Knives Out Movies in Order: Your Complete Guide to the Benoit Blanc Mystery Series

The sudden death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey in his gothic mansion wasn’t just a family tragedy – it launched a global phenomenon. Rian Johnson’s Knives Out (2019) revitalized the murder mystery genre with its razor-sharp wit, intricate plotting, and an instantly iconic performance by Daniel Craig as the drawling detective Benoit Blanc. The franchise’s success exploded further with Glass Onion (2022), proving it was no one-hit wonder. With the highly anticipated Wake Up Dead Man arriving in 2025, fans are clamoring to know the correct sequence to experience Blanc’s brilliant deductions. Thankfully, the Knives Out movies in order follow a beautifully simple release pattern, making your viewing journey effortless and utterly satisfying.

Knives Out Movies in Release Order

The chronological viewing order perfectly aligns with the release dates, as each film features a standalone case for Benoit Blanc with no overlapping storylines beyond the detective himself. Here’s the definitive sequence:

1. Knives Out (November 27, 2019)
   • Director: Rian Johnson
   • Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Christopher Plummer.
   • Wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead the morning after his 85th birthday, an apparent suicide. Enter Benoit Blanc, the enigmatic private investigator hired anonymously to scrutinize the dysfunctional Thrombey family. With a fortune at stake and secrets oozing from every ornate corner of the Thrombey estate, Blanc must navigate a web of lies, hidden motives, and unexpected alliances. Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), Harlan’s kind-hearted nurse, becomes central to a plot brimming with twists, establishing Blanc’s unique methods and cementing the franchise’s blend of humor and suspense (Source: Lionsgate Press Release, November 2019).
2. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (November 23, 2022)
   • Director: Rian Johnson
   • Cast: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline.
   • Tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites his closest friends – dubbed “The Disruptors” – to his lavish private Greek island for a high-stakes murder mystery game weekend. Benoit Blanc, surprisingly also on the guest list, finds the game taking a deadly turn when one of the participants is actually murdered. Trapped on the island, Blanc peels back the layers of deception surrounding Bron’s eccentric circle, exposing bitter rivalries, hidden betrayals, and the dark side of immense wealth and privilege, showcasing the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself with a fresh, glamorous setting (Source: Netflix Press Release, November 2022).
3. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Upcoming: December 12, 2025)
   • Director: Rian Johnson
   • Cast: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Josh Brolin, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church.
   • Details remain tightly under wraps, but Rian Johnson promises his “most sinister” case yet for Benoit Blanc. Set against a backdrop of old-money glamour and simmering tensions, Blanc finds himself embroiled in another complex murder among the elite. The star-studded ensemble suggests another intricate puzzle filled with secrets and motives. Production began in June 2024, building immense anticipation for Blanc’s next deduction-filled adventure (Source: Rian Johnson Announcement via Twitter, May 2024; Netflix Production Update, June 2024).

Knives Out Movies in Chronological Order

The beauty of the Knives Out movies in order lies in its simplicity for chronological viewing. Since each film presents a completely self-contained mystery featuring Benoit Blanc, the chronological order is identical to the release order:

1. Knives Out (2019)
2. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
3. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025 – Upcoming)

There are no prequels, flashbacks, or interconnected character arcs beyond Blanc’s evolving persona. Watching them as released allows you to appreciate Rian Johnson’s evolving style, Daniel Craig’s deepening portrayal of Blanc, and the franchise’s clever commentary on wealth and society across distinct, thrilling cases.

Whether you’re a seasoned detective alongside Benoit Blanc or stepping into his world for the first time, the viewing path is crystal clear: start with the Thrombey mansion intrigue in Knives Out, journey to Miles Bron’s deceptive island in Glass Onion, and prepare for the dark secrets awaiting in Wake Up Dead Man. This sequence guarantees the perfect blend of suspense, social satire, and Blanc’s unparalleled Southern charm. Grab your magnifying glass and stream the first two mysteries now to be ready for 2025’s deadly premiere!

Must Know

How many Knives Out movies are there?

Currently, there are two released Knives Out movies: Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022). A third film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is confirmed and scheduled for release on December 12, 2025. Director Rian Johnson plans to continue the series as long as ideas remain fresh.

Do I need to watch the Knives Out movies in order?

Yes, watching the Knives Out movies in release order is recommended. While each film features a standalone mystery plot, watching them sequentially allows you to fully appreciate Daniel Craig’s evolving portrayal of detective Benoit Blanc and the development of Rian Johnson’s distinct directorial style within the franchise. There are no spoilers between films, but release order offers the intended experience.

Where can I watch the Knives Out movies?

Knives Out (2019) is available for rental or purchase on major digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. It may also stream periodically on subscription services. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix globally. Wake Up Dead Man (2025) will also be a Netflix exclusive upon release.

Is Daniel Craig in all the Knives Out movies?

Yes, Daniel Craig stars as the brilliant and idiosyncratic detective Benoit Blanc in all released and announced Knives Out films: Knives Out (2019), Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022), and the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025). His performance is central to the franchise’s identity.

Are the Knives Out movies connected?

The Knives Out movies are connected solely by the character of Benoit Blanc. Each film presents a completely self-contained murder mystery with a new setting, victim, suspects, and plot. There are no overlapping storylines, returning characters (besides Blanc), or ongoing plot threads between the films. Blanc is the consistent element solving unique cases.

Who directs the Knives Out movies?

All Knives Out movies are written and directed by Rian Johnson. He created the franchise and the character of Benoit Blanc. Johnson is also confirmed to write and direct all future installments, ensuring a consistent creative vision for the series.