25 Incredible Movies Similar to Knives Out

Under the direction of Rian Johnson, Knives Out presents a masterfully crafted world filled with original characters, all while drawing inspiration from classic murder mystery whodunits. Released in 2019, the film quickly became a phenomenon, boasting a remarkable 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing $312 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). At the heart of the story is Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig), a Southern private detective enlisted to delve into the mysterious death of a wealthy patriarch.

Upon its release, Knives Out served as a nostalgic nod to the genre, featuring a star-studded cast of actors renowned for their roles in major franchises (including Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Shannon) within a chamber-piece format. This clever blend of an engaging plot, humor, and an ensemble cast sparked a revival of interest in the whodunit genre, leading to the sequels like Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. While the film feels distinctive, it shares similarities with other great films in this genre that are equally captivating.

25 The Usual Suspects (1995)

A Gritty Gangster Whodunit

Combining a thrilling mystery with dynamic characters makes both Knives Out and Glass Onion unforgettable, further highlighted in 1995’s The Usual Suspects. Directed by Bryan Singer, this film unfolds with a group of criminals on a boat, where U.S. Customs Agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri) has only the cryptic name Keyser Soze to guide his investigation. With performances from stars like Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Benicio del Toro, the myriad plot twists resonate with the intricate cases tackled by Benoit Blanc in Knives Out.

24 Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

A Family-Friendly Mystery

Though largely targeting mature audiences, certain acclaimed children’s films echo the same engaging qualities found in Knives Out and Glass Onion. Notably, the 1988 classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit, directed by Robert Zemeckis, seamlessly interweaves animation and reality, creating a compelling detective narrative amidst cartoon chaos. The film’s premise revolves around cartoon murders, with private detective Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) hired to uncover the truth. Featuring cameo appearances by iconic characters, this whimsical yet thrilling film stands as a unique entry in the realm of family-friendly murder mysteries.

23 Memento (2001)

An Innovative Nonlinear Narrative

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Memento showcases a gripping mystery where Leonard (Guy Pearce), a man suffering from severe amnesia, struggles to piece together the events surrounding his wife’s murder. His unique approach to evidence, including tattooing critical information on his body, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative structure.

22 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Deciphering a Cold Case

Fans of Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Benoit Blanc may also appreciate The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, an adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s well-known novel. Here, Craig assumes the role of a journalist investigating the long-forgotten case of a missing girl from a wealthy family. The film diverges from the comedic elements often found in Knives Out, instead presenting a darker, more intense mystery narrative.

21 Mystery Team (2009)

A Comedic Take on Sleuthing

Influenced by classic detective stories, Mystery Team represents a unique twist where three naive friends attempt to solve a murder, finding themselves out of their depth in a grim yet humorous plot. This film not only echoes the elements of Knives Out, but it also injects R-rated humor into what would otherwise be a straightforward mystery narrative, offering viewers an entertaining balance between laughter and intrigue.

20 The Brothers Bloom (2008)

An Engaging Con Artist Caper

Before achieving fame with Star Wars, filmmaker Rian Johnson crafted The Brothers Bloom, a delightful con artist film featuring two brothers (Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody) plotting their final big job. The movie cleverly plays with genre conventions, mixing humor, emotional depth, and engaging storytelling, ultimately reflecting Johnson’s directorial flair seen in Knives Out.

19 Murder By Death (1976)

Detectives Turned Guests

Murder By Death takes the dinner party murder mystery to comical extremes, gathering an ensemble of the world’s most famous detectives under one roof. When a real murder takes place, the ensuing chaos among the various sleuths mirrors the interplay of character dynamics present in Knives Out.

18 Sherlock Holmes (2009)

A Blockbuster Detective Classic

No exploration of detective cinema is complete without an entry featuring Sherlock Holmes. In Sherlock Holmes, Guy Ritchie’s stylish adaptation brings Robert Downey Jr.’s interpretation of the iconic detective to life. The film uniquely intertwines intense mystery with character exploration, akin to the storytelling techniques seen in Knives Out.

