50 Best Mystery Shows Of All Time Ranked

Mystery fiction is one of the oldest and most successful genres. From its humble beginnings during the Industrial Revolution, when large cities first started to get their own police forces, to the blockbuster movies and TV shows of the 21st century, the popularity of this type of drama has remained largely consistent. A big part of that is down to the way they are capable of fascinating an audience like other genres cannot.

That's because, rather than simply telling a story, mysteries invite the reader/viewer along for the ride and involve them in the cases. The best mystery shows can almost be interactive in the way the fans can try to piece together clues and solve the puzzle as the characters do the same thing. It doesn't matter whether the show is a crime drama with detectives working on catching a dangerous killer or a supernatural suspense series filled with curious and perplexing events, they all have a way of captivating viewers.

With so many mystery shows to choose from, we've narrowed down the list to the 50 best examples of the genre, ranging from the 1950s all the way up to the present day.

Even if you've never seen an episode of "Murder, She Wrote," the chances are you've heard of it. This crime drama series first began airing on CBS in 1992. The show stars Angela Lansbury as a novelist with a knack for solving murders, a useful trait considering the sheer number of people around her who end up dead.

"Murder, She Wrote" is something of an outlier in the world of mystery crime dramas. Each episode wraps up its own story and there's a sort of lightness that keeps everything feeling good-natured and not too serious, despite the fact that people are constantly being bumped off. As noted by Decider, this makes the show an easy watch that doesn't demand all of your attention.

That's not to say that it is a low quality show, though, as Lansbury puts in excellent performances consistently — demonstrated by a wide array of awards and nominations — and there is a focus on solving the mystery rather than honing in on the gritty violence of what has happened. All of these factors combine to make "Murder, She Wrote" more akin to a cozy mystery novel that feels like a warm hug rather than a stranglehold.

A Nickelodeon children's show might seem like an odd choice when it comes to the greatest ever mystery shows, but "House of Anubis" certainly earns its spot. Created by Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst, it stars Nathalia Ramos as an American student named Nina who moves to the U.K. and joins the boarding school known as Anubis House. Almost immediately following her arrival, mysterious events start to take place. A student goes missing and a secret society associated with Ancient Egypt is uncovered, leaving the rest of the kids to try to figure out what is going on.

Critics at the time were impressed with the story and the overarching narrative of "House of Anubis," which was unique among the standard sitcoms Nickelodeon was known for producing. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns throughout each episode, with the plot slowly revealing more information about the hidden secrets of the boarding school and its staff. As the IMDb reviews prove, fans absolutely adored this series when it aired back in the early 2010s, giving many kids their first taste of a good mystery.

A fantasy horror series based on the comic book franchise of the same name, "Locke & Key" first began airing on Netflix in 2020. The series has a strong pedigree behind it, with Carlton Cuse ("Lost"), Meredith Averill ("The Haunting of Hill House"), and Aron Eli Coleite ("Heroes") all involved. It follows the Locke family, who move to an old house in Matheson, Massachusetts following the murder of patriarch Rendell Locke. Soon they uncover secret keys that open hidden doors in the house and end up battling a demon who also seeks out the keys.

While the first season failed to capture the magic of the comics, according to Vox, it still got enough right to find a dedicated audience. That led to Netflix agreeing to greenlight two more seasons of the show, with the third hitting the streaming service in 2022. The second season was more of a hit with critics (it holds an approval rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes), who enjoyed the way that the show constantly pulls you into the mystery even when other elements don't work quite so well.

"13 Reasons Why" took Netflix by storm when its first season dropped in 2017. Created by Brian Yorkey and inspired by Jay Asher's novel "Thirteen Reasons Why," it charts the lives of various high school students following the suicide of Hannah Baker. The story essentially explores the reasons for her death and the people who may have been responsible for the tragic decision that Hannah made through a collection of cassette tapes that she recorded before her suicide.

"13 Reasons Why" gets a lot right, including its deep dive into the problems faced by teenagers in modern times such as social media and bullying, but what really makes it stand out is that it is such a captivating mystery. As the contents of the tapes are slowly revealed, they only lead to more questions about the events at the school and Hannah's life. The sometimes confusing way that the action switches between the past and present only serves to increase the sense of enigma. Once you've started watching it, you can't walk away without getting the answers to the mysteries it poses.

