Detective films: investigations and suspense on the big screen

With their mysteries, investigations, and dramatic tension, crime films remain one of the most popular genres in cinema. From the hunt for a serial killer to corruption cases, they combine suspense and psychology, often carried by unforgettable investigative duos. Discover the films currently showing and upcoming releases in France here.

Detective films to discover at the cinema

Coming soon to theaters (dates & info):

The Mastermind, Kelly Reichardt’s gripping thriller hits theaters
Kelly Reichardt's The Mastermind, a crime thriller starring Josh O’Connor and showcased in competition at Cannes 2025, hits theaters on February 4, 2026. [Read more]

Maigret and the Dead Man in Love, a crime thriller by Pascal Bonitzer starring Denis Podalydès
Crime thriller by Pascal Bonitzer starring Denis Podalydès. Maigret investigates a murder connected to a secret romantic correspondence. In theaters February 18, 2026. [Read more]

Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Lineage, Directed by Takeshi Koike — New Release Date Announced
Japanese animated film by Takeshi Koike featuring Lupin III. The theatrical release has been postponed to March 25, 2026, for this stylized action noir. [Read more]

Why see a detective movie at the cinema?

Because the suspense and staging of a good crime thriller come into their own on the big screen. Crime films play on tension, silences, and visual clues, whether they are breathless thrillers, psychological dramas, or revisited noir classics. At the cinema, the investigation is experienced to the full, with a series of revelations and twists and turns.

Which films of this genre can be found in this guide?

This guide lists a selection of crime films that are already showing or coming soon. The list is updated regularly according to announced releases. You will find:

• New releases in theaters, added weekly.
• Upcoming films, with their release dates, casts, and trailers.
• Notable investigations and profiles of detectives who shaped the genre.

FAQ

What is a crime film?

A feature film centered on an investigation, a crime, or an inquiry. The genre can be realistic, dramatic, or tinged with thriller elements, but it always retains the logic of mystery and the search for truth.

Is the list updated automatically?

Yes. The sections above are updated as soon as a new article tagged "crime film" is published on Sortir à Paris.

See also: Thrillers: what to see at the cinema • Dramas: now showing and coming soon • Action movies and blockbusters

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