25 Mind-bending Movies Like ‘Knives Out’ and ‘Glass Onion’

1. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

This cinematic adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel takes viewers on a thrilling journey aboard the luxurious Orient Express. 

The film follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he finds himself trapped on the snowbound train with thirteen potential suspects. Following the murder of an infamous businessman, Poirot must navigate through a web of lies to uncover the truth.

2. The Last of Sheila (1973)

Next up on our list of movies like Knives Out is The Last of Sheila. The film introduces us to a group of wealthy and privileged individuals who gather on a luxurious yacht for a seemingly innocent treasure hunt. However, as the game progresses, it becomes clear that there is more at stake than a mere scavenger hunt. Each character harbors a dark secret, and the game serves as a catalyst that sets off a chain of events leading to a shocking murder.

3. The Hateful Eight (2015)

In Quentin Tarantino’s suspenseful masterpiece, viewers are treated to a thrilling murder mystery set in post-Civil War Wyoming. Tension pervades the snow-covered frontier as hidden agendas and ulterior motives slowly reveal themselves. With Tarantino’s signature blend of sharp dialogue, dark humor, and visceral violence, this film will keep you on the edge.

4. A Simple Favor (2018)

One movie that will keep you guessing like Knives Out is A Simple Favor (2018). This stylish thriller, directed by Paul Feig, is a whirlwind of secrets, deception, and unexpected turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

A Simple Favor introduces us to the seemingly perfect Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) and the enigmatic Emily (Blake Lively). When Emily mysteriously disappears, Stephanie takes it upon herself to uncover the truth behind her friend’s vanishing act. As the layers of deceit unravel, Stephanie becomes tangled in a web of dark secrets and dangerous alliances.

6. Brick (2005)

Set in a modern-day high school, Brick follows Brendan Frye, a determined and resourceful teenager played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous web of lies and treachery after his ex-girlfriend goes missing. As Brendan delves deeper into the mystery, he navigates a world filled with complex characters, where secrets lurk around every corner.

8. Sleuth (1972)

Sleuth centers around a wealthy and eccentric writer, Andrew Wyke who invites Milo Tindle to his country estate. What starts as a seemingly innocent conversation becomes a battle of wits and wills as they engage in a high-stakes game. 

9. Game Night (2018)

In Game Night, a night of fun takes a sharp turn into an evening of mystery and intrigue. What begins as a casual get-together among friends quickly evolves into a high-stakes game with a twist. 

This thrilling and unconventional murder mystery is a must-watch for fans of Knives Out who enjoy a blend of suspense, humor, and unexpected twists. So, if you’re hungry for more, step into the world of mind-bending games and mysteries with the explosive Game Night.

10. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

As we continue our exploration of movies like Knives Out, we come across Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). This neo-noir crime comedy is a rollercoaster of unexpected twists and turns, delivering a thrilling and engaging experience.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang follows Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.), a small-time thief turned inadvertent actor, who becomes entangled in a web of murder and deceit. With his quick wit and sarcastic humor, Lockhart becomes an unlikely protagonist, stumbling upon a perplexing mystery that seems to only grow more intricate with each passing moment.

12. Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)

Only Murders in the Building is about a group of strangers who bond over their love for true crime podcasts. As they delve deeper into a murder investigation, they become embroiled in a real-life mystery.

The show follows the lives of three peculiar individuals who reside in a lavish NYC apartment building. Martin portrays the whimsical Charles-Haden Savage and teams up with his neighbors, the resourceful Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and the enigmatic Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), to uncover the truth behind a mysterious death in their building.

13. Ready Or Not (2019)

Next up on this list of movies like Knives Out and Glass Onion is Ready Or Not (2019). With a blend of dark humor, action, and twists, this movie takes the concept of suspense to a new level.

The story revolves around Grace, a young bride unwittingly caught in a deadly game of hide-and-seek on her wedding night. As the night unfolds, Grace must outsmart her eccentric in-laws, who are determined to hunt her down before dawn. What initially seems like a harmless tradition quickly spirals into a nightmarish ordeal as Grace fights for her life against a family that will stop at nothing to maintain their twisted legacy.

15. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

For those looking for movies like Knives Out, Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) is a must-watch. Set in the 1960s, it tells the story of a group of strangers who end up staying at a shabby motel on the border between California and Nevada. As the night progresses, it becomes clear that each person has a secret to hide, and a series of twists and turns keep the audience on their toes.

16. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

In this action-packed film, the mastermind detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) brings his unparalleled deductive powers and unique physicality to the forefront. Alongside Dr. John Watson (Jude Law), Holmes embarks on a thrilling adventure that keeps audiences on the edge.

17. Clue (1985)

If you want to watch a murder mystery movie that’s also funny, then Clue (1985) is the perfect choice. This classic whodunit is based on the famous board game of the same name. As a group of strangers are summoned to a mansion for a dinner party, they become embroiled in a murder inquiry. Every character is a suspect, and it’s up to the audience to put together the clues and solve the mystery before the film’s unforgettable ending.

18. Murder By Death (1976)

In Murder By Death (1976), director Robert Moore skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, comedy, and satire. A group of renowned detectives, each a parody of famous literary sleuths, are invited to a remote mansion for a seemingly innocent dinner party. But as the night unfolds, it becomes clear that this gathering is no ordinary affair.

The eccentric host, Lionel Twain (Truman Capote), challenges these esteemed detectives to solve a baffling murder that’s yet to happen. The ensuing chaos and hilarity that ensue make Murder By Death a delightfully devious and entertaining watch.

19. Deathtrap (1982)

In this Hitchcockian-style film, renowned playwright Sidney Bruhl (Michael Caine) finds himself in a creative rut, desperately seeking inspiration. When a former student sends him a brilliant script, Sidney’s greed pushes him to take extreme measures to secure the work as his own.

A twisted game of cat and mouse unfolds as Sidney hatches a diabolical plan to murder the aspiring playwright and steal his script. However, just when you think you have it all figured out, Deathtrap throws a curveball your way.

21. Scream (1996)

The horror genre isn’t usually associated with murder mysteries, but Scream (1996) seamlessly blends the two. The film follows a group of high school students as they are targeted by a masked killer. As the body count rises, the mystery deepens. Who is behind the mask, and what is their motive?

For a fun horror murder mystery, Scream is the perfect choice.

23. See How They Run (2022)

See How They Run (2022) is centered around the derailment of a blockbuster film’s plans following a cast member’s murder. As the characters try to solve the mysterious death, hidden truths come to light, and tensions escalate. With a captivating mix of talent and suspense, this movie is definitely worth watching. The cast includes renowned actors Saoirse Ronan, Sam Rockwell, and Adrien Brody.

24. Memories of Murder (2003)

Travel to the ’80s with one of the most notorious unsolved cases in South Korean history: The Hwaseong Serial Murders. In the thrilling movie, bumbling detective Park Doo-man and more methodical Cho Yong-koo work together to solve a series of murders in a small rural town. With plenty of suspense, drama, and dark humor, this rollercoaster ride is filled with unexpected twists and turns. 

Get ready to join two of the greatest detectives of all time in one of the most captivating murder mystery movies. From second-guessing your own theory of the case to unraveling enigmas, you’ll be enthralled as you unravel this cinematic masterpiece. So grab your popcorn, and get ready to solve the mystery!