Top 10 Female Detective Thrillers

Description: Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee, is tasked with interviewing the notorious cannibal, Hannibal Lecter, to catch another serial killer. Her intelligence and determination in navigating this dangerous investigation make her an iconic figure in detective cinema.

Fact: Jodie Foster won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Clarice Starling.

Description: Amelia Donaghy, a rookie cop, teams up with a quadriplegic forensic expert to track down a serial killer. Her journey from novice to adept detective is both thrilling and inspiring.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Jeffery Deaver, which spawned a series of books featuring Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs.

Description: FBI agent Gracie Hart goes undercover in a beauty pageant to prevent a terrorist attack. While not a traditional detective story, her undercover work and problem-solving skills highlight her detective prowess.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won a Teen Choice Award for her performance in this film.

Description: Emily, a high school student, becomes embroiled in a noir-style mystery. Her role as an amateur detective in this modern-day film noir is both intriguing and unconventional.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, with most of the cast being actual high school students.

Description: This film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel features Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker and part-time detective, who teams up with journalist Mikael Blomkvist to solve a decades-old disappearance. Her unconventional methods and fierce determination make her an unforgettable female detective.

Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Rooney Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander.

Description: While not a traditional detective, Amy Dunne's disappearance turns her husband Nick into an amateur detective. However, Amy's own cunning and manipulation make her a central figure in this psychological thriller, showcasing the darker side of detective work.

Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from the public, leading to widespread speculation and discussion.

Description: An FBI agent and a Boston cop team up to take down a drug lord. Their contrasting styles and the dynamic between them make for a comedic yet thrilling detective story.

Fact: Melissa McCarthy improvised many of her lines, adding to the film's humor.

Description: Originally a TV series, this film follows Veronica Mars, a high school student turned private investigator, as she returns to her hometown to solve a new mystery. Her sharp wit and resourcefulness make her a standout in the genre.

Fact: The film was crowdfunded through Kickstarter, raising over $

Description: Rachel Watson, an alcoholic with memory lapses, becomes involved in a missing person investigation. Her journey to uncover the truth, despite her unreliable memory, makes for a compelling detective story.

Fact: The film was adapted from Paula Hawkins' best-selling novel, which itself was inspired by "Gone Girl."

Description: Samantha Caine, an amnesiac schoolteacher, discovers her past as a deadly assassin and uses her skills to solve a mystery. Her transformation into a detective figure is both surprising and captivating.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger, but Geena Davis took on the role, adding a unique twist to the character.