The 12 best cosy murder mysteries you need to watch right now.

Ask any horror movie fanatic and they'll tell you, they're living in a golden age of cinema. There's no shortage of horror movies on the horizon, and they're dropping nightmarish trailers left, right, and centre.

But here's the thing, I like spooky things in the whimsical, witchy way. I don't actually want to watch a horror movie or see a genuinely scary thriller. I'll never sleep again!

For a long time, I avoided the murder genre completely. But then I discovered cosy murder mysteries.

Watch the trailer for Only Murders In The Building Season 3. Story continues below.

I know cosy murder is kind of an oxymoron, but it's a real genre. In fact, streaming service BritBox has an entire section of their website dedicated to the vibe.

Cosy murder mysteries are often "whodunit" style films, TV shows and books where a crime is investigated, duh, and there's certainly some intriguing mystery… but you're very rarely left sitting there like "oh my god I'm scared." You're usually more like, "hehe."

When Only Murders in the Building dropped on Disney Plus, I counted down the days until each new episode would be released. When my book club read Thursday Murder Club, we all became enamoured by the feisty residents of Cooper's Chase retirement village and I'm eagerly awaiting the Netflix adaptation, coming soon.

Most recently, The Perfect Couple became my obsession as I watched the Winbury family in Nantucket.

If you need something new to watch, I have good news. There's no shortage of cosy murder mysteries to choose from, when you're ready to cocoon yourself on the couch and solve some crimes.

For the tweed-wearing detective in all of us, these are the best cosy murder mystery movies and TV shows to watch right now.

Only Murders in the Building.

Martin Short, Steve Martin and Selena Gomez star in Only Murders In The Building. Image: Disney Plus.

Only Murders in the Building is a quirky murder-mystery series that follows three true crime podcast enthusiasts, who find themselves embroiled in a real-life murder investigation in their posh Upper West Side apartment building, the Arconia.

Charles (Steve Martin) is a washed-up actor famous for playing a detective on a 1990s TV show. Oliver (Martin Short), a broke Broadway director hoping to revive his career. Mabel (Selena Gomez), a young woman with a mysterious past connection to the building.

Together, they make a terrific trio that audiences can't get enough of as they solve murders and make podcasts. As each new season has developed the story further, their investigations and sublots have become quirkier and quirkier.

Season four recently released, bringing in even more A-list talent including Eva Longoria, Eugene Levy and Zach Galifianakis. Plus, Meryl Streep, who reprised her role from season three.

If you're in the mood for the ultimate cosy mystery with an unbelievably catchy theme song, and an impressive cast list, you need to watch seasons 1-4 of Only Murders in the Building.

Only Murders in the Building is now streaming on Disney Plus.

Knives Out.

Daniel Craig and LaKeith Stanfield in Knives Out. Image: Stan.

If you haven't seen Knives Out, you're in for a treat. From director Rian Johnson, this 2019 film had me in a chokehold thanks to Chris Evans and his cable-knit sweater. Also because it’s a fun twisty tale with an all-star cast.

When famous mystery writer Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) turns up dead after his 85th birthday party, the family gathers for the reading of his will.

But Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) isn't buying the "suicide" ruling of Harlan's death and sets out to unravel the tangled web of secrets and lies, alongside Detective Lieutenant Elliott (LaKeith Stanfield).

As the investigation progresses, the family's skeletons come tumbling out of the closet. As it turns out, the Thrombeys are a bunch of greedy, backstabbing vultures who all had a motive to kill Harlan. And Harlan’s nurse Marta (Ana de Armas), being the only one Harlan truly trusted, finds herself in a pickle as the prime suspect.

The Thrombey family is portrayed by A-list talent, including Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Jaimie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon and, of course, Mr Chris Evans.

Knives Out is now streaming on Stan.

Based on a True Story.

Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina star in Based On A True Story. Image: Binge.

