Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? These captivating stories have been popular for ages and show no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s the masterful writing of Agatha Christie or the gritty noir of Raymond Chandler, mystery lovers can’t get enough of the suspense and intrigue. And what’s even better? These darkly fascinating tales make for epic cinematic productions, as proven by movies like Knives Out. Our list of 15 Movies Like Knives Out is your ultimate guide to the best whodunit films out there, ready for you to explore.
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is the ultimate murder mystery that tells the story of a successful crime novelist who meets an untimely demise, and the eccentric yet brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, played by the incomparable Daniel Craig, is brought in to crack the case. Naturally, the killer’s twisted scheme and the wealthy family’s sordid secrets are exposed. This new sequel promises to bring a whole new cast of wacky murder suspects to the forefront, ensuring an electrifying mystery experience for fans. But while you wait for Blanc’s next big case, why not indulge in some other mystery movies that are equally enthralling and suspenseful? Have look at our list below!
List of Movies Like Knives Out
1. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Benoit Blanc is on the rise and quickly becoming one of the most beloved fictional detectives. While he may be making a name for himself with Knives Out and its sequels, there’s no denying that Sherlock Holmes is the king of the detective world.
That being said, Robert Downey Jr. gave a killer performance as the legendary detective and he was perfectly complemented by Jude Law as his ever-reliable sidekick. So if you’re in the mood for a movie that is similar to films like Knives Out and an epic dose of action, this film promises to be an escapade.
Also Read: Shows like Sherlock
2. Ready Or Not (2019)
When it comes to murder mysteries, Knives Out is not just about solving the crime – it also makes some interesting commentary about those who have the privilege and those who do not. That was a theme shared in the horror-comedy Ready or Not similar to movies like Knives Out.
Samara Weaving shines in Ready or Not as a young bride who is marrying into a family who made their wealth in board games. However, on her wedding night things take a deadly turn when she’s plunged into a deadly game of hide-and-seek. It’s a wild, hilarious and bloody ride that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
3. Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)
When it comes to murder mysteries, Bad Times At the El Royale is in a league of its own. Similar to films like Knives Out with a star-studded cast and a plot that keeps you guessing from start to finish, this movie is a must-see for anyone who loves a good whodunit.
The action takes place over one night at a hotel where six strangers with hidden agendas all collide, setting off a chain of events that will leave you breathless. This movie is packed with twists and turns, so fans of movies like Knives Out, prepared to have your mind blown.
4. Brick (2005)
It is only fitting that Rian Johnson, the acclaimed writer and director of Knives Out, is on this list with his first mystery genre attempt, Brick. Similar to films like Knives Out, Brick follows Brendan Frye (played by Joseph Gordon Levitt), a high school misfit who becomes part of an underground crime ring to uncover the truth about his ex-girlfriend’s murder.
Despite being a high school drama, Rian Johnson has managed to give it a detective-movie vibe. Watching Brick gives you an insight into Rian Johnson’s early directorial style and how he made a name for himself.
5. Game Night (2018)
Though films like Knives Out knows how and where to put its comedy, Game Night takes the comedy mystery genre to a new level and is sure to make you laugh head off. And I assure you this movie will.
When a group of friends get together for their regular game night, they get more than they bargained for when a kidnapping throws them into a real-life whodunit. And the chemistry between the cast is so on-point that every punchline hits home, elevating the movie to pure comedic gold.
6. Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic, Murder on the Orient Express, is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good murder mystery film, similar to films like Knives Out.
The movie follows the world-famous detective Hercule Poirot as he becomes drawn into a homicide investigation while aboard the Orient Express. With a cast of colorful characters and intriguing stories, Poirot must use his skills to uncover the killer, as requested by his old friend Bouc.
Also Read: 10 Thrilling Whodunit Movies
7. Gosford Park (2001)
Gosford Park, similar to films like Knives Out, falls into the Agatha Christie-style whodunnit mystery category. However, Robert Altman’s film offers so much more. The plot is filled with layers of drama and playfulness that you won’t want to miss.
A group of wealthy characters gather at a hunting lodge in the 1930s and are thrown into chaos when Sir William McCordle is murdered. With a long list of suspects, including family members and staff, the killer’s identity is anyone’s guess. Altman’s attention to detail and exceptional cast make this a must-see film if you enjoyed movies like Knives Out.
