Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Whodunnit Movies Worth Watching
The whodunnit genre has captivated audiences for decades, pulling us into suspenseful narratives where every clue, twist, and reveal matters. While iconic films like Knives Out or Murder on the Orient Express take center stage, there’s a world of underrated, lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for mystery movies off the beaten path, this list will lead you to unexpected thrills and clever storytelling.
1. “The Last of Sheila” (1973)
Directed by: Herbert Ross
Co-written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins (yes, that Anthony Perkins), this stylish ’70s mystery offers clever plotting and sharp dialogue. A Hollywood producer invites his friends aboard his yacht for a week-long game designed to expose their secrets. As the “game” turns deadly, the movie blends theatrical tension with sly humor. Fans of intricate puzzles will appreciate its layered storytelling, which feels like an Agatha Christie tale with a modern twist.
Why Watch?
It’s a masterclass in structure and pacing, with a finale that will satisfy even the sharpest mystery enthusiasts.
2. “Brick” (2005)
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Long before Knives Out, Rian Johnson crafted Brick, a neo-noir mystery set in a California high school. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as a teenager investigating the death of his ex-girlfriend. With its hard-boiled dialogue, moody cinematography, and labyrinthine plot, Brick stands out as a unique, genre-bending take on the classic detective story.
Why Watch?
Johnson’s ability to reimagine noir within a teenage setting makes this film fresh, atmospheric, and highly original.
3. “Gosford Park” (2001)
Directed by: Robert Altman
Set in a lavish English country house during a 1930s weekend gathering, Gosford Park combines murder mystery with sharp social commentary. With a sprawling ensemble cast, including Maggie Smith and Helen Mirren, this film unravels secrets above and below the stairs. While the whodunnit setup is traditional, Altman’s direction and Julian Fellowes’ script make it anything but conventional.
Why Watch?
It’s a precursor to Downton Abbey with murder at its heart, filled with wit, drama, and brilliant performances.
4. “The Kid Detective” (2020)
Directed by: Evan Morgan
What happens when a childhood detective prodigy grows up? This dark comedy-drama stars Adam Brody as a washed-up detective solving small-town crimes—until a real murder case falls into his lap. A mix of humor and gritty noir elements, The Kid Detective surprises with emotional depth and a well-crafted mystery.
Why Watch?
It’s a refreshing, offbeat take on the genre that delivers both laughs and a shocking resolution.
5. “Murder by Death” (1976)
Directed by: Robert Moore
A comedic send-up of the whodunnit genre, Murder by Death gathers famous fictional detectives (parodies of Poirot, Marlowe, Miss Marple, etc.) for a dinner party to solve an impossible murder. With a script by Neil Simon and a cast that includes Alec Guinness and Peter Falk, the film blends absurdity and mystery in a way that’s both nostalgic and hilarious.
Why Watch?
It’s a playful love letter to mystery fans, filled with outrageous twists and razor-sharp dialogue.
6. “Zero Effect” (1998)
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
This quirky, modern Sherlock Holmes-inspired tale features Bill Pullman as Daryl Zero, an eccentric yet brilliant private detective. When he takes on a blackmail case, the film delivers an unpredictable mystery infused with offbeat humor and character-driven drama.
Why Watch?
Pullman’s oddball detective is unforgettable, and the narrative cleverly twists whodunnit tropes into something entirely unique.
7. “Deathtrap” (1982)
Directed by: Sidney Lumet
Adapted from Ira Levin’s stage play, Deathtrap stars Michael Caine as a playwright plotting a murder to revive his failing career. What unfolds is a tightly wound thriller filled with deceptions, double-crosses, and moments of dark comedy. Lumet’s direction keeps you guessing until the very end.
Why Watch?
It’s a rollercoaster of suspense and wit, with constant twists that will keep even seasoned mystery fans on edge.
Final Thoughts
These lesser-known whodunnit films may not have the blockbuster recognition of their peers, but each offers unique narratives, clever twists, and memorable characters. Whether you enjoy cerebral puzzles, comedic mysteries, or gritty modern spins, there’s something here to satisfy your inner sleuth.
What’s your favorite underrated whodunnit? Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned to MmmysteryGames.com for more hidden gems, mysteries, and game tips!
You can also check our two posts about The Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies and Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot: The Icons of Classic Whodunnit Mysteries.
