Watching detective films like Knives Out takes you on a thrilling journey through clever Detective Mystery, unexpected twists, and engaging storytelling. These movies blend suspense, humor, and secrets, keeping viewers entertained from start to finish. Many of the films on this list have received awards for their compelling narratives and ability to captivate audiences.
Knives Out itself offers a refreshing take on the classic whodunit, combining modern wit with timeless mystery elements. Exploring these carefully selected titles will introduce you to intriguing plots, clever deductions, and satisfying resolutions. Whether you enjoy suspense, comedy, or intricate storytelling, this list highlights the best detective mysteries that capture the spirit of Knives Out and deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
20 Movies Like Knives Out
If you love mysterious stories, these films are perfect for fans of Knives Out. Packed with suspenseful plots, clever twists, and hidden secrets, they span genres like murder investigations, detective mysteries, and intriguing whodunits.
Each movie offers a unique story that keeps you guessing while delivering excitement, suspense, and clever storytelling. For viewers who enjoy unraveling complex cases and exploring hidden truths, this list showcases the best movies similar to Knives Out, perfect for an engaging cinematic experience filled with mystery, intrigue, and sharp detective work.
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Sherlock Holmes (2009)
| Movie Name | Sherlock Holmes (2009) |
| Director | Guy Ritchie |
| Producer | Joel Silver |
| Release Date | December 25, 2009 |
| Total Budget | $90 million |
| Gross Profit | $524 million |
Sherlock Holmes (2009) is an action-packed suspense film that follows the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes as he works tirelessly to solve mysterious murders and unmask dangerous criminals. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Holmes, bringing the iconic character of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to life, while Jude Law portrays his loyal partner, Dr. John Watson. The screenplay, crafted by Anthony Peckham, Michael Robert Johnson, and Simon Kinberg, is based on a story by Wigram and Johnson.
The film explores Holmes and Watson’s thrilling efforts to thwart a sinister plot to take control of Britain through seemingly supernatural attacks. Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, Holmes’ former adversary, and Mark Strong portrays the menacing Lord Henry Blackwood, adding depth and intrigue to the story.
The Pink Panther (2006)
| Movie Name | The Pink Panther (2006) |
| Director | Shawn Levy |
| Producer | Robert Simonds |
| Release Date | January 19, 2006 |
| Total Budget | $80 million |
| Gross Profit | $164.1 million |
The Pink Panther (2006) is a thrilling and entertaining reboot of the iconic Pink Panther franchise, marking the tenth film in the series and the first release since Son of the Pink Panther (1993). The story follows Inspector Jacques Clouseau as he investigates the murder of a famous soccer coach and the theft of the legendary Pink Panther diamond.
A must-watch for fans of clever mysteries, this film keeps viewers engaged with its humor and suspense. Despite mixed critical reviews, it achieved box office success, grossing $164 million worldwide. Released in the U.S. by Columbia Pictures and internationally by 20th Century Fox and MGM, the movie later arrived on DVD and Blu-ray on June 13, 2006, followed by a sequel in 2009.
The Nice Guys (2016)
| Movie Name | The Nice Guys (2016) |
| Director | Shane Black |
| Producer | Joel Silver |
| Release Date | May 11, 2016 |
| Total Budget | $50 million |
| Gross Profit | $62.8 million |
The Nice Guys (2016) is a thrilling action-comedy directed by Shane Black and co-written with Anthony Bagarozzi, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. Set in 1977 Los Angeles, the film follows private investigator Holland March (Gosling) and enforcer Jackson Healy (Crowe) as they team up to solve the disappearance of a teenage girl (Margaret Qualley).
With sharp humor, clever mystery, and standout performances from Gosling and Crowe, the film earned praise from critics. Produced by Joel Silver, it premiered in Hollywood on May 11, 2016, and screened at the Cannes Film Festival shortly after. Despite a $50 million budget, the movie grossed $62 million worldwide, making it a must-watch for fans of suspenseful, entertaining detective stories.
See How They Run (2022)
| Movie Name | See How They Run (2022) |
| Director | Tom George |
| Producer | Damian Jones |
| Release Date | September 9, 2022 |
| Run Time | 98 minutes |
| Gross Profit | $22 million |
See How They Run (2022) is a gripping mystery set in 1950s London, where the brutal murder of a key crew member shakes the production of a hit play. A seasoned inspector and an eager rookie constable join forces to solve the case, navigating a web of secrets and deception.
