Ever noticed how detectives on screen have this uncanny knack for piecing together chaos into a neat little bow? Maybe it’s because today’s cosmic lineup has Mercury, the planet of communication and sharp thinking, doing a little salsa with Uranus — the rebel with a cause — shaking up the zodiac with bursts of unexpected brilliance. Kinda like our favorite fictional sleuths, right? I set out to craft the ultimate ranking of these crime-solving geniuses, but then—plot twist!—I realized every single one I considered is just flat-out amazing. Makes total sense. If they weren’t, they’d be mall cops—no shade to mall cops, mind you. So here’s my take on some of the best fictional detectives who’ve made us squint at clues and binge-watch ’til reality blurs. Heads up though: this is all based on what I’ve watched, so if your personal fave didn’t make the list, it’s not a diss, just my limited viewing peccadillo. Curious to see who cracked the case? LEARN MORE.

As an avid lover of crime procedurals, I planned to share my definitive ranking of fictional detectives. But then I realized everyone I wanted to include are ALL amazing detectives. Makes sense” that’s why they’re detectives. Otherwise they would be mall cops (no offense to mall cops). So, here’s a list of some of the best fictional detectives to ever grace our screens:

Note: This ranking is based on movies and shows that I’ve seen, so before you get upset if your fave isn’t on this list, I haven’t seen EVERYTHING.

CHECK OUT THE HOTTEST DEALS AND MORE ON AMAZON!

DC K.O. #2A VF/NM ; DC comic book | DC KO 1st Print Acetate Cover

$9.99 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Disney Pin - Lilo & Stitch - Stitch and Angel Sitting

(48513)

$27.95 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Disney Pin - Mickey - Through the Years - Booster Set

(5052)

$39.95 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Topps W.W.E 2014 Road to Wrestlemania Trading Cards Pack

(5051)

$7.50 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

2024 Topps Paddock Pass F1 Formula 1 Fat Pack

$9.95 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Disney Pin - Frozen - Snowman - Olaf

(5051)

$24.95 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

92 PCS Photocards 60 PCS Lomo Cards Set 32 PCS Stickers Postcard Gift Merchandise for Boys and Girls (Jay)

(49511)

$7.36 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Marvel Rivals: King in Black #1 VF/NM ; Marvel comic book | Jeff the Land Shark

(as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Absolute Evil #1A VF/NM ; DC comic book | All In 1st Print

$8.99 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Jeff The Land Shark #1-5 VF/NM complete series 1st Prints ; Marvel

$54.99 (as of November 30, 2025 18:29 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)