"The Twilight Zone" is one of the oldest shows on this list, though its importance to not just the mystery genre but TV in general cannot be overstated. The anthology series was created by Rod Serling and has a diverse array of episodes that include fantasy, science fiction, drama, horror, and even comedy. As Tor noted, "The Twilight Zone" was a vehicle for social commentary and the human condition, exploring humanity at its best and worst.

Named one of the top 10 television shows of all time by TV Guide, "The Twilight Zone" has been an influence on everything from "The Simpsons" to "The X-Files." Along with the original series, it has been revived multiple times and even made into a film in the form of "Twilight Zone: The Movie," with directors such as John Landis, Steven Spielberg, and George Miller contributing.

One of the things that helped "The Twilight Zone" find its success is the way it has some sort of mystery in every episode. Known for its twist endings, it regularly keeps viewers guessing. These sudden shifts often change the way you think about the story as well as the characters and their motivations. It's a classic series that never gets old.

When a New Jersey high school girls soccer team crashes on its journey to Seattle, the survivors are left stranded in Canada for 19 months before being rescued by authorities. "Yellowjackets" explores exactly how the youngsters lived in the wilderness and the desperate measures they took to stay alive.

"Yellowjackets" has an uncanny ability to showcase the morbid and twisted in a way that is fascinating to observe. The opening scene shows a terrified young girl running through the snow before falling to her death in a pit of spikes. It's a captivating couple of minutes that instantly gets its hooks into you.

As the show progresses, there are more and more questions raised as it explores the events following the crash and the lives of the survivors, leaving viewers to search for clues and new information at every opportunity. Few mystery shows have ever managed to capture trauma and horror in such an authentic way as "Yellowjackets" does.

Robert Doherty's "Elementary" is a modern retelling of the Sherlock Holmes stories in which the famous detective lives in present-day New York City. As is usual, Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller) acts as a consulting detective, offering his services to the NYPD, and is assisted by Joan Watson (Lucy Liu). Along with solving crimes, the first two seasons see the pair battle against Jamie Moriarty (Natalie Dormer).

"Elementary" is a novel take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos and not just in the way it reimagines Watson as a female character. It paints the famous detective in a far better light than most versions of the character, making him seem more human compared to the traditional, almost robot-like personality he can have. The people he works with are valuable members of his team who are just as capable as he is in many respects, making the crime solving a collaborative experience. It's a fascinating change that allows for some absorbing storylines where Holmes can take a step back and let others shine.

Based on the life of psychology professor Paul Ekman (who served as a "scientific advisor" to the creators during the show's three-season run), "Lie to Me" is a gripping crime drama. The series follows Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) as he assists a variety of police forces, federal agencies, and private third parties in criminal cases. Lightman and his team are experts in body language and are able to determine whether someone is being deceptive by examining microexpressions in their faces, extracting useful information with carefully chosen questions and using their knowledge of psychology.

"Lie to Me" is both intriguing and provocative, taking the standard police procedural and adding a dazzling new hook to give it a sense of freshness. Watching Lightman and his colleagues carry out their work is mesmerizing, as they gather clues and information in ways that wouldn't seem possible to ordinary humans. Unlike many crime shows, this series has great variety, as the range of investigations isn't bogged down by the team just working with the police. They take a wide array of clients, allowing for more potential to explore cases that viewers might not usually get to see in standard crime dramas. Roth's performance is nothing short of outstanding, a career-best for the talented Brit.

"The Blacklist" is a crime thriller that stars James Spader and Megan Boone. The premise is rather simple, with Spader's character (Raymond Reddington) surrendering to the FBI and becoming an informant after years of being a wanted criminal. Working with FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen, he helps the agency track down a series of important criminals from around the world who pose a real threat to both himself and the United States.

The show opens with a barrage of questions. Exactly where has Reddington been over the last 20 years? What has he been doing in that time? And why does he suddenly change sides? These mysteries get you invested right from the start, and, as the series progresses, it only leads to more questions — especially when so many of the other characters are not what they seem. All of that makes "The Blacklist" entirely unpredictable. Viewers try to uncover the ulterior motives of everyone involved while never quite knowing where the next twist is coming from.

Despite the fact that it has become a trope to see a skilled civilian using their atypical talents to aid the police, "Castle" was still able to make a name for itself when it debuted in 2009. Created by Andrew W. Marlowe, the series stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, a mystery writer who is asked to help in an investigation that bears a striking resemblance to one of his early novels. Bitten by the crime bug, he offers to help on a regular basis and strikes up a rocky relationship with NYPD captain Katherine "Kate" Beckett (Stana Katic).

