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Movies like Mr. Moto's Gamble (1938)

The best movies like Mr. Moto's Gamble (1938) are The Cheap Detective (1978), A Shot in the Dark (1964) and Radioland Murders (1994). If Mr. Moto's Gamble hooked you with its mystery and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks

  1. The Cheap Detective (1978)

    A spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre. San Francisco private detective, Lou Pekinpaugh is accused of murdering his partner at the instigation of his mistress—his partner's wife.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  2. A Shot in the Dark (1964)

    Inspector Jacques Clouseau, smitten with the accused maid Maria Gambrelli, unwittingly turns a straightforward murder investigation into a comedic series of mishaps, testing the patience of his irritable boss Charles Dreyfus as casualties mount.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & mystery

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  3. Radioland Murders (1994)

    A series of mysterious crimes threatens the existence of a new radio network.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

  4. The 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 this
  5. The Late Show (1977)

    An over-the-hill gumshoe in Los Angeles seeks to avenge the killing of an old pal, another detective who was involved in a case concerning a murdered broad, stolen stamps, a nickel-plated handgun, a cheating dolly, and a kidnapped pussycat.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both mystery & crime

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  6. The 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 this
  7. Who's Harry Crumb? (1989)

    Harry Crumb is a bumbling and inept private investigator who is hired to solve the kidnapping of a young heiress which he's not expected to solve because his employer is the mastermind behind the kidnapping.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  8. Psych: The Movie (2017)

    The ambitious friends come together during the holidays after a mystery assailant targets one of their own. A comedic thrill-ride follows, as the wild and unpredictable Psych team pursues the bad guys, justice … and, of course, food!

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  9. Psych 3: This Is Gus (2021)

    In preparation for a shotgun wedding before the birth of Baby Guster, Shawn and Gus go rogue in an attempt to track down Selene’s estranged husband, as Lassiter grapples with the future of his career.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  10. See Spot Run (2001)

    A drug sniffing agent canine is a target for an assassin boss so the FBI calls Witness Protection to send him somewhere else. Meanwhile a single Mom puts her 6 year old boy James in the care of her irresponsible, mailman, neighbor, Gordon, when the babysitter bails on her. Meanwhile, an assassin mob boss hires 2 goons to kill Agent 11. But when 11 escapes from the van when they tried to kill him, he hides in Gordon's Mailtruck that James is in too. And guess what they name him. Spot.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  11. Who Done It? (1942)

    Two dumb soda jerks dream of writing radio mysteries. When they try to pitch an idea at a radio station, they end up in the middle of a real murder when the station owner is killed during a broadcast.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & mystery

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  12. The Naked Gun (2025)

    Only one man has the particular set of skills... to lead Police Squad and save the world: Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. Following in his father's footsteps, he must solve a murder case to prevent Police Squad from closure.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  13. 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 this
  14. The 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 this
  15. The Sheep Detectives (2026)

    George Hardy is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can't possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & mystery

    Absolute CinemaMovies like this
  16. How to Rob a Bank (2007)

    Caught in the middle of a bank robbery, a slacker and a bank employee become the ones who arbitrate the intense situation.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & crime

  17. The 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 & mystery

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  18. The Seven-Ups (1973)

    A tough detective who is part of an elite New York City unit is trying to find out who killed his partner, but uncovers a plot to kidnap mobsters for money.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & mystery

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  19. Garage Sale Mystery (2013)

    Jennifer Shannon can always find a diamond in the rough, when it comes to garage sales, that is. Whether it's a new antique to sell at her consignment shop, an Atari game for her son or a piece of furniture for her handy husband Jason to refurbish, she has made a career out of her treasure hunting prowess. When a string of burglaries hits her town, Jennifer's keen eye for detail and her natural problem solving instincts even help her see the connection between these burglaries and local garage sales! Jennifer works with Detective Adam Iverson to investigate her theory that the perpetrators of the burglaries are fellow garage sale regulars. The case escalates to dangerous levels when Jennifer discovers the dead body of her friend. Even though the deceased's husband, Ben Douglas, finds nothing missing in their house, and the police label the death as accidental, Jennifer suspects that the death may be related to the burglaries.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both crime & mystery

    Popcorn FlickMovies like this
  20. Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: How to Con A Con (2021)

    When Aida Teagarden's real estate client is found murdered, her sleuthing daughter Aurora sets out with her fiancé Nick and the Real Murders Club to solve the murder.

    Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both mystery & crime

    Worth the HypeMovies like this
  21. Charlie Chan at the Olympics (1937)

    Get ready for a Gold Medal murder mystery! This "tense, thrilling mystery" ('California Congress of Parents and Teachers') pits Charlie Chan against international spies who are using the Berlin Olympic games as the perfect cover...for cold-blooded murder!

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both mystery & crime

  22. Mysterious Intruder (1946)

    A private detective is hired to find a young heiress but finds himself accused of murder.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both mystery & crime

  23. Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation (1939)

    Mr. Moto is in Egypt to thwart a criminal mastermind determined to steal the priceless crown of the Queen of Sheba. When the precious treasure is transported to America, Mr. Moto must race against time to unmask the cunning thief who will stop at nothing—not even murder—to get what he wants.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime & mystery

  24. The Return of Mr. Moto (1965)

    Mr. Moto goes undercover to find out who has been blowing up oil wells and trying to gain total control of all the oil leases from a petroleum-rich Middle Eastern country.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime & mystery

  25. Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937)

    When his import/export business infiltrated by international diamond smugglers, Mr. Moto must follow a trail of clues littered with beautiful women, glittering gems and deadly assassins. Making his way from the mysterious streets of San Francisco's Chinatown to the dark and dangerous alleys of Shanghai, Mr. Moto will stop at nothing to bring the culprits to justice...even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice!

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime & mystery

  26. Thank You, Mr. Moto (1937)

    Mr. Moto Heads to China on a quest for seven ancient scrolls that reveal the location of Genghis Khan's tomb—a crypt filled with fabulous treasure! But Moto isn't the only one stalking the scrolls—so is a shadowy band of thieves. But when his ruthless rivals go too far, the mild-mannered detective's quest for antiquities becomes a passion for vengeance—because if he can't bring these villains to justice... he'll bring them to their knees.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both mystery & crime

  27. The Chinese Parrot (1927)

    The plot is motivated by a pearl necklace, which has caused the death and/or ruination of all its owners. The second screen appearance of detective Charlie Chan.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both mystery & crime

  28. The House Without a Key (1926)

    A Pathe serial in ten chapters of two-reels each: Dan Winterslip, a wealthy man in Honolulu, has not spoken to his brother, who owns a hotel next to Winterslip's estate, in over twenty years. Minerva, sister to the estranged brothers, comes from Boston to try to reconcile the two men. John Quincy Winterslip, Dan's nephew, receives a letter instructing him to retrieve a box from an attic in San Francisco and dump the contents into the ocean. He is on board a ship bound for Hawaii in which other passengers are also after the box. Dan Winterslip is murdered. Charlie Chan, a Chinese detective, offers to help solve the killing and the mysteries surround the box. Chan is looking for the person whose wristwatch is missing the number 'three.'

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime & mystery

  29. The Chinese Ring (1947)

    Soon after a Chinese princess comes to the US to buy planes for her people, she is murdered by a poison dart fired by an air rifle.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both crime & mystery

  30. The Crime Doctor's Warning (1945)

    A criminal psychologist treats an artist whose blackouts coincide with a series of murders.

    Why it matches: Similar story and style · both mystery & crime

Like Mr. Moto's Gamble and something else?

Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best movies like Mr. Moto's Gamble?

The closest matches to Mr. Moto's Gamble are The Cheap Detective (1978), A Shot in the Dark (1964) and Radioland Murders (1994). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.

What should I watch after Mr. Moto's Gamble?

Start with The Cheap Detective (1978), the closest match to Mr. Moto's Gamble.

What is the highest-rated movie like Mr. Moto's Gamble?

The Sheep Detectives (2026), rated 7.9/10 by 1,925 TMDB users.

What is the newest movie like Mr. Moto's Gamble?

The Sheep Detectives (2026) is the most recent release on this list.

Are there English movies like Mr. Moto's Gamble?

Yes: The Cheap Detective (1978), A Shot in the Dark (1964) and Radioland Murders (1994).

How are movies similar to Mr. Moto's Gamble chosen?

First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Mr. Moto's Gamble, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.

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