Movies Similar to Knives Out: 5 Mystery Films You Must Watch

Did you finish watching Glass Onion and find yourself wanting more? You are not alone. Finding movies similar to Knives Out is a common quest for mystery fans. We all love a good whodunit with colorful characters, sharp humor, and a big house full of secrets. There is something incredibly satisfying about trying to solve the puzzle before the detective does.

But streaming apps often suggest the wrong things. They might show you random action movies just because they have the same actors. Or they might recommend dark, depressing crime thrillers that do not have any of the fun. That is why I made this list of great mystery films with the same vibe as Rian Johnson's hits.

Before we begin, check out our homepage for more movie breakdowns to find your next favorite film.

What Makes a Mystery Movie Feel Like Knives Out?

Before we look at the list, we should define what we are actually looking for. It is not just about a murder. It is about the vibe. The perfect whodunit needs a specific set of ingredients to work.

You need a group of wealthy, terrible people who all have reasons to kill the victim. You need a quirky detective who notices things others miss. Most of all, you need a story that keeps you guessing while making you laugh. The humor is just as important as the mystery itself.

To see how these stories are built, read our guide on mystery movie tropes and how writers trick us.

The Last of Sheila (1973)

This is the ultimate blueprint for the modern whodunit. It was written by actor Anthony Perkins and Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. They loved hosting real life murder mystery games for friends in New York. They put that exact energy into this script.

The story follows a wealthy movie producer who invites a group of friends onto his yacht. He forces them to play a game where they must discover each other's secrets. Each guest is given a card with a secret on it, but the secrets are real. Soon, the game turns deadly.

It is funny, mean, and incredibly clever. You will spend the entire time trying to piece together the clues. Rian Johnson has even said this film was a massive inspiration for his work.

Clue (1985)

You might think a movie based on a board game would be bad. Clue proves that theory wrong. It is one of the funniest mystery comedies ever made. It has gained a massive cult following over the years.

Six guests are invited to a strange mansion on a dark and rainy night. They are all being blackmailed by the same man. When that man ends up dead, they must figure out who did it before the police arrive. The house is full of secret passages and classic weapons like the candlestick and the wrench.

The fast dialogue and physical comedy will feel very familiar to Knives Out fans. Plus, the film originally played in theaters with three different endings. Home video releases show all three endings back to back, which is a total blast to watch.

Gosford Park (2001)

If you like the class struggle aspect of Benoit Blanc's cases, you will love this film. It is set in the 1930s at a gorgeous British country house. The production design alone is worth the watch.

The movie shows the contrast between the wealthy guests upstairs and the hard working servants downstairs. When a murder happens during a shooting party, everyone becomes a suspect. The servants hear and see everything, which makes them the best detectives in the house.

It was written by Julian Fellowes, who later created Downton Abbey. It has a giant cast of famous British actors, including Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren. The script is incredibly sharp and won an Academy Award.

Crooked House (2017)

This is a lesser-known Agatha Christie adaptation that deserves more love. It features a private detective who is hired to solve the murder of a wealthy patriarch. The family is incredibly dysfunctional, which makes for great drama.

The victim's family all live together in a giant, strange mansion. Every single family member has a motive and a dark secret. They spend most of their time arguing and pointing fingers at each other.

It has a great cast including Glenn Close and Gillian Anderson. The atmosphere is thick and mysterious. Best of all, the ending is genuinely shocking and will leave your jaw on the floor.

The Kid Detective (2020)

This movie is a bit darker than the others, but it has the same dry wit. It follows a once-famous kid detective who is now a sad adult. He is stuck in a rut, and the townspeople do not respect him anymore.

He mostly takes on silly cases like finding lost pets or figuring out who stole school fundraiser money. Then, a young woman asks him to solve the murder of her boyfriend. This is his first real adult case, and he is completely out of his depth.

It is a great mix of classic detective tropes and modern comedy. It shows how the mystery genre can still feel fresh today. Adam Brody gives an amazing performance that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

How to Choose Your Next Mystery

Which of these should you watch first? If you want pure comedy and quick jokes, go with Clue. If you want a deep, classic puzzle that inspired modern directors, pick The Last of Sheila. If you want something dark and modern, go with The Kid Detective.

Finding great similar movies does not have to be hard. You just have to know where to look. Grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and start guessing. Let us know which one was your favorite.