It might sound odd to say it, but murder mystery movies can be kind of comforting. Yes, they deal with murder, but plenty of the genre’s best entries cut the tension with clever humor, likeable characters and cozy vibes. Cozy murder mysteries are definitely a thing, and I love them.
Case in point, the newly released “The Sheep Detectives” is a movie that’s part murder mystery and part talking-animal comedy. And it’s not the only movie out there that mixes elements that might seem opposed to create something unexpected and great.
Below, I’ve rounded up a quintet of murder mystery movies that pack engaging cases to solve, but without getting all dark and brooding. These cozy murder mysteries are the perfect watch when you’re craving a movie full of twists that also offers chuckle-worthy humor.
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‘The Thursday Murder Club’ (2025)
The Thursday Murder Club | Official Trailer | Netflix – YouTube
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Much like “The Sheep Detectives,” this very light murder mystery takes place in a sleepy English town. The club in question is a foursome of retiree senior citizens, who spend their days solving cold cases for fun (as you do). The comedy is gentle throughout, and even when the main murder case ramps up, things never get too intense. Its focus is very much on charming characters and breezy humor rather than dark twists and shocking revelations.
Based on the best-selling book by Richard Osman, this Netflix original movie stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie. The narrative setup sees the titular “Thursday Murder Club” spring into action when their beloved Coopers Chase retirement village is threatened with closure. When one of the owners of the development is murdered in his own home, the case becomes even more complicated, and the club must solve the whodunit before their homes can be demolished and converted into luxury apartments.
Watch “The Thursday Murder Club” on Netflix now
‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)
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Millie Bobby Brown and Netflix have built a fruitful partnership that extends beyond “Stranger Things.” Outside of the juggernaut sci-fi series, there’s the “Enola Holmes” franchise, which reworks the world’s most renowned detective, Sherlock Holmes, for a new generation. And how do you make the world of Holmes feel fresh? By shifting the focus away from old Sherlock, and instead onto his younger, teenage sister, Enola Holmes (Bobby Brown).
Sick of being overshadowed by her successful brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin), Enolma is an intrepid, independently-minded teenager who sets out to prove herself worthy of the Holmes name. Mentored and encouraged by her beloved mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter), the youngest Holmes must put all her wits and skills to use when her mother mysteriously disappears on the morning of Enolma’s 16th birthday.
Watch “Enola Holmes” on Netflix now
‘Clue’ (1985)
Clue (1985) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p] – YouTube
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You’ve probably played more than a few rounds of the popular Clue board game during family gatherings, but did you know it was converted into a movie in the 1980s? This feature film taken on the game includes all its iconic characters, including Colonel Mustard (Martin Mull), Mrs. Peacock (Eileen Brennan), Professor Plum (Christopher Lloyd) and Mrs. White (Madeline Kahn). Plus, Wadsworth the butler is played by the ever-excellent Tim Curry.
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If you’ve ever played the board game, you’ll know the framework here. Six strangers are invited to a secluded New England mansion, and it’s soon revealed that each has a connection to Mr. Boddy (Lee Ving). When Boddy is murdered, the investigation begins. One of Clue’s most novel ideas is that it offers multiple endings, which were initially screened at different cinema locations, but are now all included on the movie’s digital/streaming release.
Watch “Clue” on Prime Video (buy/rent) now
‘See How They Run’ (2022)
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Put Saoirse Ronan in a movie, and you’ve got my attention. “See How They Run” is one of the Irish actress’s more overlooked projects, but I’m here to shine a deserved spotlight on this easy-going comedy-mystery. It tips its cap to many titans of the genre, most prominently the works of Agatha Christie, even being set in a 1950s theater running a production of Christie’s enduring classic “The Mousetrap.” It’s made for murder mystery nerds.
The celebrations for the 100th performance of “The Mousetrap” at a London playhouse are cut short when an American director, working on a film production of the hit play, is murdered backstage. A cynical inspector (Sam Rockwell) and a plucky constable (Ronan) are tasked with identifying the culprit. A job that gets increasingly complicated as they delve into the glamorous world of show business, where everybody is hiding a secret.
Watch “See How They Run” on Fubo now
‘Knives Out’ (2019)
Knives Out (2019 Movie) Official Trailer — Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis – YouTube
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At this point, any self-respecting roundup of murder mystery movies includes Rian Johnson’s popular “Knives Out” franchise. There are three to choose from (and I recommend them all), but because I’m seeking cozy watches here, the first “Knives Out” is the clear top pick. Between the countryside setting and the fantastic array of knitwear on display (where do I buy Chris Evan’s sweater?), “Knives Out” definitely fits the bill for a murder mystery that’s also surprisingly warm.
When renowned crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), is found dead after his 85th birthday party, it’s soon revealed that pretty much all of his relatives had a motivation for the murder. Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is called to the scene to investigate, and what follows is a delightfully twisting with surprises aplenty. The movie is a real star-studded affair, alongside Craig, Plummer and Evans, there’s also Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette and LaKeith Stanfield.
Watch “Knives Out” on Netflix now
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