Movies like Knives Out: 20 Best Detective Mysteries to Watch

Fact-finding films has embarked me on a journey of curious detective stories to discover the real mystery by watching movies like Knives Out. After watching these movies, I hope you feel entertained, fun, secrets unveiling, comedy, suspense, and more. 

Some of the mentioned movies have won different awards for presenting real amusement to the audience. In my opinion, Knives Out indeed brought a refreshing throwback to the world of cinema. After checking out the list below, I know that the elaborated stories will give you the idea of the best movies similar to Knives Out.

20 Movies Like Knives Out

Being a mysterious stories lover, I would suggest you search for more movies like Knives Out. Here is a choice for like-minded viewers who want secret mission plots to solve the query. I consider these films to contain different genres, such as murder inquiry, incident investigation, detective stories, and other hidden truths with deep suspense. So, you may enjoy the best movies like Knives Out if you want to explore real investigating incidents.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Sherlock Holmes (2009) is a suspense action film that reveals the work of detective agents who struggle hard to unveil the mysterious murders and killers. Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of the titular character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The screenplay, a collaborative effort of Anthony Peckham, Michael Robert Johnson, and Simon Kinberg, was developed from a story by Wigram and Johnson. 

Alongside Downey Jr., Jude Law steps into the shoes of Dr. John Watson. The movie delves into the adventures of the eccentric detective Holmes and his loyal companion Watson as they strive to prevent a scheme to seize control of Britain through seemingly supernatural attacks. Rachel McAdams joins the cast as Holmes’ former adversary Irene Adler, while Mark Strong takes on the role of the wicked Lord Henry Blackwood.

The Pink Panther (2006)

“The Pink Panther” is a 2006 mysterious and entertaining masterpiece that marks a restart of The Pink Panther franchise, constituting the tenth entry in the series. It also stands as the initial Pink Panther film release since “Son of the Pink Panther” in 1993. The story centers on Inspector Jacques Clouseau, who is assigned to unravel the murder of a celebrated soccer trainer and Pink panther Dimond stealing.

This production is one of the important films like Knives Out, raising your curiosity. Despite generally negative critical reviews, the movie found success at the box office, grossing $164 million worldwide. The movie hit theaters in the United States, distributed by Columbia Pictures, while 20th Century Fox and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer handled international distribution. Following its theatrical run, the film became available on DVD and Blu-ray on June 13, 2006, and a sequel was released on February 6, 2009.

The Nice Guys (2016) 

“The Nice Guys” is a 2016 funny action-suspense film directed by Shane Black and co-written by Black and Anthony Bagarozzi. Joel Silver produced the movie and features Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in the titular roles, with supporting performances by Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Keith David, Margaret Qualley, and Kim Basinger. 

Set in 1977 Los Angeles, the story revolves around private investigator Holland March (Gosling) and tough freelance enforcer Jackson Healy (Crowe), who join forces to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a teenage girl (Qualley).

The film had its premiere on May 11, 2016, in Hollywood and was subsequently screened at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on May 15. It garnered positive reviews from critics who praised its humor, exciting mystery, and the standout performances of Crowe and Gosling. Despite a budget of $50 million, the film managed to gross $62 million at the box office.

See How They Run (2022) 

See How They Run (2022), set in 1950s London, the production of a movie adaptation of a highly successful play faces an unexpected obstacle when a key member of the crew is brutally murdered. With the case at the forefront, a seasoned inspector and an enthusiastic rookie constable team up to unravel the mystery. 

See How They Run (2022) falls in mystery movies like Knives Out, so you must watch this superhit. In addition, their investigation plunges them deep into the enigmatic and somewhat striking realm of underground theater, where they must navigate a complex crime detection, all while putting their own safety on the line.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” released in 2011, is an interesting, suspicious story that draws its inspiration from Stieg Larsson’s 2005 novel. The film revolves around Blomkvist’s relentless quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a girl from a wealthy family four decades earlier. To aid in his investigation, he enlists the assistance of Salander, a brilliant computer hacker.

Sony Pictures Entertainment embarked on the film’s development journey in 2009, marking it as a collaborative effort involving the USA, UK, Sweden, and Germany. Securing the rights to the novel and enlisting the works proved to be integral steps in bringing this compelling story to the silver screen.

Ready Or Not (2019)

“Ready or Not,” released in 2019, is a suspense crime film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The screenplay was crafted by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy. The narrative unfolds around a young bride who becomes the target of her wealthy in-laws’ sinister Satanic ritual on her wedding night.

The groundwork for this film began in November 2017 when the talented directing duo of Bettinelli and Gillett, who are part of the Radio Silence filmmaking collective, were enlisted for the project. Subsequently, casting took place from August to October 2018 to bring this suspenseful and chilling story to life.

American Psycho (2000)

“American Psycho,” released in 2000, is a humorous, mind-blowing horror film directed by Mary Harron, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Guinevere Turner. Set in New York City in 1987, the film revolves around Patrick Bateman, a charming young urban professional portrayed by Christian Bale. By day, he leads the life of a successful businessman, but by night, he transforms into a gruesome serial killer. 

