Movies like The Man in the Trunk (1942)
The best movies like The Man in the Trunk (1942) are Wrong Cops (2013), Song of the Thin Man (1947) and Another Thin Man (1939). If The Man in the Trunk hooked you with its crime and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedScooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost (2019)7.8/10 from 267 votes
- NewestGhosts: The Possession of Button House (2026)Released 2026
Wrong Cops (2013)
A group of bad cops look to dispose of a body that one of them accidentally shot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSong of the Thin Man (1947)
While attending a glamorous jazz cruise on New York’s East River, Nick and Nora Charles witness the fatal shooting of a wealthy patron. When suspicion falls on a young bandleader and his musicians, the couple steps in to clear their friends and uncover the real killer. Their investigation leads through a lively world of jazz clubs, radio personalities, high society, and backstage rivalries, where almost everyone has a secret and the next clue may be hidden in the music.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnother Thin Man (1939)
Nick and Nora Charles are back - and this time, they have a baby, a wealthy new client, and another murder to solve! Retired detective Nick is enjoying family life with Nora and their young son, Nick Jr., when eccentric industrialist Colonel MacFay asks for protection after receiving threatening messages. When MacFay is found dead at his isolated estate, Nick and Nora spring into action, questioning a houseful of suspicious guests and uncovering greed, blackmail, family secrets, and a dangerous inheritance plot. With their trademark wit and sophistication, the glamorous couple balances parenthood, parties, and peril as they race to expose the killer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisShadow of the Thin Man (1941)
While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., Nick and Nora Charles witnesse a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975)
After spending decades living in the shadow of his more famous and successful sibling, Consulting Detective Sigerson Holmes is called upon to help solve a crucial case that leads him on a hilarious trail of false identities, stolen documents, secret codes... and exposed backsides.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Laurel-Hardy Murder Case (1930)
The boys think their days of fishing to feed themselves have come to an end, when Stan's rich uncle Ebenezer dies leaving a large estate. But they soon learn that Ebenezer was murdered and all the relatives, including Stan, are suspects.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Charles Dreyfus, who has finally cracked over inspector Clouseau's antics, escapes from a mental institution and launches an elaborate plan to get rid of Clouseau once and for all.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Honey Pot (1967)
In Venice, a millionaire hires an actor to help him prank three greedy exes into thinking he's dying and leaving his fortune to one of them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost (2019)
Mystery Inc. withdraws from solving crimes after botching a case. When Vincent Van Ghoul contacts the gang about an unfinished investigation from Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby's past, the gang springs into action to finish the job that involves catching the 13th Ghost that escaped from the Chest of Demons and is still at large.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Blue Gardenia (1953)
Upon waking up to the news that the man she’d gone on a date with the previous night has been murdered, a young woman with only a faint memory of the night’s events begins to suspect that she murdered him while attempting to resist his advances.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPhantom of the Megaplex (2000)
Pete Riley is a 17-year-old who lands a part-time job at a multiplex in his neighbourhood. He and his friends are excited when it's announced that the theatre will play host to the premier of a major motion picture, with a number of Hollywood celebrities in attendance. However, when the big night comes, Pete has to contend with disappearing staff, malfunctioning equipment, and a broken popcorn machine.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Glass Key (1942)
A crooked politician finds himself being accused of murder by a gangster from whom he refused help during a re-election campaign.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDouble Threat (2022)
With ruthless mobsters on her tail, a young woman with a split personality becomes entangled with a man on a pilgrimage across the country to scatter his brother's ashes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Man Who Cheated Himself (1950)
A veteran homicide detective who has witnessed his socialite girlfriend kill her husband sees his inexperienced brother assigned to the case.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScooby-Doo! and the Gourmet Ghost (2018)
The Scooby gang visits a culinary resort run by Fred's uncle, Bobby Flay. While enjoying the sights, a ghost attacks the guests and destroys the resort, leaving the gang to put a stop to its threat.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Mirror Crack'd (1980)
