Top 10 Movies Like Knives Out for Murder Mystery Enthusiasts
If you loved the clever twists and engaging suspense of Knives Out, you are likely on the hunt for more films that deliver a similar thrill. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson's hit movie revitalized the whodunnit genre by blending classic mystery elements with modern storytelling, humor, and sharp character dynamics. For those who enjoy piecing together clues and unraveling complex plots, this list offers a curated selection of movies and shows that capture the essence of a good murder mystery. From timeless Agatha Christie adaptations to contemporary series, these picks promise to keep you guessing until the very end.
What Makes a Great Whodunnit?
A whodunnit typically centers on a crime, often a murder, where the audience is invited to solve the puzzle alongside the investigator. Key elements include shifting motives, unreliable alibis, and a final reveal that recontextualizes everything you thought you knew. The genre thrives on suspense, clever writing, and characters with hidden depths, making it a perennial favorite for viewers who appreciate intellectual engagement.
10. See How They Run (2022)
Set in 1953 London, See How They Run takes place backstage at a production of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap during its 100th performance. When a sleazy American film director is murdered, Inspector George Stoppard and his eager partner Constable Stalker investigate, turning the theatre into a closed crime scene. This film stands out for its playful self-awareness, stylish visuals, and clever use of Christie tropes, blending genuine mystery with tongue-in-cheek humor.
9. Only Murders in the Building (2021–2025)
Though technically a series, Only Murders in the Building is essential viewing for Knives Out fans. It follows three strangers in a New York apartment building who share a true crime obsession and start a podcast to investigate a resident's murder. Each season presents a full whodunnit with red herrings and secrets, balancing character development with tightly constructed mysteries.
8. Game Night (2018)
At first glance, Game Night appears to be a straightforward comedy, but it cleverly evolves into a modern whodunnit. When a staged murder mystery game turns real, the characters must scramble to uncover the truth. The film subverts expectations with fast-paced humor and suspense, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoyed Knives Out's blend of laughs and thrills.
7. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight offers a slower, more brutal take on the whodunnit formula. Set in a Wyoming haberdashery during a blizzard, it traps dangerous strangers together as secrets unravel and bodies pile up. Unfolding mostly in one location, it creates a classic parlour mystery drenched in paranoia, appealing to fans of darker, more intense stories.
6. Poker Face (2023)
Created by Rian Johnson, Poker Face stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a woman who can detect lies and stumbles into crimes while on the run. Each episode reveals the killer early, shifting the mystery to how Charlie will expose them. This refreshing spin on detective storytelling, anchored by Lyonne's magnetic performance, offers a unique twist for mystery lovers.
5. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
This adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel features Hercule Poirot investigating a murder on a snow-stranded luxury train. With a closed circle of suspects and a famous solution, it delivers a traditional whodunnit experience. While familiar to Christie fans, it remains a solid entry point for viewers craving classic mystery storytelling.
4. Death on the Nile (2022)
Another Christie adaptation, Death on the Nile, transports the mystery to a glamorous river cruise in Egypt. When a wealthy heiress is murdered, Poirot untangles a web of jealousy and betrayal. The exotic setting and carefully planted clues make this a satisfying watch for fans of old-school whodunnits.
3. Crooked House (2017)
Set in a family estate, Crooked House revolves around the murder of a manipulative patriarch, with every resident having a motive. It leans into psychological tension and moral discomfort, culminating in a shocking reveal that cements it as one of Christie's darkest mysteries.
2. Memento (2000)
Christopher Nolan's Memento presents a radically different whodunnit, told in reverse as a man with short-term memory loss searches for his wife's killer. It forces viewers to solve the puzzle alongside the protagonist, offering a deeply rewarding, puzzle-like experience for those who enjoy active storytelling.
1. Confess, Fletch (2022)
This breezy reboot stars Jon Hamm as journalist I.M. Fletcher, who becomes a murder suspect while investigating stolen art. Framed for the crime, he must untangle overlapping mysteries to clear his name. With a relaxed tone and character-driven charm, it captures the same appeal that made Knives Out a hit.
Audiences continue to love a good mystery that respects their intelligence, and these films and shows provide various ways to enjoy the thrill of solving a crime. Whether you prefer classic adaptations or modern twists, there is something here for every murder mystery fan.
