13 Movies to Watch if You Love Monk
If you’re a fan of Monk—with its brilliant but anxious detective Adrian Monk (played by Tony Shalhoub), his uncanny ability to notice the tiniest details, and the mix of heartfelt moments with laugh-out-loud humor—you’ll be happy to know there are mystery movies that hit those same sweet spots.
These films feature eccentric investigators, clever locked-room style puzzles, and that satisfying the “here’s what happened” reveal that Monk fans can’t get enough of. Whether you miss Monk’s sharp eye for clues, his tender friendships with Natalie and Stottlemeyer, or just the fun of watching an underdog outsmart everyone else, these mystery movies will make perfect companions for fans of the hit TV series.
13. Sherlock Holmes
Fans of Monk who appreciate a mix of sharp intellect, eccentric charm, and action-packed mystery will find Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes (2009) a thrilling ride. This film re-imagines the classic detective with a gritty, energetic edge, balancing clever deduction with fast-paced adventure and witty banter. Like Adrian Monk, Sherlock is brilliant but unconventional—using keen observation and unique methods to outsmart foes in a world full of secrets and danger.
🕵️♂️ What Is Sherlock Holmes About?
Set in Victorian London, the movie follows Holmes and his loyal partner Dr. Watson as they unravel a dark conspiracy threatening the city. Combining brainy detective work with thrilling action sequences, the film offers a fresh, bold take on one of literature’s most iconic sleuths.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Sherlock Holmes
Brilliant, Unconventional Detective: Holmes’s sharp mind and quirky behaviors resonate with Monk’s unique approach to solving crimes.
Witty, Dynamic Partnership: The banter, loyalty and occasional annoyance between Holmes and Watson mirror the compelling relationships in Monk.
Mind Meets Action: While Monk focuses on observation, this Holmes balances intellect with physical daring—offering a different but exciting detective energy.
Atmospheric, Intricate Mysteries: The film’s layered plot and richly detailed setting create an immersive mystery experience.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Detectives who break the mold, clever mysteries with flair, and stories that combine smarts with excitement. If you admire Monk for its unique hero and clever cases, Sherlock Holmes delivers a charismatic, action-filled twist on classic detective storytelling that’s equally engaging and entertaining.
12. Agatha Raisin: Quiche of Death
Fans of Monk will enjoy Agatha Raisin: Quiche of Death because both feature strong, quirky protagonists whose unique personalities drive the charm and humor of their mysteries. While Adrian Monk’s obsessive-compulsive quirks and sharp intellect lead him through complex cases, Agatha Raisin (played by Ashley Jensen) is a determined, sometimes blunt, and delightfully flawed amateur detective who stumbles into solving crimes in a picturesque English village. Their distinct character traits make the mysteries as much about personality and relationships as about the puzzles themselves.
🥧 What Is Agatha Raisin: Quiche of Death About?
In this cozy mystery, PR executive Agatha Raisin moves from London to a sleepy Cotswolds village to start fresh. When a local baking contest ends with a murder, Agatha’s nosy nature and tenacity lead her to investigate, uncovering secrets beneath the village’s charming surface.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Agatha Raisin: Quiche of Death
A Unique, Relatable Detective: Agatha’s mix of confidence and vulnerability makes her a compelling lead, much like Monk’s blend of brilliance and personal struggles.
Quirky Personality at the Forefront: Both characters’ quirks add humor and depth, making their investigations entertaining beyond the mystery itself.
Focus on Character-Driven Storytelling: The charm comes not just from the “who-done-it” but from how Agatha navigates village life and its eccentric residents—similar to Monk’s interactions with San Francisco’s colorful cast.
Cozy, Small-Town Setting: Fans of Monk’s mix of heart and humor will appreciate the warm but secretive village backdrop.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Detectives with big personalities, cozy mysteries with wit, and stories where character is just as important as clues. If you’re drawn to Monk for its unforgettable lead and character-rich storytelling, Agatha Raisin: Quiche of Death offers a similarly engaging, quirky mystery wrapped in British charm.
