Best Mystery Movies on Netflix: 7 Gripping Capers to Cozy Up With This Winter
From chilling blizzards to sinister crimes, these mysteries are perfect for snow-day viewing
Everyone is always waxing poetic about the serenity of summer—and don’t get us wrong, we adore the sunny season—but there’s something even more peaceful about wintertime. Between sparkling snowfalls, cozy weekends spent by the fire and the quiet calm of solitude, it’s the perfect time of year to slow down, press pause on plans and get lost in great movies—specifically mystery movies. Between the atmospheric settings and slow-burning plots, this beloved film genre allows viewers to act as armchair detectives from the comfort of home.
Looking for a mystery movie to watch this winter? You’re in the right place! Here, we hand-picked 7 of the best mystery movies on Netflix right now. From lighthearted whodunits like The Thursday Murder Club to Christmas-set capers like 7 Women and a Murder, these movies will draw you in from the very first scene.
Keep scrolling to discover all of the best mystery movies on Netflix to watch tonight!
For a rich historical medical mystery, try:
‘The Wonder’
What it’s about: If you’re in the market for a beautifully shot thriller-mystery film set in the 1862 Irish Midlands, The Wonder delivers. Based on Emma Donoghue’s 2016 novel of the same name, the plot follows Lib Wright (played wonderfully by Florence Pugh), an English nurse sent to a rural Irish village to observe a young ‘fasting girl’. Eleven-year-old Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy) tells Lib she hasn’t eaten in four months—she is nourishing herself on the manna God sends her from heaven. But how? As tourists and pilgrims travel far and wide to witness the girl, Lib is determined to crack the medical mystery.
What viewers are saying: “The story follows a young girl who stops eating but remains miraculously alive and well. I loved this film and highly recommend it. It’s atmospheric and reminds me of The Witch starring Anya Taylor-Joy.”
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix now.
For a winter-set detective procedural, try:
‘The Pale Blue Eye’
What it’s about: Set against the icy backdrop of West Point in the 1830s, a battle-hardened detective (Christian Bale) investigates the horrific killing of a cadet, aided by a sharp young Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling). With its snowy setting and brooding gothic mood, it’s an ideal film to watch on a winter night under the cozy comfort of a blanket!
What viewers are saying: “The film’s greatest strength is the atmosphere it creates. It’s been a while since I was so immersed in the world of a film. The film is set during winters at a military training centre, West Point, and the way the outdoor scenes are shot, the use of excellent production and costume design, the ominous music from the legendary Howard Shore (reminding you of his excellent work in Silence of the Lambs at times) and the pacing of the film all come together to create a very immersive experience. The story of the film is well-paced with a gradual buildup. It is a murder mystery where we follow a detective played by Bale and an ambitious cadet with germs of a budding detective played by Melling.”
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix now.
For a Victorian-era mystery adventure, try:
‘Enola Holmes’
What it’s about: In recent years, Enola Holmes has amassed quite a fandom for its whimsical sense of adventure and intriguing mystery elements. The film centers on Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown), Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft’s (Sam Claflin) teenage sister, who uses her own detective skills to solve mysteries. On her 16th birthday, Enola’s mother vanishes and she embarks on a trek to find her.
What viewers are saying: “The cast was phenomenal, especially Millie Brown, who played Enola Holmes. She did a great job and I sympathize with her character throughout. The chemistry between characters was emotional and heartfelt. I think the themes in the film are pretty great: politics of women’s rights, some quotes that stick with me ‘the future is up to us’ and ‘try to be excited not disappointed with new experiences.’ All the messages are inspiring!”
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix now.
For a quirky yet endearing cozy mystery, try:
‘The Thursday Murder Club’
What it’s about: If you’re a fan of classic cozy mysteries, The Thursday Murder Club is guaranteed to delight you from the start. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Richard Osman, this murder mystery starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie and Ben Kingsley is set at a picturesque retirement village. Rather than meeting for book clubs or game nights, every Thursday, an eccentric group of retirees get together to…solve cold cases. Then, one of the property developers in their community is found dead and they vow to solve the puzzle before the police.
What viewers are saying: “I enjoyed the film, it was in no way a perfect adaptation, but still some good laughs and the story flowed well.”
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix now.
For a “locked room” thriller set during a snowstorm, try:
‘Inheritance’ (‘Spadek’)
What it’s about: This entertaining film is like the Polish version of Knives Out! In this 2024 genre-bending mystery, eccentric inventor Wladyslaw Fortune dies and leaves his bickering family a series of puzzles to solve in order to claim their inheritance. Set in a snowy, isolated mansion, this darkly funny, chilling film pairs well with a roaring fire and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Hint: Watching in the film’s original language—with English subtitles—makes the viewing experience even more immersive.
What viewers are saying: “The production crafts some memorable scare sequences (particularly one involving an antiquities room and another involving a painting), both of which are expertly set up with taut direction by Brugues. Inheritance is a fun little B-movie take on toxic wealthy families that has the playfulness of an old William Castle film with some solid modern-day craft.”
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix now.
For a zany holiday murder mystery, try:
‘7 Women and a Murder’
What it’s about: A lavish snow-covered mansion setting? Check! Set during Christmas? Check! A shocking murder wrapped up in long-buried secrets? Double check! 7 Women and a Murder (a remake of the French film 8 Women) is an Italian cozy mystery that centers on seven female relatives and staff, who are trapped in a mansion on Christmas after their patriarch, Marcello, is found stabbed. Now, the women must band together to uncover the motive—and the culprit. Is the killer in the mansion? All signs point to yes. A fun, locked-room-style Italian film packed with unexpected twists!
What viewers are saying: “If you can’t get enough of classic mystery-style movies like Clue, this is for you! Only this one has a Christmas twist and a cozy winter setting. I watch this every year around the holidays. It’s an Italian movie, but watching it with subtitles makes it feel like I’m truly reading a cozy mystery novel.”
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix now.
For a “cat and mouse” Christmas caper, try:
‘Black Doves’
What it’s about: Okay, hear us out: Black Doves isn’t a movie, but it originally aired as a limited series (it’s since been picked up for another season!) and it’s so seamlessly enthralling that it unfolds before your eyes just like a film. Set in London during the Christmas season, it’s an excellent mystery to liven up a low-key winter weekend. The six-episode spy thriller, created and written by Joe Barton (Giri/Haji, The Lazarus Project), centers on Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a spy living undercover as a politician’s wife whose carefully constructed life unravels after her lover is murdered. Seeking the truth, and possibly revenge, Helen reunites with an old ally (Ben Whishaw) and they set out to uncover what really happened.
What viewers are saying: “I really enjoyed this. Fantastic actors. Incredible chemistry. Ben Wishaw is superb as per usual. I especially like Reed and Williams. Also, the last 15 Christmas-y minutes seemed more like Love Actually than a thriller, which some will find charming if they’re in the mood for festive flair!”
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix now.
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