Perfect for fans of Knives Out, the film blends suspense, clever twists, and dark humor as the detectives delve into the shadowy world of underground theater. Their investigation tests both their wits and courage, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys engaging, smartly crafted mystery films.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
| Movie Name | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) |
| Director | David Fincher |
| Producer | Scott Rudin |
| Release Date | December 12, 2011 |
| Total Budget | $90 million |
| Gross Profit | $239.3 million |
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) is a gripping mystery inspired by Stieg Larsson’s bestselling novel. The story follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he investigates the decades-old disappearance of a girl from a wealthy family, aided by Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker with her own secrets.
A collaborative international production involving the USA, UK, Sweden, and Germany, the film blends suspense, intrigue, and sharp storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of intelligent detective mysteries.
Ready Or Not (2019)
| Movie Name | Ready Or Not (2019) |
| Director | Matt Bettinelli-Olpin |
| Producer | Tripp Vinson |
| Release Date | July 27, 2019 |
| Total Budget | $6 million |
| Gross Profit | $57.6 million |
Ready or Not (2019) is a thrilling suspense-crime film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, with a screenplay by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy. The story follows a young bride who becomes the target of her wealthy in-laws’ sinister ritual on her wedding night.
The film combines dark humor, tension, and unexpected twists, keeping viewers on edge throughout. Developed by the Radio Silence filmmaking collective, production began in 2017, with casting completed in 2018. Ready or Not delivers a chilling and entertaining mystery, making it a standout choice for fans of suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
American Psycho (2000)
| Movie Name | American Psycho (2000) |
| Director | Mary Harron |
| Producer | Edward R. Pressman |
| Release Date | January 21, 2000 |
| Total Budget | $7 million |
| Gross Profit | $34.3 million |
American Psycho (2000) is a darkly comedic psychological thriller directed by Mary Harron, who co-wrote the screenplay with Guinevere Turner. Set in 1987 New York City, the film follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a successful young professional who hides a gruesome double life as a serial killer.
The ensemble cast features Willem Dafoe as the detective, Reese Witherspoon as Bateman’s fiancée, Jared Leto as a coworker, Samantha Mathis as his mistress, and Chloë Sevigny as his secretary. Blending horror, satire, and suspense, American Psycho offers a sharp, provocative look at greed, obsession, and the dark side of human nature.
Get Out (2017)
| Movie Name | Get Out (2017) |
| Director | Jordan Peele |
| Producer | Sean McKittrick |
| Release Date | January 23, 2017 |
| Total Budget | $4.5 million |
| Gross Profit | $255.4 million |
Get Out (2017) is a suspenseful horror-thriller and Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, which he also wrote and co-produced. The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black man who uncovers unsettling secrets while visiting the family of his white girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams).
Blending social commentary, suspense, and psychological horror, Get Out keeps viewers on edge while exploring themes of trust, deception, and hidden dangers. This gripping and thought-provoking thriller has become a standout in modern mystery and horror cinema, making it a must-watch for fans of clever, suspense-driven storytelling.
US (2019)
| Movie Name | US (2019) |
| Director | Jordan Peele |
| Producer | Jason Blum |
| Release Date | March 8, 2019 |
| Total Budget | $20 million |
| Gross Profit | $256.1 million |
Us (2019) is a gripping horror-thriller directed by Jordan Peele, centered on Adelaide Wilson and her family, who become targets of mysterious, masked doppelgängers. What begins as a peaceful vacation quickly turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the family confronts these sinister look-alikes.
Announced in 2018, the film was shot from July to October 2018 across locations in Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, California. Combining suspense, psychological horror, and shocking twists, Us delivers a thrilling and unforgettable experience, making it a must-watch for fans of intense, mystery-driven films.
Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
| Movie Name | Murder On The Orient Express (2017) |
| Director | Kenneth Branagh |
| Producer | Ridley Scott |
| Release Date | November 2, 2017 |
| Total Budget | $55 million |
| Gross Profit | $352.8 million |
Murder on the Orient Express (2017) brings Agatha Christie’s classic suspense novel to life, directed and co-produced by Kenneth Branagh, who also stars as the legendary detective Hercule Poirot. The screenplay, written by Michael Green, features a star-studded cast including Tom Bateman, Judi Dench, Penélope Cruz, and Willem Dafoe.
Set aboard the luxurious Orient Express in the 1930s, the film follows Poirot as he investigates a mysterious murder, delivering twists and intrigue that fans of Knives Out will love. Filming began in November 2016 in the UK, using advanced cinematography techniques to enhance the suspenseful storytelling.
Brick (2005)
| Movie Name | Brick (2005) |
| Director | Rian Johnson |
| Producer | Ram Bergman |
| Release Date | January 21, 2005 |
| Total Budget | $450,000 |
| Gross Profit | $3.9 million |
Brick (2005) is a gripping neo-noir mystery and the directorial debut of Rian Johnson, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Set in a California suburb, the film presents a unique detective story where high school students navigate a web of secrets, crime, and deception. Drawing inspiration from classic noir, the title Brick references a block of heroin central to the plot.
