If The Buckingham Murders left you enthralled with its blend of gripping investigation, emotional intensity, and atmospheric storytelling, you’re not alone. This cinematic gem dives deep into the human psyche while unraveling a compelling mystery, and finding similar films might seem like a tall order. Don’t worry—we’ve rounded up 15 equally riveting movies for your watchlist. With powerful performances, nuanced storytelling, and suspenseful twists, these films capture the essence of what made The Buckingham Murders so impactful. Here’s your guide to these must-watch films, along with where to stream them.
1. Prisoners (2013)
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis
Director: Denis Villeneuve
This intense thriller follows Keller Dover (Jackman), a father whose daughter and her friend go missing. Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) takes on the case, but Keller decides to take justice into his own hands, leading to moral dilemmas and chilling revelations.
Why It’s Similar: Both films delve into the emotional toll of crime investigations on families, coupled with a dark and suspenseful tone.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
2. Gone Girl (2014)
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris
Director: David Fincher
A psychological thriller that explores the disappearance of a woman and the ensuing media frenzy. Nick Dunne (Affleck) becomes the prime suspect, but nothing is as it seems.
Why It’s Similar: Its focus on personal relationships, unreliable narrators, and unexpected twists make it a perfect pick for fans of The Buckingham Murders.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV
3. Zodiac (2007)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo
Director: David Fincher
Based on real events, this film follows the hunt for the infamous Zodiac Killer. The narrative focuses on the obsessive pursuit of truth, often at great personal cost.
Why It’s Similar: Like The Buckingham Murders, it highlights the toll investigations can take on individuals, with a focus on detail and mood.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
4. Wind River (2017)
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Graham Greene
Director: Taylor Sheridan
Set in the snowy wilderness of Wyoming, this murder mystery follows a wildlife tracker and an FBI agent as they uncover chilling secrets behind a young woman’s death.
Why It’s Similar: Both films feature atmospheric settings and emotionally charged narratives about loss and justice.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
5. Mystic River (2003)
Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon
Director: Clint Eastwood
This Academy Award-winning film centers around three childhood friends whose lives are torn apart by a murder in their neighborhood.
Why It’s Similar: Both movies delve deep into grief, trauma, and the ripple effects of violent crime.
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
6. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Stellan Skarsgård
Director: David Fincher
Journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander team up to solve a decades-old mystery involving a wealthy family.
Why It’s Similar: Its dark tone, layered characters, and intricate mystery echo the themes of The Buckingham Murders.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
7. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
Director: Jonathan Demme
This classic thriller follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer.
Why It’s Similar: Both films balance psychological drama with procedural elements, creating an unforgettable experience.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
8. Se7en (1995)
Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey
Director: David Fincher
Detectives Mills and Somerset hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi.
Why It’s Similar: Dark, gritty, and emotionally taxing, it shares the intense investigative vibe of The Buckingham Murders.
Where to Watch: Max, Netflix
9. The Others (2001)
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Alakina Mann, James Bentley
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
A gothic mystery about a mother and her two children living in a haunted mansion.
Why It’s Similar: Its suspenseful narrative and emotional depth mirror the haunting atmosphere of The Buckingham Murders.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
10. Broadchurch (2013-2017) (TV Series)
Starring: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker
Director: Chris Chibnall
Set in a small coastal town, this British series unravels the mystery of a young boy’s death, exposing secrets and lies within the community.
Why It’s Similar: Like The Buckingham Murders, it explores grief, small-town dynamics, and the human side of crime investigations.
Where to Watch: Netflix
11. The Lovely Bones (2009)
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz
Director: Peter Jackson
A heartbreaking story of a young girl watching over her family from the afterlife after being murdered.
Why It’s Similar: Both films focus on the emotional aftermath of tragedy and the quest for closure.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
12. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
Starring: Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago
Director: Juan José Campanella
This Argentine masterpiece follows a retired investigator haunted by an unsolved rape and murder case.
Why It’s Similar: Its themes of justice, obsession, and emotional complexity align closely with The Buckingham Murders.
Where to Watch: Max
13. Changeling (2008)
Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan
Director: Clint Eastwood
Based on true events, this film chronicles a mother’s relentless fight to find her missing son, battling corruption and systemic failures.
Why It’s Similar: Both movies center around personal loss and the pursuit of truth.
Where to Watch: Peacock
14. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Starring: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
A psychological thriller about a surgeon whose family begins to unravel after befriending a mysterious teenager.
Why It’s Similar: Both films share an eerie atmosphere and a focus on moral quandaries.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
15. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy
Director: Tomas Alfredson
A dense, slow-burn espionage thriller about uncovering a Soviet mole in British Intelligence.
Why It’s Similar: The film’s methodical pace and emphasis on subtle, character-driven storytelling align with The Buckingham Murders.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Each of these films brings a unique twist to crime and mystery storytelling while exploring the psychological depth and moral ambiguity that make The Buckingham Murders stand out. Whether you’re in the mood for a slow-burn thriller or a deeply emotional drama, these selections are guaranteed to keep you glued to your screen. Happy watching!