11. Clue
Fans of Monk will love the movie Clue because both combine fun mysteries with plenty of laugh-out-loud humor. While Monk mixes Adrian Monk’s quirky personality and sharp detective work with lighthearted moments, Clue takes a classic whodunit setup and turns it into a hilarious, fast-paced comedy full of absurd situations, witty one-liners, and over-the-top characters. Both entertain not just with puzzling crimes, but with memorable comedic timing that keeps viewers smiling as they try to solve the mystery.
🎲 What Is Clue About?
Based on the popular board game, Clue follows a group of strangers (played by Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, Madeline Kahn and more) who are invited to a mansion, where a murder occurs and everyone becomes a suspect. With multiple endings, the film plays with classic mystery tropes while delivering slapstick and clever humor.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Clue
Comedy and Mystery Hand in Hand: Both use humor to lighten the tension without losing the intrigue.
Memorable, Eccentric Characters: Like Monk’s quirky supporting cast, Clue is packed with over-the-top personalities who steal every scene.
Sharp, Fast-Paced Dialogue: The witty banter keeps the laughs coming while the mystery unfolds.
Unexpected Twists: Both surprise viewers with clever plot turns amid the comedy.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Mysteries that make you laugh out loud! If you appreciate Monk’s unique blend of humor and detective work, Clue delivers a classic whodunit that’s just as clever as it is funny.
10. Knives Out
Fans of Monk who appreciate not just sharp mysteries but also a clever wink at the genre will find Knives Out a delightful watch. This film masterfully blends classic whodunit intrigue with biting humor, poking fun at familiar mystery clichés while still delivering a twisty, satisfying puzzle. With a story centered on Marta Cabrera (played by Ana de Armas)—a smart and grounded nurse caught in a chaotic family drama—Knives Out keeps you laughing even as it cleverly deconstructs the conventions of murder mysteries, making it a fresh, fun treat for anyone who loves a mystery with personality.
🔎 What Is Knives Out About?
Knives Out centers on the investigation of a famous mystery novelist’s suspicious death during a family gathering. Detective Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig) is hired to uncover the truth behind the tangled relationships and hidden motives of each family member, turning the classic whodunit genre on its head with humor and sharp social commentary.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Knives Out
Masterful Puzzle Solving: Like Monk, Blanc dissects every detail, using logic and intuition to see what others miss.
Rich Cast of Suspects: The film offers a colorful array of characters, each with secrets and reasons to deceive—perfect for fans who love exploring suspect motives.
Witty, Character-Driven Mystery: Knives Out balances suspense with humor and character dynamics, echoing the tone that makes Monk so beloved.
Stylish Modern Whodunit: It refreshes classic detective storytelling with a contemporary edge, much like how Monk reinvents detective quirks for a modern audience.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Smart, twisty mysteries with engaging detectives, ensemble casts full of secrets, and a blend of humor and suspense. If you appreciate Monk’s mix of sharp observation, quirky detective work, and satisfying puzzle-solving, Knives Out offers a fresh, witty take on the classic whodunit that’s sure to keep you guessing until the very end.
9. See How They Run
See How They Run takes a classic murder mystery into the bustling backstage world of 1950s London theater, blending sharp wit with a spirited police procedural. Fans of Monk who appreciate well-crafted puzzles and the slow unraveling of secrets will enjoy watching an unlikely detective duo—an experienced inspector and an underestimated rookie constable—navigate a web of motives amid eccentric suspects. While the detectives themselves aren’t quirky in the traditional sense, their contrasting styles and the richly detailed setting provide plenty of charm and engaging twists for mystery lovers craving something a bit different.
🎭 What Is See How They Run About?
