The Success of Murder Mystery Movies on Netflix

The Rise of Murder Mystery on Netflix

With the new streaming data from Netflix, Murder Mystery 3 \\u2013 Adam Sandler\u2019s comedy sequel to Murder Mystery 2 \\u2013 is nearly guaranteed. Netflix\u2019s Murder Mystery movie series follows Nick and Audrey Spitz, a couple who find themselves pulled into murder investigations when they least expect it. The first movie was released in 2019, boasting a star-studded cast led by Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. Murder Mystery 2\u2019s cast brings back the main pair while integrating other famous faces like Mark Strong and Jillian Bell. While both films were massively popular when they first came out, Murder Mystery 2 took Netflix by storm, becoming a popular subject of discussion on social media.

Murder Mystery 2 Saira Audrey and Nick at a party

After the success of Murder Mystery 2, it became highly likely Netflix would produce Murder Mystery 3. The chances of this have increased exponentially ever since Netflix released new streaming data for the first half of 2023.

Audrey (Jennifer Aniston) and Nick Spitz (Adam Sandler) in Murder Mystery 2

Murder Mystery 3 Will Surely Happen Given How Popular The First Two Are On Netflix

Nick holds brief case and points while Audrey looks the other direction in Murder Mystery 2.

Murder Mystery 3 is a given when looking at how popular the first two movies are. According to the What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report, Murder Mystery 2 was the 39th most-watched show between January and June. It was also the fourth most-watched movie on the list, with most of the higher-ranking titles being TV shows and miniseries. This is an impressive feat since the movie only came out at the very end of March, giving it less time than two of the three higher-ranking films \\u2013 You People, Mother, and Luther: The Fallen Sun.

Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in Murder Mystery 2

This data alone would be enough to warrant a Murder Mystery 3, but the first Murder Mystery movie also appeared on the list. Murder Mystery ranked 124th on the list with 87 million 900 thousand watch hours, which is incredibly high for a movie that released in 2019. This puts the movie at about the same level of popularity as mainstays like Gilmore Girls season 1 and Squid Game season 1, as well as new favorites like Florida Man.

Audrey and Saira talk at a wedding in Murder Mystery 2.

The data from Netflix\u2019s Engagement Report proves the staying power of Adam Sandler\u2019s Murder Mystery movies. These movies are clearly wildly popular with audiences. What\u2019s more, Murder Mystery 2\u2019s opening broke Netflix records, becoming the second-biggest opening weekend for a comedy film and hitting the Top 10 list in 91 countries. Considering how high both films ranked, Netflix would be remiss if they didn\u2019t continue the movie series by making Murder Mystery 3.

Nick Spitz looks confused while standing in a hotel room in Murder Mystery 2

The Success Behind Adam Sandler's Murder Mystery Movies

There are many reasons Adam Sandler\u2019s Murder Mystery movies have found a massive audience on Netflix. Firstly, both Aniston and Sandler have massive name recognition on their own due to their incredible acting abilities. This brings a built-in audience to the movies. On top of this, the pair are well known for making excellent comedy movies together. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston movies benefit from their onscreen chemistry and repartee. Aniston\u2019s understated comedy style provides a nice foil for Sandler\u2019s over-the-top, goofy antics.

The pilot rides a moped in Murder Mystery 2

Additionally, while the jokes can be cheesy and the plots are contrived, the Murder Mystery movies tap into beloved tropes and formulas that are popular with audiences. The first Murder Mystery leans into the classic storyline of a strained couple who gets roped into an investigation that brings them together. The film manages to include multiple beloved murder mystery tropes like bluffing the murderer, everyone is a suspect, and Chekhov\u2019s gun. On the other hand, Murder Mystery 2 shifts into the spy parody subgenre with Nick and Audrey becoming subpar private investigators. By tapping into the best parts of these genres, writer James Vanderbilt ensured the movies would find success.

What's in Store for Murder Mystery 3

Murder Mystery 2\u2019s ending includes a massive cliffhanger, perfectly setting up the plot of Murder Mystery 3. In the last moments of the film, Nick and Audrey fly in a helicopter while holding a $3 million dinosaur leather briefcase. The pilot pulls a gun on them and steals the bag and money before parachuting out, leaving the couple to crash. This sets up the central mystery for Murder Mystery 3. The private investigators will need to pilot the helicopter to safety and track down the man who pretended to be their pilot. Many big questions will come up, such as the identity of the mugger and why he robbed them.