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15 Movies Like Knives Out For Whodunnit & Murder Mystery Fans

June 27, 2023
Movies like Knives Out

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 
  2. Ready Or Not 
  3. Bad Times At The El Royale 
  4. Brick
  5. Game Night 
  6. Murder On The Orient Express 
  7. Gosford Park 
  8. Logan Lucky
  9. A Simple Favor 
  10. The Royal Tenenbaums 
  11. Clue 
  12. Death On The Nile 
  13. Scream 
  14. Murder By Death 
  15. See How They Run

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:

  1. The Pink Panther (1963)
  2. The Nice Guys (2016)
  3. Murder Mystery (2019)
  4. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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