Set in the vibrant world of West End theater, a desperate murder investigation unfolds when a director is killed during rehearsals. Detective Stoppard (played by Sam Rockwell) and rookie Constable Stalker (played by Saoirse Ronan) team up to unravel a web of secrets behind the curtains, all while navigating the eccentric personalities of the cast and crew.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy See How They Run
Sharp, Puzzle-Like Mystery: Like Monk, the film rewards close attention to clues and details.
Dynamic Detective Duo: The chemistry between the experienced and rookie detectives adds humor and heart, similar to Monk’s relationships with his colleagues.
Quirky Characters: The eccentric theater troupe provides a colorful suspect pool reminiscent of Monk’s oddball supporting cast.
Balance of Humor and Suspense: The movie skillfully mixes lighthearted moments with genuine suspense, echoing Monk’s tone.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Classic whodunits with a comedic twist, engaging detective partnerships, and mysteries set against unique, enclosed environments. If you love Monk for its blend of humor, heart, and sharp detective work, See How They Run offers a theatrical spin on that formula with plenty of charm and clever twists.
8. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
If you enjoy the way Monk turns a simple setting into a clever puzzle box, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas will feel like a holiday treat. In this classic adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel starring David Suchet, a lavish English estate, a family full of grudges, and a locked-room murder create the perfect setup for Poirot’s methodical mind. It’s a cozy, high-stakes Christmas mystery where every small detail matters, and the final reveal is as satisfying as watching Adrian Monk put the last piece in place. Like Adrian Monk, Poirot notices the tiny, telling details that everyone else overlooks—and uses them to untangle a web of lies, motives, and red herrings.
🎄 What Is Hercule Poirot’s Christmas About?
On Christmas Eve, a wealthy patriarch is murdered in his locked bedroom while his entire family is under the same roof. Poirot must sort through a house full of relatives, each with secrets and grudges, to determine who could commit such a crime. The result is a perfect “closed circle” mystery with a satisfying final reveal.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Detailed, Methodical Sleuthing: Like Monk, Poirot builds his case from small inconsistencies and observations others dismiss.
Locked-Room Mystery: The confined setting, limited suspects, and step-by-step unraveling of the crime will feel familiar to Monk fans.
Eccentric Detective Style: Poirot’s fastidious habits and keen insight echo Monk’s quirks, though with his own signature flair.
Atmosphere with Stakes: The holiday setting and tense family dynamics create a strong backdrop, much like Monk’s character-rich investigations.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Classic Agatha Christie puzzles, eccentric detectives, and mysteries where every clue matters.
7. Prescription: Murder
Fans of Monk will enjoy Prescription: Murder—the 1968 TV movie that introduced Columbo—because it offers a classic battle of wits between a brilliant but seemingly underestimated detective and a polished, overconfident killer. Just as Monk thrives on close observation and finding meaning in the smallest details, Prescription: Murder showcases Columbo’s quiet persistence and sharp eye as he unravels a carefully planned crime committed by a wealthy psychiatrist.
🎥 What Is Prescription: Murder About?
In this made-for-TV movie, a famous psychiatrist believes he’s committed the perfect murder, staging his wife’s death as a clever alibi. Enter Lieutenant Columbo (played by Peter Falk), a seemingly rumpled and distracted detective whose casual demeanor hides a razor-sharp mind. Through careful questioning and an unrelenting focus on the tiny inconsistencies in the case, Columbo slowly corners his suspect.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Prescription: Murder
Observation as a Superpower: Like Adrian Monk, Columbo notices what no one else does, and his method is more about thinking than action.
A “Howdunit” Approach: Instead of a traditional whodunit, the fun comes from watching how the detective will catch the criminal.
Psychological Cat-and-Mouse: Both shows emphasize the mind games between detective and suspect rather than car chases or violence.
Eccentric Detective Energy: Columbo’s unpolished, seemingly scatterbrained style contrasts with Monk’s neatness, but both are underestimated because of their quirks—and use that to their advantage.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Classic detective stories, clever dialogue, and watching an unassuming but brilliant investigator slowly dismantle a perfect crime.
