19 Slow-burn films that should be on your watchlist if you enjoyed Knives Out

If Knives Out's intricate plot and thrilling mystery caught your attention, then you're in for a treat. Slow-burn films excel at drawing you in bit by bit building tension and developing characters until you're immersed in their world. These 19 slow-burn movies aim to keep you guessing, with multi-layered narratives moody backdrops, and compelling performances. Each film on this list seeks to challenge your mind and have you sitting on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

19) Deathtrap (1982)

Deathtrap is a great choice for fans of Knives Out offering a multi-layered story building suspense, and compelling mystery components. Sidney Lumet directed the movie, which showcases top-notch acting from Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, who bring richness and nuance to their roles. The clever and smart conversations, along with non-stop surprises and unexpected developments, keep viewers hooked and at the edge of their seats.

18) Murder By Death (1976)

Murder by Death stands out as a top pick for those who loved Knives Out. The 1976 comedic detective movie, directed by Robert Moore, takes a humorous jab at classic murder mysteries. It rounds up an all-star team of detective legends inside a grand house, all invited to a strange dinner party where they have to solve a murder case. The gradual increase in comedic suspense meshes well with sharp banter and smart plot twists making sure viewers stay hooked and amused.

17) Ready Or Not (2019)

The 2019 horror-thriller directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, mixes dark humor with intense edge-of-your-seat moments. In the film, Samara Weaving plays a bride who ends up playing a life-or-death version of hide-and-seek with the folks she just joined through marriage all during her wedding night. Just like Knives Out, this movie is really good at ratcheting up the nerves step by step turning what started as a straightforward game into an all-out struggle to stay alive.

16) Prisoners (2013)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this 2013 flick focuses on a father in a really bad spot trying to find his kid who's gone missing and how far he's willing to go to figure out what happened. Prisoners lands on this list because it gradually builds up the suspense. It smartly digs into the tough choices people have to make, peels back layers of the characters, and dives deep into what makes them tick. The suspense is heightened by the outstanding performances of Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the rest of the cast, who bring emotional intensity and authenticity to their roles.

15) The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Directed by David Fincher, this 2011 adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel combines elements of mystery, thriller, and crime drama, all while maintaining a meticulously paced narrative. It excels in building tension slowly, as the story unfolds through the investigation led by journalist Mikael Blomkvist, played by Daniel Craig with Rooney Mara's hacker Lisbeth Salander. The film's intricate plot is filled with unexpected twists and dark secrets, keeping viewers engaged and on edge. Much like Knives Out, it captivates the audience with its detailed and suspenseful approach to unraveling the mystery.

14) Logan Lucky (2017)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this heist comedy-drama follows the story of two brothers, played by Channing Tatum and Adam Driver, who attempt to pull off an elaborate robbery during a NASCAR race. Logan Lucky excels in its clever storytelling and the gradual build-up of suspense and humor. The film's plot is meticulously crafted, with a series of twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. Like Knives Out, this film has witty dialogues, an interesting mix of mystery elements, and a storytelling style that is unlike any other.

13) Green For Danger (1946)

Set in a rural English hospital during World War II, Sidney Gilliat's 1946 film is a fascinating mix of suspense and intrigue. Green for Danger offers an intricately designed plot that slowly reveals the mystery behind the series of strange deaths. Just like Knives Out, the film takes a slow-burn approach that gradually builds tension and allows for the unfolding of the characters' motives and secrets. The ensemble cast, including Alastair Sim as the eccentric Inspector Cockrill, delivers strong performances that add depth to the story.

12) Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

A perfect blend of mystery, humor, and suspense, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is the directorial debut of Shane Black. Like Knives Out, the film is cleverly narrated and slowly builds tension. It tells a story about a thief, Harry Lockhart, played by Robert Downey Jr., who gets accidentally drawn into a murder mystery while auditioning for a movie. The plot of the movie is full of surprises, witty exchanges, and an engaging narrative that keeps the audience glued to their seats. The strong chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer grants room for an entertaining interaction, very funny at some points, as well as intriguing.

11) Game Night (2018)

Game Night is an excellent choice for fans of Knives Out due to its blend of mystery, dark humor, and unexpected twists. Max and Annie, played by Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, are a competitive couple who love their weekly game nights with friends. One evening, Max's brother, Kyle Chandler's Brooks decides to host a game night at his place and promises an exciting, realistic mystery game. However, things take a wild turn when Brooks is actually kidnapped by real criminals, and the group thinks it's all part of the game. The stand-out performances of the ensemble cast and the twists and turns of the plot make it a worthy watch.

