Nothing compares to the excitement of a murder mystery—whether it’s piecing together evidence, taking in a room full of quirky suspects, or jaw-dropping conclusions that hit you when you see them least. Ever since Knives Out slashed its way into our hearts with Benoit Blanc’s masterful detective work, the demand for smart whodunits has gone through the roof. After you’ve consumed all Rian Johnson has prepared for us, where do we turn next? Here’s your detective’s guide to 15 mystery movies that’ll have you guessing, laughing, and gasping.
15. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Don’t be fooled by the animation—this is a robot-apocalypse tale with a twist that is also a wacky, huggably dysfunctional family road trip. Imagine tech run amok, aww-worthy sibling moments, and a mystery atmosphere that channels the Thrombeys, complete with pop-culture references and warm fuzzies.
14. Shiva Baby (2020)
Ever been trapped in a whirlwind of awkward glances and family drama? Danielle has—and it’s in a tense, claustrophobic setting where secrets bubble to the surface, sharp dialogue, social anxiety on full blast, and a pressure cooker vibe that mirrors the unsettling tension of Knives Out.
13. The Nice Guys (2016)
Shane Black’s 70s-style detective romp pairs Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in a missing-persons case that is darkly comedic, anarchic, and intensely smart chemistry-wise. It’s raucous, witty, and the exact tonal fit for fans of clever, twisty mystery.
12. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
This David Fincher remake goes dark and deep—icy Swedish nobility, decades-old lies, and detectives who don’t play by the rules. It’s intense, chilling, and the ideal contrast for fans of the mansion-whodunit formula.
11. Gosford Park (2001)
Imagine upstairs-downstairs scandal mingling with murder mystery within a grand English estate. With an all-star ensemble juggling secrets, servants, and nobles, this is a masterclass in refined storytelling and slow-burning suspense.
10. The Usual Suspects (1995)
A gang of crooks, a mastermind of mystery, and a twist closing that redefined the crime film bible. Presented in unreliable flashbacks, this is a genre staple that’s perfectly suited to fans of mystery.
9. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
This seeming amalgamation of toon mayhem and noir sleuthing comes together in a world where rabbits and detectives meet. Under the cartoon shenanigans is a snappy, entertaining whodunit packed with clever surprises.
8. Clue (1985)
Based on the cult board game, Clue offers murder, chaos, and three endings. It’s clever, zany, full of suspects, and just the right level of slapstick for anybody who likes a little extra style with their mysteries.
7. Murder by Death (1976)
This is a whodunit spoof at its best. The world’s greatest detective archetypes gather for a fatal dinner party—and chaos breaks out. It’s Knives Out elevated to cartoon levels with ghostly pizzazz.
6. Rear Window (1954)
Hitchcock’s thrilling classic deals with voyeurism and growing tension. A photographer stuck in his apartment starts suspecting his neighbor of murder. Slow-burning, visually intelligent, and completely engrossing.
5. Memento (2001)
Christopher Nolan’s non-linear thriller propels a guy with no short-term memory into a maze of plots and fractured narration. Figuring it out is a puzzle in itself—and spoiler alert, it’ll blow your mind.
4. Death on the Nile (1978)
Agatha Christie’s beloved detective Hercule Poirot tracks murder on a posh ocean liner. Exotic setting, close suspect list, and a convoluted plot befitting its desert backdrop.
3. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Rian Johnson’s follow-up brings Benoit Blanc to a sun-drenched Greek island with a bunch of tech moguls and sinister secrets. If you enjoyed Knives Out’s sassy humor and subversion of genre conventions, this one redoubles.
2. Murder on the Orient Express (1974 / 2017)
Whether you see the original or the contemporary retread, you have the gold standard of locked-room mysteries on a train. Poirot, an enormous cast of suspects, and a twist that’s as effective as ever.
1. Knives Out (2019)
And, of course, the classic that remade modern detective fiction. Witty writing, strong performances, and a plot that pays homage—and wittily upends—the Agatha Christie template. Benoit Blanc and the Thrombey family set a new standard for murder mysteries.