I'm a huge fan of Chris Messina, mostly thanks to his role in The Mindy Project, but sure, I can pretend it's for artsy reasons, like his role in Sharp Objects or I Care a Lot. I'm also a fan of Kaley Cuoco, so this was a must-watch for me.

Based on a True Story pokes fun at true crime enthusiasts, with Ava (Kaley Cuoco) being a classic fan of the podcast genre. She'll be doing her laundry or relaxing in a bubble bath while listening to the most disturbing crimes and cases.

Ava and her husband Nathan (Chris Messina) are a bored suburban couple who stumble upon the identity of the notorious "Westside Ripper" serial killer.

Instead of turning him in, they hatch a plan to blackmail the killer into collaborating on a true crime podcast with them. What, I ask you, could possibly go wrong with such a well-reasoned and good plan?

The first season was an instant smash hit, with the second dropping this past week. Now, with 16 episodes across two seasons, it's prime for a cosy murder mystery binge-watch.

Based on a True Story is now streaming on Binge and Foxtel.

Death In Paradise.

Ben Miller (left) was the original DI on Death In Paradise, though this role routinely changes. Image: BBC.

This British series takes the classic countryside cosy murder mystery procedural and drops it in Caribbean.

Detective Inspector Richard Poole (Ben Miller) is sent from the Metropolitan Police in London to investigate the murder of a British police officer on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. Once he solves the case, he is ordered to stay on as the island's new detective inspector — alongside Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey (Sara Martins).

Over the years, the DI has been replaced a number of times, keeping the series fresh as new cast members and characters are introduced.

Death In Paradise Season 1-11 are all streaming on BritBox.

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.

Essie Davis stars as the iconic Phryne Fisher. Image: ABC.

This local production is definitely one to watch, with three enticing seasons to enjoy.

The Australian series follows the glamorous and fearless Phryne Fisher, played by Essie Davis, who turns to work as a private investigator following her young sister’s disappearance. She sashays through the 1920s Melbourne, solving crimes across jazz clubs, bordellos, and opium dens.

Serving looks with her chic bob and glamorous wardrobe, Phrynne brandishes a cocktail in one hand and a gun in the other as she solves one scandalous murder mystery after another.

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is now streaming for free on ABC iView.

See How They Run.

Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan as an unlikely detective duo in See How They Run. Image: Disney.

See How They Run is something of an ode to cosy mysteries, a kitschy take on classic whodunnits. Set in1950s London, the film revolves around the theatrical world of Agatha Christie's play The Mousetrap.

It kicks off with the play celebrating its 100th performance, when director Leo Köpernick, portrayed by Adrien Brody, arrives to adapt it into a film. But then he is murdered backstage and an investigation follows.

Sam Rockwell delivers a classic performance as the Inspector Stoppard, a cynical alcoholic, while Saoirse Ronan is delightful as his overeager partner Constable Stocker. If ever there was a detective who’d seen too many mysteries, it’s her. And it’s fun to watch her get her clues wrong time after time.

See How They Run is now streaming on Disney Plus.

Death and Other Details.

A real whodunnit, with a ticking clock and an inescapable location: a cruise ship. Image: Disney.

Washed-up detective Rufus Cotesworth, played by Mandy Patinkin, finds himself trapped on a luxury cruise ship filled with wealthy characters, all hiding secrets deeper than the ocean itself. As guests gather to celebrate a retirement and a multi-billion-dollar business deal, things take a deadly turn.

Helping Cotesworth is Imogene Scott (Violett Beane), a young woman who must assist in solving the brutal murder.

However, the intertwining plot points and flashes back to the past reveal continuous twists against a backdrop of luxury. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, or what the twist would be, I was wrong. Maybe I'm just not cut out for detective life.

The only thing more surprising than the plot twists was the decision to give the lead actress that haircut. I don't care who you are, this specific blonde bob is reserved for Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Death and Other Details is now streaming on Disney Plus.

My Life Is Murder.

Lucy Lawless stars as Alexa Crowe in My Life Is Murder. Image: Prime Video.

