In a bid to unearth thrillers akin to ‘Knives Out,’ perhaps ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ it brings to light a fine list of movies that captivate viewers with intense, engaging storylines and stellar casts. When ‘Knives Out’ first graced the screens in 2019, it swiftly became a breath of fresh air in the world of whodunit mysteries. Director Rian Johnson adeptly traded dark broodiness for wit and charm, enlisting a star-studded ensemble including Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film expertly twisted the traditional murder mystery narrative, leading viewers down unexpected paths and proving that in this saga, things are not always as they appear.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Wake-Up-Dead-Man--A-Knives-Out-Mystery-090325-1-80ab646b74ad48ae8ef3ddb172fe3aef.jpg)
This captivating formula struck a chord with audiences, with ‘Knives Out’ raking in over $312 million at the box office and snagging an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The franchise expanded in 2022 with ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, paving the way for its latest release, ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’. Premiering in select theatres on November 26, 2025, and hitting Netflix screens on December 12, the saga continued its saga with more twists, chaos, and ensemble fun to keep fans engaged.
For those hungry for more of the clever twists, colourful suspects, and controlled mayhem reminiscent of the Knives Out franchise, here are nine movies to add to your watchlist. First up is ‘Clue,’ a cinematic adaptation of the iconic board game featuring a group of strangers in a secluded mansion, adding a comedic touch to the murder mystery genre. Released in 1985, the film’s brilliant ensemble cast, including Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Christopher Lloyd, delivered an entertaining watch, further enhanced by its unique release with multiple endings to keep audiences guessing.
Another compelling recommendation for fans of ‘Knives Out’ is ‘Murder on the Orient Express,’ a 2017 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic tale, bringing together a stellar cast including Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe, and Daisy Ridley. This film mirrors the intricate storytelling and ensemble dynamics that fans of the Knives Out franchise appreciate. Moving on to ‘Identity,’ a 2003 psychological horror film, it offers a gripping narrative with a clever twist ending that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie presents a group of strangers trapped in a motel as they unravel a gripping mystery.
Meanwhile, ‘Murder Mystery,’ starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, offers a delightful romp through the murder mystery genre with a comedic twist. The film takes the audience on a journey of unexpected events when a married couple is embroiled in a murder plot while on a European vacation. It’s a light-hearted take on the genre that exudes charm and humour, much like ‘Knives Out.’ For those seeking a blend of live-action and animation, ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’ serves as a refreshing option. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, the film intertwines cartoon characters with a noir crime drama, delivering a unique and captivating viewing experience.
‘Gosford Park,’ a film set in the early 1930s during a shooting party at the Gosford Park estate, delves into class tensions and mysterious murders with an ensemble cast including Maggie Smith and Clive Owen. The film offers a more serious tone than ‘Knives Out,’ drawing viewers into a world of secrets and intrigue. Another gem for mystery aficionados is ‘See How They Run,’ a film that cleverly weaves in Christie’s famous play ‘The Mousetrap’ as a backdrop for a murder mystery offering wit and humour in equal measure.
Moving forward, ‘Fargo,’ a 1996 black comedy, presents a gripping tale of a kidnapping gone wrong, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Fans of Ana de Armas’ character’s struggles in ‘Knives Out’ will appreciate the cat-and-mouse chase between law enforcement and criminals portrayed in this clever narrative. Lastly, ‘Rat Race,’ though not a murder mystery per se, offers a fun and quirky film where strangers embark on a zany race towards a cash prize, reminiscent of the scheming and antics witnessed in ‘Knives Out.’
In conclusion, the abundance of films akin to ‘Knives Out’ provides viewers with a diverse range of thrillers, mysteries, and comedies that promise to keep audiences entertained with their enthralling narratives and standout performances. As fans await the next instalment in the ‘Knives Out’ franchise, these movie recommendations serve as a delightful diversion into the world of captivating storytelling and intrigue.