Genre · ranked
The best whodunit series of all time
25 ranked · updated October 2026
The greatest whodunit series masterfully balance the tension of a complex puzzle with the distinct personalities of their investigators. By blending classic deductive tropes with modern psychological depth, these shows redefine the genre, proving that the most compelling mysteries are those that challenge both the detective and the viewer.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score (rating average + rating count) across series classified as Whodunit.
Sherlock
Mark Gatiss
This series earns its top spot by reinventing the iconic detective archetype through a sharp, high-functioning lens that feels perfectly suited for the modern era.
Explores: Genius detective, High-functioning sociopath, Unconventional crime solving.
Columbo
William Link
The show is a masterclass in the inverted detective format, utilizing the power of underestimation to craft a uniquely satisfying cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Explores: Cat and Mouse, Underestimation, Justice.
Only Murders in the Building
Steve Martin
It earns its place by brilliantly satirizing the true crime obsession while grounding the mystery in the genuine, intergenerational bond of its unlikely amateur sleuths.
Explores: True Crime Obsession, New York City, Intergenerational Friendship.
The Mentalist
Bruno Heller
The series succeeds by centering on a protagonist whose psychological manipulation and observational expertise turn every investigation into a compelling study of human nature.
Explores: Redemption, Revenge, Manipulation.
BEASTARS
This title stands out by weaving a tense murder mystery into a complex, anthropomorphic world that explores deep themes of societal hierarchy and predatory instinct.
Explores: Prejudice, Societal Hierarchy, Forbidden Love.
The Apothecary Diaries
The narrative excels by placing a brilliant, medically-inclined protagonist into the dangerous, high-stakes environment of imperial court intrigue where poison is the primary weapon.
Explores: Ingenue, Poison, Court intrigue.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Tony Cervone
This animated series earns its spot by evolving the classic monster-of-the-week formula into a serialized mystery that uncovers dark secrets within a small town.
Explores: Small Town Secrets, Monster of the Week, Group of Friends.
Women's War: Bachelor Murder Case
The series earns its place by escalating the tension of a murder investigation through a high-stakes, psychological competition fueled by jealousy and hidden motives.
Explores: Murder Investigation, Jealousy, Competition.
Agatha Christie's Poirot
It remains a quintessential entry in the genre due to the refined, intellectual approach of its eccentric lead and its focus on the deceptive nature of society.
Explores: solving crimes, upper-class society, eccentric detective.
Revenge of Others
The show earns its spot by exploring the dark intersection of high school bullying and vigilante justice through a gripping, emotionally charged suicide investigation.
Explores: Bullying, Suicide Investigation, Vigilante Justice.
Castle
Andrew W. Marlowe
The series succeeds by pairing a creative mystery novelist with a seasoned detective, resulting in an engaging dynamic that balances police procedural rigor with romantic tension.
Explores: Writer protagonist, Unlikely partnership, Will-they-won't-they romance.
Hyouka
This title earns its place by focusing on the quiet, intellectual curiosity of youth, turning mundane high school life into a stage for solving historical mysteries.
Explores: High School Life, Inquisitive Protagonist, Solving Historical Mysteries.
Detective Conan
It earns its spot as a genre staple by showcasing a brilliant young protagonist whose intellectual aptitude allows him to navigate complex criminal conspiracies.
Explores: Child Detective, Intellectual Protagonist, Criminal Conspiracy.
Monk
Andy Breckman
The series is defined by its masterful character-driven approach, where the detective’s personal struggles with loss and obsession become as central as the cases themselves.
Explores: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Unconventional Detective, Grief and Loss.
High Potential
Drew Goddard
It earns its place by highlighting the brilliance of an unconventional outsider whose unique perspective provides a fresh, effective method for solving complex crimes.
Explores: Unlikely Partnerships, Brilliant Outsider, Single Parent.
Endeavour
Russell Lewis
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, Nostalgia, Intellectualism.
Desperate Housewives
Marc Cherry
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Secrets and Lies, Suburban Life, Female Friendship.
Sherlock Holmes
John Hawkesworth
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Deductive Reasoning, Intellectual Superiority, Solving Puzzles.
Broadchurch
Chris Chibnall
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Grief, Community Secrets, Loss of Innocence.
What's New, Scooby-Doo?
Sander Schwartz
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Group of friends, Solving mysteries, Supernatural elements.
Adolescence
Stephen Graham
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Childhood Trauma, False Accusation, Small Town Secrets.
The Secret of the River
Alberto Barrera Tyszka
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Childhood friendship, Secrets, Small town life.
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Joe Ruby
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Teen Detectives, Teamwork, Exposing Scams.
Forever
Matthew Miller
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Immortality, Loneliness, Secrets of the Past.
Young Sherlock
Matthew Parkhill
A standout of whodunit series.
Explores: Protagonist with a dark past, Conspiracy thriller, Intellectual underdog.
Common questions
What are some highly-rated mystery series featuring amateur sleuths?
If you are looking for amateur detectives, 'Only Murders in the Building' is a standout choice. It follows three strangers obsessed with true crime who find themselves investigating a real murder within their own apartment building in New York City.
Are there any good whodunit shows that take place in high school?
Yes, several series focus on high school mysteries. 'BEASTARS' explores a murder within an animal school, 'Hyouka' focuses on students solving historical mysteries, and 'Revenge of Others' deals with a student investigating her twin brother's death through the lens of school bullying.
Which detective series features a protagonist with a unique psychological condition?
The series 'Monk' is a definitive example. It follows Adrian Monk, a former police detective who uses his brilliant mind to solve baffling cases while managing his life with obsessive-compulsive disorder following the tragic and unsolved murder of his wife.