Knives Out Trilogy ranked: Why the OG 2019 film remains Rian Johnson's unparalleled masterpiece.

Rian Johnson brought detective Benoit Blanc to life in 2019, and the impact was immediate. The Knives Out Trilogy changed how audiences think about murder mysteries. Fans now have three complete films to compare and discuss endlessly. Daniel Craig's brilliant detective solves crimes in entirely different worlds across each movie. Knives Out kicked things off with a wealthy family's dark secrets. Glass Onion moved the action to a billionaire's private island paradise.

Wake Up Dead Man wrapped up the series by delving into church corruption and the complexities of faith. Which one deserves the top spot? People have strong opinions on both sides of the issue. A closer examination of all three movies reveals an interesting pattern. The first Knives Out remains the trilogy’s strongest entry. Johnson’s original film had a clarity and confidence that the sequels never quite reach the same balance again, no matter how hard they tried.

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What makes the Knives Out Trilogy so compelling?

Johnson knew exactly what mystery fans were missing. People wanted stories that challenged them without talking down to them. The Knives Out Trilogy delivers puzzles that keep changing shape right before your eyes. Old detective stories had become too safe and predictable over the years.

These movies succeed because they never forget to have fun. Benoit Blanc shows up in each film as the one constant element. His weird way of talking and strange comparisons make him unforgettable. You never quite know what odd thing will come out of his mouth next during an investigation.

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Why does the original Knives Out reign supreme?

Knives Out broke every rule from the very beginning. Most mystery movies keep secrets locked tight until the final minutes. Johnson did something completely different instead. We learn what really happened to Harlan Thrombey pretty early in the story. That decision completely changed how we watch everything unfold.

Ana de Armas makes Marta Cabrera feel like a real person viewers would want to protect. She physically gets sick whenever she tries to tell a lie. This creates hilarious moments and nail-biting tension at the same time. We desperately want her to make it through because she represents genuine kindness. Every surprise hits harder when you care this much about someone.

Chris Evans breaks free from his superhero image in spectacular fashion. Ransom Drysdale is everything Captain America would hate. The actors surrounding them bring serious talent to more minor roles. Toni Collette commands attention whenever she appears on screen. Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Shannon make their characters feel substantial and real. LaKeith Stanfield adds perfectly timed laughs throughout.

The Thrombey house operates almost like an extension of the main character in the movie. Each space hides something worth discovering. Watching again reveals tiny clues you definitely missed the first time around.

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How does Glass Onion compare?

The second movie in the Knives Out Trilogy swaps cozy fall weather for bright sunshine and beaches. Miles Bron built himself an incredible mansion on his own island. Everything looks more expensive and flashy than before. Janelle Monáe delivers a fantastic performance that becomes even more impressive once you understand her character fully.

Everyone in the cast seems to be having the time of their lives. Kate Hudson, Edward Norton, and Dave Bautista portray exaggerated versions of wealthy individuals. Their ridiculous behavior creates constant entertainment. The actual mystery becomes even more complicated as secrets conceal other secrets.

Something changed, though, between the first and second films. That initial sense of discovery is harder to recreate here. People watching already know some of Johnson's favorite tricks by now. The shocking moments don't pack quite the same punch anymore. Glass Onion still delivers great entertainment, but lacks some of the immediacy of the first film in the Knives Out Trilogy.

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Where does Wake Up Dead Man fit in Knives Out Trilogy?

The final chapter takes a much more serious direction overall. Church scandals and broken beliefs become the primary focus. Josh O'Connor plays Jud Duplenticy beautifully as an honest reverend trapped in awful circumstances. Watching him work alongside Craig creates some of the trilogy's best moments.

Glenn Close and Josh Brolin bring weight to their performances. The religious setting gives everything a fresh feeling. Johnson treats heavy topics with care and thought. However, the jokes are often pushed aside here. Anyone expecting the earlier films' lighthearted tone might feel let down.

The mystery follows a more familiar path this time around. You can see certain twists coming before they arrive. Solid filmmaking replaces genuine innovation throughout. Wake Up Dead Man does its job well enough without reaching the heights of what came before.

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What sets the original apart permanently in Knives Out Trilogy?

Memorable moments in cinema don't happen twice very often. Knives Out arrived at a moment when audiences were ready for something new. It exceeded every hope people had for it. Everything comes together cleanly.

Johnson wrote dialogue that people still quote years later. The story never slows down or wastes your time. The emotional moments work because these characters feel human despite being exaggerated. Commentary about wealth and immigration adds meaning without becoming preachy or obvious.

The best part is how well it holds up on repeat viewings. Knowing who did it doesn't ruin anything at all. Watching Johnson build this elaborate puzzle remains satisfying every single time. The actors reveal new details you missed before.

The Knives Out Trilogy brought murder mysteries back to movie theatres successfully. All three films provide quality entertainment worth watching. The original stands tallest, though, in the Knives Out Trilogy.