When Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery debuted, many viewers wondered if they needed to watch Knives Out beforehand to enjoy or understand the sequel. The original film, released in 2019, was a critical and commercial success, reinventing the classic whodunit formula for modern audiences. Directed by Rian Johnson, it introduced detective Benoit Blanc, a quirky but sharp-minded sleuth investigating the death of a wealthy novelist.
However, despite sharing the same lead character, Glass Onion is not a direct continuation of the first film’s story. Instead, it functions as a standalone mystery with its own cast, setting, and narrative. This approach raises a valid question: can a viewer unfamiliar with Knives Out fully appreciate Glass Onion?
Anthology format and the return of Benoit Blanc
Rian Johnson has made it clear that the “Knives Out” name is more of a franchise branding tool than a narrative thread. In essence, Glass Onion is part of an anthology series built around the character of Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. Like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, Blanc is the constant—an investigator who moves from one mystery to another, encountering entirely new characters and circumstances in each story.
This format means that Glass Onion has no overlapping plotlines with Knives Out, and characters from the first film do not return. The setting also shifts dramatically—from a stately New England mansion in Knives Out to a sun-drenched private island in Greece in Glass Onion. The only connection between the two is Blanc himself, whose personality and investigative style remain consistent but evolve through new challenges.
What you miss by skipping the first film
While it’s entirely possible to watch Glass Onion without having seen Knives Out, doing so may slightly affect your appreciation of Benoit Blanc’s character arc. Knives Out introduced audiences to Blanc’s Southern charm, eccentric metaphors, and sharp intellect. Watching his original case provides context for his methods and personality, which can deepen your understanding of his approach in Glass Onion.
However, this character development is not essential to understanding the events of the second film. Glass Onion offers enough standalone material for new viewers to grasp who Blanc is without prior exposure. His backstory remains largely untouched, and the film offers fresh insights into his character through new interactions and plot developments.
The structure of the mystery in ‘Glass Onion’
Another reason Glass Onion stands on its own is its narrative design. The mystery in this film is self-contained and unfolds in a unique way. The plot revolves around a tech billionaire who invites his eclectic group of friends to a murder-mystery party on his island. What begins as a game soon becomes dangerously real, and Blanc’s involvement leads to an unexpected unraveling of secrets.
The storytelling is layered, with flashbacks, perspective shifts, and social commentary, all designed to immerse the viewer without requiring any previous knowledge. The puzzle at the heart of Glass Onion is fresh, relevant, and intentionally distinct from that of Knives Out, ensuring that audiences can jump into the mystery without confusion.
New characters, new dynamics
Perhaps the most notable feature separating Glass Onion from its predecessor is the complete change in supporting cast. Whereas Knives Out featured a dysfunctional literary family led by Christopher Plummer’s Harlan Thrombey, Glass Onion focuses on a group of modern influencers, politicians, and entrepreneurs.
This new group dynamic allows the film to explore different themes, including power, technology, and the illusion of meritocracy. Each character brings a unique motive and relationship to the story, and none of these depend on knowledge from the first film. In fact, watching Glass Onion first may even heighten your interest in seeing how Knives Out handled a completely different ensemble.
Does it enhance the experience to watch both?
Although Glass Onion is perfectly accessible on its own, there are subtle rewards for viewers who have seen Knives Out. Familiarity with Blanc’s style may help you better anticipate or interpret his actions, and you may catch small nods or tonal parallels that enrich the experience.
For instance, both films play with audience expectations, use humor strategically, and reveal key information through clever misdirection. Observing how Johnson constructs each mystery differently can be a satisfying experience for fans of the genre. If anything, Knives Out provides a helpful reference point for appreciating how Glass Onion deviates from or builds upon its predecessor’s techniques.
Marketing and title confusion
One element that contributes to the uncertainty is the title: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The addition of the “Knives Out” brand in the title was a marketing decision rather than a creative one. Netflix, which acquired the rights to two sequels after the original film’s success, wanted to capitalize on the recognizability of the Knives Out name.
Rian Johnson himself has expressed mild frustration with this choice, as it implies a direct sequel rather than a separate case. In truth, Glass Onion is more accurately described as “another Benoit Blanc mystery.” For audiences unsure about the connection, this branding may create the false impression that one must watch the first film before the second.
Final verdict: watch order and viewing strategy
So, should you watch Knives Out before Glass Onion? The short answer is: it’s entirely up to you. If you’re looking to experience the full journey of Benoit Blanc as a detective, starting with Knives Out provides helpful character insight and introduces you to Rian Johnson’s mystery style. However, if Glass Onion catches your interest first—whether due to its setting, cast, or theme—you can dive in without fear of missing critical context.
In fact, one of the strengths of Johnson’s approach is its accessibility. Each film is crafted to entertain and challenge viewers on its own terms, rewarding both casual viewers and returning fans alike. This flexible format allows you to enter the world of Benoit Blanc from any point in the series and still enjoy the intricate storytelling and wit.
Looking ahead: the future of Benoit Blanc mysteries
With a third installment already in development, it’s clear that Benoit Blanc is here to stay. If Knives Out was a fresh take on the classic drawing-room mystery, and Glass Onion a critique of modern elitism, the next film will likely bring yet another distinct flavor to the genre. Rian Johnson’s commitment to reinventing the mystery with each entry ensures that no prior viewing will ever be strictly necessary—only optional for those who enjoy the full scope of his cinematic universe.
In the end, whether you begin with Knives Out or Glass Onion, you’ll find yourself immersed in a clever, engaging, and standalone whodunit—just as it was meant to be.