While mainstream thrillers like 'Gone Girl' and 'Se7en' continue to dominate conversations around the murder mystery genre, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-talked-about films that deserve equal attention. From emotionally intense dramas to high-concept whodunnits, these underrated Hollywood titles offer gripping stories, unpredictable twists, and compelling performances that deserve a spot on every mystery buff’s watchlist. Here's a curated list of ten such murder mysteries that flew under the radar—but are absolutely worth your time.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Directed by David Fincher, this adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s bestselling novel follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) and hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) as they investigate the decades-old disappearance of a wealthy heiress. The film is stylish, intense, and unsettling, elevated further by Fincher’s signature dark aesthetic and a haunting score. It surpasses earlier versions and reimagines the source material with striking depth.

The Secret in Their Eyes (2015)

A remake of the Oscar-winning Argentine film, this American version directed by Billy Ray features Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, and Julia Roberts. When the daughter of one of their own is found murdered, a tight-knit team of investigators becomes entangled in a decades-long pursuit of justice. With its dual-timeline narrative and emotionally charged performances, the film blurs the lines between closure and obsession.

Mystic River (2003)

Directed by Clint Eastwood and adapted from Dennis Lehane’s novel, this haunting drama follows three childhood friends whose lives are shattered by the murder of one of their daughters. Featuring powerful performances by Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon, the film examines the lasting impact of trauma and the fine line between justice and revenge.

Knives Out (2019)

Rian Johnson reinvents the classic whodunnit in 'Knives Out', where detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) investigates the suspicious death of a wealthy crime novelist. With razor-sharp writing, a stellar ensemble cast, and layered storytelling, the film is a modern mystery that keeps unraveling even when you think you’ve got it figured out. A sequel dropped in 2022, and a third is due in late 2025.

Searching (2018)

Aneesh Chaganty’s directorial debut, 'Searching' stars John Cho as a desperate father combing through his daughter’s digital footprint after she goes missing. Told exclusively through laptops, smartphones, and surveillance footage, the film is a technical marvel that delivers both emotional weight and narrative intrigue.

Missing (2023)

This standalone follow-up to 'Searching' follows a teenage girl (Storm Reid) who launches her own online investigation after her mother vanishes during a vacation in Colombia. Told entirely through digital screens, Missing uses its screenlife format to build suspense and emotion, making for a tense, clever, and surprisingly grounded thriller.

The Girl on the Train (2016)

Emily Blunt gives a gripping performance as a troubled alcoholic who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation in Tate Taylor’s adaptation of the bestselling novel. With voyeuristic thrills and an unreliable narrator at its core, this psychological thriller offers a compelling look at fractured memory and hidden motives. A Hindi remake starring Parineeti Chopra followed in 2021.

Prisoners (2013)

Denis Villeneuve delivers a nerve-wracking story about two young girls who go missing and the father (Hugh Jackman) who takes matters into his own hands when the police (Jake Gyllenhaal) fall short. With haunting cinematography, morally complex characters, and an intense script, Prisoners is a bleak but brilliant exploration of justice and desperation.

Arrival (2016)

Though best known as a sci-fi drama, 'Arrival' also functions as a cerebral mystery. Amy Adams plays a linguist decoding an alien language while also grappling with a personal tragedy that slowly unravels. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film cleverly intertwines science fiction with a deeper commentary on love, time, and grief.

Flightplan (2005)

Jodie Foster stars as a grieving mother whose daughter vanishes mid-flight in this suspenseful thriller. With no trace of the child on the flight manifest and no one remembering her, the tension mounts as viewers question whether the mystery is real—or imagined. Directed by Robert Schwentke, this edge-of-your-seat film keeps its cards close until the very end.