We all know the classic detective trope: grizzled, trench coat-wearing sleuths who chase down leads and outsmart criminals with nothing but their wits and a magnifying glass. But what happens when the mysteries involve things that go bump in the night—ghosts, vampires, demons, and all manner of otherworldly creatures? Well, that’s where supernatural detectives come in, blending brains with a bit of boo!
If you’re a fan of stories that mix crime-solving with the creepy, then you’re in the right place. These five supernatural detectives aren’t afraid to face down both hard-boiled cases and the paranormal, and they’ve become legends in their own right. Let’s take a closer look at the supernatural sleuths who can hunt down a killer and a poltergeist all before breakfast.
1. John Constantine – The Chain-Smoking, Demon-Annoying Detective
First up is the king of occult detectives himself, John Constantine. Created by the brilliant mind of Alan Moore (yes, that Alan Moore) in the pages of Swamp Thing before landing his own comic series, Hellblazer, Constantine is what you’d call a professional jerk—albeit one you can’t help but love.
Constantine’s charm lies in his ability to outsmart his enemies, who usually include an assortment of demons, angels, and, occasionally, his own poor life choices. His method of solving mysteries usually involves a mix of black magic, dubious moral decisions, and chain-smoking. He’s scrappy, snarky, and, more often than not, leaves a wake of destruction in his path. But somehow, he always manages to save the day. Mostly.
Oh, and did I mention he once conned the devil? If that’s not iconic, I don’t know what is.
2. Harry Dresden – The Wizard PI with a Love for Pizza and Sarcasm
Next up, we have Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, a series that’s part detective noir, part urban fantasy. Harry isn’t just a detective—he’s a full-blown wizard, operating out of a run-down Chicago office where his business card literally reads “Wizard.” (Subtle, right?)
What makes Dresden such an iconic supernatural detective is his relentless sense of humor, even in the face of danger. Whether he’s tracking down a missing person or facing off against vampires, faeries, or some dark creature you’d rather not meet in a dark alley, Harry keeps things light with quips that make you snort-laugh. His cases are complex, his life is a mess, and more often than not, his car gets totaled (poor Blue Beetle), but somehow, he always manages to pull through—partially thanks to his trusty staff and a well-timed fireball spell.
3. Sam and Dean Winchester – The Brothers Who Put the “Super” in Supernatural
Okay, so they’re not technically “detectives” in the classic sense, but hear me out—these guys hunt down monsters, solve paranormal mysteries, and stop world-ending prophecies on a weekly basis. Sam and Dean Winchester from Supernatural have been through just about every kind of supernatural case you can imagine: ghosts, demons, witches, shapeshifters, angels, even gods. If it exists in folklore, the Winchesters have probably stabbed it.
What makes these brothers so iconic is their dedication to “The Family Business” (that, and Dean’s legendary one-liners). Whether they’re saving people, hunting things, or just enjoying a burger, they’ve become the poster boys for supernatural crime-solving, all while juggling personal drama, sibling rivalry, and the occasional demonic possession. Fun times!
4. Buffy Summers – The Vampire Slayer with Detective Instincts
Buffy Summers may be known as a Vampire Slayer, but make no mistake—this girl has serious detective chops. Whether she’s investigating a demonic conspiracy at Sunnydale High or uncovering a secret underground vampire nightclub (seriously, only in Sunnydale), Buffy always manages to solve the mystery and kick some undead butt.
Buffy’s real strength as a detective lies in her instinct. She may not have a magnifying glass or a trench coat, but she’s got smarts, strength, and an unwavering sense of justice. Also, if you can stake a vampire while delivering a witty one-liner, you’ve officially made it into the supernatural detective hall of fame. Just saying.
5. Jessica Jones – The Superpowered Sleuth with a Bad Attitude
Jessica Jones may not be dealing with demons or ghosts, but her enemies are plenty dark. As a private investigator with superhuman strength and a past full of trauma, Jessica Jones, from the Marvel universe, takes on cases that no one else can handle—often because they’re too dangerous or too weird.
Jessica’s strength as a detective comes not just from her superpowers, but from her sharp intellect and her ability to cut through the nonsense. She’s tough, cynical, and has a drinking habit that would make even John Constantine wince. But she’s also fiercely determined, and when she’s on a case, she’s all in—even if it means putting her own life at risk.
Oh, and if you thought mind control villains were tough, try taking down Kilgrave without losing your mind.
So, there you have it—five iconic supernatural detectives who prove that solving mysteries doesn’t stop with the mortal realm. Whether they’re taking on demons, ghosts, or things that go bump in the night, these sleuths blend quick thinking, charm, and a little bit of magic to get the job done. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from them, it’s that sometimes the best way to deal with the paranormal is with a little bit of humor and a whole lot of heart.