Fancy a bit of brain-teasing suspense? Here's a curated list of detective films where exams aren't just about passing or failing, but about solving mysteries, cracking codes, and outwitting the cunning. These films blend the intellectual challenge of exams with the thrilling twists of detective work, making for a unique and engaging watch. Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits or modern psychological thrillers, this collection has something to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Description: This adaptation of Dan Brown's novel involves solving a series of puzzles and codes, which can be seen as an intellectual exam for the characters. The film's blend of history, religion, and mystery makes it a thrilling watch.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations including the Louvre Museum, which was closed to the public for filming.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: While not a traditional detective film, this thriller involves a nurse who must solve the mystery of her patient's strange behavior, which involves a series of tests and puzzles. The film's setting in a creepy old house adds to the suspense.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, utilizing the city's rich history and architecture.


The Lake House (2006)
Description: This romantic drama involves a time-traveling mailbox, where the protagonists must solve the puzzle of their connection across time. While not a detective film per se, the intellectual challenge of understanding the time paradox fits our theme.
Fact: The film was adapted from a South Korean film called "Il Mare," which also dealt with time travel through letters.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: This film, while more about magic than exams, involves a complex puzzle of rivalry, deception, and obsession between two magicians. Their quest for the ultimate trick can be likened to an exam in cunning and innovation.
Fact: The film was shot in reverse order, starting with the final scenes and working backward.


The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
Description: This biographical drama about Srinivasa Ramanujan involves his struggle to prove his mathematical theories, which can be seen as a form of intellectual examination. His journey to Cambridge and the academic challenges he faces are central to the plot.
Fact: Dev Patel, who played Ramanujan, learned to write mathematical equations in Tamil for authenticity.


Exam (2009)
Description: In this psychological thriller, eight candidates are competing for a job at a mysterious corporation. They're locked in a room with one simple task: pass an exam. However, the exam paper is blank, and the rules are as twisted as the plot, making it a perfect fit for our list.
Fact: The film was shot in just 12 days, and the entire movie takes place in one room.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Description: While not centered around an exam, Lisbeth Salander's hacking skills and puzzle-solving abilities are put to the test in this thrilling adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel. Her investigation into a 40-year-old mystery is like an exam in itself.
Fact: The film's opening credits, featuring a cover of "Immigrant Song" by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, won an Academy Award for Best Original Score.


The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: While not strictly a detective film, this biopic about Alan Turing involves cracking the Nazi's Enigma code, which can be seen as an intellectual exam of the highest order. The film's focus on codebreaking and Turing's personal struggles adds layers of intrigue.
Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Turing, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for this role.


The Number 23 (2007)
Description: A man becomes obsessed with a book that seems to mirror his life, leading him to investigate the mysterious number 23. This film, while not about exams, involves solving a complex puzzle, making it a fitting addition to our list.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life phenomenon known as the "23 enigma."


The Oxford Murders (2008)
Description: A series of murders in Oxford, linked by mathematical symbols, forces a student and his professor to solve a complex puzzle. This film intertwines academic exams with detective work, making it a compelling watch.
Fact: The film was shot on location at Oxford University, adding authenticity to its academic setting.
