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Looking for movies like Knives Out that keep you guessing until the very end? Whether you were obsessed with Benoit Blanc’s southern drawl, the sharp writing, or the constant twists and turns in Knives Out and Glass Onion, you’re not alone. The modern whodunit revival has sparked a craving for clever mysteries with stacked casts, secret motives, and jaw-dropping reveals.
This list rounds up the best mystery movies and murder thrillers like Knives Out—from stylish Agatha Christie adaptations and darkly funny satire to suspenseful slow-burns and twisty detective stories. Some are laugh-out-loud funny, others will keep you on edge, but they all share one thing: they’ll have you questioning everyone until the very last scene.
So if you’re in the mood for a movie night filled with suspicion, secrets, and surprises, you’re in the right place.
1
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
If you love a classic whodunit, Murder on the Orient Express is an absolute must-watch. This stylish Agatha Christie adaptation features the legendary detective Hercule Poirot trapped aboard a snowbound train with a dozen suspicious passengers—each hiding secrets. With gorgeous sets and a star-studded cast, it’s a slow-burn mystery full of twists that Knives Out fans will appreciate.
2
The Last of Sheila (1973)
Think of The Last of Sheila as a vintage puzzle box for mystery buffs. A wealthy group embarks on what seems like a harmless treasure hunt aboard a luxury yacht—but beneath the surface, dark secrets bubble up, turning the game deadly. This ’70s gem combines clever clues with high-stakes tension, making it perfect if you’re craving smart, twisty mysteries like Knives Out.
3
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight is a tense, snowbound thriller packed with sharp dialogue, complex characters, and a simmering mystery. Set just after the Civil War, it traps a group of strangers in a cabin, where hidden motives and explosive secrets come to light. Fans of Knives Out will appreciate the dark humor and suspenseful storytelling.
4
A Simple Favor (2018)
’A Simple Favor offers a stylish, modern mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. When the charming Emily disappears, her seemingly perfect friend Stephanie takes on the challenge of unraveling the truth. Packed with secrets, lies, and unexpected alliances, this thriller’s sharp tone and clever plot make it a fantastic choice for Knives Out fans craving something fresh yet suspenseful.
5
Bullet Train (2022)
For those who like their mysteries fast and furious, Bullet Train delivers a high-speed thrill ride loaded with twists, quirky assassins, and dark humor. Set on a speeding train, this action-packed film mixes suspense with plenty of laughs, making it a unique pick for fans of Knives Out who also love sharp, adrenaline-pumping plots.
6
Brick (2005)
Brick is a gritty, modern-day noir set in a high school, where Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a teen detective navigating a maze of secrets after his ex-girlfriend disappears. Its clever blend of classic detective story vibes with teenage angst makes it a unique, stylish mystery for fans of Knives Out who appreciate sharp dialogue and dark twists.
7
The Nice Guys (2016)
If you’re after a mystery with plenty of laughs, The Nice Guys is a neo-noir crime comedy that delivers on both fronts. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, two mismatched private eyes (Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe) unravel a conspiracy filled with unexpected turns. It’s a witty, fast-paced ride that Knives Out lovers will adore for its clever storytelling and sharp humor.
Sleuth is an intense, twisting battle of wits between two men in an English country estate, packed with clever games and psychological suspense. This classic mystery’s intricate mind games and dark humor make it an enthralling watch for anyone who enjoys the intellectual puzzles found in Knives Out.
9
Game Night (2018)
Game Night turns a casual friends’ gathering into a wildly entertaining murder mystery full of surprises. It blends suspense, comedy, and unexpected twists to keep you guessing and laughing at the same time. If you loved the playful tone and mystery in Knives Out, this one’s a no-brainer.
10
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a stylish neo-noir crime comedy featuring Robert Downey Jr. as a thief-turned-actor caught in a web of murder and deception. Its fast-paced wit, unpredictable plot, and quirky characters make it a must-watch for Knives Out fans craving smart, darkly funny mysteries.
11
Gosford Park (2001)
Gosford Park is a richly detailed murder mystery set in an English country estate, where upstairs guests and downstairs staff hide secrets that slowly unravel. Directed by Robert Altman, this film’s sharp social commentary and layered storytelling make it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys the intricate plotting and ensemble cast vibes of Knives Out.
12
Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)
Only Murders in the Building is a fresh and addictive series perfect for mystery fans who love a mix of humor and suspense. Following three true crime-obsessed neighbors who team up to solve a murder in their NYC apartment, the show balances sharp wit with genuine heart—making it a binge-worthy choice if you can’t get enough of Knives Out style mysteries.