Xena the Warrior Princess, also known as Lucy Lawless, leads a comedic cast in this Australian/New Zealand production.

Lawless stars as Alexa Crowe, a retired cop with a knack for solving the most bizarre crimes. When her former boss needs help cracking a case, Alexa jumps back into the game, teaming up with a quirky young police data analyst named Madison Feliciano.

With her signature wit and fearless attitude, Alexa navigates the world of crime-solving while keeping her personal life interesting.

Together, they tackle a new mystery every episode, which means you can occasionally jump in and out without feeling like you need to have seen every episode to get what's going on. Kind of like if Law & Order came with a side of fun.

My Life Is Murder is now streaming on Prime Video and 9Now.

Game Night.

Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman in Game Night. Image: Stan.

I'm playing it a bit fast and loose with the "cosy" part here, as this is more of a comedy. But it is such a fun whodunnit, with an incredible cast, including Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Lamorne Morris, Jesse Plemons, Sharon Horgan, and Kyle Chalmers.

When married suburban couple Max and Annie play a harmless murder mystery game with Max's brother Brooks and their friends, things begin to take surprising twists and turns as not all is what it seems to be.

Soon, the group find themselves investigating a real-life murder, which they believe to be part of an elaborate game organised by Brooks. Big yikes energy.

The comedic investigation is only hindered by Max and Annie's cop neighbour, Gary, who delivers some of the absolute best lines of the film.

Game Night is now streaming on Stan.

Vera

Brenda Blethyn as the iconic Detective Chief Inspector, Vera Stanhope. Image: ABC.

Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, Vera follows Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, portrayed by Brenda Blethyn. And it's one of the most beloved cosy murder mysteries in recent times. The people love their Vera!

Work-obsessed Vera is known for her sharp intellect, solving complex cases in the Northumberland area of England, while grappling with her own personal challenges.

Running since 2011, there are 14 seasons of this hit show to binge-watch when you're in the mood for something mysterious and just a little cold (honestly, you can feel the chilly air through the screen sometimes).

Vera is now streaming on BritBox and ABC iView.

Death on the Nile.

Gal Gadot with "enough champagne to fill the Nile." Image: Disney.

I have to be real, though he is the most iconic of murder mystery characters I can not stand Hercules Poirot. He's a classic Agatha Christie character but I just can't get on board. I think it's the moustache and all the "ah ha!" and "but of course!" that's going on. I don't care much for Kenneth Branagh's rendition either, but Death on the Nile is still a fun watch because it's so absurd.

The cursed film went viral following its premiere, thanks to many things, chief among them Gal Gadot's delivery of the line "and enough champagne, to fill the Nile."

In Death on the Nile, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) attempts to enjoy a luxurious honeymoon cruise, but things take a turn for the deadly when a wealthy bride (Gal Gadot) is murdered. With a cast that includes a scandal-plagued Armie Hammer and a love triangle with a deadly ending, viewers are left questioning the killer as the dead bodies begin to pile up.

You'll not only find yourself asking "who dun it" but also maybe... "do I love or hate this movie?" While I have mixed feelings, there are plenty of fans out there who adore it. And even if you hate-watch, it can still be a good time.

Death on the Nile is now streaming on Disney Plus.

Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton in Why Didn't They Ask Evans? Image: Britbox.

Another Agatha Christie adaptation to add to your watch-list. This one stars Will Poulter (We're The Millers, The Bear) and Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) as Bobby Jones, and his socialite friend, Lady Frankie Derwent.

The story kicks off when Bobby discovers a dying man at the bottom of a cliff who gasps the cryptic question, "Why didn't they ask Evans?" before he dies. Bobby and Lady Frankie embark on an amateur sleuthing endeavour, seeking to find the meaning behind the dead man's mysterious final words.

Why Didn't They Ask Evans is now streaming on Britbox.

Do you have any Streaming Video Services in your household? e.g. Netflix, Stan, etc. We want to hear from you! Take our survey now to go in the running to win a $100 gift voucher.

TAKE SURVEY ➤