Why it’s great: This is a classic big house in the English countryside, wealthy squabbling family plot – but the denouement is pretty wild! Starring: Max Irons, Glenn Close, Gillian Anderson Where to watch: Prime Video Why it’s great: It’s got a great aesthetic, a really tight story, and it also has a fucking amazing ensemble cast! Starring: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas Where to watch: Prime Video Why it’s great: The time (1950s) and place (London) setting is really fun, it’s hilarious, and the characters are all distinct and compelling. Plus, Shirley Henderson gives a great performance as Agatha Christie herself! Starring: Sam Rockwell, Saoirse Ronan, David Oyelowo Where to watch: Cinemas (currently) Why it’s great: It’s an amazing encapsulation of 1930s England, it has an amazing ensemble cast, and it’s actually a blueprint for Downton Abbey. Starring: Michael Gambon, Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith Where to watch: Netflix (UK), Disney+ (UK), Prime Video Why it’s great: I mean, it’s probably one of the first movies that comes to mind when one says murder mystery! Starring: Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings Where to watch: Prime Video, Sky Movies, tubi (US), InsideFlix (US) Why it’s great: This is a seriously underrated drama that boasts incredible performances across the board. It has a similar vibe to Big Little Lies – it’s tense, absorbing, and driven by intriguing female characters. Starring: Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Eliza Scanlen Where to watch: NOW, Apple TV+, Prime Video Why it’s great: Apart from including some iconic quotes, this movie is a pioneering murder mystery with an indelible performance from Sidney! Starring: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates Where to watch: insideFlix (US), Prime Video, YouTube Movies Why it’s great: It’s inspired by the classic board game and it’s a camp cult classic! Starring: Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd Where to watch: Paramount+, Prime Video Why it’s great: Tuppence (Iris Carr) is so good in this – hence why I (possibly controversially) picked this version – and the whole movie is super engaging. Starring: Tuppence Middleton, Tom Hughes, Selina Cadell Where to watch: BritBox (UK), Prime Video Why it’s great: It’s just… The best. If you want standout performances from cinematic greats and compelling period drama, this is IT. Starring: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Sean Connery Where to watch: BBC iPlayer (UK), Apple TV+, Prime Video Why it’s great: From the get-go, this movie will grab you and keep you hooked. Every person involved adds so much to the film, which is also a really compelling snapshot of drifter culture in ’70s America. Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo Where to watch: FXNOW (US), Prime Video, Apple TV+ Why it’s great: It’s a classic Christie tale with a great cast and cosy English setting. Will and Lucy have great chemistry, and the plot keeps you guessing until the end! Starring: Will Poulter, Lucy Boynton, Emma Thompson Where to watch: BritBox (UK) Why it’s great: It’s the first major film noir and it totally lays the foundations for so many classic tropes of the murder mystery genre. Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George Where to watch: HBO Max (US), Prime Video, Apple TV+ Why it’s great: The acting, the special effects, the story, the editing – it’s just all phenomenal. Every second of the 139 minute run-time is fantastic. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley Where to watch: Netflix (UK), Paramount+ (US), Prime Video Why it’s great: This three-part series draws together a fantastic ensemble cast, a beautiful setting and stunning cinematography. Also, the story’s a classic! Starring: Charles Dance, Maeve Dermody, Aidan Turner Where to watch: Apple TV+, Prime Video Why it’s great: More than anything, I love the encapsulation of Victorian East-End London in this movie. The story is intriguing and the performances are great, especially from Olivia! Starring: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hoopla (US) Why it’s great: It’s the perfect black comedy! Frances is at her best, and the whole things moves with the perfect pace and strikes the perfect balance between humour and poignancy. Starring: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi Where to watch: Starz (US), Prime Video, Apple TV+, Sky Movies Why it’s great: British kids will be familiar with this story, and honestly, it’s just a banger! The twist and the coded takedown of early twentieth century society are just chef’s kiss. Starring: Alastair Sim, Jane Wenham, Eileen Moore Where to watch: kanopy (US), Prime Video Why it’s great: It’s a proper Hitchcockian thriller with both thrilling scenes (for the time) and subtle humour. Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason Where to watch: BBC iPlayer (UK), Prime Video, Apple TV+
