Best Mystery Movies for Kids

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Wacky sleuths with irresistible catchphrases? Shifty villains hiding in corners? Nail-biting, white-knuckled action? Take a seat, you've come to just the right place. The kid-friendly movies on this list will challenge your problem-solving abilities and surprise you with clever plot twists. Hop into the Mystery Machine with Scooby and the gang, chase clues with Nancy Drew, or creep around the Thrombey mansion—there's something here for everyone. And if you want to crank the intensity up a notch, check out our list of Thriller Movies.

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Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery: The Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery: The Movie

age 3+

Sleuthing story has worthy messages for preschoolers.

September 18, 2012 2012 NR (61 minutes)

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An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster Poster Image

MOVIE

An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster

age 5+

A mystery with spunk, courage, and heart.

July 25, 2000 2000 G (75 minutes)

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The Amazing Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley Poster Image

MOVIE

The Amazing Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley

age 6+

Cute and educational mysteries.

April 11, 2000 2000 G (90 minutes)

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The Great Mouse Detective Poster Image

MOVIE

The Great Mouse Detective

age 6+

Clever Sherlock Holmes tribute mixes wit, peril.

July 2, 1986 1986 G (74 minutes)

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Boathouse Detectives Poster Image

MOVIE

Boathouse Detectives

age 7+

Fantastic slumber party fare with problem-solving kids.

March 15, 2011 2011 NR (85 minutes)

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Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold movie poster

MOVIE

Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold

age 7+

Witty crossover adventure has comic book violence.

January 9, 2018 2018 NR (75 minutes)

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Pokémon Detective Pikachu Poster Image

MOVIE

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

age 8+

Family-friendly mystery will be most fun for Pokémon fans.

May 10, 2019 2019 PG (104 minutes)

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Roxy Hunter and the Myth of the Mermaid Poster Image

MOVIE

Roxy Hunter and the Myth of the Mermaid

age 8+

Maturing gumshoe is good model for tween girls.

July 18, 2008 2008 NR (91 minutes)

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Roxy Hunter and the Secret of the Shaman Poster Image

MOVIE

Roxy Hunter and the Secret of the Shaman

age 8+

Tween detective breaks rules, but escapade is fun.

February 1, 2008 2008 NR (90 minutes)

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Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape Poster Image

MOVIE

Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape

age 8+

Some violence, peril in animated mystery tale.

August 1, 2019 2019 NR (84 minutes)

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Sherlock Jr. Poster Image

MOVIE

Sherlock Jr.

age 8+

Clever, fun-filled intro to silent movies (with subtitles).

April 21, 1924 1924 NR (44 minutes)

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Thabo and the Rhino Case movie poster: Litlhohonolofatso Litlhakayane and Ava Skuratowski stand in the Africa savanna

MOVIE

Thabo and the Rhino Case

age 8+

Rhino poaching mystery has animal death, peril, language.

May 3, 2024 2024 PG (97 minutes)

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The Sheep Detectives Movie: Farmer George stands at the center, surrounded by the movie's other human and animal characters

MOVIE

The Sheep Detectives

age 8+

Cozy mystery deals with loss, power of memory and inclusion.

May 8, 2026 2026 PG (109 minutes)

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Zootopia Movie Poster

MOVIE

Zootopia

age 8+

Charming buddy-animal story promotes teamwork, perseverance.

March 4, 2016 2016 PG (108 minutes)

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Zootopia 2 movie poster: Nick, Judy, and a blue snake run, with many other animals gathered behind/around them

MOVIE

Zootopia 2

age 8+

Charming sequel mixes humor, peril, positive messages.

November 26, 2025 2025 PG (107 minutes)

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A Cat in Paris Poster Image

MOVIE

A Cat in Paris

age 9+

Animated thriller's action makes it best for older kids.

June 1, 2012 2012 PG (64 minutes)

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Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase Poster Image

MOVIE

Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase

age 10+

Sparkling book adaptation has great characters, some scares.

March 15, 2019 2019 PG (89 minutes)

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Rear Window (1954) movie poster: James Stewart's face obscured behind a long-lens camera

MOVIE

Rear Window

age 10+

Hitchcock's tense masterpiece explores privacy and paranoia.

August 1, 1954 1954 PG (112 minutes)

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The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939) Poster Image

MOVIE

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)

age 10+

Family-friendly Sherlock classic still a critical favorite.

March 24, 1939 1939 NR (80 minutes)

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Enola Holmes movie poster: Collage of Enola, Sherlock, Mycroft, and others in Victorian-era clothing

MOVIE

Enola Holmes

age 11+

Entertaining period mystery has feminist messages, violence.

September 23, 2020 2020 PG-13 (123 minutes)

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