The concept behind "Castle" might seem familiar, as it shares a few traits with another famous crime drama in "Murder, She Wrote." Like that show, "Castle" sees the lead character solve complex and weird cases thanks to his uncanny knowledge of how to get to the crux of the matter thanks to his writing career. Where this show differs is in the interactions between Castle and Beckett, who are often in conflict with each other and obviously share an emotional connection. This adds some depth to the viewing experience.

"Criminal Minds" is a police procedural that follows a group of FBI agents who are experts in profiling criminals. The Behavioral Analysis Unit works closely with other agencies and police forces to capture violent and sadistic criminals who pose a real danger to society. Focusing almost entirely on the crimes and their perpetrators, the show highlights the diverse ways that the profilers gather information about subjects and the unusual methods they use to track them down.

Part of the appeal of "Criminal Minds" is the way it keeps the identity of the suspect hidden until the end of an episode. Viewers are left guessing who is responsible for the horrendous crimes and this builds suspense until the revelation at the conclusion of each story. The other pull comes from the strangely dark crimes the BAU is involved in, acts that are despicable but oddly engrossing. Throughout its run, the show has also had some overarching mysteries related to the main characters, which add some extra unexpected twists.

"Jonathan Creek" is a crime drama with a twist. Written by "One Foot in the Grave" creator David Renwick, it stars Alan Davies as the titular character, a creative consultant for a magician and an expert in devising new magic tricks. Those skills also make him an ideal person to solve crimes where the police have failed, as he has insight into how seemingly impossible acts could have been committed. Often working with a partner, such as journalist Maddy Magellan (Caroline Quentin), he reluctantly becomes involved in a series of high-profile cases throughout his career.

Unlike similar shows, "Jonathan Creek" is not focused on the people who carried out the dastardly crimes or why they did so, but rather how they were pulled off. Renwick subverts the genre brilliantly, making the series what The Guardian describes as a "howdunnit" rather than a whodunnit. The mystery comes from the audience and Creek working out how a crime that should not have been possible actually happened, making it a locked-room mystery. It's a distinctive approach that works extremely well and is ideal for those who enjoy solving puzzles.

Taking direct inspiration from the Danish television series "Forbrydelsen," this American remake stars Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman as two homicide detectives who are investigating the murder of a teenager. Over the course of the first two seasons, the two uncover not only dark secrets about the Larsen family but also delve into a conspiracy that involves the local police and politicians. The next two seasons concentrate on two different crimes, with the detectives returning to find the truth behind more gruesome killings.

Although the later seasons pick up the pace, "The Killing" began as a slow burner. Information is only ever revealed in bits and pieces, with no big revelations coming until right at the conclusion of the initial investigation. This might put a few people off, but every new clue carries more weight as a result. If you have the patience, it's a very rewarding watch, and we highly recommend it.

Debuting in 2004, "Lost" was a new kind of mystery drama that blended elements of traditional sci-fi with heavy doses of the supernatural. Widely viewed as one of the best television series of all time, it features an ensemble cast of characters who find themselves trapped on a seemingly uninhabited island following a plane crash. There, they deal with an ever-increasing series of bizarre and dangerous encounters.

Vox has described "Lost" as a show that essentially moved television forward in such a way that it still feels relevant and fresh today, almost 20 years after it first hit the airwaves. It set a new standard for mystery shows, with its heavy emphasis on the characters and their individual stories rather than concentrating entirely on the overall narrative. But that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of riveting mysteries to get to grips with, whether it's the strange polar bear, the supernatural events that take place, or the enigmatic smoke monster. The ending of "Lost" proved highly divisive, but it remains a brilliant journey that will keep you captivated.

Mystery shows aren't usually made with a teen audience in mind, but "Veronica Mars" bucked that trend when it started airing on UPN in 2004 before moving to The CW and finally coming back for a revived season in 2019 on Hulu. The series focuses on the exploits of private investigator and high school student Veronica Mars. She's trying to cope following the murder of her best friend and a troubling series of life events, joining her father's detective agency and pouring her energy into her work.