Premiering at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, the film earned the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision and received critical acclaim. Distributed by Focus Features, Brick has since become a cult classic, celebrated for its inventive storytelling and suspenseful mystery.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
| Movie Name | Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) |
| Director | Shane Black |
| Producer | Joel Silver |
| Release Date | May 14, 2005 |
| Total Budget | $15 million |
| Gross Profit | $15.8 million |
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) is a sharp, entertaining crime-comedy and the directorial debut of Shane Black, starring Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan. Inspired by Brett Halliday’s novel Bodies Are Where You Find Them (1941), the film blends murder mystery, dark humor, and fast-paced action.
The story follows a murder conspiracy that unravels with twists, wit, and suspense. Produced by Joel Silver, with principal photography in Los Angeles from February to May 2004, the film premiered at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and was released in the U.S. on October 21, 2005. Critics praised its clever storytelling, and it earned $15 million worldwide.
Crooked House (2017)
| Movie Name | Crooked House (2017) |
| Director | Gilles Paquet-Brenner |
| Producer | James Spring |
| Release Date | October 31, 2017 |
| Language | English |
| Gross Profit | $10 million |
Crooked House (2017) is a suspenseful murder mystery set in the aftermath of World War II, where a wealthy family becomes entangled in a web of poisonings and secrets. Young Sophia returns home to find her grandfather dead and her family under suspicion.
As she navigates the tense situation, her fiancé Charles—son of a Scotland Yard assistant commissioner—joins the investigation. Full of twists, intrigue, and clever deductions, Crooked House is a must-watch for fans of Knives Out and those who enjoy classic, puzzle-like murder mysteries.
Scream (1996)
| Movie Name | Scream (1996) |
| Director | Wes Craven |
| Producer | Cathy Konrad |
| Release Date | December 18, 1996 |
| Total Budget | $15 million |
| Gross Profit | $173 million |
Scream (1996) is a classic horror-thriller directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, delivering suspense, shock, and terror for fans of gripping mysteries. Set in the quiet town of Woodsboro, the story follows high school students who become targets of a masked serial killer during a local celebration.
Blending clever twists, tension, and iconic horror elements, Scream keeps viewers on edge as the characters navigate fear and chaos. Its mix of suspense and dark thrills makes it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys intense, edge-of-your-seat mystery and horror films.
The Name Of The Rose (1986)
| Movie Name | The Name Of The Rose (1986) |
| Director | Jean-Jacques Annaud |
| Producer | Bernd Eichinger |
| Release Date | September 19, 1986 |
| Total Budget | $17.5 million |
| Gross Profit | $77.2 million |
The Name of the Rose (1986) is a gripping mystery-crime film set in the 14th century, following Franciscan monk William of Baskerville (Sean Connery) and his apprentice Adso of Melk (Christian Slater) as they investigate a series of murders at a remote abbey.
As William applies his sharp deductive skills, more monks fall victim, spreading fear throughout the abbey. Church authorities send the inquisitor Bernardo Gui (F. Murray Abraham) to intervene, creating tension and conflict. With its suspenseful plot, intricate mystery, and historical intrigue, The Name of the Rose is a must-watch for fans of Knives Out and classic detective stories.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
| Movie Name | The Hateful Eight (2015) |
| Director | Quentin Tarantino |
| Producer | Richard N. Gladstein |
| Release Date | December 7, 2015 |
| Total Budget | $44-62 million |
| Gross Profit | $156.5 million |
The Hateful Eight (2015) is a suspenseful action-drama set in post-Civil War Wyoming, following bounty hunter John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) as he escorts his fugitive prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to Red Rock. Along the way, they encounter another bounty hunter (Samuel L. Jackson) and a self-proclaimed sheriff.
Seeking shelter from a snowstorm, the group arrives at a remote mountain lodge, where four mysterious strangers await. Tensions rise as secrets, mistrust, and danger unfold, turning their journey into a suspenseful battle of wits and survival. Fans of mystery and suspense will find The Hateful Eight a gripping cinematic experience.
In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
| Movie Name | In the Shadow of the Moon (2019) |
| Director | Jim Mickle |
| Producer | Brian Kavanaugh-Jones |
| Release Date | September 21, 2019 |
| Run Time | 115 minutes |
| Country | United States |
In the Shadow of the Moon (2019) is a gripping mystery-thriller about a police officer determined to rise through the ranks to detective while hunting a serial killer who resurfaces every 9 years. Set beginning in 1988, the story follows his relentless pursuit as he uncovers a string of gruesome, seemingly inexplicable murders.
