Mars, the red planet, has long fascinated humanity with its mysteries and potential for life. This curated list of 10 detective films set on Mars offers a unique blend of science fiction and mystery, providing viewers with an engaging escape into a world where the stakes are high, and the setting is otherworldly. These films not only entertain but also challenge our perceptions of crime, justice, and survival in an alien environment.

Total Recall (1990)
Description: Although more action-oriented, the film involves a man uncovering a Martian conspiracy, blending detective elements with sci-fi adventure.
Fact: The film was based on Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale."


Mars Attacks! (1996)
Description: While primarily a comedy, it involves detective work to understand the Martian invasion and find a way to stop it, making it a quirky addition to this list.
Fact: The film features a large ensemble cast including Jack Nicholson in dual roles.


Mission to Mars (2000)
Description: This film involves a rescue mission to Mars where the crew must solve the mystery of what happened to the first expedition, combining elements of detective work with space exploration.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use IMAX technology for some of its scenes.


Red Planet (2000)
Description: While not strictly a detective film, it involves a group of astronauts on Mars who must solve the mystery of why their terraforming project has failed, leading to survival detective work.
Fact: The film features a robot named AMEE, which was designed by Sony and was one of the first uses of a robot in a major film role.


Ghosts of Mars (2001)
Description: Set on Mars, this film follows a police officer investigating a mining colony where the workers have become possessed by ancient Martian spirits, creating a unique detective narrative.
Fact: John Carpenter, known for his horror and sci-fi films, directed this movie, blending genres in a unique way.


Doom (2005)
Description: Based on the video game, this film involves a team of space marines sent to Mars to investigate a mysterious outbreak, turning into a detective story to uncover the source of the chaos.
Fact: The film includes a first-person shooter sequence, paying homage to the original game's perspective.


The Last Days on Mars (2013)
Description: A team of astronauts on Mars discovers a deadly virus, leading to a detective-like investigation into its origins and how to stop it from spreading.
Fact: The film was shot in Jordan to simulate the Martian landscape.


The Martian (2015)
Description: While not a traditional detective film, Mark Watney's struggle to survive on Mars involves solving numerous scientific and logistical mysteries.
Fact: The film was praised for its scientific accuracy, with NASA providing technical advice.


The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury (2004)
Description: This animated film features Riddick solving a mystery on a ship heading to Mars, showcasing detective skills in a futuristic setting.
Fact: It serves as a bridge between "Pitch Black" and "The Chronicles of Riddick."


The Martian Chronicles (1980)
Description: This miniseries adaptation of Ray Bradbury's classic novel explores the colonization of Mars and the subsequent detective work needed to solve mysterious disappearances and crimes.
Fact: The series was originally intended as a feature film but was expanded into a miniseries due to the depth of the source material.
