Are you a die-hard fan of the 1985 murder mystery comedy “Clue”? With its quirky characters, witty dialogue, and clever plot twists, it’s no wonder this film has become a beloved cult classic. If you’re craving more suspenseful whodunits filled with humor and intrigue, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best movies like “Clue” that are sure to satisfy your appetite for mystery.
1. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Directed by Sidney Lumet and based on Agatha Christie’s iconic novel, “Murder on the Orient Express” is a lavish period drama that oozes old Hollywood glamour. When a wealthy American businessman is found dead on the luxurious train, renowned detective Hercule Poirot (played brilliantly by Albert Finney) must solve the case before the killer strikes again. With an all-star ensemble cast including Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and Sean Connery, this classic whodunit will keep you guessing until the very end.
2. Knives Out (2019)
A modern twist on the murder mystery genre, Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” is a stylish and clever homage to “Clue”. When crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead, private detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) must sift through a colorful cast of suspects, including Harlan’s dysfunctional family and devoted staff. Ana de Armas shines as Marta, Harlan’s kind-hearted nurse who finds herself at the center of the investigation. With its razor-sharp wit and surprising revelations, “Knives Out” is an instant classic.
3. Murder by Death (1976)
If you love the comedic elements of “Clue”, then “Murder by Death” is a must-see. Neil Simon’s hilarious spoof brings together parodies of famous literary detectives, including Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Sam Spade. The sleuths are invited to a dinner party by the eccentric millionaire Lionel Twain (played by Truman Capote), who challenges them to solve a murder that will take place at midnight. Filled with puns, slapstick humor, and an all-star cast including Peter Falk, Alec Guinness, and Peter Sellers, “Murder by Death” is a delightful send-up of the genre.
4. Gosford Park (2001)
Director Robert Altman’s “Gosford Park” is a sophisticated murder mystery set in an English country estate in the 1930s. When a wealthy industrialist is found dead during a weekend shooting party, the guests and servants become suspects in a tangled web of secrets and lies. With an ensemble cast including Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, and Clive Owen, the film deftly explores class dynamics while keeping you guessing about the killer’s identity. Julian Fellowes, who wrote the screenplay, would go on to create the hit TV series “Downton Abbey”.
5. The Last of Sheila (1973)
Co-written by Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, “The Last of Sheila” is a clever and twisted mystery set on a yacht in the Mediterranean. A year after his wife Sheila is killed in a hit-and-run, a wealthy movie producer invites six Hollywood friends (played by James Coburn, Dyan Cannon, and Raquel Welch, among others) on a cruise, where he has devised a elaborate scavenger hunt with clues based on their secret pasts. As the game turns deadly, the guests must unravel the truth behind Sheila’s death. This underrated gem is a must for fans of intricate puzzles and biting satire.
6. Death on the Nile (1978)
Another lavish adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel, “Death on the Nile” features Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot, investigating a murder on a luxurious Egyptian river cruise. The suspects include a newlywed heiress (Lois Chiles), her jilted former lover (Simon MacCorkindale), and a wealthy aristocrat (Bette Davis) with a dark secret. With its exotic setting, glamorous costumes, and star-studded cast, “Death on the Nile” is a sumptuous and entertaining whodunit that will transport you to another era.
7. Deathtrap (1982)
Based on Ira Levin’s hit Broadway play, “Deathtrap” stars Michael Caine as Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright who hasn’t had a hit in years. When a former student (Christopher Reeve) shows him a brilliant new script, Sidney hatches a plan to murder him and steal the play for himself. But his wife (Dyan Cannon) and the student’s girlfriend (Irene Worth) soon become entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. Filled with twists, turns, and dark humor, “Deathtrap” keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final shocking reveal.
8. The Mirror Crack’d (1980)
Angela Lansbury stars as Miss Marple in this stylish adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel “The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side”. When a poisoning occurs on the set of a Hollywood film shooting in a quaint English village, Miss Marple must uncover the killer among a cast of glamorous suspects, including Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Novak, and Rock Hudson. With its witty script, lush cinematography, and fabulous ’50s costumes, “The Mirror Crack’d” is a treat for mystery lovers and classic movie buffs alike.
9. Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Yet another star-studded Agatha Christie adaptation, “Evil Under the Sun” features Peter Ustinov once again as Hercule Poirot, this time investigating a murder at an exclusive island resort. The suspects include a Broadway actress (Diana Rigg), her husband (Denis Quilley), and her stepdaughter (Emily Hone), as well as a glamorous American couple (Maggie Smith and James Mason) and a spinster with a secret (Sylvia Miles). With its lush Mediterranean setting, dazzling costumes, and witty dialogue, “Evil Under the Sun” is a sun-drenched and entertaining mystery.
10. Clue (1985)
Of course, no list of movies like “Clue” would be complete without mentioning the film itself! Directed by Jonathan Lynn and based on the popular board game, “Clue” features an all-star cast including Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Christopher Lloyd as colorful suspects gathered at a mysterious mansion. When their host turns up dead, they must work together to uncover the killer before the police arrive. With its quotable one-liners, slapstick comedy, and multiple endings, “Clue” is a hilarious and endlessly rewatchable cult classic that never fails to entertain.
11. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Hercule Poirot in this stylish remake of the classic Agatha Christie mystery. When a wealthy businessman is found dead on the luxurious train, Poirot must interrogate a colorful cast of suspects, played by an all-star ensemble including Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, and Judi Dench. With its sumptuous production design, sweeping cinematography, and clever plot twists, this new adaptation breathes fresh life into the beloved story while staying true to its roots.
12. Crooked House (2017)
Based on Agatha Christie’s novel of the same name, “Crooked House” stars Max Irons as Charles Hayward, a private detective investigating the murder of a wealthy patriarch. The suspects include the victim’s glamorous second wife (Christina Hendricks), his two sons (Terence Stamp and Julian Sands), and his granddaughter (Stefanie Martini), who also happens to be Charles’s former lover. With its atmospheric setting, dark family secrets, and shocking conclusion, “Crooked House” is a twisty and satisfying mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
13. The Private Eyes (1980)
Don Knotts and Tim Conway star as bumbling American detectives in this slapstick comedy mystery. When a wealthy lord is murdered at his English country estate, the two must pose as servants to uncover the killer among a houseful of eccentric suspects. With its goofy gags, silly slapstick, and lighthearted tone, “The Private Eyes” is a fun and frothy spoof that will appeal to fans of “Clue”‘s more comedic elements.
14. The Thin Man (1934)
Based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel, “The Thin Man” stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a wealthy and witty married couple who solve crimes for fun. When an old family friend goes missing and his secretary turns up dead, the two must navigate a web of suspects and motives to crack the case, all while trading barbs and sipping martinis. With its sparkling dialogue, effortless charm, and undeniable chemistry between its leads, “The Thin Man” is a classic mystery that set the standard for all those that followed.
15. Murder, She Said (1961)
The first of four films starring Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple, “Murder, She Said” finds the amateur sleuth on a train where she witnesses a murder occurring in a passing train. When the police don’t believe her story, she takes matters into her own hands, going undercover as a maid at the estate where she believes the body must have been dumped. With its cozy English village setting, colorful characters, and Rutherford’s lively performance, “Murder, She Said” is a charming and entertaining mystery that established Miss Marple as a fan favorite.
16. The List of Adrian Messenger (1963)
Directed by John Huston, “The List of Adrian Messenger” stars George C. Scott as a retired British intelligence officer investigating a series of seemingly unrelated deaths. The only clue is a list of names given to him by his friend Adrian Messenger (John Merivale) just before he died in a suspicious plane crash. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a sinister plot involving disguises, deception, and a killer seeking revenge. With its all-star cast (including Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, and Frank Sinatra in cameo roles), clever twists, and a shocking finale, “The List of Adrian Messenger” is an underrated gem that deserves to be rediscovered.
17. The Lady Vanishes (1938)
One of Alfred Hitchcock’s early British thrillers, “The Lady Vanishes” stars Margaret Lockwood as a young woman traveling by train through Europe. After befriending an elderly lady (Dame May Whitty), she wakes up from a nap to find the woman has disappeared, and all the other passengers deny ever having seen her. With the help of a musician (Michael Redgrave), she sets out to uncover the truth and finds herself caught up in a dangerous conspiracy. With its claustrophobic setting, witty dialogue, and masterful suspense, “The Lady Vanishes” is a classic mystery that showcases Hitchcock’s genius for the genre.
18. Sleuth (1972)
Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine star in this cat-and-mouse thriller based on Anthony Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning play. Olivier plays Andrew Wyke, a wealthy mystery novelist who invites his wife’s lover Milo Tindle (Caine) to his country estate for a deadly game of one-upmanship. As the two engage in a series of increasingly elaborate deceptions and power plays, the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur, leading to a shocking and twist-filled conclusion. With its clever script, stylish direction, and powerhouse performances, “Sleuth” is a gripping and intelligent mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
19. Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Based on an Agatha Christie play, “Witness for the Prosecution” stars Tyrone Power as Leonard Vole, a man accused of murdering a wealthy widow who had become enamored with him. His only hope for acquittal lies with his wife Christine (Marlene Dietrich), who agrees to testify on his behalf. But when a mysterious woman (Elsa Lanchester) comes forward with evidence that could seal his fate, Leonard’s lawyer (Charles Laughton) must navigate a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth. Directed by Billy Wilder and featuring an all-star cast, “Witness for the Prosecution” is a gripping courtroom drama with a shocking final twist that ranks among Christie’s best.
20. And Then There Were None (1945)
The first and still one of the best adaptations of Agatha Christie’s classic novel, “And Then There Were None” features ten strangers invited to a remote island by a mysterious host. As they begin to die one by one according to the lyrics of a nursery rhyme, the survivors must uncover the killer among them before it’s too late. With its atmospheric setting, memorable characters, and clever plot twists, “And Then There Were None” is a timeless mystery that set the template for countless imitators to follow. While later adaptations may have bigger stars or flashier production values, this 1945 version remains the definitive take on Christie’s masterpiece.
So there you have it – 20 must-see mystery movies for fans of “Clue”! Whether you prefer your whodunits with a side of comedy, a dash of romance, or a heaping helping of suspense, there’s something on this list for everyone. From classic Hollywood glamour to modern-day reboots, these films showcase the enduring appeal of the murder mystery genre and the clever storytelling that keeps us coming back for more. So grab some popcorn, round up some suspects, and get ready to solve a mystery with these timeless cinematic gems. Happy sleuthing!
