by Knives Out, released in 2019, took the world by storm with its clever blend of mystery, suspense, and humor. It’s a modern classic in the whodunit genre. If you’re a fan of this film and looking for similar cinematic experiences, you’re in luck!
In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of 10 movies like Knives Out that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From gripping murder mysteries to quirky family dramas, we’ve got it all covered.
Knives Out: A Modern Whodunit Sensation
Director: Rian Johnson
Main Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon
Runtime: 2h 10m
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Rating: PG-13 (Drug Material | Brief Violence | Sexual References | Some Strong Language | Thematic Elements)
IMDb Rating: 7.9 – Knives Out IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $165.4M
Knives Out is the film that set the stage for a resurgence in the whodunit genre. Directed by Rian Johnson, it captivated audiences with its clever plot, memorable characters, and unexpected twists.
Released in 2019, this modern classic breathed new life into the age-old tradition of mystery storytelling.
Plot and Premise: In Knives Out, we’re introduced to the wealthy and eccentric Thrombey family, whose patriarch, Harlan Thrombey, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. What follows is a rollercoaster of deception, as renowned detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, is called in to solve the mystery.
Memorable Characters: The film is a character-driven masterpiece, with standout performances from the ensemble cast, including Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Each character is a puzzle piece in the larger mystery, and their quirks and secrets add depth to the story.
Unexpected Twists: What sets Knives Out apart is its ability to keep audiences guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the narrative takes a sharp turn, revealing new layers to the mystery. It’s a testament to Rian Johnson’s skill as a storyteller.
Cinematic Style: The film is visually captivating, with a grand mansion setting that mirrors the opulence of the characters’ lives. Johnson’s direction and cinematography draw you into the world of the Thrombey family, making you feel like a part of the unfolding drama.
10 Movies like Knives Out
This is our curated list of captivating movies like Knives Out. If you loved the suspense, intrigue, and memorable characters in this modern whodunit sensation, you’re in for a cinematic treat.
Join us as we explore 10 movies like Knives Out that will keep you on the edge of your seat, each offering a unique twist on the art of mystery storytelling.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Director: David Fincher
Main Cast: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer
Runtime: 2h 38m
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating: R (Grisly Images | Disturbing Violent Content | Sexual Material | Language | Nudity | Rape)
IMDb Rating: 7.8 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.1M
Where to watch The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, Youtube.
Plot Summary: Directed by David Fincher, this adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling novel introduces us to investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. They team up to solve the decades-old disappearance of a wealthy industrialist’s niece. As they delve deeper, they uncover a twisted family history filled with dark secrets.
What sets this movie apart is the complex character of Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara. Her fierce independence, intelligence, and unique moral code make her a captivating and unforgettable protagonist. The film delves into dark themes, including violence and abuse, adding layers of depth to the mystery.
Similarities to Knives Out: Like Knives Out, this film offers a complex and layered mystery with unexpected twists. It also features a strong and enigmatic female lead in Lisbeth Salander, akin to the captivating characters in Knives Out.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Main Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russel, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Runtime: 2h 48m
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating: R (Some Graphic Nudity | Language | Strong Bloody Violence | Violent Sexual Content)
IMDb Rating: 7.8 – The Hateful Eight IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $54.1M
Where to watch The Hateful Eight: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube.
Plot Summary: Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight is a slow-burning thriller set in post-Civil War Wyoming. Eight strangers, including a bounty hunter and a Confederate soldier, are stranded in a cabin during a snowstorm. As mistrust brews and tensions rise, they realize there may be a shared secret among them.
Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight is a masterclass in tension and dialogue. The film’s ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, with Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell standing out. As the story unfolds, suspicion and paranoia grip the characters, and secrets gradually come to light.
Similarities to Knives Out: The Hateful Eight shares the ensemble cast characteristic with Knives Out and offers a narrative rife with deception and suspense. Tarantino’s signature style infuses the film with a unique blend of violence and dialogue.
Clue (1985)
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Main Cast: Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn
Runtime: 1h 34m
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Rating: PG
IMDb Rating: 7.2 – Clue IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.4M
Where to watch Clue: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube, MGM+.
