Detective films are getting more complex every year. Audiences want something new and confusing — something that makes them think.
Sometimes that confusion can hurt a film. But in well-made mysteries, it becomes a strength.

A good detective story pulls viewers in. People are often willing to rewatch it just to understand it better. Here are five of the best detective films from recent decades.

Oldboy (2003)

This South Korean thriller-detective hybrid follows Oh Dae-su. He spends years locked away for unknown reasons. Once released, he searches for those who did it to him.

Oldboy is known for its brutal scenes and dark twists. Still, it keeps viewers hooked as they try to guess what happens next.

Se7en (1995)

The title refers to a key detail — a killer who chooses victims based on the seven deadly sins. Two detectives are on his trail, trying to predict his next move. But he stays ahead.

Se7en became a cult classic. Many see it as a shift from noir to neo-noir in cinema.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

It starts as a typical cop story — two detectives who dislike each other. But the film quickly turns into a smart, layered mystery. There are many events and small clues, story demands full attention. But in the end, everything connects in a satisfying way.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

David Lynch’s classic begins with a strange tale. A woman loses her memory in a car crash. She decides to try acting in Hollywood, but her past haunts her. The story grows darker and more mysterious.

Lynch fans know what to expect. This film, like Twin Peaks, leaves plenty to figure out.

Memento (2000)

Before Inception, Christopher Nolan explored memory and time in Memento.

Leonard Shelby wants to find his wife’s killer. But he has short-term memory loss and forgets everything after 15 minutes. The film jumps between past and present. That adds confusion for both the character and the viewer. Its nonlinear structure became one of Nolan’s trademarks.