Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
There is no doubt that Knives Out director Rian Johnson is an avid Agatha Christie fan, as he has even stated that the film is inspired by her classic murder mystery stories.
Of all of her stories, Murder on the Orient Express is arguably the most similar to Johnson’s film, telling the story of a murder that takes place aboard a train stopped by heavy snow.
What follows is a tapestry of twists, turns, and thrilling investigation by renowned detective Hercule Poirot, as he tries to figure out the perpetrator on a train packed with suspects.
Murder on the Orient Express holds up as one of the best murder mystery movies of all time. This fact is even more impressive when you take into account the novel it was based on published in 1934 and the film that adapted it came out back in 1974.
If you’re looking for a more modern version, there is even a remake that recently released in 2017. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t really do too much different and that some of the performances don’t really come off as well as the original.
Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid
As its title would insinuate, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid is a parody on the pulp detective films of the time, even ripping clips straight from some of them as a part of its gags.
In this film, private investigator Roy Reardon is tasked with solving the murder of a famous cheese maker that dies in a freak car crash. As always not everything is as it seems, leading to plenty of hijinks.
Despite the comical feel, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid actually does a fantastic job paying homage to the craft as well, thanks majorly to the talent behind the characters.
The film features a lot of well-known stars that were just getting their start in the industry, including Steve Martin, Kirk Douglas, Betty Davis, and Rachael Ward, just to name a few.
It is also directed by legendary comedian Carl Reiner, best known for his work on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Clue
Even if you’re not an avid murder mystery fan, it’s entirely likely you’ve heard of – or at least played the board game based on – Clue.
Taking place in 1954, six strangers have been invited to a mansion located in the secluded New England countryside to confront someone blackmailing each of them.
When that man is murdered, the only questions left are: who did it and what did they use?
What’s interesting is – just like the board game – the answer varies depending upon which of the three endings you watch.
Alongside the mystery behind it all, Clue’s dark brand of comedy is just as hilarious as the ridiculousness that takes place in Knives Out. The only downside is that Clue doesn’t have smarmy Chris Evans.
Brick
Loner high school student Brendan Frye has just found his ex-girlfriend, Emily Kostich, murdered in a ditch. To make sense of things, he ingratiates himself in the local social networks of his high school, as they may be connected to her death.
It isn’t long before Frye finds out there is a lot more going on that what this small town presents on the surface.
Brick’s high school setting mixed with its gritty, neo-noir style makes for an interesting film, as it simultaneously acknowledges the absurdity of its characters and setting while also telling a compelling story.
Avid Knives Out fans are likely already aware of this film, as it served as Rian Johnson’s directorial debut at back in 2005.
Murder By Death
As its name suggests, Murder by Death is no ordinary murder mystery film. Instead, it actually pokes fun at the genre a little.
The film’s premise surrounds an invitation to five of the world’s greatest detectives to solve a murder that is set to take place later that night. The one who guesses it correctly will be rewarded $1 million and crowned the greatest detective in the world.
A calamity of incorrect theories, misdeeds, and overall hilarity soon occur, as new variables no one could have seen coming are presented left and right.
While Murder By Death may be a spoof of the celebrated genre for the films that make up this list, it also serves as a tribute, highlighting the best parts of it and making them comical at the same time.
Death on the Nile (1978)
Belgian detective Hercule Poirot once again returns to investigate a dastardly murder. Instead of a train, this time he finds himself coasting down the Nile river on a boat, surrounded by socialites.
When the woman who hires him, Linnet Doyle, is found dead, shot in the head and stripped of her valuable pearls, Poirot must use his skills to find the killer… or killers.
Anyone who enjoyed the zany antics of Daniel Craig’s performance in Knives Out is sure to also love Peter Ustinov, who puts on an equally amazing show as Poirot this time around.
Just like the other Agatha Christie film on this list, Death on the Nile is also getting a modern-day remake. Keep an eye out for the new film when it releases 2020.
Deathtrap
Based on the play of the same name, Deathtrap is a black comedy surrounding the downward spiral of Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright on Broadway.
One day, Bruhl receives a brilliant script belonging to a formal pupil, Clifford Anderson. In order to steal the script for himself, he plots to kill his student.
Deathtrap’s unique presentation and plot line-up very similarly to Knives out, as both take a very different approach to the genre while still playing up its tropes.
Couple this with the star-studded cast of the likes of Michael Caine, Dyan Cannon, and Christopher Reeve and the film’s take on dark comedy, and the parallels between the two films are more than clear.
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