December 12, 2025, is a big day for Netflix as it marks the arrival of the highly anticipated Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The third installment in the wildly popular franchise focusing on detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates various mysteries, the movie is a big deal for the streaming service.
Fans of the mystery genre have already checked out Rian Johnson’s Knives Out and the sequel, Glass Onion. However, while waiting for this third entry, there are thankfully a handful of intriguing mystery movies that are worth checking out. Some are serious and twisted, while others are a blast, yet all are worthy watches for fans of the genre.
The Thursday Murder Club (2025)
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is actually not the first notable mystery movie released on Netflix this year. That honor went to The Thursday Murder Club, which is based on the 2020 novel of the same name. This is a mystery film that leans more into the realm of comedy, making for a lighthearted adventure.
Right off the bat, the film stands out for the stellar cast of characters. Acting legends Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley play the core trio of amateur sleuths who come together to solve a murder. It’s a simple premise but one that lends itself to fun laughs thanks to a sharp script.
Reviews for The Thursday Murder Club were positive, with the film sitting at 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. Most of the praise went to the actors in the lead roles. It might not be quite on the level of the Knives Out franchise, yet it remains a fun film to check out ahead of the new release.
Identity (2003)
The good thing about the mystery genre is that it blends well with so many other genres. While the previous movie discussed was a comedy, Identity takes the mystery genre and mixes it into the realm of horror. This is a hidden gem of sorts, even though it was successful at the box office.
However, Identity has been forgotten by far too many people in the 20+ years since it was released. The film was inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None and focuses on a group of strangers at an isolated hotel who get killed off one by one.
That gives this slasher movie elements of mystery, making for a unique mix. The story is also told in a nonlinear fashion, adding to the mystery elements. The cast is led by John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John C. Reilly, and Clea DuVall, among others in this underrated film.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Speaking of mystery movies that find interesting ways to mix with other genres, They Cloned Tyrone is the best of both worlds. The film is the directorial debut of Juel Taylor, who also co-wrote the movie, and was released directly to Netflix in 2023 after a limited theatrical run a month or so prior.
They Cloned Tyrone tells the story of an unlikely trio who discover the truth behind a shadow government cloning conspiracy. It’s not a traditional whodunit-style mystery movie like Knives Out, yet it’s incredibly gripping from start to finish and has the best trademarks of a great mystery.
What They Cloned Tyrone does share with Knives Out is that it features a talented cast of performers. John Boyega leads the way with Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx, Kiefer Sutherland, and David Alan Grier rounding out the cast. They Cloned Tyrone was a hit with critics to the tune of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Murder Mystery (2019)
While mystery may be the heart of Knives Out, there’s no denying that the films have a comedic element. That’s why it may be unexpected but it makes sense that the movies share a fair bit in common with Murder Mystery, a film starring the winning duo of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
Released a few months before the original Knives Out, Murder Mystery follows Sandler and Aniston as a married couple who go on a trip to Europe and end up on a billionaire’s yacht, where they get caught up in a murder investigation. Sandler’s Nick is no Benoit Blanc but he is an NYPD officer with a knack for solving crimes.
Murder Mystery wasn’t a hit with critics but performed well on Netflix and won a People’s Choice Award. Anyone who enjoyed it can also check out the 2023 sequel and enjoy as Sandler and Aniston share the screen with everyone from Luke Evans to Mark Strong to Gemma Arterton.
It’s What’s Inside (2024)
It’s What’s Inside does like They Cloned Tyrone as it combines sci-fi with mystery. However, it does it in a totally different and unique way. The premise of the film is enough to grab any viewer as it focuses on a group of college friends who play a game that allows them to swap bodies.
That makes for an intriguing setup because you aren’t always totally sure who is in whose body, meaning you have to pay extra attention. Although there isn’t a “whodunit” aspect for most of the film, there is a fantastic reveal near the end that makes the entire experience even better.
It’s What’s Inside kind of flew under the radar on Netflix but those who watched it were captivated by a stunning mystery. Reviews were strong as it sits at 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and it boasts a very talented young cast.
Enola Holmes (2020)
These days, it seems like every story surrounding Sherlock Holmes has been told. Characters like Benoit Blanc take inspiration from the likes of Sherlock Holmes but it was refreshing to see Netflix opt for a different route with Enola Holmes, which follows Sherlock’s younger sister.
Based on The Enola Holmes Mysteries series of novels, the first film follows the titular character as she goes off to find her missing mother, only to get wrapped up in a mystery that threatens her home country. Of course, her older brothers Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes also play a part.
Enola Holmes was a massive hit for Netflix and was well-received by critics, with many praising the performances of Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Sam Claflin. Like Murder Mystery and Knives Out, this got a sequel and it was also a critical darling, with a third installment in production.
Zodiac (2007)
While Knives Out and many of the other mystery movies on this list are rather lighthearted, Zodiac takes a much more serious approach. The film focuses on the real life Zodiac Killer, one of the most notorious murderers in history who was famously never caught, leaving the mystery up in the air.
From acclaimed director David Fincher, Zodiac is a chilling film that doesn’t shy away from its terrifying subject matter. He sets up the perfect atmosphere to ensure that you are fully engrossed in this world and it makes for a better, albeit more thrilling, movie.
Like most of David Fincher’s films, Zodiac was a huge success with critics, receiving widespread acclaim, making many top 10 year-end lists, and winning several awards. That said, Zodiac is a lot different from other mysteries because there isn’t a resolution to the main story.
