Winter brings a unique atmosphere to detective stories, where the cold, snow, and isolation can heighten the tension and mystery. This collection of films showcases the best in detective cinema set against a backdrop of winter, offering viewers not only thrilling plots but also the visual and emotional impact of the season. Whether you're looking for classic whodunits or modern thrillers, these films provide a perfect blend of suspense and seasonal ambiance.

Klute (1971)
Description: This neo-noir thriller involves a private detective investigating a disappearance in New York City, with several scenes set during a cold winter, adding to the film's atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot in New York during winter, capturing the city's cold, gritty feel.


Fargo (1996)
Description: Set in the snowy Midwest, this Coen Brothers' classic involves a kidnapping gone wrong, with the backdrop of a severe winter storm enhancing the bleakness of the plot.
Fact: Despite being set in Minnesota, most of the film was shot in North Dakota due to its more severe winter conditions.


The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Description: While primarily an action film, it features a detective subplot with a winter setting in upstate New York, where the protagonist uncovers her past as a government assassin.
Fact: The film's winter scenes were shot in Ontario, Canada, to utilize the natural snow.


The Ice Harvest (2005)
Description: A dark comedy about a mob lawyer and his partner who steal money from their boss on Christmas Eve, with the icy weather of Wichita playing a significant role in their misadventures.
Fact: The film was shot in Kansas City, Missouri, during the winter to capture the cold, festive atmosphere.


The Big White (2005)
Description: A dark comedy about an insurance salesman who finds a body in the snow and uses it to claim insurance money, set in the frigid landscapes of Alaska.
Fact: The film was shot in Winnipeg, Canada, to simulate the Alaskan winter.


The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Description: Although not set in winter, the film's plot involves a retired legal counselor writing a novel about an unresolved rape and murder case, with flashbacks to a cold, snowy Buenos Aires.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and its winter scenes were shot in Argentina during the colder months.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: This film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a 40-year-old disappearance during a harsh Swedish winter, making it an ideal fit for this list.
Fact: The film was shot in Sweden during the winter, with temperatures dropping to -20°C, adding authenticity to the cold setting.


The Snowman (2017)
Description: Based on Jo Nesbø's novel, this film follows detective Harry Hole as he investigates a series of murders linked by snowmen, set against the chilling backdrop of Oslo's winter.
Fact: The film was shot in Norway during winter, with real snow used for authenticity.


The Frozen Ground (2013)
Description: Based on the true story of serial killer Robert Hansen, this film captures the chilling hunt for justice in the icy Alaskan wilderness.
Fact: The film was shot in Alaska during the winter to reflect the real-life setting of the crimes.


Wind River (2017)
Description: While not strictly a detective film, it involves a murder investigation on a Native American reservation in Wyoming during a brutal winter, blending elements of crime and survival.
Fact: The film was shot in Utah during the winter to capture the harsh conditions of the story.
