9 of the Most Anticipated Mystery and Thriller Films of 2023

The year is shaping up to be killer.

mystery thriller movies 2023

 From streaming services to the big screen, 2023 has some incredible movies lined up. Whether you like your movies to have a basis in truth or prefer a fun cozy mystery, we have something for everyone. Get ready to discover some new talent while appreciating the acting chops of some of Hollywood’s most venerated stars.

Here are nine of the most anticipated mystery and thriller films set to release this year.

The Killer — Netflix

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  • Photo Credit: "The Killer" via Netflix

Directed by David Fincher and based on the French graphic novel of the same name, The Killer follows an assassin (Michael Fassbender) as he develops a conscience and begins to fall apart psychologically as his clients continue to demand his services. Also starring Tilda Swinton, Kerry O’Malley, and Charles Parnell, this psychological thriller promises to keep you on the edge of your seat as morality clashes with necessity. The Killer is expected in November 2023.

Killers of the Flower Moon — Apple TV+

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  • Photo Credit: "Killers of the Flower Moon" via Apple TV+

Based on the true crime 2017 book, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann, this incredible story follows actual events in the 1920’s. After oil was discovered on tribal land, a series of murders were committed sparking an FBI investigation led by “old-style lawman” Texas Ranger Tom White (Jesse Plemons). Directed by Martin Scorsese with an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert DeNiro, Lilly Gladstone, and Brendan Fraser, this gripping crime drama is set to release sometimes in 2023.

Master Gardener — In Theaters

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  • Photo Credit: "Master Gardener" via KOJO Studios

Narvel Roth (Joel Edgerton) is the master gardener for the estate Gracewood Gardens. His meticulous attention to horticulture captures the eye of his employer, the wealthy dowager Mrs. Haverhill (Sigourney Weaver). She wants Narvel to work with her troubled great-niece Maya (Quintessa Swindell). But Maya’s presence throws Narvel’s life into chaos, and dark secrets from his past threaten to emerge. Master Gardener premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival last September, and will release in US theaters in March 2023.

Missing – In Theaters

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A standalone sequel to 2018’s Searching, Missing is the story on teenage June Allen (Storm Reid) as she searches for her mother (Nia Long) after she goes missing while on vacation Columbia with her new boyfriend. June is thousands of miles away and stuck in the tedium of red tape, so she turns to technology to help track her mother. But the more she digs, the more secrets she finds until she is forced to ask if she ever really knew her mother at all. 

Missing premiers in theaters January 23, 2023.

Curious Caterer: Grilling Season — The Hallmark Channel

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  • Photo Credit: "Curious Caterer: Grilling Season" via Hallmark

The second in Hallmark's Curious Caterer series, the movie is based on the Goldy Schultz books by Diane Mott Davidson. Goldy Berry (Nikki DeLoach) is a professional caterer. When her childhood friend Susie Craig (Amanda May) asks Goldy to throw a lavish BBQ in her backyard, she can’t resist. But after the event ends, the BBQ explodes, killing Susie. And Goldy was the last one to use the grill. Goldy partners up once again with detective Tom Schultz (Andrew Walker) to clear her name and find the killer.

The movie will premiere on the Hallmark Channel February 5, 2023.

Atrabilious — In Theaters

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  • Photo Credit: "Atrabilious" via River Styx Productions

Atrabilious is a bar for mourning. Those grieving find their way there to heal, to move on. But for one father (Leon Addison Brown), there may be no moving on. Not until he discovers the truth. Is his son dead? Or was his sudden, tragic death all a lie? Co-starring Whoopie Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Wright, and Mark Boone Junior, Atrabilious is expected in theaters in July 2023.

Best Friend — Tubi

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  • Photo Credit: "Best Friend" via Tubi

Trisha (Serayah McNeil) and Jamie Dawson (Marques Houston) have been best friends since grade school. So, it shouldn’t be a problem when Trisha meets someone that sparks her romantic interest. Except Trisha’s interest makes Jamie realize maybe he doesn’t want to be in the friend zone. And he’ll do anything—even taking someone’s life—to keep Trisha and her new boyfriend apart. Created as original content for the new Tubi platform, Best Friend is set to stream February 24, 2023.

Boston Strangler — Hulu

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  • Photo Credit: "Boston Strangler" via Hulu

Based on the true events from the 1960’s where thirteen women were murdered, the movie focuses on the reporter who broke the story. Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) was the first to report on the Boston Strangler. Her and fellow reporter Jean Cole (Carrie Coon) fought against the sexist attitudes of their fellow reporters and police and challenged the corruption that kept the stranger’s identity shrouded in doubt. Boston Strangler will premiere on Hulu March 17, 2023.

Oppenheimer — In Theaters

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  • Photo Credit: "Oppenheimer" via Universal Studios

American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) has to grapple with the decision that could possibly destroy the world in order to save it. Told through three perspectives, Christopher Nolan brings this tense moment in history to life. The star-studded cast features Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey, Jr., Florence Pugh, Gary Oldman, Kenneth Branagh, and many more. This tense story is expected in theaters July 21, 2023.