15 Mind-Bending Mystery Thrillers Like Chinatown

Zero Effect is reminiscent of Chinatown in its portrayal of a complex and mysterious case involving a private detective in Los Angeles. Just like Chinatown, Zero Effect focuses on the investigation of a case that is filled with deceit and corruption. However, unlike the serious and tragic tone of Chinatown, Zero Effect takes a comedic approach to the detective genre. Bill Pullman's portrayal of Daryl Zero brings a refreshing and entertaining twist to the character, making even simple lines sound funny and interesting. The film's strong dialogues, solid acting from all the leads, and a nice music score make it a delightful watch. While Chinatown is hailed as one of the best movies ever made, Zero Effect stands out as one of the coolest and funniest cinematic detective films of the 90s. So, if you enjoyed Chinatown and want to see a fresh take on the detective genre with a touch of humor, Zero Effect is highly recommended.

Harper, released in 1970, is reminiscent of Chinatown in many ways. Both films belong to the neo-noir genre and revolve around private detectives caught up in complex mysteries. While Chinatown takes place in 1930s Los Angeles, Harper is set in the 1960s, but both cities play a significant role in the films. The plot of Harper involves the search for a kidnapped husband, just as Chinatown follows a private detective uncovering deceit and murder. Both movies feature charismatic lead actors, with Jack Nicholson delivering a memorable performance in Chinatown and Paul Newman effortlessly embodying the cool private investigator in Harper. Additionally, both films have strong supporting casts, with Faye Dunaway and John Huston impressing in Chinatown, and Lauren Bacall and Julie Harris delivering stellar performances in Harper. Despite their similarities, the films also have notable differences. Chinatown is known for its serious and tragic ending, while Harper takes a slightly lighter tone.

Marlowe. A young woman from Kansas hires LA private detective Philip Marlowe to find her missing brother. "Marlowe" is a delightful take on Raymond Chandler's "The Little Sister," giving it a colorful and stylish 60s twist. While it lacks the film noir atmosphere of its predecessor, it compensates with a vibrant and groovy motif. Garner's portrayal of Marlowe is truer to the character than Bogart's in "The Big Sleep." The film successfully retains Chandler's essential elements, including violent thugs, irritable cops, and a classy woman in distress. The supporting characters, such as Carrol O'Connor, Rita Moreno, Bruce Lee (albeit too briefly), and Sharon Farrell, add depth and fun to the story. However, the female lead and the villainous yet sympathetic killer fall a bit flat.

The Long Goodbye is reminiscent of Chinatown in its portrayal of a private detective caught up in a web of deceit and murder. However, the similarities end there, as The Long Goodbye takes a more comedic and misanthropic approach compared to the serious and tragic tone of Chinatown. Elliot Gould delivers a standout performance as Philip Marlowe, a laconically relaxed detective who seems washed up and out of place in 1970s Los Angeles. Director Robert Altman injects the film with his trademark contempt for Hollywood and its conventions, using jokey references to cinema to acknowledge the artificiality of the genre. The supporting cast, including Sterling Hayden and Nina van Pallandt, add depth and complexity to their characters. Vilmos Zsigmond's photography gives Los Angeles a sultry and bleached-out aura, while John Williams' minimalist score adds to the film's unique atmosphere.

El crack, released in 1981, is reminiscent of Chinatown in many ways. Both films fall under the neo-noir genre and feature a private detective as the main character. In El crack, we follow Germán Areta, a detective who is hired by a terminally ill client to find his long-lost daughter. As Areta delves into the case, he uncovers the dark underbelly of Madrid, where he realizes that he is not the only one searching for the girl. Similarly, in Chinatown, the protagonist, Jake Gittes, is a private detective who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and corruption while investigating an adultery case. Both films explore themes of mystery, crime, and the search for the truth. However, while Chinatown is set in 1930s Los Angeles, El crack takes place in 1980s Madrid, showcasing a different time period and cultural context.

Kill Me Again takes us back to the 1940s with a film noir setting in the wide open spaces of the Nevada and Arizona desert. The movie follows a young detective named Jack Andrews, played by Val Kilmer, who is down on his luck and in debt to the mob. Just when things seem hopeless, a beautiful woman named Fay walks into his office with an intriguing proposition that could save his life. Fay, played by Joanne Whalley, wants Jack to forge documents to make it look like she's officially dead, so her psychopath boyfriend Vince won't find her. However, they soon realize that the $10,000 Fay is willing to pay Jack belongs to the Nevada Maranot Mob, the same mob that Jack owes money to. As the plot thickens, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful twists and turns.

I, the Jury, released in 1982, is reminiscent of Chinatown. Both movies fall under the neo-noir genre and revolve around private detectives caught up in complex webs of deceit, corruption, and murder. While Chinatown is set in 1930s Los Angeles, I, the Jury takes place in a more contemporary setting. The main characters in both films are charismatic and flawed, with Jack Nicholson delivering a memorable performance in Chinatown and Armand Assante doing a decent job in I, the Jury. The plotlines of both movies involve unraveling mysteries, but Chinatown delves deeper into political intrigue, while I, the Jury focuses more on the gritty underworld of crime. Despite their differences, both films offer a captivating blend of drama, mystery, and thriller elements that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. So, if you enjoyed the atmospheric neo-noir atmosphere and intricate plots of Chinatown, you should definitely give I, the Jury a watch.