8. Logan Lucky (2017)
This is a movie that features the star of Knives Out, Daniel Craig, swaps his detective hat for a heist cap in Logan Lucky, an absolute gem of a movie that will have you laughing till you cry. The film follows two brothers as they attempt to rob a NASCAR race in North Carolina and is directed by none other than Steven Soderbergh.
With a star-studded cast including Channing Tatum and Adam Driver, Logan Lucky is a guaranteed good time that will keep fans of movies like Knives Out entertained from start to finish.
9. A Simple Favor (2018)
If you’re looking for a movie that’s equal parts suspense, drama, and intrigue, then A Simple Favor is the perfect choice. With Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively as its stars, similar to movies like Knives Out, this film is a thrilling roller coaster ride that will leave you breathless. Stephanie, a widowed mother with a popular cooking vlog, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Emily, a mysterious and glamorous woman with a dark past.
When Emily suddenly disappears, Stephanie is thrust into a dangerous game of cat and mouse that will keep you guessing until the very end. A Simple Favor is the ultimate whodunit movie for fans of films like Knives Out.
10. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
While there is no murder mystery as seen in films like Knives Out, one of the best parts of that film is the portrayal of a dysfunctional family. The Thrombey’s are a bunch of wealthy and brainy individuals who throw tantrums when they don’t get what they want. The Royal Tenenbaums also features a group of talented and well-to-do individuals who must confront their problems as a dysfunctional family.
Helmed by the brilliant writer and director Wes Anderson, this visually stunning film follows a flawed family who are brought together for a variety of reasons. It’s uproarious, entertaining, and one of Anderson’s finest works, making it an absolute must-see for fans of movies like Knives Out.
Also Read: Movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel
11. Clue (1985)
When it comes to adapting board games into films, it can be a hit or miss, but similar to movies like Knives Out, Jonathan Lynn’s Clue hits the jackpot with its clever blend of mystery and humor. With an ensemble cast of top comedic actors, including Lesley Ann Warren and Michael McKean, this movie is a comedic masterpiece.
The story revolves around six guests invited to a luxurious mansion for a dinner party, unaware of the danger that awaits them. As the night goes on, corpses start to pile up, and the guest list shrinks. The film’s homage to the game includes three different endings, each as funny as the last. Definitely check this classic out if you haven’t already.
12. Death On The Nile (2022)
Agatha Christie’s iconic novel Death on the Nile comes to life once again with Kevin Branagh and Tom Bateman returning as the dynamic duo of Detective Hercule Poirot and his friend Bouc. The plot follows Poirot and Bouc as they embark on a luxurious river cruise on the Nile.
Their holiday however, gets marred by the murder of Linnet Ridgeway, played by the stunning Gal Gadot. With a plethora of suspicious characters too, each with their own reasons for wanting Linnet dead. Poirot must use his legendary detective skills to unravel the mystery and find the killer.
13. Scream (1996)
Similar to movies like Knives Out but told in a different manner, Scream is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed Knives Out – a thrilling murder mystery movie that will keep you guessing until the final moments. The movie follows a group of high school students as they become the targets of a vicious killer playing a deadly game.
With Wes Craven at the helm, Scream is a classic murder mystery movie that is perfect for fans who crave good, entertaining, and frightening murder mystery flicks like Knives Out.
Murder By Death (1976)
This film is the perfect pick for anyone who loves their murder mystery with a side of pure insanity! It’s similar to movies like Knives Out, but on a thousand hits of helium. Rian Johnson probably took a cue or two from this hysterical whodunit. An all-star cast of classic actors take the lead as five genius detectives, each trying to one-up the other in this madcap mystery.
The five detectives and their sidekicks score an invite to the mansion of the eccentric Lionel Twain, only to find out that someone at the dinner table is about to bite the dust. With the clock ticking, it’s up to them to crack the case. Murder By Death is a hilarious classic that nails the art of blending humor and suspense, as seen in films similar to Knives Out.
See How They Run (2022)
The masterful works of Agatha Christie get a modern makeover in See How They Run, thanks to the creative vision of Tom George. Set in the charmingly retro 1950s London, the film boasts a charismatic ensemble cast and a gripping murder mystery plot, similar to movies like Knives Out.
Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan play a pair of mismatched police officers, one is a world-weary inspector, the other an eager rookie constable. They take on the case and find themselves thrown into a puzzling whodunit.
Honorable Mentions
Here are some other movies like Knives Out that didn’t quite make the list but are worth watching regardless:
- The Pink Panther (1963)
- The Nice Guys (2016)
- Murder Mystery (2019)
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)