Mysteries featuring female investigators have been popular for years, and for good reason. They offer viewers strong and capable women who are not only solving crimes but also challenging traditional gender roles. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best mystery movies, tv shows, and video games featuring female investigators and examine what makes them so compelling.
TV Shows with female investigators
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
Murder, She Wrote is perhaps the quintessential mystery TV show with a female investigator. Angela Lansbury stars as Jessica Fletcher, a retired schoolteacher who writes mystery novels and constantly finds herself embroiled in real-life murder investigations. The show ran for 12 seasons, with Lansbury receiving numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her role.
What makes Murder, She Wrote so enduringly popular is its charming mix of old-school detective work and cozy small-town charm. Jessica Fletcher is a witty and sharp-tongued sleuth who always solves the most challenging of crimes, often in the face of skepticism from the local authorities.
Cold Case (2003-2010)
The show follows a team of detectives who work on solving cold cases, which are old and unsolved cases that have gone cold due to lack of evidence. The detectives, led by the determined and tenacious Lilly Rush, use modern forensic techniques and revisit old evidence in order to uncover new leads and solve these long-forgotten cases.
Along the way, the Cold Case also explores the personal lives of the detectives and how their work affects them emotionally. Cold Case was praised for its unique storytelling approach, which involved flashbacks to the time when the crime was committed, and for its socially relevant themes, including domestic violence, racism, and the AIDS epidemic.
The Closer (2005-2012)
Kyra Sedgwick stars as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson in The Closer, a crime drama about a tough-talking LAPD detective who uses her Southern charm to get confessions out of suspects. The show was highly acclaimed, with Sedgwick winning a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy for her performance.
The Closer focuses on police procedure and the challenges of working in a large metropolitan police force. Brenda Leigh Johnson is a complex character who struggles with her own demons while also juggling a demanding career and personal life.
Top of the Lake (2013-2017)
Top of the Lake is a New Zealand crime drama that stars Elizabeth Moss as Detective Robin Griffin. The show follows Griffin as she investigates a series of crimes in a small town in New Zealand.
Top of the Lake explores of dark and complex subject matter, including sexual assault, corruption, and abuse. Elizabeth Moss delivers an outstanding performance as Robin Griffin, a detective who is haunted by her own past while also trying to solve the mysteries that confront her in the present.
Movies with female investigators
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is a classic psychological thriller that stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who is tasked with interviewing the infamous cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, in order to gain insight into a new serial killer at large. The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.
What sets The Silence of the Lambs apart is its exploration of the psychological aspects of criminal investigations. Clarice Starling is a complex and nuanced character who must navigate the challenges of working in a male-dominated field while also confronting the demons of her own past. The movie also features outstanding performances by both Foster and Hopkins, making it a must-watch for fans of mystery movies.
Copycat (1995)
Dr. Helen Hudson is a forensic psychologist living in isolation after she barely escaped becoming the victim of a serial killer. Detective M.J. Monahan is trying to catch the killer targeting women in San Francisco. As the body count rises, Dr. Hudson begins to realize that the killer is copying the crimes of infamous serial killers from the past, and agrees to help Monahan’s investigation.
Copycat focuses on the psychological aspects of criminal investigations and the disturbing world of serial killers, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and crime dramas. It continues to be a cult classic in the genre.
Murder By Numbers (2002)
Detective Cassie Mayweather investigates two high school students, Richard and Justin, who plan and execute a perfect murder just for the thrill of it. She and her partner, Sam Kennedy, begin to unravel the intricate plot and try to bring the killers to justice. As they delve deeper into the case, they discover a web of deceit and manipulation that complicates their investigation.
Murder by Numbers explores the psychology of the killers and the detectives who are trying to solve the case, and features outstanding performances by the cast who showcase their range and versatility as actors. Murder by Numbers is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and crime dramas.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a dark and disturbing thriller that stars Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled computer hacker who is recruited by a journalist to help solve a decades-old murder case. The movie was well-received by critics and audiences alike, with Mara receiving praise for her intense and captivating performance.
What sets The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo apart is its exploration of dark subject matter, including sexual violence and corruption. Lisbeth Salander is a complex and fascinating character who is not only a victim but also a survivor, making her a feminist icon for modern viewers. The movie also features outstanding writing and direction, making it a must-watch for fans of mystery movies.
Video Games with female investigators
Syberia (2002)
Syberia is a classic point-and-click adventure game featuring Kate Walker as the main character. In the game, players take on the role of Kate as she travels to a remote town in the Alps to finalize the sale of an old toy factory. Along the way, she uncovers a mystery involving the town’s eccentric inventor and his fantastical creations. The game was highly acclaimed, with Kate Walker receiving praise for her relatable and likable character.
Syberia is a charming mix of adventure, mystery, and fantasy. Kate Walker is a likable and determined character who uses her intelligence and wit to solve the case while also experiencing a transformative journey of her own. The game also features outstanding graphics and music, making it a must-play for fans of mystery video games.
Kathy Rain (2016)
Kathy Rain is a point-and-click adventure game that follows the titular character, Kathy Rain, a strong-willed and curious journalism student who returns to her hometown for her grandfather’s funeral. As she investigates his death, she uncovers a dark and mysterious past involving a missing girl and a religious cult. Along the way, she battles her own personal demons and tries to reconcile with her estranged family.
Kathy Rain‘s engrossing storytelling and unique art style uses pixelated graphics and an atmospheric soundtrack to create a compelling and immersive world. The game also features challenging puzzles and dialogue options that affect the outcome of the story. Kathy Rain is a must-play for fans of point-and-click adventure games and mystery storytelling, and it showcases the power of strong female characters in video games.
Whispers of a Machine (2019)
Another a point-and-click adventure game, Whispers of a Machine follows Vera Englund, a cybernetically enhanced special agent sent to a small town to investigate a string of murders. Along the way, she discovers a conspiracy involving rogue AI and must use her skills and technology to uncover the truth.
What sets Whispers of a Machine apart is its unique approach to player choice, as the game adapts to the player’s choices and actions to create a personalized experience. The game also features a compelling story, challenging puzzles, and a beautifully hand-drawn art style that brings the world to life. Vera Englund is a strong and capable protagonist who defies traditional gender roles and uses her intelligence and determination to solve the case.
Jenny LeClue – Detectivu (2019)
This mystery adventure game follows Jenny LeClue, a young and aspiring detective who is determined to solve a series of murders in her hometown. As she investigates the case, she uncovers a conspiracy involving corrupt police officers and must use her skills and determination to uncover the truth about her dad’s disappearance years before.
The game also features a charming and colorful art style, challenging puzzles, and a well-crafted story that appeals to both young and adult players. Jenny LeClue is a likable and relatable protagonist who defies traditional gender roles and proves that even the smallest detective can make a big difference.
From the old-school charm of Murder, She Wrote‘s Jessica Fletcher, to the playful yet determined Jenny LeClue, to the psychological drama of Silence of the Lambs‘ Clarice Starling, there is a mystery with a female investigator for every taste. So whether you’re in the mood for cozy small-town charm or gritty police procedural drama, there is a female-led mystery out there that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
