With films like Death on the Nile being released this year to varying levels of success, it’s clear that audiences still have a love for well-crafted mysteries. From classic whodunits to treasure hunts, a good mystery has the power to envelop the mind of its audience and challenge their critical thinking, resulting in a thrilling experience.
As most modern mysteries are reserved for a more mature crowd, it might be hard to find a mystery film appropriate for the whole family. Luckily, Ranker has compiled the best mysteries made by Disney (including some Pixar gems and lesser-known live-action movies) that are perfect for sleuths of all ages.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Coco (2017)
The central mystery in Coco involves a boy named Miguel whose quest for musical stardom causes him to end up in the Land of the Dead. Under the assumption that his great-great-grandfather is famed musician Ernesto de la Cruz, he tries to find Ernesto in order to get his blessing so he can return home.
While the mystery in the film might not be the most complex, its execution is top-notch. Coco's inventive character design, vibrant world, and heartfelt themes of forgiveness and family only elevate the mystery and make it much more impactful. When the truth about Miguel’s family’s past is finally revealed, it is both shocking and heartbreaking proving that the conclusion to the mystery was well written and earned.
That Darn Cat! (1965)
A wonderful combination of suspense and slapstick, That Darn Cat! crafts a story about a crime-solving cat that’s both entertaining and delightful. This lesser-known Disney movie sees a crafty housecat stumbles onto a pair of bank robbers who are holding a female bank teller hostage. The victim uses her watch to send a message of “HEL-“ around the collar of the cat in the hopes that its owner will save her.
Beyond the hilarity involving the tenacious feline, the central mystery of this film is handled quite seriously and there are moments of real tension that might be surprising to casual Disney fans.
National Treasure: Book Of Secrets (2007)
The sequel to National Treasure continues the adventures of Ben Gates and his reluctant crew as they try to clear Gate’s ancestor’s name after he was named a conspirator in the Lincoln Assassination. In this installment, the group discovers an elaborate series of clues that seem to lead to the location of the mythical City of Gold while simultaneously trying to evade a devious black market dealer.
Nicolas Cage is as charismatic as ever as he leads the returning ensemble through high-stakes chases, thrilling heists, and even kidnapping the US president. The mystery in the center of the film is fun and inventive, bringing audiences along for the ride as the group moves from one gorgeous set-piece to the next. Although the film wasn’t received well by critics, the film was a commercial success.
The Moon-Spinners (1964)
Hayley Mills plays a young woman named Nikky who travels with her aunt to the island of Crete for some rest and relaxation but soon finds herself entangled in an elaborate jewelry-trafficking ring, and a handsome stranger named Mark.
Even though The Moon-Spinners is meant for younger audiences, there are many adult themes throughout the film. The danger Nikky finds herself in is handled very seriously, with many sequences filled with tangible tension and violence. While the overall mystery of the jewel-smuggling ring isn’t hard to solve, the character of Mark acts as a beguiling piece of the puzzle and keeps the film from being predictable. Although the film isn't considered to be one of Hayley Mill's best movies, her performance is still worth the watch.
The Rescuers (1977)
Bernard and Bianca are two mice in New York City who work for the international organization known as The Rescue Aid Society. They receive a distress message from a young orphan, Penny, who’s being held captive by a wicked pawnshop owner for the nefarious purpose to use her to retrieve a priceless diamond. The mice accept the mission and attempt to locate her before it’s too late.
The Rescuers is one of the best forgotten Disney films ever. It is a touching and thrilling film that’s not only beautifully animated but also wonderfully original. Not only are the main characters of Bianca and Bernard fully realized, but their intelligence and drive also make the movie that much more entertaining. The Rescuers was a box office success and critics found that the film was a return to form for Walt Disney Studios.
Zootopia (2016)
Rookie bunny cop Judy Hopps is given 48 hours to solve the disappearance of Emmitt Otterton, an otter who is the latest of 14 predator animals to go missing. With the help of the con artist fox, Nick Wilde, she tries to put the pieces together of this unusual mystery, racing against the clock trying to solve the case before any more innocent animals gets hurt.
Zootopia deals with difficult real-world issues, teaching children about workplace discrimination, racism, and prejudice. With every clue the duo uncovers, a piece of their character is also revealed allowing for deeper themes of acceptance and inclusion to unfold.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Bernard and Bianca are called to Australia to save a young boy, Cody, from an evil poacher named McLeach, who is in pursuit of the rare eagle, Marahute. With the help of some colorful animals, Bernard and Bianca work tirelessly to find Cody and save him from the clutches of the relentless McLeach before he can capture and kill Marahute.
The Rescuers Down Under remains to be as thrilling and entertaining as its predecessor. Trading in New York City for the wide scope of the Australian outback results in some truly breathtaking animation, with keen praise awarded to the flight sequences. The story beats might feel similar, but the added characters of Wilbur and Jake bring a much-appreciated addition of comedy that would delight even the most cynical audience member.
Holes (2003)
Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Holes follows Stanley Yelnats as he’s sent to a juvenile detention facility for a crime he did not commit. Supervised by the abusive Warden Walker, he and the other prisoners are forced to dig holes every day, unsure of the reason why.
Holes is considered to be Shia LaBeouf’s best movie and rightfully so. LaBeouf and the rest of the stellar cast give amazing performances that help ground some of the more over-the-top sequences. The mystery of the film is answered thanks to a heartbreaking flashback that shifts the tone from a harmless YA adaptation to a culturally relevant discussion on inequality in America. Not only does the film have a great mystery, but it also has something important to say.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
An underrated 80s gem from Disney, The Great Mouse Detective follows the famed sleuth, along with his trusted associate Dr. Dawson, as he uses his deductive reasoning to solve the case of a missing toymaker. Meanwhile, his arch-nemesis Rattigan is using the toymaker as a means to take over the mouse world.
The Great Mouse Detective is heavily influenced by the Sherlock Holmes canon. In addition to the multiple references to the legendary detective, Holmes’s dog Toby is included as a ing character setting this story in the same world. The film takes the best elements of classic Sherlock mysteries and transforms them into a whimsical and thrilling adventure for the whole family.
National Treasure (2004)
Ben Gates, a historian, and treasure hunter is double-crossed by a colleague whom he entrusted with his knowledge of the mythical Templar Treasure. When the next clue to finding the treasure is located on the back of the Declaration of Independence, Gates realizes he must steal the document in order to stop the treasure from falling into the wrong hands.
National Treasure takes the mystery genre and mixes it with a rousing adventure through American history. When the inciting incident occurs, the movie picks up speed and never stops, giving audiences a perfect blend of intrigue, action, and levity. Cage stands out with his campy and sincere performance, proving why this film has been referred to be one of Cage’s best movies ever.
