1954 Classic Ranked No. 1 ‘Best Murder Mystery Movie' of All Time Still Holds Up

A 1954 classic from Alfred Hitchcock has been named the greatest murder mystery movie of all time, topping a new ranking from Empire magazine that spans decades of iconic whodunnits.

Before revealing the No. 1 pick, the list includes a mix of modern favorites and genre-defining classics that helped shape the murder mystery formula:

• At No. 5 is Knives Out (2019), Rian Johnson's star-studded whodunnit that introduced detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) and reinvigorated the genre for a new generation.
• Coming in at No. 4 is The Conversation (1974), a tense surveillance thriller from Francis Ford Coppola that blends mystery with paranoia and moral conflict.
• At No. 3, The Last of Sheila (1973) delivers a twist-filled mystery set on a luxury yacht, earning renewed attention in recent years for its influence on modern films.
• And at No. 2 is Se7en (1995), David Fincher's dark and unforgettable thriller that follows two detectives tracking a serial killer inspired by the seven deadly sins.

‘Rear Window' Still Defines the Genre

Taking the top spot is Rear Window (1954), starring Jimmy Stewartand widely regarded as one of Hitchcock's greatest achievements.

Stewart plays a wheelchair-bound photographer who begins to suspect that one of his neighbors has committed murder, observing the unfolding mystery entirely from his apartment window. That limited perspective becomes the film's greatest strength, drawing viewers into the tension as they piece together clues alongside him.

The film also stars Grace Kelly, who was at the height of her Hollywood career and collaborated with Hitchcock on several acclaimed films, including Dial M for Murder and To Catch a Thief. Her performance adds both elegance and emotional depth to the story, helping ground the film's suspense in a believable relationship.

Shot almost entirely from a single location, Rear Window builds suspense through observation and implication rather than action, turning everyday moments into sources of unease.

Its reputation has only grown over time. The American Film Institute rankedRear Window No. 42 on its list of the greatest films of all time, further cementing its legacy as one of cinema's most influential works.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 9:39 PM.