The Crack: Inception takes us back to the origins of the Germán Areta detective series, set in post-Francoist Spain. Just like Chinatown, this film is a noir drama with a detective as the central character. However, while Chinatown is set in 1930s Los Angeles, The Crack: Inception is set in a different time and place. The Crack: Inception explores the sociopolitical context of Francoist Spain, giving us a glimpse into the final years of the dictatorship. It pays homage to Hollywood classics and American literature, particularly the works of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. The film features a slow-moving rhythm, which is far from boring and adds to the overall suspense and intrigue. Carlos Santos delivers a marvelous performance reminiscent of Alfredo Landa, and he is supported by a talented cast.

"Marlowe" is reminiscent of "Chinatown" in its portrayal of a brooding, down-on-his-luck detective navigating a web of mystery and deceit in a 1930s setting. However, while "Chinatown" is hailed as one of the best movies ever made, "Marlowe" falls short with mixed reviews. The similarities lie in their neo-noir genre and the use of a private detective as the central character. Both movies capture the essence of the time period, with "Chinatown" showcasing 1930s Los Angeles and "Marlowe" immersing us in the anachronisms of 1930s Bay City. Where "Chinatown" excels is in its flawless execution, from the superb performances to the peerless photography. The intricate plot, combined with Robert Towne's masterful writing, keeps the audience engaged and intrigued.

L.A. Confidential is reminiscent of Chinatown because both films transport you to the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, where corruption and murder lurk behind every corner. While Chinatown is set in the 1930s, L.A. Confidential takes us to the post-World War II 1950s, but the themes of deceit, crime, and moral ambiguity remain constant. Both movies feature an ensemble cast of incredible performances, with Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in Chinatown and Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Guy Pearce in L.A. Confidential. However, L.A. Confidential stands out with its brilliant screenplay and direction, earning it a well-deserved spot as one of the greatest films of 1997. So if you loved the intrigue and atmosphere of Chinatown, L.A. Confidential is a must-watch for its smart, multi-layered storytelling and gripping portrayal of 1950s Los Angeles.

Blood Simple, the 1985 film by the Coen brothers, shares a lot in common with the classic Chinatown. Both movies are set in a noir-inspired world of deceit and corruption, where characters are caught up in complex webs of double-crosses and murder. However, while Chinatown takes place in 1930s Los Angeles, Blood Simple is set in a small-town Texas bar in the 1980s. The Coen brothers' film is a masterclass in genre-blending, seamlessly shifting between noir, thriller, horror, and black comedy. It's a film that is aware of its own fictitious nature and plays with it in a way that feels fresh and original. The performances in Blood Simple are top-notch, with John Getz and Frances McDormand portraying a couple caught in the middle of a deadly plot, and Dan Hedaya delivering a menacing performance as the betrayed husband. M.

Fallen: Homicide detective John Hobbes witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese. Soon after the execution, the killings start again, and they are very similar to Reese's style.
"Fallen" is reminiscent of "Chinatown" in its neo-noir genre and its focus on a detective unravelling a mystery. While "Chinatown" takes place in 1930s Los Angeles, "Fallen" is set in a more contemporary setting. Both movies explore themes of corruption, deceit, and murder, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. However, "Fallen" adds a supernatural twist with the element of demonic possession, which sets it apart from the more grounded and realistic tone of "Chinatown". With a chilling atmosphere and clever writing, "Fallen" offers a mind-bending thriller experience that will keep viewers engaged and guessing until the very end.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes begins in a similar vein as Chinatown, with a private detective seeking to unravel a string of mysteries. While Chinatown takes us to 1930s Los Angeles, the setting of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is 19th century London. Both stories are filled with intrigue, corruption, and murder. However, the similarities end there. Chinatown is a neo-noir thriller with a dark and serious tone, while The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a crime drama with a lighter touch. The performances in Chinatown are superb, with Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway delivering memorable performances. On the other hand, Jeremy Brett's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is widely regarded as one of the best. The cinematography in Chinatown is peerless, capturing the dark underbelly of Los Angeles with a faint golden hue. In contrast, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes showcases the grandeur of Victorian London with its impressive sets and costumes.

Hammett is reminiscent of Chinatown in its portrayal of a complex mystery set in a specific time and place. Both movies capture the essence of the noir genre, with their atmospheric visuals and morally ambiguous characters. However, while Chinatown is set in 1930s Los Angeles and revolves around a private detective's investigation into corruption and murder, Hammett takes place in 1940s San Francisco and centers around the real-life mystery writer Dashiell Hammett and his involvement in the search for a missing Chinese cabaret actress. The two films share key topics such as neo noir and femme fatale, and both feature strong performances from their respective casts. Despite its differences, Hammett offers a similar appeal to Chinatown, providing a captivating mystery with a rich atmosphere that fans of the genre will appreciate.

French Connection II is reminiscent of Chinatown in several ways. Both movies are set in the 1970s and fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller. They both feature flawed and complex main characters, with Gene Hackman's portrayal of Popeye Doyle being just as captivating as Jack Nicholson's performance as J.J. Gittes. The films also delve into the dark and gritty side of society, exploring themes of corruption, organized crime, and drug trafficking. French Connection II continues the story of its predecessor, as Popeye Doyle travels to Marseille to find the drug smuggler who eluded him in New York. Although the two movies have their differences, such as the change in director and the shift in location from Los Angeles to Marseille, they still maintain a similar style and atmosphere. Overall, if you enjoyed the neo-noir elements, intense plot, and stellar performances in Chinatown, you should definitely give French Connection II a watch.