Unraveling The Mysteries Of The 90s

Maya Ellison
Maya EllisonSeptember 5, 2025
The 1990s was a decade that saw the rise of complex and intriguing mystery films that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. With a mix of psychological thrillers, crime dramas, and supernatural mysteries, this era had something for every fan of the genre. From the dark and gritty streets of Los Angeles to the eerie and isolated landscapes of rural America, these films took viewers on a journey of discovery and suspense.

One of the defining characteristics of 90s mystery films is their ability to balance intellectual curiosity with visceral tension. Whether it's a serial killer on the loose or a supernatural force at work, these movies knew how to ratchet up the suspense and keep viewers guessing until the very end. With a range of talented directors and actors bringing these stories to life, the 1990s was a truly exceptional time for mystery cinema.

As we delve into the world of 90s mystery films, we find a diverse range of themes and styles that reflect the anxieties and obsessions of the time. From the corrupt underbelly of urban politics to the darkest recesses of the human psyche, these movies probed the depths of human nature and emerged with some surprising and unsettling conclusions. With their intricate plots, memorable characters, and haunting atmospheres, these films continue to captivate audiences to this day.

In this collection of mystery films from the 1990s, we've curated a selection of the most compelling and thought-provoking examples of the genre. With a focus on quality over quantity, we've chosen movies that showcase the best of 90s mystery cinema, from the critically acclaimed to the cult classics. Whether you're a fan of twisty plotlines, atmospheric tension, or just great storytelling, there's something here for everyone.
Se7en
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Se7en

#1

Two homicide detectives are on a desperate hunt for a serial killer whose crimes are based on the "seven deadly sins" in this dark and haunting film that takes viewers from the tortured remains of one victim to the next. The seasoned Det. Somerset researches each sin in an effort to get inside the killer's mind, while his novice partner, Mills, scoffs at his efforts to unravel the case.

1995127 min
CrimeMysteryThriller
8.4
22046 votes
The Sixth Sense
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The Sixth Sense

#2

Following an unexpected tragedy, child psychologist Malcolm Crowe meets a nine year old boy named Cole Sear, who is hiding a dark secret.

1999107 min
MysteryThrillerDrama
8.0
12226 votes
The Devil's Advocate
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The Devil's Advocate

#3

Aspiring Florida defense lawyer Kevin Lomax accepts a job at a New York law firm. With the stakes getting higher every case, Kevin quickly learns that his boss has something far more evil planned.

1997144 min
DramaMysteryThriller
7.5
6377 votes
Twelve Monkeys
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Twelve Monkeys

#4

In the year 2035, convict James Cole reluctantly volunteers to be sent back in time to discover the origin of a deadly virus that wiped out nearly all of the earth's population and forced the survivors into underground communities. But when Cole is mistakenly sent to 1990 instead of 1996, he's arrested and locked up in a mental hospital. There he meets psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly and the son of a famous virus expert who may hold the key to the Army of the 12 Monkeys; thought to be responsibl

1995129 min
Science FictionThrillerMystery
7.6
8683 votes
Eyes Wide Shut
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Eyes Wide Shut

#5

After Dr. Bill Harford's wife, Alice, admits to having sexual fantasies about a man she met, Bill becomes obsessed with having a sexual encounter. He discovers an underground sexual group and attends one of their meetings -- and quickly discovers that he is in over his head.

1999159 min
DramaThrillerMystery
7.5
6563 votes
The Ninth Gate
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The Ninth Gate

#6

A rare book dealer finds himself at the heart of a string of paranormal events when he is hired to find the last two copies of a text, The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows, capable of summoning the Devil.

1999133 min
MysteryThrillerHorror
6.5
3152 votes
Copycat
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Copycat

#7

An agoraphobic psychologist and a female detective must work together to take down a serial killer who copies serial killers from the past.

1995124 min
ThrillerCrimeMystery
6.5
1132 votes
L.A. Confidential
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L.A. Confidential

#8

Three detectives in the corrupt and brutal L.A. police force of the 1950s use differing methods to uncover a conspiracy behind the shotgun slayings of the patrons at an all-night diner.

1997138 min
CrimeMysteryThriller
7.8
5210 votes
The Game
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The Game

#9

In honor of his birthday, San Francisco banker Nicholas Van Orton, a financial genius and a cold-hearted loner, receives an unusual present from his younger brother, Conrad: a gift certificate to play a unique kind of game. In nary a nanosecond, Nicholas finds himself consumed by a dangerous set of ever-changing rules, unable to distinguish where the charade ends and reality begins.

1997129 min
DramaThrillerMystery
7.6
6950 votes
The Firm
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The Firm

#10

Mitch McDeere is a young man with a promising future in Law. About to sit his Bar exam, he is approached by 'The Firm' and made an offer he doesn't refuse. Seduced by the money and gifts showered on him, he is totally oblivious to the more sinister side of his company. Then, two Associates are murdered. The FBI contact him, asking him for information and suddenly his life is ruined. He has a choice - work with the FBI, or stay with the Firm. Either way he will lose his life as he knows it. Mitch

1993154 min
DramaMysteryThriller
6.7
2152 votes
Primal Fear
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Primal Fear

#11

An arrogant, high-powered attorney takes on the case of a poor altar boy found running away from the scene of the grisly murder of the bishop who has taken him in. The case gets a lot more complex when the accused reveals that there may or may not have been a third person in the room.

1996129 min
CrimeDramaMystery
7.7
3616 votes
Conspiracy Theory
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Conspiracy Theory

#12

A man obsessed with conspiracy theories becomes a target after one of his theories turns out to be true. Unfortunately, in order to save himself, he has to figure out which theory it is.

1997135 min
ActionDramaMystery
6.6
1535 votes
Sleepy Hollow
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Sleepy Hollow

#13

Skeptical young detective Ichabod Crane gets transferred to the hamlet of Sleepy Hollow, New York, where he is tasked with investigating the decapitations of three people – murders the townsfolk attribute to a legendary specter, The Headless Horseman.

1999105 min
FantasyThrillerMystery
7.2
7036 votes
Scream
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Scream

#14

A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.

1996112 min
CrimeHorrorMystery
7.4
7424 votes
I Know What You Did Last Summer
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I Know What You Did Last Summer

#15

After an accident on a winding road, four teens make the fatal mistake of dumping their victim's body into the sea. Exactly one year later, the deadly secret resurfaces as they're stalked by a hook-handed figure.

1997102 min
HorrorThrillerMystery
6.0
3033 votes
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
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I Still Know What You Did Last Summer

#16

Ever since killing the Fisherman one year ago, Julie James is still haunted by images of him after her. When her best friend Karla wins free tickets to the Bahamas, Julie finds this a perfect opportunity to finally relax. But someone is waiting for her. Someone who she thought was dead. Someone who is out again for revenge.

1998100 min
HorrorMysteryThriller
5.4
1605 votes
Event Horizon
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Event Horizon

#18

In 2047, a group of astronauts are sent to investigate and salvage the starship Event Horizon which disappeared mysteriously seven years before on its maiden voyage. However, it soon becomes evident that something sinister resides in its corridors.

199795 min
HorrorScience FictionMystery
6.6
3038 votes

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