Are you a fan of intriguing murder mysteries? If so, the Knives Out franchise is a must-watch! Featuring the charismatic Daniel Craig as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, these films are crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat. With two captivating movies already out and a third one on the way, now is the perfect time to dive into this exciting series. Worried about the order to watch? Don’t be! We’ve got all the details you need.
With years of experience in analyzing cinematic trends and audience preferences, I can confidently say that the Knives Out films have struck a chord with viewers worldwide. Their clever storytelling and suspenseful twists are unrivaled.
Knives Out Movies in Order of Release Date
If you’re keen on enjoying the films in the order they were released, start with the original Knives Out from 2019, and end your journey with the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man set to hit theaters in 2025. Here’s the chronological list:
- Knives Out (2019)
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
1. Knives Out (November 27, 2019)

- Release Date: November 27, 2019
- Director: Rian Johnson
- Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Christopher Plummer
This film introduced audiences to the exceptional Benoit Blanc, a detective with exceptional deductive skills. The plot revolves around the mysterious death of Harlan Thrombey, whose wealthy family becomes the prime suspects. With twists and turns at every corner, it’s a suspenseful ride that leaves you guessing until the end.
2. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (November 23, 2022)

- Release Date: December 23, 2022
- Director: Rian Johnson
- Cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista
The sequel maintained the franchise’s high standards while adding an exciting new dimension. Benoit Blanc returns and joins a cast of intriguing characters at a murder mystery party gone awry. It’s a clever narrative that turns expectations upside-down as the true murderer reveals themselves amidst the chaos.
3. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (December 12, 2025)

- Release Date: December 12, 2025
- Director: Rian Johnson
- Cast: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church
The next installment promises yet another thrilling ride with an impressive cast. While details of the plot remain under wraps, we can expect Benoit Blanc to tackle another baffling mystery, keeping us all guessing until the credits roll.
Knives Out Movies in Chronological Order
The Knives Out series follows a straightforward narrative structure. Although the films are standalone stories, they share the same protagonist, Benoit Blanc. This means you can seamlessly watch them in the order of their release:
- Knives Out (November 27, 2019)
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (November 23, 2022)
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (December 12, 2025)
This ensures you won’t miss any twists or turns. Fans hope there will be even more installments after the third movie, and I’ll be sure to update this guide when that happens!
What makes Benoit Blanc such a captivating character? Many viewers appreciate his unique blend of charm, intelligence, and relentless pursuit of justice, which renders each mystery he navigates all the more engaging.
Are there plans for more Knives Out movies in the future? Given the success of the franchise, it’s likely we will see additional sequels, but nothing is confirmed as of now.
If I watch Glass Onion, do I need to see Knives Out first? While you can enjoy Glass Onion on its own, watching Knives Out first enhances your understanding of Benoit Blanc’s character and style.
How has the franchise been received by audiences and critics? The films have performed remarkably well, praised for their clever writing, outstanding performances, and engaging plots.
Ultimately, the Knives Out franchise offers a masterclass in modern mystery filmmaking. So, grab your popcorn and gear up to enjoy a rollercoaster of suspense, humor, and engagement as you watch these thrilling films. For more insights and movie recommendations, check out Moyens I/O.