It's hard to pinpoint what it is about whodunnits or certain murder mysteries that makes them comforting, but when well written, well cast, and set in a specifically charming location, every part of it feels cozy. The feeling is a mystery in and of itself, but it almost feels like every kid who grew up loving shows like Scooby Doo: Where Are You! is now obsessed with whip-smart whodunnits that make us laugh while keeping us glued to our screens in order to unveil the culprit. Or maybe it's because Clue was always one of our favorite board games. Who knows? As a genre, mysteries are so broad that it's nearly impossible to narrow them down to lists. Whether it's dark and heavy true crime-centered procedurals or lighthearted ones, they're each revered for a reason.
Netflix's The Thursday Murder Club is the latest gem added to the list of cozy murder mysteries that explores an unconventional group of people meeting once a week to unpack a crime that's keeping them up. Based on the bestselling novels by Richard Osman, the retirees, starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, and more, make up the kind of eccentric group that is easy to adore and genuinely precious. The film is a delight from start to finish, with a quaint English setting in Kent making every beat feel especially charming. Rich with nuance, quintessentially British, and well-written, the film is perfect for viewers wanting an easy escape.
Now, whether it's centering the film around a demographic we don't often see on our screens or doing something uniquely clever with the plot, here are some of the coziest murder mysteries to watch after The Thursday Murder Club.
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
Even if you've never seen Murder, She Wrote, you've heard the title, and you can likely note that it stars Angela Lansbury. The series is synonymous with cozy mysteries because right from the start, even with every poster, there's something indescribably cozy about Lansbury's face and her presence. The idea of an older woman solving crimes is precious. However, it's only viewers who've watched the series who know exactly how charming it is, with heart sprinkled into every frame, beginning right from the pilot episode.
The idyllic town of Cabot Cove, the sharp dialogue, the riveting characterizations, everything about Murder, She Wrote equates to cozy because the series allows itself to be silly and serious simultaneously. It's not trying to be anything but a character-driven narrative with thoughtfully executed plot points that leave viewers invested. But, more importantly, we're all just here for Jessica Fletcher.
Clue (1985)
Based on the beloved board game, the '80s film adaptation of Clue is near-perfect. Hilarious, incredibly quotable still to this day, and undoubtedly cozy despite the obvious murder, it's the kind of film that not only holds up but somehow feels fresh with every rewatch. Starring legends like Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Colleen Camp, Lesley Ann Warren, Eileen Brennan, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, and Martin Mull, the cast alone makes an unquestionable treasure. There's also something especially comforting about the fact that it rains in the film, and for viewers who find the specific weather to be comforting, Clue delivers on that front.
However, unlike in The Thursday Murder Club, the characters in Clue aren't friends, nor do they like each other, yet the film still evokes something joyous at every turn. The animosity isn't anxiety-inducing, but rather so ridiculous that the journey alone at this dinner party is worth the investment. In large part, it's because every performer is still, to this day, the type of star who lights up every scene they're in. The acting is so tremendous and so genuinely funny that it contributes to the film's charm in a way that cannot be replicated. The setting also evokes a type of strange warmth that again could be tied to the game's legacy and the escapism.
Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)
In more ways than one, Only Murders in the Building is the TV version of The Thursday Murder Club. Except there's a podcast and one of the best intergenerational friendships that's ever graced our screens. The series was always bound to be a winner with comedy legends like Martin Short and Steve Martin at the helm, but add in a capable actress like Selena Gomez, and for five seasons, it continues to deliver one intriguing mystery after another, with these podcast hosts trying to make it through another season.
Only Murders in the Building is a deeply special show that beautifully explores friendships and takes place in a specific setting that feels like a character in and of itself. The Arconia, in every way, is the fourth most important character of the series, allowing the narrative to shine in a way that feels especially cozy. Hotels are comfortable, yes, but they aren't exactly cozy, yet for every person who loves movies like Eloise at the Plaza, there's something about the Arconia that evokes the same sense of lovely and blanketing security that makes it feel like a home. Whether it's scenic shots of New York in the background or the whimsical opening theme and every genuinely hilarious joke that's perfect for all demographics, Only Murders in the Building is the epitome of a cozy mystery.
