Ranking the Knives Out Films by Their Climactic Reveals

Rian Johnson’s whodunit trilogy has become a modern staple for those who appreciate a clever puzzle and a memorable detective. Each entry, led by Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, is defined by its final act—where secrets unravel, motives are exposed, and the true nature of the crime is finally brought to light. The series, inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, offers a fresh setting and cast with every outing, ensuring each story stands on its own.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

The third film in the series, Wake Up Dead Man, marks a notable shift in tone. Blanc’s arrival is delayed, building tension until he finally appears, bringing a welcome touch of levity to an otherwise sombre narrative. The plot centres on Father Jud Duplenticy, a troubled priest, and his uneasy relationship with the stern Monsignor Jefferson Wicks. When Wicks is found dead following a heated confrontation, suspicion falls squarely on Jud. However, as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that nearly everyone in the parish harbours secrets.

Ultimately, the mastermind is revealed to be Jefferson’s long-serving assistant, Martha Delacroix.

She invents a legend, commits murder, and hides a precious jewel to protect the church from Wicks’s greed, enlisting Dr. Nat Sharp’s help in the process.

Unlike previous instalments, the culprits confess rather than being unmasked by Blanc, which somewhat diminishes the detective’s usual flair. The film’s exploration of religious power structures adds depth, but the finale feels more subdued and introspective than its predecessors.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

The second film, Glass Onion, may not have garnered universal acclaim, but its final act is a masterclass in narrative misdirection. Blanc is invited to a lavish island retreat by tech magnate Miles Bron, surrounded by a group of self-absorbed acquaintances. Among them is Helen/Andi, whose presence is far more significant than it first appears. When she is shot during the third act, a conveniently placed journal saves her life, allowing Blanc to orchestrate a dramatic reveal.

Blanc uncovers that Miles is behind Andi’s attempted murder, motivated by a desire to conceal the origins of his fortune.

He also eliminates Duke, played by Dave Bautista, to prevent the truth from surfacing.

The dual role played by Janelle Monáe and Blanc’s methodical explanation elevate the climax. The film’s commentary on the digital age feels timely, though the lack of sympathetic suspects makes the mystery less emotionally charged, allowing viewers to focus on the mechanics of the plot.

Knives Out (2019)

The original film remains the benchmark for the series, combining sharp writing, visual flair, and a perfectly executed final act. Benoit Blanc is called in to investigate the apparent suicide of celebrated author Harlan Thrombey. The emotional core of the story is Marta Cabrera, Harlan’s nurse, who believes she has inadvertently caused his death. As Blanc digs deeper, it becomes clear that every family member has something to hide.

Through a series of revelations, Blanc exposes Ransom, Harlan’s grandson, as the architect of the plot.

Ransom manipulates events and switches medications in a bid to frame Marta after being cut out of the will.

The film’s intricate reversals and logical precision make for a deeply satisfying conclusion. It also set the template for the franchise, focusing not just on the identity of the culprit, but on how an innocent party navigates a perilous situation—a theme that has persisted throughout the series.