6. Psych: Lassie Come Home
Fans of Monk will enjoy Psych: Lassie Come Home because both deliver a character-driven mystery filled with quirky humor, heartfelt moments, and a detective (or two) who see what others overlook. While Monk centers on Adrian Monk’s meticulous, anxiety-driven investigations, Psych: Lassie Come Home continues the adventures of Shawn Spencer (played by James Roday Rodriguez) and Burton “Gus” Guster (played by Dulé Hill) , two best friends whose offbeat methods and sharp observations help them untangle a strange, layered case—all while balancing comedy and emotion.
🎥 What Is Psych: Lassie Come Home About?
In this TV movie continuation of the Psych series, Santa Barbara Police Chief Carlton Lassiter (played by Timothy Omundson) is recovering from an on-duty ambush. While recuperating at a luxurious recovery clinic, strange events begin to unfold around him. Shawn and Gus step in to help Lassiter solve a mystery that feels deeply personal, leading to a case full of twists, old faces, and the trademark Psych mix of humor and heart.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Psych: Lassie Come Home
Observation-Based Sleuthing: Just as Monk uses tiny clues and patterns to break cases wide open, Shawn uses keen observation (and pretends it’s psychic ability) to solve mysteries. Both rely on intelligence rather than brute force.
Eccentric but Endearing Characters: Fans of Monk’s quirky personality and the supportive cast around him will appreciate the dynamic duo of Shawn and Gus, as well as Lassiter’s complex, often humorous persona.
Humor Balanced with Mystery: Like Monk, Psych: Lassie Come Home balances its mystery with sharp, character-driven comedy—keeping the tone fun while still delivering a genuinely engaging case.
Emotional Core: While Monk’s cases often explore grief, resilience, and relationships, Psych: Lassie Come Home deals with Lassiter’s recovery and vulnerability, adding emotional weight to the otherwise lighthearted sleuthing.
Closed-Circle Style Mystery: The recovery clinic setting functions almost like a locked-room mystery, giving it a structure Monk fans will recognize and enjoy.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Character-driven mysteries with comedic elements
Detectives who rely on attention to detail and intuition
Quirky investigators with strong friendships
Mystery stories that mix heart and humor
If you loved Monk for its clever detective work, eccentric characters, and heartfelt tone, Psych: Lassie Come Home offers a similarly satisfying ride—with a little more silliness, plenty of warmth, and a mystery that rewards close attention.
5. Death on the Nile
Fans of Monk will likely enjoy Death on the Nile (2022) because both deliver classic, detail-oriented whodunits where a brilliant but idiosyncratic detective unravels a tangled mystery among a group of colorful, secretive suspects. While Monk relies on Adrian Monk’s obsessive eye for small clues, Hercule Poirot (played by Kenneth Branagh’) uses his “little grey cells” to find the truth behind a seemingly perfect crime set against a glamorous, high-pressure backdrop.
🚢 What Is Death on the Nile About?
Based on Agatha Christie’s classic novel, the story follows world-famous detective Hercule Poirot as he tries to enjoy a luxurious cruise on the Nile River. When a wealthy heiress is murdered aboard the ship, he must untangle a web of lies, hidden relationships, and carefully constructed alibis to find the killer before they strike again.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Death on the Nile
Meticulous, Clue-Filled Mystery: Just as Monk notices the tiniest details everyone else misses, Poirot builds his case by examining every glance, every timeline, and every inconsistency. The movie is a classic puzzle-box mystery that invites viewers to play detective.
An Ensemble of Eccentric Suspects: Like Monk, Death on the Nile surrounds the detective with a cast of quirky, emotionally charged characters—each with a motive and a secret.
A Larger-Than-Life Detective: Both Adrian Monk and Hercule Poirot are brilliant but eccentric. Their quirks—Monk’s phobias and rituals, Poirot’s fastidious grooming and methodical ways—set them apart and make their victories even more satisfying.