At times, "Veronica Mars" can seem like a complex web of different narratives and mysteries, as competing questions command the attention of the titular character and the audience. There's the looming investigation over who killed Lilly Kane, but also other problems, such as the disappearance of Veronica's mother and the sexual assault that the PI suffers while at a party. What stands out, though, is the way the series makes its shocking revelations, which come out of nowhere and leave you reeling.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

As you might have guessed from the name, "Supernatural" is a show all about otherworldly monsters and mystical beings. It charts the exploits of Sam and Dean Winchester (played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) as they hunt down terrifying supernatural creatures while searching for their missing father. This includes fighting ghosts, demons, vampires, evil spirits, and monsters of all shapes and sizes while averting events that threaten all of humanity.

Individual episodes may not scratch the mystery itch as much as some viewers might want, but there are overarching questions that will keep you hooked until you get answers. There's also a steady supply of unexpected turns to crank up the drama, usually involving revelations about the Winchester family. It isn't just the intense action or twisting story that keeps viewers entertained in "Supernatural," either. The series hones in on the relationship between the two brothers and their attempts to make their dysfunctional family work despite their faults. There are some truly emotional moments between the two characters and it makes for a relatable experience for anyone with siblings.

"Mare of Easttown" is another recent crime drama that has made a big impression. Starring Kate Winslet in the role of a homicide detective, the show takes place in a sleepy and remote suburb of Philadelphia in the immediate aftermath of a murder. Marianne Sheehan is tasked with investigating the killing but faces a raft of challenges along the way, including a nagging self doubt over her inability to figure out another case involving a missing girl.

Central to "Mare of Easttown" is the murder mystery. There's an array of possible suspects that could all reasonably have killed the victim and each of them is ruled out slowly in a methodical manner. Yet, the show never feels like it is moving at a snail's pace, instead giving the audience time to digest all the information and really get to know the characters. On top of that, Sheehan's trauma provides additional emotional pull and adds depth to a flawed character that many will relate to. She suffers from her own personal tragedy following her son's suicide and her daughter's addiction to heroin, making her investigation all the more challenging.

Any show that comes from Jonathan Nolan and J.J. Abrams is likely to be something worth watching, and "Person of Interest" certainly lives up to its billing. A drama series that blends crime with science fiction, it stars Jim Caviezel, Taraji P. Henson, and Kevin Chapman as an underground group of vigilantes who use data provided by a sophisticated piece of artificial intelligence that can predict terrible crimes. The group works to prevent the awful events from taking place, using the information provided by the Machine.

The very nature of the Machine means that it doesn't give precise details. With just social security numbers to identify those involved, it's up to the team to determine who the victim is before it's too late. There's an overarching plot that features government conspiracies, but what keeps you coming back are the weekly manhunts as the characters race against the clock to unveil the identities of those involved.

"Endeavour" has a rich history as a crime drama, as it acts as a prequel to the popular British series "Inspector Morse" and a spin-off of "Lewis," both great shows that are worthy of your time. However, when it comes to pure mystery, "Endeavour" stands above the other two. It follows a young Endeavour Morse as he begins his career in the police force. Set during the late 1960s and early 1970s, it sees the officer join the Criminal Investigation Department and begin to demonstrate his spectacular detective skills as he solves a variety of different murders in impressive fashion.

Reviews for "Endeavor" were almost universally positive, with the likes of the Los Angeles Times praising the show for its depth and the way it doesn't hold the hand of viewers by reducing the complexity of the crimes. With episodes often running to feature-length durations, it also has an opportunity to slowly build up the suspense and pace out investigations in a way that ensures they never feel rushed. This means viewers have plenty of time to digest every little detail, which is essential for piecing together every clue.

"House" is a very different kind of mystery show to most. Rather than dealing with crimes or strange events, it focuses on medical mysteries. The hit show stars Hugh Laurie as a grumpy and unsociable diagnostic doctor who specializes in determining rare or little-known diseases in patients. House often uses controversial methods to diagnose illnesses and frequently clashes with those around him, partly because of his addiction to pain medication.

Considering the show's connections to Sherlock Holmes, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that "House" is all about mystery. Practically every episode involves somebody arriving at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital with an inexplicable illness that no one else has been able to solve. It's then up to House to examine the symptoms and come up with the right solution. While "House" is full of excellent performances and intriguing stories, watching how the doctor is able to reach the right diagnosis is the most riveting part of the show.

