See How They Run's trailer exploded onto viewers' screens, leaving many whodunit fans excited as they anticipate the latest addition to the murder mystery genre, due to come out on September 16, 2022. From eccentric characters to witty one-liners, the movie looks as though it has all the conventions of a good murder mystery, including comedy, sometimes left out of more serious whodunits.
There are plenty of other murder mystery movies that provide a lighthearted comedic release like See How They Run. While waiting for its release, these 10 should fit the bill perfectly!
Game Night (2018)
Rent On Prime Video
Game Night took fans' love for the typical night in and brought it to life by showcasing a game night that went very wrong, placing fans within the action alongside the characters. This funny flick begins with Max and Annie being invited to a games night, but it soon turns into an interactive mystery when Brooks is kidnapped, leaving the gang to work out who they are and what they want.
The movie is known for its dark comedy that also incites laughter in the audience, even if it is at the expense of its characters as they try to catch the kidnappers whilst simultaneously trying to avoid being killed. Game Night is an action-packed suspense flick that makes viewers work for a final reveal as they also stifle their laughter when the quiet night results in Annie removing a bullet from her hysterical husband.
A Simple Favor (2018)
Rent On AppleTV
A Simple Favor isn't just one of the best movies about infidelity but also a great example of a successful blending of comedy with a mystery to give viewers a somewhat relaxing but complex whodunit. Stephanie offers to look after Emily's child, but the simple favor soon turns into much more when Emily disappears, leaving Stephanie to seek out clues that point to who is responsible.
Whilst the movie embodies the sophisticated nature and enigmatic characters usually seen in classic whodunit flicks, A Simple Favor also utilizes satire to humanize the haunting disappearance of Emily and her apparent death. This atypical mystery flick abandoned the slick detective character for Stephanie's awkward charm, full of sarcasm, resulting in her and viewers having the last laugh.
Scooby Doo (2002)
Stream On Now Cinema
Scooby-Doo is a well-known canine that solves crimes alongside his trust mystery gang, but in 2002, the famous series turned to the big screen and offered fans a Scooby-Doo movie. It sees the gang reunite to investigate the paranormal happenings at Spooky Island, which results in them having to find the culprit responsible for stealing the souls of guests.
The movie's use of bright colors is employed as attention grabbers for younger viewers but also captivates older viewers with its nostalgic vibe that ultimately lessens the seriousness of the mystery flick. The silly playfulness of each character revitalizes those often seen in whodunits, whilst still providing a great storyline that clings to that warm fuzzy feeling of childhood.
Happy Death Day (2017)
Rent On AppleTV
Happy Death Day exploded onto viewers' screens and has become a permanent fixture within the horror genre, specifically situating itself with the other horror flicks that utilize comedy to lighten the fear viewers feel.
Happy Death Day builds suspense through its time loop structure that encourages fans to feel the same anticipation as Theresa regarding what is in store for the next day and whether she will uncover her killer. This unconventional horror employs a series of jump scares that pay homage to classic horror, but ultimately leave fans with a lovable and energetic main character, making it a softer watch for horror fans.
The Nice Guys (2016)
Rent On AppleTV
The Nice Guys is an underrated murder mystery that encourages viewers to feel like master detectives as they attempt to solve the crime alongside its characters. Set in the 1970s, this funny, fast-paced flick accompanies a private investigator and a hitman as they attempt to solve the case of a missing girl and a murderer.
The Nice Guys proved that Neo-noir crime movies don't have to lack humor and it offered two characters with great chemistry who also happened to have the same wacky sense of humor and lust for life, resulting in a revolutionary funny flick that challenged its subgenre by remaining light-hearted.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Stream On Disney+
Who Framed Roger Rabbit has become a fan favorite in the world of comedic fantasy films and the animated bunny certainly left a lasting mark on viewers. This wacky flick shows Roger Rabbit's wife, Jessica, at the center of many rumors surrounding infidelity but Roger soon becomes the villain when his wife's lover is found dead, resulting in all fingers pointing toward him.
The movie was widely successful, won many Oscars, and was even labeled revolutionary for its combination of live-action and animation, making it suitable for younger and older viewers. Visually, this fun flick provided an interesting viewing experience for everyone but also referenced many darker themes through the use of black comedy, offering an unconventional yet intriguing murder mystery.
The Pink Panther (2006)
Rent On AppleTV
The Pink Panther franchise may have begun in 1963, but it is the 2006 version that truly made fans howl with laughter. Starring Steve Martin in some of his funniest scenes yet, The Pink Panther follows him in the role of Inspector Clouseau as he investigates a murder and a potential robbery.
From the moment fans meet the Inspector, it is clear the movie isn't a conventional murder mystery but rather one of chaos, fun, and an impressive French accent. The Pink Panther lives up to its label as a family movie and proves that mystery flicks can be silly as well as entertaining through the unusual but hilarious shenanigans of Inspector Clouseau as he uncovers who committed the crime.
Nancy Drew (2007)
Rent On AppleTV
Nancy Drew was once a well-known name in many households internationally because of the books and has recently become popular again, thanks to the revitalization of the franchise, with its most famous release being the 2007 movie starring Emma Roberts.
Emma Robert's performance embodies the chatty, upbeat, young detective viewers know and love from the books, keeping the mystery movie lighthearted. Nancy Drew combines humor to tell a mystery story that caters to both younger and adult viewers alike due to its simplistic plot, making for an easy-to-follow but equally entertaining whodunit.
Knives Out (2019)
Rent On AppleTV
Knives Out encourages its viewers to solve the mystery alongside its characters and has become the film choice for many murder mystery-themed viewing parties. This star-studded whodunit begins with the death of Harlan Thrombey, whose death is being investigated by Benoit Blanc while he navigates the difficult Thrombey family.
The movie embodies the old-timey vibe of classic whodunits through its stunning setting of the Thrombey house alongside its stylish and wealthy characters. The script contains many clever references to wealth and even gave each character a memorable quirk, as seen by Marta's vomit-inducing lies.
Murder Mystery (2019)
Stream On Netflix
Murder Mystery treated fans to a double dose of comedy by pairing the equally funny Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston together. The duo plays a married couple who fly to Europe for a relaxing vacation in a bid to save their marriage, but the leisurely trip they planned soon turns into a disaster when they are framed for the murder of a billionaire.
The film has all the conventions of a successful murder mystery and even pays homage to Agatha Christie through its employment of quirky characters and mysterious love affairs. However, Murder Mystery strays away from a serious tone and utilizes comedy to create outrageously, funny scenes that have caused many viewers to come back for a rewatch.