Jane Marple solves the mystery when a local woman is poisoned and a visiting movie star seems to have been the intended victim.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTopper Returns (1941)
Topper is once again tormented by a fun-loving spirit. This time, it's Gail Richards, accidentally murdered while vacationing at the home of her wealthy friend, Ann Carrington, the intended victim. With Topper's help, Gail sets out to find her killer with the expected zany results.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLittle Monsters (1989)
A young boy is scared of the monster under his bed. He asks his 6th grade brother to swap rooms for the night as a bet that the monster really exists. Soon the brother becomes friends with the monster and discovers a whole new world of fun and games under his bed where pulling pranks on kids and other monsters is the main attraction.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisMr. Bones (2001)
A medicine man is sent looking for the son of his tribal king, and brings back an American golfer and a host of goons intent on keeping him in the golf tournament.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOscar Shaw (2026)
After retiring from the police force, a relentless detective haunted by the tragic loss of his closest friend sets out on a perilous quest for vengeance, seeking redemption and fighting to restore justice to the streets he once swore to protect.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDay of a Thousand Screams (2012)
TV reporter Natasha McGrath is sent to a remote area. Along with her small crew and a couple of campers, they encounter a man who watches, taunts and kills them one by one: repeatedly.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Ghosts: The Possession of Button House (2026)
It's a matter of life and death for Alison, Mike, Mia and the Ghosts.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos (2017)
In a small city of Brazil, Flor (a very good looking woman) marries Vadinho, a very handsome and erotic man. Once married she finds he is a good-for-nothing. She works teaching cooking to her neighbours but he takes all her money to gamble. One day he dies. Flor misses the goods of the marriage so she marries again with a very correct gentleman – the owner of the drugstore (Teodoro). Now she’s very happy with her man, but misses the erotic moments with her previous husband. Then the ghost of Vadhino comes to earth to chase her.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTopper (1937)
Madcap couple George and Marion Kerby are killed in an automobile accident. They return as ghosts to try and liven up the regimented lifestyle of their friend and bank president, Cosmo Topper. When Topper starts to live it up, it strains relations with his stuffy wife.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBayama Irukku (2017)
Four friends accompany the man who saved them to his house, only to discover that his wife could be a ghost!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
We Have a Ghost (2023)
After Kevin finds a ghost named Ernest haunting his new home, he becomes an overnight social media sensation. But when Kevin and Ernest go rogue to investigate the mystery of the latter's past, they become targets of the CIA.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Visit from Mars (1963)
When a little Martian boy playing hooky crashes his "borrowed" saucer into the house, Casper shows him around, but the Martians are convinced that the saucer was stolen by humans and declare war on the Earth.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Small Spooks (1963)
The Trio see Casper reading a book about insects and decide if they could become tiny, they could spook all the insects in the Enchanted Forest. Fatso tricks Casper into getting them some magic reducing pills from the witches.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Enchanted Horse (1963)
The evil Eastern magician Ali Booboo feeds an ensorcelled apple to Nightmare, turning her into his slave. Casper and Wendy must pursue Booboo to his castle in the clouds to rescue their friend.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Twin Trouble (1964)
Wendy's aunts and Casper's uncles magic up mischievous twins of Casper and Wendy to cause trouble around the Enchanted Forest
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Like The Man in the Trunk and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Man in the Trunk?
The closest matches to The Man in the Trunk are Wrong Cops (2013), Song of the Thin Man (1947) and Another Thin Man (1939). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Man in the Trunk?
Start with Wrong Cops (2013), the closest match to The Man in the Trunk.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Man in the Trunk?
Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost (2019), rated 7.8/10 by 267 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Man in the Trunk?
Ghosts: The Possession of Button House (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Man in the Trunk?
Yes: Wrong Cops (2013), Song of the Thin Man (1947) and Another Thin Man (1939).
How are movies similar to The Man in the Trunk chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Man in the Trunk, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.