10 Best Movies Like Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Ranked & Where to Watch)

The foundational modern whodunit, Knives Out is the direct spiritual sibling to Glass Onion. Rian Johnson masterfully reinvents the classic Agatha Christie formula, blending a star-studded ensemble with biting social commentary and a labyrinthine plot. Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc, introduced here, is a delightfully eccentric Southern detective whose keen observations and theatrical flair are perfectly matched by an equally brilliant cast. The film’s strength lies in its meticulous plotting, where every clue and red herring serves a purpose, culminating in a satisfyingly intricate reveal. It’s a stylish, witty, and profoundly engaging mystery that laid the groundwork for its sequel's tropical escapade.

Neil Simon's satirical masterpiece is a brilliant send-up of classic detective tropes, paving the way for the meta-humor Glass Onion occasionally employs. This film gathers five of the world's greatest (and thinly veiled) literary detectives—from Hercule Poirot to Charlie Chan—into a spooky mansion for a 'dinner and murder' game orchestrated by an eccentric millionaire. Its ensemble cast, featuring Peter Falk, Maggie Smith, and Peter Sellers, delivers razor-sharp wit and slapstick, deconstructing the whodunit genre with affection and shrewdness. The rapid-fire dialogue and clever subversions of mystery clichés make it a quintessential comedic whodunit.

Woody Allen's delightful caper shares Glass Onion's charm in showcasing amateur sleuths getting entangled in a real-life mystery. Diane Keaton and Woody Allen star as a New York couple who suspect their neighbor's wife didn't die of natural causes. The film blends classic screwball comedy with genuine suspense, driven by sharp, character-based dialogue and a playful spirit of urban adventure. It captures the thrill of uncovering clues and the humor of ordinary people stepping into extraordinary circumstances, all set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. The intellectual banter and escalating hijinks are highly reminiscent of Benoit Blanc's world.

This upcoming adaptation promises to deliver a uniquely British take on the ensemble comedic mystery, aligning perfectly with Glass Onion's spirit of charming, unconventional investigators. Based on Richard Osman's best-selling novel, 'The Thursday Murder Club' centers on a group of witty, elderly residents in a retirement village who delve into real-life murder cases. The premise suggests a delightful blend of dry humor, intricate plotting, and unexpected twists, carried by a cast likely to exude warmth and intelligence. It embodies the cozy yet cunning whodunit, where clever minds rather than brawn unravel the darkest secrets.

The 'Thin Man' series, exemplified by Shadow of the Thin Man, established the gold standard for sophisticated, witty, and glamorous murder mysteries that predate Glass Onion by decades. William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles are the epitome of charismatic detective duos, solving crimes with cocktails in hand and their beloved dog Asta by their side. This installment sees them at the racetrack, embroiled in a murder among high society. Their effortless banter, sparkling chemistry, and the film's stylish, urbane setting make it a timeless example of a whodunit where the journey, filled with clever dialogue and endearing characters, is as enjoyable as the resolution.

A delightfully meta and stylish British whodunit, See How They Run captures the spirit of Glass Onion with its ensemble cast, clever plotting, and a keen sense of self-awareness. Set in 1950s London amidst the production of a play, it thrusts a world-weary inspector (Sam Rockwell) and an eager, inexperienced constable (Saoirse Ronan) into a murder investigation. The film revels in genre conventions while playfully subverting them, offering a genuinely engaging mystery wrapped in clever humor and impeccable period detail. Its sharp script and charismatic performances make it a fresh, yet classic, addition to the comedic murder mystery genre.

A charmingly quirky and comedic mystery, Foul Play stars Goldie Hawn as a shy librarian who accidentally stumbles upon a murder plot, leading to a series of escalating, absurd encounters. Chevy Chase plays a bumbling detective drawn into her predicament, creating a delightful romantic-comedy dynamic amidst the suspense. The film balances genuine thrills with broad humor, featuring eccentric villains and convoluted schemes that wouldn't feel entirely out of place in Glass Onion's world of elaborate puzzles. Its lighthearted approach to danger and a central duo whose chemistry sparks both laughs and genuine concern make it a highly entertaining watch.

Chevy Chase’s iconic portrayal of investigative reporter Irwin 'Fletch' Fletcher delivers a unique brand of quick-witted, undercover comedy that echoes the playful intelligence of Glass Onion. Fletch is a master of disguise and improvisation, constantly adopting new personas and cracking wise, even as he uncovers a complex murder-for-hire plot. The film excels in its sharp dialogue, absurd situations, and Fletch’s unflappable charm. While less a traditional ensemble whodunit, its focus on a singular, charismatic character navigating a labyrinthine mystery with humor and intelligence makes it a kindred spirit, prioritizing wit and cleverness over brute force.

Adrian Monk, the eccentric and brilliant detective with OCD, returns in this movie continuation, offering a more character-focused, yet still deeply satisfying, mystery akin to Benoit Blanc's singular genius. While Glass Onion thrives on ensemble dynamics, Monk’s methodical, often humorous approach to solving crimes—even when personally affected—provides a similar pleasure in watching a truly unique mind unravel seemingly impossible puzzles. The film retains the series' blend of tragicomic introspection and clever detective work, proving that a complex mystery doesn't need opulence to be engaging, just a captivating detective.

For those who appreciate the buddy-comedy aspect and rapid-fire banter alongside their mysteries, Psych 2: Lassie Come Home offers a delightful experience reminiscent of Glass Onion's more lighthearted moments. Shawn and Gus, the fake psychic detective duo, bring their signature comedic timing and outlandish schemes to assist their former colleague Lassiter in a perplexing case. While leaning heavily into humor and pop culture references, the film still delivers a genuinely engaging whodunit with unexpected twists and a deep affection for its characters. It's a testament to how humor and mystery can perfectly intertwine.