The ensemble cast includes Willem Dafoe as the detective, Samantha Mathis as the mistress, Reese Witherspoon as the fiance, Jared Leto as the coworker, and Chloë Sevigny as the secretary. “American Psycho” is a sharp, darkly comedic exploration of the elements that can turn a man into a monster.

Get Out (2017)

“Get Out,” released in 2017, is a slasher horror film that marks Jordan Peele’s directorial debut. Peele also wrote and co-produced the film. The storyline centers around a young black man, portrayed by Kaluuya, who discovers disturbing secrets when he visits the family of his white girlfriend, played by Williams. Moreover, Chris and his girlfriend want to have a good time after marriage, but he knows something mysterious about her.

US (2019)

Released in 2019, “Us” is a mind-blowing slasher film that reveals the threatening story of face masked attackers. The story revolves around Adelaide Wilson, played by family, who become the targets of a menacing group of look-alikes.

After spending a peaceful time, the family faces an attack by a group with masks to hide their identity. Soon, they must struggle for survival by defending themselves against the severe attack. The film’s development was proclaimed in 2018, with the cast serials. Filming took place in California, primarily in locations such as Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, during the period from July to October 2018.

Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

In 2017, “Murder on the Orient Express” brought Agatha Christie’s iconic suspense novel to life in a film co-produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh. The screenplay was crafted by Michael Green, drawing inspiration from Christie’s 1934 novel of the same name. This star-studded ensemble cast features Kenneth Branagh as the iconic Hercule Poirot alongside Tom Bateman, Judi Dench, Penélope Cruz, and Willem Dafoe.

The plot of the movie resembles murder mysteries like Knives Out, so watch this film. The story unfolds as Poirot, a renowned detective, embarks on an investigation into a murder that occurs aboard the opulent Orient Express train service during the 1930s. Principal photography commenced in November 2016 in the United Kingdom, notable for its use of advanced cameras, a technique rarely seen in recent film productions.

Brick (2005)

Released in 2005, “Brick” is an exciting action film marking the directorial debut of Rian Johnson, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a starring role. The film was distributed by Focus Features and had its initial openings in New York and Los Angeles on April 7, 2006.

The film’s narrative takes a unique twist, offering a cynical detective story set in a seemingly ordinary California suburb where most of the central characters are high school students. The film draws profound inspiration from unsentimental classics, particularly the works of Dashiell Hammett. The title itself, “Brick,” alludes to a block of compressed heroin molded into a shape and size reminiscent of an actual brick.

At the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, the film earned the Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision and garnered favorable reviews from critics. Over time, the movie has gained a reputation as a cult classic in the film world.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” released in 2005, is a sensational crime reporting film. This unique cinematic creation marks the directorial debut of Shane Black and boasts a star-studded cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Michelle Monaghan, Val Kilmer, and Corbin Bernsen. The screenplay takes inspiration from the Brett Halliday novel “Bodies Are Where You Find Them” (1941) and offers a fanciful interpretation of the classic hardboiled literary genre.

The movie embarks on the murder conspiracy where the accused person has to face the blame, and the ultimate action begins to unveil the truth with fun. Joel Silver served as the film’s producer, with Susan Levin and Steve Richards acting as executive producers. Principal photography took place in Los Angeles over a span from February 24 to May 3, 2004. 

The film had its world premiere at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2005, before being released in the United States on October 21, 2005. It received praise from critics and achieved a worldwide gross of $15 million.

Crooked House (2017)

Crooked House (2017) is a suspense story that reveals the plot of a post-world war scene where a family and an aged lady are found poisoned, and their murders become an enigma. After returning from the war, a young woman named Sophia is challenged with a distressing situation: her grandfather has been poisoned, and her own family is covered in suspicion. 

This is another interesting film to reveal the murder mystery movies like Knives Out. Fortunately, her fiancé, Charles, happens to be the son of the assistant commissioner of Scotland Yard.

Scream (1996)

“Scream,” a 1996 American horror stressing film, was helmed by director Wes Craven and penned by Kevin Williamson. The movie contains fear, dismay, and shock faced by the victims, so it would be a good choice for you being a suspense lover.

The story unfolds in the calm place of Woodsboro where school students find themselves in trouble at their mother’s anniversary. Furthermore, serial masked killers attack them with a ghost alike look which create serious chaos in the ongoing scenario.

The Name Of The Rose (1986) 

The Name Of The Rose (1986) is a mystery crime film that is about the murder investigation of monks, and detectives find more monk murder incidents during their investigation. Set in the 14th century, “The Name of the Rose” follows the journey of William of Baskerville. It is recommended to watch this film if you have an interest in movie like Knives Out.

William is a respected Franciscan monk portrayed by Sean Connery and his apprentice, Adso of Melk, played by Christian Slater. Their travels lead them to an abbey plagued by a mysterious death, prompting William to employ his deductive skills in unraveling what he suspects to be murder.

