The 10 Best Detectives From Movies And TV Shows That Could Solve Any Mystery

Although detective movies are considered tough to follow, this movie genre still has a huge community of fans. Famous detectives are widely known as inspired figures in different fields, including novels, movies, music, and plays. Many fans actually transform into detectives to find every clue about the main character while watching the movie. And that's the best part that not every movie genre can do.
It’s safe to say almost everyone hears about Sherlock Holmes at least once. And this character is regarded as one of the most portrayed characters in movies and TV history, with a great number of actors playing him in over 254 productions. However, he is not the best detectives in movies and TV shows. It’s hard to rate but below are the 10 best crime solvers from our beloved shows. Let’s scroll down and check them out!
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#10 Hercule Poirot from Murder on the Orient Express

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Source: © Murder on the Orient Express / 20th Century

A very talented and intellectual investigator capable of solving the most complicated cases, Poirot is famous for his thorough and organized approach to crime-solving. He can find and piece together clues that others miss. In Murder on the Orient Express, Poirot engaged in solving a murder on a train going from Istanbul to Calais.
Kenneth Branagh’s performance of Poirot as an intellectual and eccentric investigator capable of solving the toughest crimes stands out in the film.
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#9 Veronica Mars from Veronica Mars

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Source: © Veronica Mars / Warner Bros.

Veronica Mars is a teenage private investigator, who has a sharp wit and determination that can solve any case. The film follows her as she investigates different crimes and mysteries in her hometown of Neptune, California, frequently involving her wealthy father, the town sheriff. Her quick thinking, intelligence, and resourcefulness turn her into a formidable detective.

#8 Holden Ford from Mindhunter

Source: © Mindhunter / Netflix

Holden Ford is a reliable and compassionate agent driven by an unyielding lust to understand the criminal mind and stop crime. Ford’s character is a complicated and multifaceted one. He conveys a depth of humanity and vulnerability to the character, making him stand out.
Ford’s determined pursuit of the truth and his power to connect with the criminals on a personal level is motivated by a real FBI agent, and it is known as the key to his success as a top detective.

#7 Leonard Briscoe from Law & Order

Source: © Law & Order / Wolf Entertainment

Detective Leonard Briscoe is an example of a top-notch investigator, with a wealth of knowledge and experience under his belt. He is extremely good at piecing together clues and following leads, using his intuition and attention to detail like a sixth sense.
He is also a mentor to his fellow detectives. His quick wit and sarcastic humor serve as both a defense mechanism and a tool to pass tense moments. He is relentless in his dream of justice. Usually, he pushes himself to the limits and puts himself in danger to break a case. He is enormously empathetic and compassionate, consistently putting the victims and their families first.

#6 Debra Morgan from Dexter

best detectives in movies

Source: © Dexter / Showtime Networks

She is a relentless detective who is not afraid to challenge the status quo to solve crimes and bring justice to victims. Despite facing skepticism and resistance from her bosses and colleagues, Morgan, played by Jennifer Carpenter, demonstrates herself as a valuable asset in solving cases with her fierce determination and strong ability to think outside the box.
Although she faces multiple challenges, Morgan never loses sight of her highest goal: to bring closure to the victims and their families and show herself to be a formidable detective.

#5 Clarice from The Silence of the Lambs

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Source: © The Silence of the Lambs / Orion Pictures

A single-minded and intelligent FBI trainee charged with tracking down a serial killer, Sterling’s ability to connect with the killer and understand his mind, along with her judgment to solve the case, turns her into a valuable asset in solving crimes. She starred in the movie because of her intelligence, determination, and compassion.

#4 Harry Callahan from Dirty Harry

Source: © Dirty Harry / The Malpaso Company

Inspector Harry Callahan is a talented detective, well-known for his creativity and determined pursuit of justice. He is given every “dirty” job that comes along. His character’s nickname, “Dirty Harry,” has evolved synonymous with a no-nonsense, relentless police officer willing to go above and beyond to bring criminals to justice.Regardless of the obstacles in his way, he is always determined to see cases through to the end. Callahan is also a master of the psychological game and can outsmart outlaws with his quick thinking and creative tactics.
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#3 Sherlock Holmes from Sherlock

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Source: © Sherlock / BBC Wales

The legendary detective Sherlock Holmes is globally known for his unmatched intelligence and attention to every small detail. These skills enable him to solve even the toughest cases with the utmost ease. He is the best at solving crimes due to his unmatched logical reasoning.
In each episode, we see him spot details that others might miss. His masterful disguises, alongside his understanding of forensic science, chemistry, and psychology, significantly strengthen his already powerful investigative toolkit.

#2 Lieutenant Columbo from Columbo

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Source: © Columbo / NBC

Lieutenant Columbo is a respected rival to the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Leonard Briscoe. His wry humor and quick wit have turned him into a favorite figure in movies and TV. From his debut in 1968 to his final portrayals in 2003, Columbo’s longevity is a testament to his enduring appeal. He guided the ever-changing landscape of crime-drama TV, sharing airtime with the likes of Hawaii Five-0, Miami Vice, Law, and Order, and even CSI.
No one could deny Columbo’s impact on the genre, making him a beloved of your parents, grandparents, and all crime-drama enthusiasts. We ranked Columbo over Sherlock due to the way he approaches solving crimes. His subtle and natural approach lets him catch criminals off guard and gather information in a non-threatening way.

#1 Benoit Blanc from Glass Onion

Source: © Glass Onion / Netflix

The best detectives on the list, Benoit Blanc, is a master of his craft and known for unraveling intricate mysteries. When a wealthy patriarch dies under suspicious circumstances, a man is hired to investigate the victim's family. He uses his unique perspective to understand suspects and their motives, applying both keen observation and unorthodox methods.
Blanc brings us a refreshing take on the detective archetype. Unlike Lieutenant Columbo and Sherlock Holmes, Blanc doesn’t depend on the traditional look or methods of a detective. Also, Blanc can multitask and solve two mysteries at the same time, showcasing his exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box.What are your favorite detectives and why? Kindly let us know in the comment section of Aubtu!
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