Plot Summary: Clue is a comedic take on the murder mystery genre. It revolves around a group of guests invited to a mansion by an anonymous host. When the host is murdered, they must work together to solve the crime while uncovering their own secrets.
Clue is a unique entry in the world of whodunit movies, primarily because it’s also a comedy. Based on the classic board game, the film takes place in a lavish mansion where a group of guests, each with a colorful pseudonym, becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
The film’s strength lies in its witty humor and the clever way it integrates elements of the board game, including secret passages and unexpected weapon reveals. The ensemble cast, led by Tim Curry, brings their characters to life in a way that keeps you guessing and laughing.
Similarities to Knives Out: Clue combines humor with the classic whodunit formula, making it a fun and engaging watch, similar to Knives Out’s blend of mystery and wit.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Director: Shane Black
Main Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan
Runtime: 1h 43m
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Rating: R (Nudity | Language | Sexuality | Violence)
IMDb Rating: 7.5 – Kiss Kiss Bang Bang IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.2M
Where to watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube.
Plot Summary: Directed by Shane Black, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang follows Harry Lockhart, a petty thief who stumbles into an audition and is unexpectedly thrust into a murder investigation. He teams up with a private investigator, Gay Perry, to solve the case while navigating the glitzy and dangerous world of Hollywood.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a hidden gem that combines noir-style mystery with sharp, witty humor. Robert Downey Jr. plays a small-time thief who stumbles into an audition and ends up entangled in a murder mystery alongside a private detective played by Val Kilmer.
The film’s dialogue is a standout feature, filled with clever one-liners and banter that keeps the audience engaged. Director Shane Black’s knack for blending humor with darker elements shines through.
Similarities to Knives Out: The film offers a witty and sharp narrative, much like Knives Out. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer deliver standout performances, and the film’s humor adds an extra layer of intrigue to the mystery.
Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Main Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe
Runtime: 1h 54m
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating: PG-13 (Violence and Thematic Elements)
IMDb Rating: 6.5 – Murder on the Orient Express IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $101.5M
Where to watch Murder on the Orient Express: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV.
Plot Summary: Based on Agatha Christie’s classic novel, Murder On The Orient Express is directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also plays the iconic detective Hercule Poirot. During a luxurious train journey, a murder occurs, and Poirot is called upon to solve the case. As he interviews passengers, he unravels a web of lies and motives.
The film’s visuals are stunning, capturing the opulence of the Orient Express and the intricate details of the characters’ personalities. Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot adds depth to the character, making him a standout in the detective genre.
Similarities to Knives Out: The film boasts an ensemble cast and intricate character dynamics, much like Knives Out. Branagh’s adaptation breathes fresh life into Christie’s timeless mystery.
Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)
Director: Drew Goddard
Main Cast: Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth
Runtime: 2h 21m
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating: R (Language | Brief Nudity | Some Drug Content | Strong Violence)
IMDb Rating: 7.1 – Bad Times at the El Royale IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.8M
Where to watch Bad Times at the El Royale: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube.
Plot Summary: Directed by Drew Goddard, this thriller unfolds in a rundown hotel named the El Royale, which straddles the border between California and Nevada. A group of strangers, each harboring secrets, checks in for the night. As their pasts catch up with them, the hotel becomes a battleground of deception and violence.
The film’s setting is a character in itself, with the hotel’s hidden corridors and secrets mirroring the mysteries surrounding the guests. Director Drew Goddard’s storytelling keeps you guessing as alliances shift and the true nature of each character is revealed.
Similarities to Knives Out: Bad Times At The El Royale shares similarities with Knives Out’s ensemble setting and is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and unexpected twists.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Director: Wes Anderson
Main Cast: Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray
Runtime: 1h 50m
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Rating: R (Nudity | Drug Content | Sexuality | Some Language)
IMDb Rating: 7.6 – The Royal Tenenbaums IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $52.4M
Where to watch The Royal Tenenbaums: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube.
Plot Summary: Directed by Wes Anderson, The Royal Tenenbaums is a quirky family drama. It revolves around the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family, featuring a cast of eccentric characters, including former child prodigies. When the estranged patriarch, Royal Tenenbaum, returns, family secrets are unearthed.
