Everyone loves a good murder mystery. From dimly lit parlors to lavish private islands, these stories invite us to play detective. That enduring appeal is exactly why the genre has stood the test of time. Just ask author Agatha Christie, whose tales of deception and deduction have inspired generations.
In recent years, Rian Johnson's Knives Out film series has brought the classic whodunnit roaring back to life, draped in modern wit, sharp social commentary, and an unforgettable sleuth in Benoit Blanc. Here's a look at all the Knives Out movies in order and what makes each one a mystery worth solving.
Knives Out (2019)
Knives Out redefined the modern whodunnit by turning every expectation upside down. When wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead the morning after his 85th birthday, what begins as a presumed suicide quickly spirals into a gripping investigation led by Daniel Craig's eccentric detective, Benoit Blanc. As he interviews the conniving and wildly dysfunctional Thrombey family, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide and something to gain.
Meanwhile, Harlan's kind-hearted nurse, Marta Cabrera, finds herself at the center of the mystery, holding a secret that could unravel everything. With its sharp script, perfect cast, and clever commentary on class and privilege, the film feels like a love letter to old timey murder mysteries. Witty, unpredictable, and visually stylized, Knives Out proves that whodunnits still have a very sharp edge.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Trading fancy estates for sun-soaked decadence, Glass Onion is a worthy follow-up that expands the Knives Out universe. This time, Benoit Blanc is summoned to a tech billionaire's private Greek island for a murder mystery party. As the eclectic mix of guests settle in, long-buried rivalries start bubbling to the surface. When someone turns up dead for real, the game stops, and Blanc must reveal the killer.
With a new cast of suspects, the sequel smartly skewers celebrity culture, performative activism, and the hollow spectacle of wealth. Johnson dials up the satire without losing the genre's essence, layering twist upon twist until the truth bursts forth with satisfying clarity. Like its namesake, Glass Onion reveals more the closer you look.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
Wake Up Dead Man is the upcoming third entry in the masterfully curated mystery franchise. It promises to take Benoit Blanc into even darker and possibly deadlier territory. The story is set to unravel a far more dangerous murder than its predecessors, with gothic elements hinted at by its evocative title and moody early artwork.
With Craig returning as Blanc and an all-new ensemble cast, anticipation is already sky-high. Little is known about the plot other than Blanc being "in more danger than he's ever been as he searches for answers that don't want to be found." Whatever direction it takes, if the movie follows in the sharply-dressed footsteps of its predecessors, we're in for another unforgettable mystery.
Where To Watch All 'Knives Out' Movies Online
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