Some mysteries come wrapped in fog, others in film noir shadows—but there’s a special kind of magic when the clues are drawn, the suspects are exaggerated, and the suspense is served with a side of style. Animated mysteries are more than just Saturday morning fun—they’re full-blown whodunnits with heart, humor, and a surprising dose of darkness.
What we’ll dive into:
- Iconic animated sleuth stories
- Whimsical plots with real stakes
- Unique art styles and moods
- Why animation suits mystery so well
- How to bring mystery to life
Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave
Stop-motion suspense and a sheepish surprise
Premiering in 1995, this Oscar-winning short film from Aardman Animations follows the delightfully British inventor Wallace and his ever-resourceful dog Gromit as they stumble into a mystery involving a clueless window washer and a flock of stolen sheep. What starts as a charming yarn about a new love interest quickly unravels into a full-blown criminal conspiracy involving crooked canines and midnight chases.
In A Close Shave, Wallace and Gromit’s dynamic is the heart of the mystery—one half bumbling genius, the other silent mastermind. Wallace, the cheese-loving inventor, is blissfully oblivious to danger as he falls head over heels for a charming shopkeeper, while Gromit, his loyal dog and constant companion, picks up the slack with quiet intelligence. Though Gromit never speaks, his expressions say it all as he uncovers clues, escapes wrongful imprisonment, and saves the day—all while Wallace fumbles through romantic daydreams and mechanical mishaps. Their bond is equal parts comedy and competence, making them the perfect (and perfectly mismatched) mystery-solving team.
This short is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Gromit never utters a word but still manages to be the best detective in the room. “A Close Shave” shows just how effective animation can be at layering humor and tension—making it the perfect inspiration for a murder mystery dinner party game that blends the silly with the sinister.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Toons, noir, and a plot to erase them
A groundbreaking hybrid of animation and live-action, Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) changed the game. Set in 1940s Hollywood, it follows private detective Eddie Valiant as he reluctantly partners with the frantic, cartoonish Roger Rabbit to solve a murder that could destroy ToonTown forever.
Eddie Valiant is a hard-boiled private detective with a tragic past and a deep disdain for Toons, especially since stepping away from ToonTown after a personal loss. Grumpy, grounded, and allergic to nonsense, he’s reluctantly pulled back into the animated world when Roger—a frantic, big-hearted, emotionally explosive cartoon rabbit—needs help clearing his name in a murder case. While Eddie brings grit and skepticism, Roger brings chaos, charm, and an uncanny ability to turn any scene upside down. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that’s as wild as it is dangerous, learning to trust each other along the way.
Not only is it a love letter to classic noir, it’s also a jaw-dropping technical achievement that united Disney and Warner Bros. characters in one wild ride. But beneath the slapstick is a tightly woven plot filled with red herrings, double-crosses, and corporate conspiracy—everything you’d want from a mystery storyline. It proves that even the wackiest settings can carry serious stakes.
The Rescuers
Tiny detectives, big heart, and a kidnapped girl
This 1977 Disney classic stars Bernard and Bianca, two mice from the Rescue Aid Society, as they race to save a kidnapped orphan named Penny from the villainous Madame Medusa. With its swampy setting, eerie suspense, and emotional stakes, The Rescuers is more than a kids’ movie—it’s a tale of bravery, resilience, and quiet detective work. The film is based on a series of children’s books by British author Margery Sharp, whose stories about brave little mice inspired Disney’s animated adaptation.
Bernard is a humble, superstitious janitor for the Rescue Aid Society, cautious to a fault but deeply loyal and brave when it counts. He’s grounded, earnest, and constantly worried about doing the right thing—even if he’s a bit nervous along the way. Bianca, on the other hand, is confident, elegant, and unshakably optimistic. She volunteers for the perilous rescue mission without hesitation and insists on bringing Bernard along, believing in his potential even when he doubts himself. Together, they make a perfect team: heart, brains, courage, and just the right amount of charm.
It’s also a standout in Disney’s 1970s catalog for its moodier tone and deeper themes. Bernard and Bianca aren’t flashy, but they’re clever, courageous, and relentless—just the kind of energy you’d want to bring to an elegant mystery party. It reminds us that heroes don’t need capes (or opposable thumbs).
Honorable Disney mention: The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Over the Garden Wall
A hauntingly beautiful slow-burn mystery
Released as a miniseries in 2014, Over the Garden Wall follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, who become lost in a surreal forest known only as The Unknown. As they encounter strange characters and cryptic threats, a mystery unfolds involving a monstrous figure known as The Beast and the brothers’ own past.
Over the Garden Wall unfolds over ten enchanting episodes, each offering a unique vignette as brothers Wirt and Greg journey through the eerie and dreamlike forest. Along the way, they encounter a haunted village of pumpkin people, a school for animals, a ferry of frogs in formalwear, and a strange tavern filled with archetypes who only speak in roles. As they try to find their way home, guided by the sharp-tongued bluebird Beatrice and shadowed by the ominous Beast, each episode layers on surreal imagery, dark humor, and emotional depth. The tone shifts between whimsical and haunting, gradually revealing the truth about the boys’ real-world predicament and tying their fantastical encounters into a poignant, fairy tale–like resolution.
Stylized like a vintage fairytale book and packed with symbolism, this series is layered, lyrical, and loaded with slow-burn suspense. It’s not a traditional whodunnit—but its breadcrumbs of backstory and creeping dread make it one of the most effective animated mysteries ever made. The vibes? Immaculate. The twists? Earned. Perfect for those who like their murder mystery party game with a dash of the gothic.
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
The gentleman thief’s most legendary case
Before Hayao Miyazaki enchanted the world with Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, he directed this 1979 action-mystery gem starring master thief Arsène Lupin III. The plot kicks off with a heist gone wrong, leading Lupin to uncover a counterfeit money operation, rescue a princess, and untangle a royal conspiracy—all with suave style.
Lupin the Third is a master thief with the charm of James Bond, the wit of Bugs Bunny, and the unpredictability of a magic trick. The grandson of the legendary gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, he’s as quick with a joke as he is with a getaway plan. Known for his flashy heists, disguises, and ability to slip through even the tightest security, Lupin is both a criminal and a hero—depending on who’s chasing him. He operates with a moral code (albeit a flexible one), often stealing from the corrupt or unraveling darker conspiracies along the way. Beneath the goofball swagger is a razor-sharp mind, a soft spot for underdogs, and a talent for turning chaos into art.
This animated mystery has it all: chases, secrets, comedy, disguises, and romance. It’s a heart-pounding caper in animated form, complete with gothic castles and hidden vaults (and a scene with spaghetti that looks way too delicious for an illustration). It’s easy to see how a setting like this would inspire an interactive mystery game—one with daring reveals, quick thinking, and maybe even a swordfight or two (safely choreographed, of course). The car chase at the beginning alone will be enough to get you strapped in for the rest of the ride.
Let The Murder Mystery Company Animate Your Night
You don’t need a cel-shaded setting or talking animal sidekick to crack the case—you just need the right plot, the right actors, and a room full of curious minds. That’s where The Murder Mystery Company comes in. Whether you’re into classic noir, gothic drama, or cartoon chaos, they’ve got a theme (and a crime) for you.
Call 888-643-2583 or fill out a contact form on The Murder Mystery Company to start planning a mystery dinner party that even Gromit would approve of.
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