Movies Like How to Be a Detective

If you liked How to Be a Detective (1936), a comedy and crime movie directed by Felix E. Feist, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
★ 6.9/10Also comedy and crime
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.
2
Solid Serenade (1946)
★ 7.4/10Also comedy
Tom ties up Spike and sneaks into the courtyard of the glamorous Toodles Galore with his bass, hoping to woo her with his song, much to the annoyance of a sleeping Jerry.
3
Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)
★ 7/10Also comedy and crime
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…
4
Wrong Cops (2013)
★ 6.1/10Also crime and comedy
A group of bad cops look to dispose of a body that one of them accidentally shot.
5
Song of the Thin Man (1947)
★ 6.7/10Also comedy and crime
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…
6
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
★ 8/10Also comedy
A film projectionist longs to be a detective, and puts his meager skills to work when he is framed by a rival for stealing his girlfriend's father's pocketwatch.
7
Take the Money and Run (1969)
★ 7.1/10Also comedy and crime
Virgil Starkwell is intent on becoming a notorious bank robber. Unfortunately for Virgil and his not-so-budding career, he is completely incompetent.
8
The Cheap Detective (1978)
★ 6.4/10Also comedy and crime
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.
9
My Blue Heaven (1990)
★ 6.1/10Also comedy and crime
FBI agent Barney Coopersmith is assigned to protect former Mafia figure turned informant Vincent Antonelli. In the witness protection program one is supposed to keep a low profile, but that is something that Antonelli…
10
Who Killed Cock Robin? (1935)
★ 6.8/10Also comedy and crime
A robin is shot so the woodland community holds a trial to investigate.
11
The Bodyguard (1944)
★ 7.4/10Also comedy
Spike the bulldog, grateful to Jerry for getting him out of the dogcatcher's van, offers to help the little mouse any time he whistles. Tom, Jerry's feline tormentor, seeks to overcome this new disadvantage.
12
Fun with Dick and Jane (1977)
★ 6.6/10Also comedy and crime
When an upwardly mobile couple find themselves unemployed and in debt, they turn to armed robbery in desperation.
13
Casanova Cat (1951)
★ 6.7/10Also comedy
Tom heads for a big city penthouse to become acquainted with a rich pretty female cat that lives there. He brings her Jerry as a gift and does some humiliating things to Jerry. Jerry, in turn, attracts the attention of…
14
See Spot Run (2001)
★ 6.1/10Also comedy and crime
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…
15
Sufferin' Cats! (1943)
★ 7.1/10Also comedy
Tom fights with another cat over Jerry.
16
The Midnight Patrol (1933)
★ 6.6/10Also comedy
Novice policemen Stan and Ollie bungle a burglary investigation.
17
Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994)
★ 6.5/10Also comedy and crime
Frank Drebin is persuaded out of retirement to go undercover in a state prison. There he has to find out what top terrorist, Rocco, has planned for when he escapes. Adding to his problems, Frank's wife, Jane, is…
18
Welcome to Collinwood (2002)
★ 6.1/10Also comedy and crime
Five hapless inner-city low-lifes attempt to burgle a pawnbroker's safe, but end up being plagued by bad luck.
19
Another Thin Man (1939)
★ 7.1/10Also comedy and crime
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…
20
Perfect Day (1929)
★ 7/10Also comedy
Two families embark on a pleasant Sunday picnic but manage to run into a variety of issues with their temperamental automobile. Each incident requires repeated exits and reboardings by Laurel, Hardy, their wives and…