I have this obsession with the Knives Out films I was not a fan of the sequel at first but after watching it again, I have a new appreciation for it. I started doing some research on whodunnit-type of films and came across a few films that may have inspired the Knives Out films.
It’s not a shocker that most of that inspiration came from the Agatha Christie stories.
I’m a fan of the Murder on the Orient Express, both the 1974 and 2017 adaptations, so I thought I’d give some of the movies a go. To my surprise, I enjoyed almost all of them. So here is my list of favorite whodunnit films so far:
Knives Out (2019) – I’ve lost count at the number of times I’ve seen this film. I can’t get enough of it and that’s why it comes in at first pick.
Glass Onion (2022) – It’s second only because of Daniel Craig and his Benoit Blanc. Now, watching it a second time wasn’t as painful. Well, watching Edward Norton’s speech on why their group are disruptors was painful. Maybe it wasn’t the speech itself or maybe it was the fact that whoever sprayed Norton’s tan clearly thought he was going to be an Oompa Loompa. Overall, the plot twists were amazing and bravo to Janelle Monáe. She’s the perfect Watson to Craig’s Sherlock.
Clue (1985) – A classic film and the second time it makes an appearance on my list.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (1974/2017) - These movies, oh my, what ascetically pleasing films. The costumes alone, exquisite! The fact that it’s set on a train is THE dream. Both films are similar but also different. Some of the characters roles were changed up but if you haven’t seen both to compare, you won’t notice. However, if you want to indulge in a little but cold world class, I recommend both.
Agatha Christie’s Crooked House (2017) - Another great plot twist; when you find out who did it and why, it’s just amazing.
Anatomy of a Scandal (2022 TV Miniseries) – This one popped up on Netflix and what a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed this one even though I’m not a huge fan of Michelle Dockery and Sienna Miller, but they were excellent in this series.
Agatha Christie’s Ordeal by Innocence (2018 TV Miniseries) – This is a three-episode masterpiece. Constant twists and thinking this person did and that person.
Agatha Christie’s Evil Under the Sun (1982) – What a treat this film was! Maggie Smith stars in another Christie film as an owner of a small island hotel. This one was fun.
Gosford Park (2001) - Robert Altman directing and Julian Fellowes writing are brilliant and entertaining. This is a classic whodunnit, with an impeccable cast that includes Maggie Smith AND Helen Mirren.
Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile (1978/2022) - I watched the original and while I loved the story, the actors were well blah. I did love Maggie Smith though because well Maggie Smith and she’s fabulous. For me the costumes and scenery take center stage. Even though I love Gal Gadot, I didn’t care for her in this film. I
The Last of Sheila (1973) - This movie was interesting only because of the plot. A year after a famous starlet, Sheila, is killed her husband gathers all their friends for a murder mystery weekend. Things take a turn when the husband, who’s played by James Coburn, ends up murdered.
Murder by Death (1974) – This one was blah and little too quirky for my taste. And believe me I can handle some quirk. I can see that Clue took a lot of inspiration from this film, including casting the same actress that played Mrs. Peacock, Eileen Brennan.
Sleuth (2007) – Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the first adaptation (1972) of this play on any of my streaming platforms. I did, however, find the 2007 version with Michael Caine reprising his role and Jude Law as Caine’s wife’s lover. This one is last because I really didn’t enjoy it. I don’t like Jude Law and there is too much of him. A lot of back-and-forth ranting. Not my cup of tea.
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