Knives Out is one of the most recognized and highly rated movies of 2019. It could be hard to forget about this movie, and you might now be one of the many looking for a film just like it. Well, we could help you with that!
Today, we will be showing you movies similar to Knives Out. So, keep your knives and pull your pens out instead as we list down what we deem as the 13 best movies that are like Knives Out!
Knives Out
Before getting to know the 13 movies like Knives Out, let us briefly talk about this masterpiece first.
Knives Out is a 2019 mystery film sprinkled with drama and comedy throughout the movie. If it was a dish, you could say it got the contrasting flavors part down.
In essence, this film centers around the study and inquiry into the passing of Harlan Thrombey.
While seemingly an undemanding case with a simple answer, viewers will know early on that not everything is what it seems, and this passing is messier than what many would assume.
The cast of Knives Out includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas, to name a few.
As you can see, aside from the riveting concept and plot, big names also fill the cast of this film. It is not hard to imagine why this film has garnered recognition and awards.
With all the praise Knives Out has acquired, it should not be shocking to know that reports have it that it will have two more sequels.
13 Movies Like Knives Out
While we are waiting for the sequels, let us get to know some movies that could help us with the wait!
Whether you are looking for a mystery film that balances its comedic and dramatic scenes, something a little lighter, or something a little more serious, we believe you can find something on this list for you!
1. The Long Goodbye (1973)
English 1h 52m IMDb
Like Knives Out, we also have a detective, a death, and a long journey of exploring the case and getting to know who the culprit is here at The Long Goodbye.
While the two films play with similar elements, you do not have to worry about The Long Journey being a Knives Out 2.0 (or vice versa).
The two films may have trodden the same path, but they tell two tales that are ironically very similar and different at the same time.
2. Zero Effect (1998)
English 1h 56m IMDb
Next up, we have Zero Effect. While it is another film that came out a long time before Knives Out, it came out later than The Long Goodbye.
Zero Effect is another mystery film that holds some comedic and dramatic scenes. While there are talks of passing in this movie, it does not center on a death. However, if you enjoyed the blackmailing, messy relationships, and the adventure of Benoit Blanc in Knives Out, you will likely enjoy Zero Effect too.
Zero Effect has a similar air to the story of Knives Out, but you will undoubtedly get a new tale out of it.
3. A Simple Favor (2018)
English 1h 57m IMDb
Over here, we have A Simple Favor. Unlike the first two, this film came out only around a year before Knives Out.
A Simple Favor starts out differently from Knives Out. It does not begin with a death, nor do we have a detective at the beginning.
However, if you watch long enough, you will see tons of the elements you have seen in Knives Out being used in A Simple Favor. It does not take long to see the talks of deaths, blackmailing, and the messy relationships.
If you enjoyed the twists and turns in Knives Out, you will likely enjoy all the surprises of A Simple Favor.
4. Deathtrap (1982)
English 1h 56m IMDb
Next, let us talk about Deathtrap. Again, this one came out decades before Knives Out. However, it is one you might want to check out if you enjoyed the latter.
Deathtrap is another mystery with a good number of comedic scenes. That is if you are into black comedy.
Deathtrap might have a similar air to Knives Out, but the two tell differing tales. Still, the two used similar elements, making them fun and thrilling mystery films to watch for those that like their mysteries with a dash of comedy.
Deathtrap is not for everybody, but if it is the sneaky schemes, outwitting, and plot twists you enjoyed with Knives Out, you will likely enjoy the surprises this film has.
5. Murder by Death (1976)
English 1h 35m IMDb
Over here, we have Murder by Death. It came out in 1976, four decades before Knives Out came out. It might be an older film, but do not count it out yet.
Murder by Death is a mystery film with a side of comedic scenes. Murder by Death and Knives Out are not quite the same but are pretty similar films.
For one, the two films both treaded on murder, mystery, and the adventures of detectives. However, the two films have played with these elements in different manners. If you enjoyed one of the two, it might be ideal to check out the other.
6. Gosford Park (2001)
English 2h 17m IMDb
Over here, we have Gosford Park. It came out in the 2000s, making its release closer to Knives Out than the many others on this list but still at least a decade earlier.
Gosford Park is another mystery movie dashed with a balance of comedic and dramatic scenes.
Like Knives Out, it has a death, a big house, and a large cast. If you liked the run and the flow of Knives Out, you would likely enjoy the story of Gosford Park too.
