Top 10 Detective Films with Transvestites

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's classic features a character, Norman Bates, whose mother's identity he assumes, leading to one of cinema's most famous twists involving cross-dressing.

Fact: The film was controversial at the time for its depiction of mental illness and gender identity, but it has since become a landmark in film history.

Description: A psychological thriller where a transvestite becomes central to the plot as a serial killer. The film explores themes of identity and voyeurism, making it a standout in the genre.

Fact: Brian De Palma directed this film, known for his homage to Hitchcock, and it features a famous shower scene reminiscent of "Psycho."

Description: While primarily a comedy, "Tootsie" involves a struggling actor who dresses as a woman to land a role, leading to unexpected detective-like situations as he navigates his dual identity.

Fact: Dustin Hoffman's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Description: A woman pretends to be a man pretending to be a woman to succeed as a singer, leading to a series of identity-based mysteries and comedic situations.

Fact: Julie Andrews won a Golden Globe for her performance, and the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

Description: Although the main antagonist, Buffalo Bill, is often misidentified as a transvestite, his character explores themes of identity and transformation, making it relevant to this list.

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.

Description: This film intertwines a political thriller with a love story, where the revelation of a character's gender identity becomes a pivotal plot twist. It's a masterclass in storytelling where identity plays a crucial role in unraveling the mystery.

Fact: The film's twist ending was famously leaked, leading to a marketing campaign that encouraged audiences to "keep the secret."

Description: Although not a traditional detective film, it features drag queens on a road trip where they encounter various mysteries and adventures, making it a unique addition to this list.

Fact: The film won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, showcasing the vibrant and colorful world of drag.

Description: A comedy where a drag club owner and his partner must pretend to be a straight couple to meet their son's conservative in-laws, leading to a comedic investigation of identity.

Fact: The film is a remake of the French film "La Cage aux Folles" and features Robin Williams in one of his most memorable roles.

Description: While not explicitly about transvestitism, the film features a character who assumes different identities, including one where he dresses as a woman, to manipulate and deceive.

Fact: The film is based on Patricia Highsmith's novel and features a chilling performance by Matt Damon.

Description: This film tells the story of a shoe factory owner who teams up with a drag queen to save his business, leading to a series of detective-like challenges in understanding and marketing to a niche audience.

Fact: It was adapted into a successful Broadway musical, highlighting the story's universal appeal.