Knives Out was one of the biggest successes of 2019. Back when movies in theaters were a thing. The hit movie features an amazing ensemble cast, and a stellar leading debut by the beautiful Ana de Armas. Enough to entrance Ben Affleck apparently. Plus, that famous cable knit that Chris Evans wore so well. All setting the stage for a film that feels like it could eventually usher in a new renaissance of modern whodunits.
It started streaming on Amazon Prime last month, finally exposing it to a whole new audience. Here are six must-see films if you love Knives Out, to watch now. If you’re a mystery lover that craves a star studded ensemble cast, then these should fit the bill.
Clue (1985)
You wouldn’t think much substance could come from a movie based on a popular board game. While it teeters on silly for most of the time, 1987’s Clue is a classic, comedic whodunit. One that has earned its cult status, due to the many, memorable performances, especially Madeline Kahn. Amazon Prime
Ready or Not (2019)
Last year’s surprising hit, Ready or Not deals with class issues against the back drop of a supernatural element. The whodunit theme is missing here, but the ensemble element mirrors both Knives Out, and 2011’s You’re Next. They all feature an affluent family pitting themselves against one young, strong willed woman. A protagonist like Marta, that may be outnumbered, but will not be outwitted. iTunes
Deathtrap (1982)
The 1982 dark comedy boasts a terrific cast, including Michael Caine, and a young Christopher Reeve. A once successful playwright (Caine) is desperate for a new hit. So desperate that when he receives one of his student’s scripts, he decides to lure him (Reeves) up to his country house to ultimately murder him and steal the script for himself.
Based on the play by Ira Levin, and directed by Sidney Lumet, Deathtrap isn’t a classic mystery but it does include lots of twists, and turns. A big cast of supporting characters, and one main location, which is a theme seen in all these movies. If you love Knives Out, Deathtrap should be high on your watch list. Amazon
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
If you love a good list of suspects to ponder, discover the characters in Murder on the Orient Express. Adapted from the master of mystery novels, Agatha Christie herself, these characters are nuanced, and much like Knives Out, each suspicious in their own charming way. A perfect trait for any well respected murder mystery. Amazon
Murder By Death (1976)
Five famous and very different detectives, including Peter Falk (not as Columbo!), and Peter Sellers are invited to the mysterious mansion of Lionel Twain for a dinner party. The theme? An ‘unsolvable’ murder to occur at midnight, where the detective who solves it will win one million dollars. Everything seems set, but when a different person dies first, the stakes are upped and the rules are changed.
The Neil Simon comedy is actually a parody of murder mysteries using all the common, and beloved tropes by both making fun of them and paying homage. iTunes
The Last of Sheila (1973)
Less known, The 1973 twisty thriller is a clear inspiration to many mysteries that followed, illustrating lots of clearly similar traits. An all star cast, and a one location setting once again sets the stage. In this case, not a mansion, or train, but a yacht.
A movie producer hosts a large, lavish yacht party for him and his entertainment friends. One year after the death of his wife in a hit and run. The party appears to be a scavenger hunt mystery game. Another trope we’ve seen in similar later movies, including 1986’s comedic horror April Fools Day. However, once the week begin, it’s clear the intentions are less than innocent. Amazon
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