Like all the other films we have talked about, you can clearly hear the ring of Knives Out in this movie.
However, as you might expect, it still offers its own take on the same elements of murder and mystery. It could be a good watch if you are looking for something similar but different still.
7. Mystery Team (2009)
English 1h 37m IMDb
Next up, we have Mystery Team. It came out in 2009, making it a decade older than Knives Out.
If you are looking for something a little lighter, this film might be able to deliver that. It has the same elements as the other films, like deaths and detectives, but with its twist.
If you are looking for something with a similar air as Knives Out but with a lighter vibe, you might want to check out Mystery Team.
Note that while Mystery Team has young detectives, it would not be the best film to watch with kids. While it has some lighter scenes, it is not the most child-friendly film.
8. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
English 1h 43m IMDb
Over here, we have Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. It was released in 2005, making it a decade older than Knives Out. It is a film you have probably heard of if you are a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. – undoubtedly one of the most favorite actors of this age.
However, this movie is so much more than this great actor. This movie, like Knives Out, is your murder mystery dashed with a side of comedy.
While we have a murder mystery here at this film, it did not present it the same way Knives Out did. However, if you enjoyed the whole solving of the murder mystery in Knives Out, you might also enjoy the adventure of our protagonists here.
9. Clue (1985)
English 1h 34m IMDb
Next up, we have Clue. Being released in 1985, it is one of our oldest films on this list. However, that should not stop you from checking out this film.
With movies, years are just years. While the ones on screen today are undoubtedly better in terms of technology, screenplay and other aspects are timeless.
As you can guess from the name, this movie is also a mystery film! Like Knives Out, though, it also has a sprinkle of comedy.
If you want some murder mystery in a big house, Clue can undoubtedly give you that. Another reason to check out Clue might be its unique ending.
We do not give out spoilers around here, though. So, if you want to know what makes this movie’s ending unique, you better check it out now then!
10. Murder on the Orient Express ()
English 1h 54m IMDb
While mystery and comedy might go well together, sometimes, a good ole mystery and drama hits the spot. You do not have to worry if that is what you are looking for today. The following films are for that exactly.
Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery film and might get you excited if you are a fan of Agatha Christie. As you might have already guessed, this movie is based on the book of the same name.
If you liked the messy murder mystery of Knives Out, you most likely will enjoy the unique twist this movie will take.
However, as we have said above, we offer no spoilers here. If you are interested in knowing how this movie presented its plot twist, you might want to try it soon!
11. Crooked House (2017)
English 1h 55m IMDb
Here is another film you want to check out if you are a fan of Knives Out and Agatha Christie. Crooked House is a film based on Agatha Christie’s book of the same name.
Like Knives Out, it offers the viewers a mystery with a dash of drama here and there.
If you liked the family fiasco, parting of a patriarch, and the overall murder mystery aspect of Knives Out, you will most likely like Crooked House as it has the same elements.
While the latter walked the same path as Knives Out with these elements, you will see that it presented it in its unique way.
12. The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
English 2h 38m IMDb
The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo is a mystery film filled with the right amount of drama. It is another film based on a book.
However, you probably already know this masterpiece, whether because of the book or the movie. If you have not seen it yet, it might be the time to do so!
Like Knives Out, it offers a murder mystery, some sleuthing, and a family problem that is hard to miss. If that is what struck you most with Knives Out, you do not have to worry about The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo delivering these elements.
The two films are very similar and very different in many ways. If you are looking for something that feels familiar but offers a different tale, The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo might be the film for you.
13. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
English 2h 21m IMDb
Last on our list, but undoubtedly not the least of the films here, is Bad Times at the El Royale. This one was released in 2017, only two years earlier than Knives Out.
Bad Times at the El Royale, like Knives Out, is a mystery film filled with drama and crime. Like all the others above, it used elements similar to those you can find from Knives Out.
If it is the money, murder mystery, and the messy situation that drew you to Knives Out, you would likely want to give Bad Times at the El Royale a chance as well!
Final Words
Are you still looking for movies like Knives Out? Well, we hope not!
Today, we showed our list of the best 13 movies like Knives Out. With these films? We believe you will be in for a long movie marathon. We hope you have tons of popcorn ready. You will likely be needing more than a bowl! Happy watching!
If these movies are not enough for your movie marathon, you might want to check out our other talks! We might have the film you need!