As his investigation unfolds, more monks meet untimely ends, causing fear to grip the abbey. In response to the escalating situation, church authorities summon Bernardo Gui, played by F. Murray Abraham, who serves as William’s adversary, to uncover the truth.

The Hateful Eight (2015)

The Hateful Eight (2015) is an action movie that unfolds the story of traveling characters who seek shelter during their running campaign but they are greeted by the wrong people. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the bounty hunter John “The Hangman” Ruth, portrayed by Kurt Russell, is racing through post-war Wyoming to reach the town of Red Rock. Accompanying him is his fugitive prisoner, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh. Along their journey, they cross paths with another bounty hunter, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, and a man who claims to be a sheriff. 

Seeking refuge from an impending snowstorm, the group makes their way to a carriage halt settled in a mountain pass. Upon arriving, they are greeted by four strangers, and as the eight travelers crawl down for shelter, they soon discover that their collective journey to Red Rock may be tense with unexpected dangers and challenges.

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019) is an investigating story that is about a policeman who seeks interest to become a detective agent and investigates a serious killer. In the year 1988, a police officer harbors a burning desire to ascend the ranks and become a detective. His relentless pursuit leads him to track a serial killer who reemerges like clockwork every nine years. 

If you find interest in other movies like Knives Out, then watch this film to find the curious story. However, as the killer’s gruesome crimes defy all conventional scientific explanations, the officer’s unwavering passion for the case begins to endanger everything he holds dear.

Murder Mystery (2019)

Murder Mystery, a 2019 suspense action film helmed by director Kyle Newacheck and penned by James Vanderbilt, boasts a star-studded cast including Luke Evans, Adam Sandler, and Jennifer Aniston. The plot revolves around a married couple unintentionally entangled in a murder investigation while aboard a billionaire’s yacht. 

This is one of the great suspense stories when you are looking for good movies like Knives Out. Originally released on June 14, 2019, exclusively on Netflix, the film garnered mixed reviews from critics. It’s worth noting that a sequel hit Netflix screens on March 31, 2023.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Released in 2018, “Bad Times at the El Royale” is a mystery action film that reports a chaotic scene during the night at a hotel. The film is a creative endeavor written, directed, and produced by Drew Goddard. The plot unfolds at the El Royale, a hotel on both sides of the California-Nevada border that is set in the late 1960s.

It delves into the lives of six strangers and a hotel employee, all harboring dark secrets that converge on a fateful night. The movie thoughtfully explores morality, faith, and redemption themes, with the state border and various visual elements serving as powerful symbols of right and wrong.

Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Evil Under the Sun (1982) is a crime-reporting movie about the murder investigation of an unpopular stage star for relationship affairs. The intrigue unfolds as an unpopular stage star meets an untimely demise during her honeymoon on an idyllic island. Hercule Poirot, who is busy working on a case for an insurance company involving a valuable diamond, stumbles upon a significant revelation: the diamond was purchased for the deceased star. 

As the investigation deepens, mysteries surrounding the star’s death and the diamond’s connection come to light, leading Poirot down a path of unexpected twists and turns.

Knives Out (2019)

Knives Out (2019) is a detective and fun-based film that revolves around the theme of inquiry about a crime novelist’s mysterious death. It is an American mystery film both written and directed by Rian Johnson. The demise of renowned crime novelist Harlan is covered in mystery, leaving Detective Benoit Blanc with a singular certainty. Within the eccentric Thrombey family, every member is a potential suspect. 

To unravel the truth, Blanc embarks on a journey through an unveiling of deceit, navigating complex misleading lies and clues in his quest to unearth the real story behind Harlan’s enigmatic death. The film centers around Benoit Blanc, portrayed by the versatile Daniel Craig, a private detective hailing from the American South. 

Moreover, he is commissioned by a wealthy family to unravel the enigma surrounding the patriarch’s demise while navigating the complex dynamics of inheritance. Initially ruled as a suicide by the police, Blanc becomes suspicious of foul play and delves into deceptive diversions to uncover the true circumstances surrounding Harlan’s death. Rian Johnson co-produced Knives Out in collaboration with his longtime partner, Ram Bergman. 

Box Office Collection

Will Knives Out have a 3rd movie?

Knives Out 3 is currently in development, although an exact release date has not yet been confirmed. This upcoming installment will mark the conclusion of Rian Johnson’s existing Netflix contract, which initially included two Knives Out sequels. Johnson mentioned in January 2023 that he had commenced work on the third film, but specific details about the project remain limited at this time.

Conclusion

In my view, the provided information is the best findings of the same movies to watch if you like Knives Out, so watch and enjoy the mysterious plots. The films have received contrary feedback from the audience through positive and negative opinions.

Furthermore, the list of films is recommended for movie buffs who want to see detective stories and movies like Knives Out. Overall, I am of the opinion that viewers may watch crime reports and murder investigations, which are often drawn from real incidents as well.