Glamour, Atmosphere, and Escapism: Where Monk offers the charm of San Francisco and the humor of everyday settings, Death on the Nile delivers sweeping scenery, a sense of style, and a locked-room mystery aboard a beautiful riverboat.
Drama with Touches of Humor: Both manage to balance serious stakes with moments of levity and personality-driven humor, so the mystery never feels too heavy.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Classic whodunits with clever deductions
Detectives with unique quirks and methods
Ensemble casts where everyone’s a suspect
Elegant, enclosed settings full of tension
Smart storytelling with a final, dramatic reveal
If Monk hooked you with clever deductions and a detective who sees what no one else can, Death on the Nile will satisfy with the same mix of eccentric brilliance, stylish mystery, and a closing reveal that ties every clue together.
4. The Thursday Murder Club
Fans of Monk will likely enjoy The Thursday Murder Club movie because both center around clever, character-driven mysteries solved by people who notice what others miss. While Monk follows Adrian Monk’s obsessive attention to detail, The Thursday Murder Club focuses on a group of sharp, quirky retirees in an English retirement community who solve cold cases (and inevitably stumble into fresh crimes). Both deliver a mix of humor, heart, and smart deduction that makes the mystery feel fun rather than dark.
🕵️♀️ What Is The Thursday Murder Club About?
Based on the bestselling cozy mystery novels by Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club follows four unlikely friends—Elizabeth (played by Helen Mirren), Joyce (played by Celia Imrie), Ibrahim (played by Ben Kingsley), and Ron (played by Pierce Brosnan)—who meet weekly to dig into unsolved cases. When a murder happens close to home, their hobby suddenly becomes very real, pulling them into an investigation filled with secrets, twists, and plenty of witty banter.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy The Thursday Murder Club
Clever, Clue-Filled Mysteries: Like Monk, the story plays fair with clues. Fans will love watching the club members piece together small details that everyone else overlooks.
Quirky, Endearing Detectives: Monk’s charm comes from his quirks and humanity, and the Thursday Murder Club members share that same appeal. They’re imperfect but brilliant, with distinct personalities that make their teamwork a joy to watch.
Humor with Heart: Both Monk and the Thursday sleuths balance crime-solving with light-hearted humor. Expect sharp dialogue and comedic moments, but also touching insights about friendship, grief, and resilience.
An Ensemble You Care About: While Monk’s world is enriched by Natalie, Stottlemeyer, and the others, the Thursday Murder Club thrives on the chemistry between its four amateur detectives and the community around them.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Mysteries that mix charm, intelligence, and emotional depth
Quirky but brilliant investigators
Stories where character dynamics are as compelling as the case
A cozy, feel-good tone without losing the intrigue
If you love Monk for its clever cases, lovable characters, and lighthearted take on murder, the Thursday Murder Club movie promises the same mix—set in a cozy English village, with a team of retirees proving it’s never too late to outsmart a killer.
3. Glass Onion
Fans of the TV series Monk will likely enjoy Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery because both deliver clever, character-focused whodunits filled with eccentric personalities, red herrings, and satisfying “aha” moments. While Monk follows the obsessively observant and socially awkward Adrian Monk as he solves crimes with meticulous logic, Glass Onion features Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig), a charming Southern detective who also thrives on keen observation and unexpected insight. Both stories lean into the fun of unraveling a tangled mystery—where appearances are deceiving, and the truth lies in the details.
🔍 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Glass Onion
Brilliant Detectives Who Outsmart Everyone: Just as Monk’s OCD-driven attention to detail helps him spot what others miss, Benoit Blanc pieces together subtle clues and reads people with uncanny precision. If you love watching a genius unravel a mystery that baffles everyone else, Glass Onion delivers.
Quirky, Suspicious Characters: Monk is known for its oddball suspects and richly drawn personalities—and Glass Onion is packed with them. From tech moguls to washed-up celebrities, every character is both hilarious and suspicious, offering that same offbeat tone Monk fans enjoy.