Knives Out (2019)
Rian Johnson's Knives Out kickstarted Benoit Blanc's adventures in a compelling manner. As fans eagerly wait for the third installment, Wake Up Dead Man, the original film is not only perfect for people who love cozy whodunnits but also for those who appreciate autumn as a season. Full of tremendous stars in a dispute over their late father's will and a breakout performance from Ana de Armas, as well as a knockout from Daniel Craig, even while Knives Out is twisted, it's still deliciously satisfying and cozy.
The opening scene, along with various quintessentially autumn shots, and the grand Thrombey Estate, adds a layer of coziness that really can only work in this genre and for viewers who already appreciate it. More than anything, the Knives Out films stand out because of Blanc's gentle goodness, which showcases how detectives should be in moments of human fragility. It's clever, funny, and eerily shot, making it the kind of movie that's sure to bring old and new fans into the cozy crime genre.
A Man on the Inside (2024-Present)
One of the reasons why The Thursday Murder Club is as cozy as it is is that it centers around an age demographic we don't always see on our TV screens. With ageism a prominent issue in the media, it's always delightful and profoundly refreshing to watch shows that could maybe remind us of our own parents and grandparents. As a Mike Schur property, A Man on the Inside not only features Schur's signature wholesome storytelling and thoughtful characterizations, but it also involves a gripping mystery.
Schur is especially great at crafting lasting friendships and delivering strong character moments that touch on the complexities of humanity. There's a gentleness to the way he approaches every situation, and placing Ted Danson at the heart of a series that centers around a nursing home is a genius move to show viewers an especially rare setting on TV. A Man on the Inside is not only brimming with tremendous heart for this very reason, but the case itself is compelling, making the entire series as cozy as it is deeply heartfelt.
See How They Run (2022)
There's a reason laughter is the best medicine, and it's also a deeply healthy act to poke fun at ourselves, which is why the meta approach in See How They Run makes it such a cozy whodunnit. Starring Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell, the film takes Agatha Christie's renowned The Mousetrap, but centers the entire plot of the film around a murder that also acknowledges every known trope in the genre expertly. With incredible performances from the whole cast, the London-based film is a sharp and delightful joyride for anyone who loves whodunnits, or even those who might be new to the genre.
Like many films of this genre, much of the coziness in See How They Run comes from the expected moments of human compassion that rise to the surface of two detectives trying to crack the case. There's also the fact that the film is a period piece, allowing it to feel like an escape for viewers who prefer a classic feel, as opposed to the present time.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012-2015)
As another period piece, every detail in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is not only cozy and comforting, but it's also so stylishly stunning that there are few things like it on air. Because of her easy confidence, realistic approach to various matters, and sharpness, Essie Davis' Phryne Fisher is the type of character who simply evokes comfort wherever she goes. She's a no-nonsense progressive woman, dealing with an uptight, grumpy detective and trying to make a name for herself, making the series as significant as it is comforting.
It's an especially great series to watch for viewers who want a little romance sprinkled into their murder mystery genre because everything that the show delivers with Phryne and Jack (Nathan Page) is deliciously fun and easy to root for. Like Murder, She Wrote, a large part of the show's appeal comes from the characters, making the cases intriguing because of how they approach them and everything they do to crack them. Gorgeously shot and well-written, the series and the subsequent movie, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, are as cozy as they are clever.
Enola Holmes (2020)
Everyone knows the name Sherlock Holmes, but few know Enola. For a brand new generation wanting a gateway into the world of mysteries and the legendary detectives, the world of Enola Holmes is a sweet and delightful means to start. Millie Bobby Brown delivers a fantastic performance, and with Henry Cavill, plus Sam Claflin, everything works seamlessly to create an exciting new world for an entirely new generation of detective aficionados.
With a quirky and joyous score from Daniel Pemberton, stylistic directing from Harry Bradbeer, and a sharp screenplay from Jack Thorne, Nancy Springer, and Arthur Conan Doyle, the film is a cozy and comforting joy ride. It's an all-around amusing escape, with the second film, Enola Holmes 2, diving into more progressive matters to showcase the importance of equality for women in the fields they want to work in.