Fans of Knives Out will appreciate the film’s suspenseful twists and intricate investigation. As the case deepens, the officer’s obsession puts his career, relationships, and life at risk, creating a tense, edge-of-your-seat thriller full of mystery and danger.
Murder Mystery (2019)
| Movie Name | Murder Mystery (2019) |
| Director | Kyle Newacheck |
| Producer | Adam Sandler |
| Release Date | June 14, 2019 |
| Country | United States |
| Running Time | 97 minutes |
Murder Mystery (2019) is a suspenseful action-comedy directed by Kyle Newacheck and written by James Vanderbilt, starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, and Luke Evans. The story follows a married couple who become unexpectedly entangled in a murder investigation while aboard a billionaire’s luxurious yacht.
Perfect for fans of Knives Out, the film blends humor, suspense, and clever twists. Released on Netflix on June 14, 2019, it received mixed reviews but gained a broad audience, leading to a sequel that premiered on March 31, 2023, continuing the couple’s thrilling misadventures.
Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
| Movie Name | Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) |
| Director | Drew Goddard |
| Producer | Jeremy Latcham |
| Release Date | September 22, 2018 |
| Total Budget | $32 million |
| Gross Profit | $31.9 million |
Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) is a suspenseful mystery-thriller written, directed, and produced by Drew Goddard. Set in the late 1960s, the story unfolds over one night at the El Royale, a hotel straddling the California-Nevada border.
The film follows six strangers and a hotel employee, each hiding dark secrets that collide in a tense and chaotic night. Blending suspense, intrigue, and action, it explores themes of morality, faith, and redemption, with the border and visual storytelling symbolizing the line between right and wrong. Fans of Knives Out will appreciate its clever plotting and mystery-filled twists.
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
| Movie Name | Evil Under the Sun (1982) |
| Director | Guy Hamilton |
| Producer | John Brabourne |
| Release Date | March 5, 1982 |
| Total Budget | $10 million |
| Gross Profit | $6.1 million |
Evil Under the Sun (1982) is a classic crime-mystery following Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a popular stage star during her honeymoon on a picturesque island. While working on a separate case involving a valuable diamond, Poirot discovers that the gem is connected to the victim, sparking a complex investigation.
As the mystery unfolds, secrets, hidden motives, and unexpected twists come to light, challenging Poirot’s detective skills. Fans of Knives Out will enjoy this cleverly plotted tale of intrigue, deception, and suspense, set against a stunning island backdrop.
Knives Out (2019)
Knives Out (2019) is a witty and suspenseful detective mystery written and directed by Rian Johnson. The film follows renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) as he investigates the mysterious death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. Within the eccentric Thrombey family, every member is a potential suspect, making the case a tangled web of deceit and hidden motives.
Blanc navigates lies, red herrings, and family dynamics to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s death, initially ruled a suicide. Co-produced by Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman, Knives Out blends sharp humor, clever twists, and classic whodunit intrigue, making it a standout in modern mystery cinema.
| Movie Name | Knives Out |
| Producer | Ram Bergman |
| Director | Rian Johnson |
| Release Date | September 7, 2019 |
| Running Time | 130 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Gross Profit | $311.9 million |
Box Office Collection
| Knives Out (2019) | |
| United States and Canada (budget) | $165.4 million |
| Other Territories (budget) | $146 million |
| Gross Budget Worldwide | $311.4 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies are similar to Knives Out?
Films like Murder on the Orient Express, See How They Run, The Nice Guys, and Crooked House share clever mysteries, suspense, and twists.
Are these movies suitable for family viewing?
Some are family-friendly mysteries, but many contain violence or mature themes. Always check ratings before watching.
Where can I watch these films?
Many are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, or for rental/purchase on YouTube and Google Play.
Are these movies based on books?
Several, such as Murder on the Orient Express and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, are adapted from bestselling novels.
Do these films include humor like Knives Out?
Yes! Films like The Nice Guys and Murder Mystery balance suspense with comedy.
What genres do these movies cover?
They include mystery, crime, thriller, detective stories, and sometimes dark comedy or psychological suspense.
Which movie is the closest to Knives Out?
Murder on the Orient Express and Crooked House are most similar, with intricate whodunit plots and ensemble casts.
Conclusion
If you loved Knives Out, these carefully selected detective and mystery films will keep you on the edge of your seat. From classic whodunits like Murder on the Orient Express to modern suspense thrillers like See How They Run, each movie delivers clever twists, intriguing characters, and unexpected revelations. Whether you enjoy dark humor, psychological suspense, or intricate investigations, this list offers something for every mystery lover.