10) Gosford Park (2001)

The film is set in 1932 and chronicles a lavish weekend assembly in an English country house where a murder was committed. What makes Gosford Park a great addition to the list is its complex plot, with secrets and ulterior motives hiding among guests and servants. Similar to Knives Out, it uses dark humor and social commentary, alleviating the mystery. Directed by Robert Altman, Gosford Park shows a slow-burn narrative that slowly lays bare the connections that exist between different characters resulting in a surprising and satisfying resolution.

9) Identity (2003)

Identity is a gripping psychological thriller that fits well for fans of Knives Out. While it might not be a classic whodunit, it shares several elements that make it a compelling watch: a diverse ensemble cast, a central mystery involving ten strangers stranded at a remote motel during a storm, and a series of unexpected twists and turns. The film delves into psychological themes, adding depth to the suspense and making the mystery even more intriguing. With its complex plot and rich character development, the film offers a thrilling and unpredictable experience that will captivate anyone who enjoys the suspenseful and twisty nature of Knives Out.

8) The Hateful Eight (2015)

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight is a gripping mystery that unfolds in post-Civil War Wyoming. Eight strangers-including a bounty hunter and his fugitive prisoner-are forced to take shelter at a stagecoach lodge amid a heavy blizzard. With the storm raging outside, tension mounts inside as sinister motives and secrets are revealed among the group. Tarantino's film employs a slow-burn plot with complex layers and dark humor, and a phenomenal cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, that deliver unforgettable performances. And like Knives Out, the film promises an equally thrilling experience that blends suspenseful atmospherics, character-centric narratives, and surprising twists.

7) Sleuth (1972)

Joseph L. Mankiewicz's 1972 film revolves around a wealthy mystery writer, Andrew Wyke, played by Laurence Olivier, who invites his wife's lover, Michael Caine's Milo Tindle, to his mansion under the guise of a friendly chat. However, Andrew has devised an elaborate game of cat and mouse, full of psychological manipulation and mind games. The film stands out with its intricate plot, featuring numerous twists and turns that keep the audience guessing. Much like Knives Out, Sleuth is a masterclass in storytelling, with its witty dialogue, isolated setting, and constant surprises.

6) Brick (2005)

Rian Johnson's directorial debut, Brick is an intriguing blend of mystery and noir elements set in a modern high school. The film follows Brendan, a high school student portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. As he delves deeper into the underworld of his school, Brendan encounters a series of enigmatic characters, each with their own secrets and agendas. Just like Knives Out, this film's intricate plot is filled with twists and turns, and its stylized dialogue and atmosphere are reminiscent of classic noir films.

5) Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring him as the famous detective Hercule Poirot, the film is set aboard the luxurious Orient Express train. The plot starts with the murder of a wealthy passenger, Samuel Ratchett, and Poirot takes on the task of solving the case. With each interrogation, a passenger's secret and motive emerge, adding depth to the already complicated mystery, with a dramatic and unexpected ending. The visuals are gorgeous, the dialogue is witty, and the suspenseful atmosphere makes it an interesting and entertaining watch, much like Knives Out.

4) Clue (1985)

The 1985 movie Clue is a comedic whodunit that takes place in a mansion where six strangers, each of whom uses a pseudonym, are invited to dinner. Mr. Boddy, played by Lee Ving, the host, reveals their darkest secrets and blackmails them. But the evening turns dark when Mr. Boddy is murdered, and the guests, together with butler Wadsworth, must determine who amongst them is the killer. The blend of suspense, comedy, and clever storytelling makes Clue a delightful and engaging watch for fans of Knives Out.

3) Get Out (2017)

A gripping psychological horror, Get Out depicts the story of a young Black man, Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya, who travels with his white girlfriend, Rose, to meet her parents at their secluded family estate. A strange family who are overtly accommodating, Chris finds out there is a dreadful secret regarding the family's treatment of Black people. The thrills escalate as Chris realizes that he is in a distasteful trap with shocking revelations and brutal confrontations. The film, similar to Kinives Out, slowly reveals the secrets of Rose's family, keeping the thrill and mystery intact.

2) Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Set in a grim, industrialized version of Victorian London, Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, follows the iconic detective, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., along with his loyal partner, Dr. John Watson, played by Jude Law, as they uncover the mystery surrounding the seemingly supernatural resurrection of Lord Blackwood, an infamous criminal. With its intricate plot, dynamic performances, and stylized direction, the film offers a captivating and entertaining mystery, making it a great addition to the watchlist for fans of Knives Out.

1) Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Rian Johnson's Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is an enticing sequel to Knives Out. The story follows detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) in investigating a new case set on an extravagant private island owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron, played by Edward Norton. The weekend getaway was planned for a bunch of eccentric guests, played by Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, and Dave Bautista. Then the fun turns dark with a murder, and Blanc must sift through the lies and secrets among the guests to uncover the truth.