Release date and original availability
Knives Out premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2019, and opened in select U.S. cities on November 27, 2019, before a wide national rollout on December 13, 2019. These dates mark its theatrical window across major markets under Lionsgate, positioning the film as a late-year awards contender.
Key cast and creative team
The ensemble includes Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, and Christopher Plummer. Rian Johnson wrote and directed, with producers Ram Bergman, Johnson, and Nicole Hirsch Whitaker guiding the production at media rights scale.
Box office performance and revenue breakdown
Knives Out earned roughly $31 million domestically and about $78 million internationally for a global total near $111 million against a $40 million budget. Strong word of mouth extended its theatrical run, supporting ancillary licensing and home-video value over time.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide box office | $111 million | Box Office Mojo / Comscore |
| Production budget | $40 million | Industry reporting |
| U.S. opening weekend | $12.6 million (Dec 13–15, 2019) | Box Office tracker |
| Date of festival premiere | September 7, 2019 (TIFF) | Festival schedule |
Critical reception and legacy indicators
The film holds a strong critical profile, with particular praise for Craig’s performance, Johnson’s direction, and the twist-driven script. Accolades include multiple Critics’ Choice nominations and recognition within guild awards categories, confirming its influence on the modern whodunit revival.
Theatrical to home transition
Theatrical run and platform windows
After its cinema run, the film moved to premium video on demand and then standard home video, extending revenue opportunities and long-tail engagement for audiences who missed the theatrical experience.
Home formats and availability
Knives Out became available on 4K, Blu-ray, and digital download/streaming, with added featurettes and director commentary enriching repeat viewing and supporting evergreen catalog value.
Context within the whodunit genre
Knives Out revitalized interest in the classic whodunit by blending old-school puzzle plotting with contemporary themes on money, immigration, and ethics. Its success helped greenlight a sequel, Glass Onion, and underscores the lasting audience appetite for smart, character-driven mysteries.