17 The Nice Guys (2016)

A Whimsical Detective Duo

Similar to Rian Johnson’s nuanced storytelling, The Nice Guys directed by Shane Black, follows two mismatched private eyes—Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe—as they navigate a missing person’s case. This film embodies the same lighthearted tone and whimsical dynamic between characters that fans cherish in Knives Out.

16 The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Exploring Family Dysfunction

Another captivating portrayal of familial discord echoes the motifs seen in Knives Out. In Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, a dysfunctional but talented family grapples with their patriarch’s choices, paralleling the themes of wealth and privilege at play within the Thromby family dynamic.

15 Sleuth (1972)

An Intricate Game of Deceit

Johnson has frequently cited Sleuth as a major influence on Knives Out. The film pits a renowned mystery novelist against his wife’s lover in a cerebral game of cat-and-mouse, encapsulating the tension found in Johnson’s work. With clever plot twists, both films keep audiences guessing until the very end.

14 Deathtrap (1982)

Intriguing Artistic Ambitions

In Deathtrap, Michael Caine portrays a failing playwright who resorts to murder to reclaim his past glory. This darkly humorous drama, reminiscent of the tone present in Knives Out, cleverly intertwines jealousy and ambition with startling plot twists, challenging viewers to engage with the narrative on multiple levels.

13 Ready Or Not (2019)

A High-Stakes Game of Survival

Ready Or Not exemplifies the mix of humor and horror that echoes the commentary on privilege showcased in Knives Out. The film follows a young bride at odds with her wealthy in-laws during a deadly game, presenting both thrilling action and sharp social critique. The film’s outrageous premise allows for a captivating exploration of survival.

12 Brick (2005)

Reviving Noir in a Contemporary Setting

Rian Johnson’s directorial debut, Brick, showcases the classic noir genre within a high school framework. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s portrayal of a student unraveling the mystery of his ex-girlfriend’s disappearance captures the same intrigue that defines Knives Out. The distinct dialect and atmospheric storytelling further enrich this cult classic’s narrative.

11 Scream (1996)

A Meta Approach to Horror

Similarities between Knives Out and the slasher classic Scream highlight how both utilize the whodunit framework. As teenagers are picked off by a masked killer, the film creatively deconstructs horror tropes, presenting a self-aware satire that embraces the genre’s quirks, akin to the sharp narrative style seen in Johnson’s work.

10 Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)

Secrets Unraveled at an Isolated Motel

In a similar vein to Knives Out, Bad Times at the El Royale presents a cast of characters with their own concealed truths. Strangers converge at a mysterious motel, each with their own motives. As the plot unfolds, the rich tapestry of intersecting narratives mirrors the intricate character dynamics showcased in Johnson’s films.

9 Identity (2003)

Trapped with a Hidden Threat

In Identity, a storm traps a group of strangers in a Nevada motel, with murders occurring one by one. This nail-biting thriller pays homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, paralleling the atmospheric tension that permeates Knives Out. The film’s dark tone and unexpected twists heighten the suspense, ensuring a gripping viewing experience.

8 Green For Danger (1946)

Surgical Intrigue Unfolds

Featuring a death during surgery ruled as murder, Green For Danger highlights an exceptional investigative plot led by a witty detective. This classic showcases the type of clever twist and character development that adds depth to murder mysteries, akin to Johnson’s skillful storytelling in Knives Out.

7 Game Night (2018)

When Fiction Becomes Reality

Both Knives Out and Game Night masterfully blend humor with suspense. In this comedic romp, a murder mystery party descends into real-life chaos, echoing the playfulness of Johnson’s sequel, Glass Onion. With an energetic cast, the film ups the stakes in a hilarious yet thrilling narrative journey.

6 Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

An Iconic Mystery Reimagined

Murder on the Orient Express is another film deeply steeped in Agatha Christie’s legacy, showcasing her enduring influence on Knives Out. Kenneth Branagh stars as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot, investigating a murder onboard a luxurious train. With an ensemble cast and masterful storytelling, this adaptation pays homage to Christie’s genius while providing a thrilling cinematic experience.

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