How to Watch the Knives Out Movies in Order

The good thing about a whodunnit is that more often than not the genre leaves room for standalone movies. You actually don’t have to watch the movies in the order they were released because the heart of it lies in a contained story. The biggest tether in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out movies, outside of the director himself, is Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc as the delightfully elusive detective.

Apart from that detail, because each movie takes place in a different location with a new cast of characters, the chronological order is merely a preference. But as someone who does appreciate an order, here’s the complete guide.

Knives Out

I’m always in the mood for a whodunnit, but it feels wrong to watch Knives Out during any season outside of autumn. It’s surprisingly my least favorite from the films, but every shot we get outside of Harlan Thrombey’s mansion makes my heart flutter with joy. In that sense, it easily becomes a spooky season must-watch and the kind of whodunnit that’s genuinely a blast from beginning to end.

Alongside Craig as Blanc, Knives Out stars the late Christopher Plummer, Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Toni Collette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Riki Lindhome, Katherine Langford, Michael Shannon, LaKeith Stanfield, Don Johnson, Jaeden Martell, and more. With a set location like a manor and substantial family drama, this one feels like a real classic.

Glass Onion

I’m in the minority as someone who not only loves Glass Onion, but also prefers it to Knives Out. The story not only feels significantly more grounded despite the absurdities with each character, but the mystery element is actually surprising to those of us who can generally predict the culprit right away. (That’s my biggest issue with the original film in that I kept hoping it’d actually surprise me. It’s clever and well-executed, but [redacted for spoilers] being involved could’ve been predicted from miles away.) With Glass Onion, however, Johnson keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last second, and it’s exceptional. A perfect end-of-the-summer watch if you ask me.

Along with Craig’s return, Glass Onion stars Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Edward Norton, Leslie Odom Jr., Ethan Hawke, Dave Bautista, Madelyn Cline, Jessica Henwick, Hugh Grant, and more. For fans of elaborate getaways and a wildly dramatic time, everything about Glass Onion sticks the landing.

Wake Up, Dead Man

Wake Up, Dead Man is Johnson’s most recent release and the most emotional installment thus far. Despite some pacing issues, it’s the one that’s easiest to rewatch and an absolute treat from start to finish because of Josh O’Connor. The thoughtful manner in which the story explores religion is no small feat, and a large majority of the conversations are ones we need to have more of. Everything about it works to leave a mark that feels particularly substantial today.

With Craig’s involvement, Wake Up, Dead Man also stars Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack, Josh Brolin, Cailee Spaeny, Thomas Haden Church, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, and more. If you only watch one, this one has my vote because of the cast and compelling themes.