andy Weir, who initially self-published it online. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory provided technical advice for the film's accuracy.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, a unique child holds the key to humanity's survival. The film blends detective elements with the science of genetics and evolution.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by M.R. Carey. It was praised for its fresh take on the zombie genre.