13
Ready Or Not (2019)
Ready Or Not spices up the mystery genre with a darkly funny and thrilling twist. When Grace’s wedding night turns into a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her eccentric, murderous in-laws, the stakes skyrocket. This blend of horror, suspense, and sharp humor is perfect for Knives Out fans looking for something a bit edgier.
14
Death on the Nile (1978)
Another classic Agatha Christie adaptation, Death on the Nile takes detective Hercule Poirot aboard a lavish cruise on the Nile, where murder and secrets abound. Its atmospheric setting, intricate plotting, and memorable performances make it a timeless mystery for anyone who loves the puzzling twists of Knives Out.
15
Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Bad Times at the El Royale is a stylish thriller set in a rundown motel where seven strangers’ dark pasts collide. Secrets, lies, and unexpected alliances build a tense, twist-filled story that Knives Out fans will appreciate for its clever narrative and moody atmosphere.
16
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
In Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. brings the iconic detective to life with flair, charm, and a touch of chaos. This action-packed mystery is full of clever deductions, explosive set pieces, and a bromance for the ages. If you loved the sleuthing and snappy dialogue in Knives Out, this high-energy twist on classic Holmes will hit the spot.
17
Clue (1985)
Clue is a cult favorite for a reason. Based on the board game, it’s a hilariously over-the-top murder mystery where every guest is a suspect—and every ending is a surprise. With a zany tone, memorable characters, and multiple conclusions, it’s a delightfully chaotic pick for fans of Knives Out who want something smart and silly.
18
Murder By Death (1976)
If you like your murder mysteries served with a hefty dose of satire, Murder by Death is a must-watch. It gathers parody versions of famous literary detectives for a dinner party-turned-deadly. Absurd, witty, and full of tongue-in-cheek moments, it’s perfect for Knives Out lovers who enjoy genre-savvy storytelling and a good laugh.
19
Deathtrap (1982)
Deathtrap is one of those twisty thrillers that keeps shifting under your feet. When a desperate playwright decides to steal a student’s script, what follows is a clever cat-and-mouse game full of reversals and revelations. With sharp dialogue and plenty of surprises, it’s ideal for anyone who enjoyed the layered deception in Knives Out.
20
Rear Window (1954)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window is a suspense classic—and for good reason. When a wheelchair-bound photographer becomes convinced he’s witnessed a murder from his apartment, he starts unraveling a tense mystery right across the courtyard. It’s a slow-burn, voyeuristic thrill that Knives Out fans will love for its atmosphere and escalating stakes.
21
Scream (1996)
Scream might be a slasher, but at its heart, it’s a sharp, self-aware whodunit. As a masked killer terrorizes a group of teens, everyone’s a suspect—and the movie cleverly plays with genre tropes while still delivering genuine suspense. If you liked the mystery and misdirection in Knives Out, this horror-meets-murder-mystery is a bloody good time.
22
Crooked House (2017)
If you’re into twisted family secrets and classic Agatha Christie setups, Crooked House is right up your alley. When a wealthy patriarch is poisoned, everyone in his eccentric family becomes a suspect. With a chilling atmosphere and an ending that’ll leave you reeling, it’s a perfect pick for Knives Out fans who love a dark and layered mystery.
23
See How They Run (2022)
See How They Run is a cheeky, self-aware murder mystery set in 1950s London, where a stage production gets interrupted by a real-life murder. Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell make an unlikely detective duo, bringing wit and charm to this clever caper. It’s a delightful homage to classic whodunits and a must-see for anyone who adored Knives Out or Glass Onion.
24
Memories of Murder (2003)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Memories of Murder is a gripping, haunting take on the true story of South Korea’s first serial murders. Two detectives—one impulsive, the other methodical—navigate a case full of dead ends, missteps, and chilling uncertainty. Dark, atmospheric, and deeply human, it’s a phenomenal watch for mystery lovers who don’t mind something a bit more intense than Knives Out.
25
The Name of the Rose (1986)
Set in a medieval monastery with a rising body count, The Name of the Rose follows a Franciscan friar (Sean Connery) and his young apprentice (Christian Slater) as they investigate a series of suspicious deaths. Think of it as a historical whodunit with philosophical undertones, secret passages, and hidden knowledge—perfect for Knives Out fans seeking a moody, brainy mystery.