Few mystery shows have had such an impact on popular culture as "Black Mirror." From its rather humble beginnings as a Channel 4 show in the U.K. to its worldwide phenomenon status on Netflix, Charlie Brooker's anthology series has touched upon a variety of different genres as it explores everything from near-future dystopias to the ability to virtually bring back loved ones from death. While "Black Mirror" deals with a lot of subjects, most of the episodes deal with the intersection of technology and humanity, exploring the cost of advancing tech in the world.

Although "Black Mirror" might not appear to be a traditional mystery show, there's always some puzzle to put together or a question that needs answering at the heart of every episode. Viewers are left wondering what might happen in the next scene and stories often end with more questions raised than answered. But it's an approach that has worked well, earning the series plenty of plaudits from critics.

When it first launched, HBO's "Westworld" was a sort of dystopian sci-fi show that blended in elements of old Western movies. This is largely thanks to the fact that it is set in a future where themed amusement parks offer patrons experiences with lifelike robots known as Hosts, who can fulfill any desire regardless of how violent or inappropriate it may be. Throughout the first season, things slowly start to unravel, as some Hosts gain sentience and begin to behave erratically.

"Westworld" has always been a show that is as much a puzzle as it is a traditional television series. Viewers are meant to work out what is going on and piece together the clues for themselves. That made the first season one of the best pieces of television in recent times. Things started getting messier as the series progressed, with more high-end concepts coming into play and increasingly complex storylines making things a little confusing. But, if you love a good mystery, then this show will be right up your street, and the talent involved is undeniable — Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Jeffrey Wright, Tessa Thompson, and Aaron Paul have all played a part in this sprawling yarn.

Since it first hit the streaming service back in 2016, "Stranger Things" has become Netflix's most important show. Variety reported that Season 4 even managed to beat out the highly anticipated "Bridgerton" Season 2 as the best premier of an English language series. The show, which incorporates horror, drama, and science fiction elements, focuses on the fictional town of Hawkins. An ensemble cast that includes Winona Ryder and David Harbour, along with several younger actors, experiences a raft of supernatural events and terrifying monsters linked to a nearby science lab that is conducting nefarious experiments.

Part of the success of "Stranger Things" is the way it mixes horror, suspense, comedy, and action. There's plenty to keep every type of viewer hooked, whether it's the scary creatures from the Upside Down or the endearing children who make up the majority of the cast. The show is always posing new questions and likes to keep the audience on their toes, not knowing where the story might go next or who is ultimately responsible for what is going on. The scope and stakes expand significantly as the show progresses, though it never loses its mysterious vibes.

Noah Hawley definitely had his work cut out when he decided to create a television show inspired by the Coen brothers' classic film "Fargo," but he managed to exceed all expectations with a critically acclaimed series. Each season focuses on a different cast of characters, though the action takes place largely within the same general area. Since its debut, "Fargo" has featured actors such as Billy Bob Thornton, Ewan McGregor, Kirsten Dunst, Martin Freeman, and Chris Rock in leading roles.

Like the film on which it is based, the television series carefully blends black comedy with tragedy to create a thoughtful experience that manages to keep viewers on tenterhooks. While there's little mystery in knowing what crimes have been committed or who the villains are, there is a constant layer of uncertainty that prevents you from knowing how things will turn out. Seeing the various characters come undone as their plans fail spectacularly is the icing on the cake that makes "Fargo" so mesmerizing to watch.

There has never been a shortage of Sherlock Holmes adaptations, with Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective brought to life on screen dozens of times over the years. Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, both veterans of "Doctor Who," tried to do something different with their version, though, transporting Holmes to modern times to give the stories a sense of freshness. "Sherlock" sees Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman take on the roles of Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they put their skills to work investigating a wide range of crimes and bizarre events.

There's a reason that Doyle's work has proved timeless, as people love a whodunit and are fascinated by the way the detective can logically solve cases. "Sherlock" simply takes the magic formula to present-day London and gives fans everything they would expect from a Sherlock Holmes adaptation along with a real sense of chemistry between the two lead characters. The two actors are rumored to have a frosty relationship in real life, but on screen, they're dynamite. Where "Sherlock" truly makes a mark is in giving audiences a deeper look into how the titular character's mind works, revealing his inner thoughts visually on screen stylishly and unobtrusively. Not only is this the best Sherlock Holmes adaptation of all time, but it's also the best mystery show ever made.