If you’re a fan of the comedy-mystery genre, then you’ve likely enjoyed Fletch Lives. This classic film, starring Chevy Chase, combines humor and intrigue in a way that keeps audiences entertained from start to finish. If you’re looking to explore more movies in this vein, here are 12 films that capture a similar spirit.
1. The Nice Guys
The Nice Guys is a 2016 comedy-mystery film directed by Shane Black. The movie stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as an unlikely duo who team up to solve the case of a missing girl in 1970s Los Angeles. Their chemistry and comedic timing make this a must-watch.
2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is another gem from director Shane Black, released in 2005. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, the film follows a small-time thief who stumbles into an acting audition and ends up involved in a murder investigation. The witty dialogue and clever plot twists will keep you hooked.
3. The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski is a 1998 cult classic directed by the Coen Brothers. Jeff Bridges stars as “The Dude,” a laid-back slacker who gets caught up in a kidnapping plot. With a memorable cast including John Goodman and Julianne Moore, this film delivers laughs and mystery in equal measure.
4. Get Shorty
Get Shorty is a 1995 comedy-crime film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. John Travolta stars as a mobster who ventures into Hollywood to collect a debt and ends up trying to produce a movie. With a stellar supporting cast including Gene Hackman and Rene Russo, this film is a delightful blend of crime and comedy.
5. Midnight Run
Midnight Run is a 1988 action-comedy film directed by Martin Brest. Robert De Niro plays a bounty hunter tasked with capturing a former mob accountant, played by Charles Grodin. Their odd-couple dynamic and the ensuing chase make for an entertaining ride.
6. Inherent Vice
Inherent Vice is a 2014 neo-noir film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a private investigator who gets involved in a complex web of conspiracy and crime in 1970s Los Angeles. The film’s offbeat humor and intricate plot are reminiscent of Fletch Lives.
7. The Heat
The Heat is a 2013 buddy cop comedy directed by Paul Feig. Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy star as an uptight FBI agent and a brash Boston cop, respectively, who team up to take down a drug lord. Their hilarious interactions and the film’s action-packed plot make it a fun watch.
8. The Long Goodbye
The Long Goodbye is a 1973 neo-noir film directed by Robert Altman. Elliott Gould stars as private detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes embroiled in a complex murder case. The film’s dry humor and intricate storyline make it a classic in the genre.
9. Burn After Reading
Burn After Reading is a 2008 dark comedy directed by the Coen Brothers. The film stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Frances McDormand in a story about a disc containing the memoirs of a CIA agent that falls into the hands of two gym employees. The absurdity and humor of the plot are sure to entertain.
10. Snatch
Snatch is a 2000 crime-comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie. The ensemble cast includes Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, and Benicio del Toro, and follows two intertwined plots involving a stolen diamond and a small-time boxing promoter. The film’s fast pace and witty dialogue make it a thrilling watch.
11. The Other Guys
The Other Guys is a 2010 buddy cop comedy directed by Adam McKay. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg star as two mismatched NYPD detectives who stumble upon a massive financial conspiracy. Their comedic chemistry and the film’s satirical take on the genre are highlights.
12. Hot Fuzz
Hot Fuzz is a 2007 action-comedy directed by Edgar Wright. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost star as two police officers in a seemingly quiet English village that hides a dark secret. The film’s sharp humor and action-packed sequences make it a standout in the genre.