A Puzzle Within a Puzzle: Like Monk, Glass Onion plays fair with its clues. The film is filled with hidden details, visual cues, and narrative twists that make you want to rewatch it just to see how cleverly it all fits together—much like trying to solve one of Monk’s cases before he does.
Humor Woven Into the Mystery: Both Monk and Glass Onion blend comedy with crime-solving. While Monk’s humor comes from his quirks and phobias, Glass Onion finds laughs in satire, timing, and character clashes—all without undermining the weight of the mystery itself.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Detective stories where the smartest person in the room solves the crime
Eccentric suspects with big personalities and hidden agendas
Twisty plots that keep you guessing
Mystery stories that balance tension and humor
Satisfying final reveals that tie every clue together
If you loved Monk for its clever cases, memorable characters, and detective flair, Glass Onion offers a flashier but equally brainy ride—with a modern spin, lavish setting, and a detective you’ll enjoy watching think circles around everyone.
2. Psych: The Movie
Psych: The Movie is a fantastic pick for fans of Monk, especially since both shows have been paired on the network that boasted “Characters Welcome”. Fans of Monk will enjoy Psych: The Movie because both blend clever mystery-solving with heartfelt friendship and plenty of humor. While Monk features Adrian Monk’s brilliant but quirky detective work paired with touching emotional moments, Psych: The Movie brings back Shawn and Gus—two best friends whose playful antics and sharp observations help them crack cases with a perfect mix of wit and warmth. The movie captures the same balance of laughs and suspense that Monk fans love, wrapped in a feel-good, character-driven story.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Psych: The Movie
Dynamic Duo Chemistry: The friendship and banter between Shawn and Gus echo the warm, quirky relationships in Monk.
Humor with Heart: Both balance comedy and emotional moments without sacrificing the mystery.
Clever, Observation-Based Sleuthing: Shawn’s “psychic” insights mirror Monk’s attention to detail, making the mysteries fun and engaging.
Feel-Good, Character-Driven Storytelling: Like Monk, the story focuses on personal growth alongside crime-solving.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Lighthearted mysteries, witty dialogue, and heartfelt friendships wrapped in detective work.
If you love Monk for its blend of humor, heart, and smart mysteries, Psych: The Movie delivers a fun, nostalgic ride that celebrates friendship and clever crime-solving in equal measure.
Mr. Monk’s Last Case
Fans of the TV series Monk will appreciate Mr. Monk’s Last Case because it brings back the beloved characters they’ve grown attached to—Monk, Natalie, and the rest of the team—now facing new challenges in the present day. Just like the TV series, the movie blends sharp, detail-oriented detective work with heartfelt moments and subtle humor, giving longtime fans a satisfying continuation of Adrian Monk’s story. It captures the same balance of mystery and emotion that made the show so special, while offering fresh twists that keep the characters and their relationships feeling alive and relevant.
🕵️♂️ What Is Mr. Monk’s Last Case About?
In this heartfelt finale, Monk returns to solve one final mystery, confronting both a puzzling case and personal challenges that test his unique talents and resilience. The movie honors the series’ legacy while providing closure to Monk’s journey.
💌 Why Monk Fans Will Enjoy Mr. Monk’s Last Case
Familiar Characters, New Challenges: See how Monk and his trusted allies evolve while staying true to what fans love.
Classic Detail-Driven Sleuthing: The movie delivers the intricate clue-solving and keen observation that define Monk.
Emotional Depth: True to the show’s spirit, it balances humor with poignant moments of growth and connection.
Closure and Tribute: A respectful send-off that honors the series’ heart and clever storytelling.
🌟 Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy:
Character-driven mysteries, emotional storytelling, and a beloved detective’s final, satisfying chapter.
If you’ve followed Monk through every twist and turn, Mr. Monk’s Last Case offers a warmly nostalgic yet fresh conclusion that celebrates everything that made the series unforgettable.
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