5 excellent Oscar-winning mystery films you should watch right now.

      Another year brings yet another Oscar season along with a fresh array of films to discuss and celebrate. The Oscars aim to honor film in its entirety, so the genre of a movie shouldn't typically be a factor. However, it sometimes is, which is why we've compiled this list of exceptional films from a category that the Oscars do not frequently recognize. These mystery movies were deserving of Oscar accolades and, importantly, each remains impressive even after the passage of years.

      Looking for more suggestions? Explore the best new movies available for streaming this week, as well as top shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

      **Gosford Park (2001)**

      The film that inspired Downton Abbey and arguably surpasses it, *Gosford Park* follows a group of affluent individuals and their servants who convene in rural England during the 1930s. When a guest at this lavish party is found murdered, both the wealthy attendees and their servants are compelled to uncover who had the motive for the crime. Showcasing a remarkable ensemble of British acting icons across various generations, *Gosford Park* stands as Robert Altman’s final great work, reflecting his belief in the complexity of human existence.

      You can rent *Gosford Park* on Amazon Prime Video.

      **The Silence of the Lambs (1991)**

      One of the most acclaimed Oscar winners in history, *The Silence of the Lambs* narrates the tale of a young FBI agent who becomes embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer. When she seeks the insight of Hannibal Lecter, an imprisoned murderer and psychologist, to comprehend the mindset of her target, Clarice discovers unexpected similarities between them. As she delves deeper into the investigation, the film explores the darkness that drives her. With two outstanding lead performances, *The Silence of the Lambs* is a timeless classic.

      You can rent *The Silence of the Lambs* on YouTube.

      **The Departed (2006)**

      Out of the many masterpieces crafted by Martin Scorsese during his career, it seems somewhat unusual that this film received the Oscar. Nevertheless, *The Departed* remains an enthralling thriller that depicts a Boston police officer working undercover within a mob and a mole within the police department who is aligned with the mob. Boasting an incredible cast and an engaging game of cat-and-mouse, *The Departed* exemplifies pulp fiction transformed into high art.

      You can rent *The Departed* on YouTube.

      **The French Connection (1971)**

      A Best Picture winner that epitomizes New Hollywood, *The French Connection* features Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider as narcotics detectives who uncover a drug smuggling operation involving French criminals. As they pursue the case, the film grapples with the improbability of true justice. Renowned for its iconic car chase, the film’s concluding title cards, which depict the unsatisfactory outcomes for several key characters, serve as a poignant reminder of the often futile efforts of relentless law enforcement.

      You can rent *The French Connection* on Apple TV.

      **No Country for Old Men (2007)**

      This film by the Coen brothers serves as both a captivating mystery and one of the most existential entries on this list. Based on the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name, *No Country for Old Men* follows a man who discovers a bag of cash in the desert, along with the law enforcement and hitman dispatched to find him. This seemingly straightforward plot evolves into a reflection on the nature of morality, anchored by three extraordinary central performances. The Coen brothers explore nihilism in *No Country*, showcasing their exceptional talent at its peak.

      You can watch *No Country for Old Men* on Paramount+.