Knives Out made waves when it was first released in 2019 due to its star-studded cast, complex plot, and quirky characters, but the movie also became something of a viral hit, resulting in many internet memes being created and shared between fans. The movie was a definite hit within the world of murder mystery fans and was pretty much renewed for a sequel straight after it hit the big screen.
Since its release, many viewers have been anticipating Knives Out 2, which prompted Redditor moneygrabber007 to seek help from other fans to compile a list of similar movies to watch while waiting. According to Redditors, these movies are guaranteed to fill that murder mystery-shaped hole in fans’ hearts.
The Gentlemen (2019)
The Gentlemen is a complex, action-packed comedy that is guaranteed to give fans of Knives Out 2 that same level of satisfaction. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the movie definitely has its fair share of interesting angles and transitions, which mirror the fast-paced plot and simultaneously make viewers feel the anxiety of each character, similar to that of the questioning of Marta in Knives Out.
Redditor General_PoopyPants explained how “The Gentlemen was similar and fantastic,” with each character having a distinguishable and somewhat likable element to them, despite having questionable morals, something that is synonymous with the characters of Knives Out and resulted in both movies being hits.
Game Night (2018)
Game Night is one of the best mystery movies of 2018 due to its wacky plotline that proved to be a hit with fans who claimed that the movie was a refreshing addition to the mystery genre. The movie’s obscure plot follows the distinctiveness seen within Knives Out through its dark comedy and group of unlikely individuals who pair up to solve the intricate mystery.
Game Night is littered with plot twists that left many fans like Llim labeling it as a “wonderful, smart, and fun film that kept you engaged right up until the end,” which can also be said for Knives Out. The movie provided an elaborate storyline that created an engaging and enjoyable watch that left fans wanting more after its end.
Burn After Reading (2008)
Burn After Reading was a movie that somewhat divided fans, with many not understanding it whilst others loving its eccentric style and unique characters. The movie is a hilarious movie that places very real people at the center of a spy operation, which mirrors the placement of Marta within the outrageous Thromby family, but the movies are similar in more ways than one.
Created by the iconic Coen Brothers, Burn After Reading takes chaotic filmmaking to a new level, with its low angles and fast-paced transitions being the reason the movie lives up to its label as a screwball comedy. Redditor thedeadfrequency explained how “Burn After Reading gave me the same feel as Knives Out” due to its rapid cuts and similar style.
Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)
For many fans of Knives Out, it wasn’t just the mind-bending plot that caught their attention but also the movie’s aesthetically pleasing lighting and cinematography, which could easily be likened to that of Bad Times At The El Royale. There are many reasons why the movie is Drew Goddard’s best but one is just how visually stunning it is, especially through its use of warm lighting that contrasts with the movie’s cold-blooded action.
The warm tone that hangs over the movie can also be seen in Knives Out, and both movies emanate the 1960s/70s vibe that fans seemed to love, as it allowed for the movie to please not only the mind but also the eye. Bad Times At The El Royale may be more action-packed than Knives Out, but in terms of cinematography, both movies impressed fans, including Playful-Donkey23, who listed the movie as a “solid choice.”
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
On the surface, there is very little correlation between Knives Out and Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri, but when one takes a deeper look, there is an obvious central theme of loyalty shared between both movies. Mildred is dedicated to finding justice (or revenge) for the murder of her daughter, something which is underpinned by her loyalty and love for her family.
The dedication shown by Mildred is also evident in Marta when she places herself in dangerous situations to get justice for Harlan. According to moneygrabber007, the movie isn’t as “fun or light-hearted as Knives Out,” but it does share some key themes, which could easily be enjoyed by fans who may be looking for a grittier watch.
Layer Cake (2004)
Layer Cake sees Daniel Craig occupy a very different role to that of the law-abiding detective he plays in Knives Out. It’s an action-packed, fast-paced, and intricate crime thriller that left many fans on the edge of their seats due to its sophisticated-looking characters and violent outbursts.
However, Layer Cake and Knives Out aren’t too different apart from the speed in which the stories are told, as both place high regard on wealth and elitism, with there being many snide remarks about the upper class hidden within both movies, prompting Redditor JimmyMcGlashan to share that “Layer Cake definitely deserves a spot here.”
Enola Holmes (2020)
For those viewers looking for a friendlier mystery movie, Enola Holmes is a perfect watch “for a younger audience,” as suggested by peacebuster. Enola Holmes contains one of the greatest female detectives in pop culture, similar to Marta’s character in Knives Out, and both characters are completely captivating and continue to add to the list of interesting and multifaceted female movie characters.
Both movies offer an engaging film style along with great female leads that provide viewers with a similar watching experience, making Enola Holmes the perfect watch for family movie night.
Murder By Death (1976)
Murder By Death is one of the closest murder mysteries to Knives Out, guaranteed to fill the gap between the first movie and Knives Out 2. The movie combines mystery with comedy to create a thoroughly interesting ensemble of characters, eventually leading to a great plot twist that shocks fans even today through its cleverly comedic dialogue.
Murder By Death is a classic among murder mystery fans, with one Redditor claiming that “Knives Out is its spiritual successor.” Murder By Death is completely absurd, which is what many fans loved about Knives Out, making it a must-watch for lovers of Rian Johnson’s murder mystery.
Ready Or Not (2019)
Ready Or Not is an awesome female-led horror movie that employs dark comedy to engage fans, but left many with a fear of the children’s game “hide and seek.” The movie’s unique plot and badass performance from Samara Weaving makes it an incredibly interesting and hilarious watch that challenged the usual structure fans so commonly associate with thrillers and horror.
Both movies have an empowering female lead that fans can’t help but root for, but unfortunately, the movie wasn’t quite as successful as Knives Out, with some claiming it is criminally underrated. Disgustip8ed explained how they “wish they weren’t released in the same year and that they did a better job of promoting Ready or Not [as it] just as good as Knives Out.“
Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
Murder On The Orient Express is a pretty close pairing with Knives Out, with both movies being advertised as complex whodunits with quirky characters and unpredictable plot twists. Both movies are visually similar in the way they employ warm lighting to create a somewhat vintage vibe that hooks viewers into a sense of safety before upsetting the balance and making viewers question everything.
One Redditor advocated for the movie’s similarity to Knives Out by suggesting it “should be at the top of this list,” with both movies being pretty much carbon copies of one another in terms of themes. However, each movie offers a different story, resulting in it being a perfect watch for those trying to fill that Knives Out-shaped void.