Wes Anderson’s distinctive visual style, characterized by symmetrical compositions and quirky set designs, adds depth to the storytelling. The Royal Tenenbaums is a character-driven film that invites viewers into the eccentric world of its characters.
Similarities to Knives Out: While not a traditional whodunit, the film explores complex family dynamics and eccentric characters, which are elements that resonate with Knives Out. Wes Anderson’s distinct visual storytelling style adds depth and charm to the narrative.
The Nice Guys (2016)
Director: Shane Black
Main Cast: Russel Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Angourie Rice
Runtime: 1h 56m
Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama
Rating: R (Language | Brief Drug Use | Nudity | Sexuality | Violence)
IMDb Rating: 7.4 – The Nice Guys IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $36.2M
Where to watch The Nice Guys: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube.
Plot Summary: Directed by Shane Black, The Nice Guys is a buddy-cop comedy set in 1970s Los Angeles. It follows two unlikely partners, a private investigator and a hired enforcer, as they investigate the disappearance of a young woman and uncover a larger conspiracy.
The film’s charm lies in the chemistry between its leads, with Crowe’s tough-guy persona complementing Gosling’s comedic timing. The witty banter and absurd situations they find themselves in add a layer of humor to the mystery.
The Nice Guys is a refreshing take on the detective genre, offering both laughs and suspense. It’s a testament to how well humor can be integrated into a mystery storyline, much like the clever dialogue in Knives Out.
Similarities to Knives Out: The Nice Guys combines humor with a noir-style mystery, offering witty banter and a gripping plot, similar to the dynamic and intrigue found in Knives Out.
The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Director: Rian Johnson
Main Cast: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo
Runtime: 1h 54m
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sensuality | Brief Strong Language | Violence)
IMDb Rating: 6.7 – The Brothers Bloom IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.5M
Where to watch The Brothers Bloom: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube.
Plot Summary: Directed by Rian Johnson, The Brothers Bloom follows two con artist brothers, Stephen and Bloom, as they orchestrate elaborate heists and cons. However, when they target a wealthy and eccentric heiress, their carefully planned scheme takes unexpected turns.
The film’s strength lies in its character-driven storytelling and the unexpected twists that keep the audience guessing. Director Rian Johnson’s unique approach to storytelling is evident, making The Brothers Bloom a delightful and visually captivating experience.
Similarities to Knives Out: This film, like Knives Out, offers a blend of humor, intrigue, and character-driven storytelling. Rian Johnson’s distinct storytelling style is evident in the film’s intricate narrative.
Ready Or Not (2019)
Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillet
Main Cast: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien
Runtime: 1h 35m
Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror
Rating: R (Language Throughout | Bloody Images | Some Drug Use | Violence)
IMDb Rating: 6.9 – Ready or Not IMDb page
Box Office (Gross USA): $28.7M
Where to watch Ready or Not: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV.
Plot Summary: Ready Or Not is a horror-comedy thriller about a newlywed bride, Grace, who is forced to participate in a deadly game with her eccentric and wealthy in-laws. As the night unfolds, she must outsmart her pursuers to survive.
The film’s strength lies in its unpredictability and the strong performance of Samara Weaving as the resourceful bride. The darkly comedic tone adds a layer of entertainment to the intense suspense.
Similarities to Knives Out: If you enjoyed the element of surprise and dark humor in Knives Out, Ready Or Not will be a thrilling experience. The film features a strong female lead and a suspenseful, high-stakes storyline.
Conclusion
In the world of cinema, the whodunit genre has much to offer beyond Knives Out. These 10 movies provide a diverse range of experiences, from classic mysteries to quirky comedies and dark thrillers. Whether you’re drawn to intricate plots, memorable characters, or unexpected twists, there’s something here for every film enthusiast.
As you embark on your cinematic journey through movies like Knives Out, remember that the enduring appeal of the whodunit genre lies in its ability to keep you guessing until the very end. Enjoy the suspense, uncover the secrets, and savor the thrill of these captivating films.
