If you loved Knives Out, dive into these 10 thrilling whodunits packed with clever twists, sharp dialogue, and intriguing characters. From the classic charm of Clue to the suspenseful The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, these films keep you guessing until the very end.
Perfect for fans of mystery, dark humor, and unpredictable plots that deliver both intrigue and a dash of style.
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Clue (1985)
- Grade: PG
- Type: Comedies, Mysteries
- Director: Jonathan Lynn
- Actors: Madeline Kahn, Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry
- Duration: 94 minutes
- Summary: Clue is a delightfully chaotic murder mystery that is based on the traditional board game. A mysterious host invites six eccentric guests to a dinner party in a home. Chaos breaks out as allegations are made and secrets are revealed when the host is discovered dead. Clue keeps viewers wondering and smiling until the very end with its campy appeal, several possible endings, and razor-sharp wit. Tim Curry’s vivacious portrayal of Wadsworth the butler stands out in particular.
Death on the Nile (2022)
- Grade: PG-13
- Type: Thriller, Mystery
- Director: Kenneth Branagh
- Actors: Armie Hammer, Gal Gadot, Kenneth Branagh
- Duration: 127 minutes
- Summary: This glitzy murder mystery, which is based on Agatha Christie’s beloved book, follows investigator Hercule Poirot as he looks into a death on a lavish Nile River cruise. As each passenger turns into a suspect, the movie is filled with passion, jealousy, and treachery. In addition to the sumptuous locations and complex story twists that make it an interesting and fashionable whodunit, Kenneth Branagh excels in his role as Poirot.
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
- Grade: PG-13
- Type: Drama, Mystery
- Director: Kenneth Branagh
- Actors: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Kenneth Branagh
- Duration: 114 minutes
- Summary: Poirot is followed aboard the opulent Orient Express in this Agatha Christie dramatization. Poirot has to sort through a web of falsehoods and alibis among the diverse collection of passengers on the train after a wealthy passenger is discovered dead. A compelling story of justice and duplicity is told via the film’s outstanding ensemble cast and breathtaking cinematography.
Gosford Park (2001)
- Grade: R
- Type: Drama, Mystery
- Director: Robert Altman
- Actors: Kristin Scott Thomas, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith
- Duration: 137 minutes
- Summary: Gosford Park, which is set in 1930s England, combines a murder investigation with a scathing social critique of class differences. When a visitor is killed, a sumptuous weekend party at an aristocratic home turns fatal. Director Robert Altman creates a complex whodunit full of secrets, scandals, and intrigue with a large cast and complex storytelling.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
- Grade: R
- Type: Thriller, Mystery
- Director: David Fincher
- Actors: Christopher Plummer, Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig
- Duration: 158 minutes
- Summary: Journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander explore the long-kept secrets of a wealthy family in this dark, compelling thriller. Rooney Mara gives a strong performance, and David Fincher’s careful direction creates a spooky mood. The film is gripping and intense, making it ideal for viewers who enjoy intricate criminal dramas.
The Nice Guys (2016)
- Grade: R
- Type: Comedies, Mysteries
- Director: Shane Black
- Actors: Angourie Rice, Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling
- Duration: 116 minutes
- Summary: The case of a missing girl and an unexplained death in 1970s Los Angeles is solved by a mismatched team consisting of a clumsy private detective and a tough enforcer. The film is an enjoyable, unconventional take on the mystery genre because it strikes a mix between witty comedy and gripping turns. The highlight is the hilarious chemistry between Gosling and Crowe.
Game Night (2018)
- Grade: R
- Type: Comedies, Mysteries
- Directors: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley
- Actors: Kyle Chandler, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman
- Duration: 100 minutes
- Summary: When a kidnapping takes place, what begins as a pleasant game night for a bunch of friends becomes a crazy, real-life mystery. From the beginning to the end, Game Night keeps viewers enthralled with its fast-paced humor, ingenious plot twists, and exciting moments. The performances by McAdams and Bateman are funny.
A Simple Favor (2018)
- Grade: R
- Type: Thriller, Mystery
- Director: Paul Feig
- Actors: Henry Golding, Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick
- Duration: 117 minutes
- Summary: In this chic and twisty thriller, a mommy blogger looks into her stunning best friend’s disappearance. Everything is not as it seems as secrets come to light. The movie delivers a contemporary and elegant mystery by striking a mix between dark humor and thrilling turns.
Brick (2005)
- Grade: R
- Type: Neo-noir, Mystery
- Director: Rian Johnson
- Actors: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nora Zehetner, Lukas Haas
- Duration: 110 minutes
- Summary: Brick, which is set at a high school but is filmed more like a gritty detective noir, follows a teen recluse as he looks into his ex-girlfriend’s death. Rian Johnson breaks genre norms by creating a distinctive and captivating mystery with stylized dialogue and a somber, brooding mood.
Searching (2018)
- Grade: PG-13
- Type: Thriller, Mystery
- Director: Aneesh Chaganty
- Actors: John Cho, Debra Messing, Michelle La
- Duration: 102 minutes
- Summary: Searching, which is told entirely on computer screens, centers on a father’s desperate search for his teenage daughter who vanished. The shocks keep coming as he discovers secrets concealed in her online life. The film stands out in the mystery genre thanks to its inventive structure and poignant narrative.
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