19 Creative Murder Mystery Party Themes For Your Crew
- Date: February 12, 2024
- Topic: Events
- Contributors: Written by Peerspace Staff
Source: Peerspace
We love the idea of planning a murder mystery party, but there are so many different directions that this concept can go, to the point that it can be overwhelming at times. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 19 creative murder mystery party themes—whether you go for a murder mystery set in space or in the Old West, you’ll have an exciting challenge that keeps your guests engaged and creates lasting memories.
As you go over our list of murder mystery party themes, we’d also recommend that you think about your ideal party venue and what it might look like. After you finish reviewing the list, visit Peerspace (the largest online marketplace for venue rentals and the like) to discover the best party venues for rent in your area and make your murder mystery party a complete success.
1. Make it Roar with a 1920s theme
The Roaring 20s is an era remembered for its glamour and no small amount of Prohibition-related crime, from Al Capone to Bonnie and Clyde. The 20s are an ideal era for a murder mystery party theme, which is why we’re putting this idea at the top of the list!
2. Add some chills with a 1940s theme
For a slightly different yet still retro aesthetic, consider using the 1940s as your murder mystery party theme, cultivating a thrilling black and white film noir vibe at your gathering.
3. Consider some 1990s movie inspo
There are tons of decades you could draw on for inspiration, but we love the idea of using the 90s as a theme—and classic media like Clueless and 10 Things I Hate About You—as your main source of inspo! It’s likely your guests won’t have attended a murder mystery party with this theme, so they’ll especially appreciate the unique plot and aesthetic.
4. Give it a white (and red!) wedding theme
How about a murder mystery at a wedding? Assign the role of bride and groom to two of the guests and go wild coming up with plot twists and clues!
5. Make it a Harry Potter mystery
Some of us still wish we’d received our invite to Hogwarts in the mail when we turned 11. If that sounds like you, put together an amazing Harry Potter murder mystery to delight your guests and have a blast.
Our Harry Potter game ideas can help add more excitement to this murder mystery party!
6. Put Barbie on the case!
Tons of us have been obsessed with Barbie and the color pink since the Barbie movie came out in summer 2023. Make Barbie the focus of your murder mystery for thrilling results!
7. Clue: an MMP standard for a reason!
For many of us, playing the board game Clue as kids was our first introduction to the murder mystery genre, and we still have fond memories of the experience! Give your party a healthy dose of nostalgia with a Clue-themed murder mystery.
8. Combine horror + comedy with a The Office theme
What if your party was just like everyone’s favorite sitcom… but with the addition of murder?! Combine comedy and mystery for a fun and memorable Office murder mystery party.
9. Create a glitzy disco mystery
We’ve seen a lot of disco-themed parties being shared on social media, but this one from @serena_parissss is the first disco-themed murder mystery party we’ve seen, and we love it.
10. Make it a Christmas MMP to envy!
Speaking of combining two very different aesthetics in unexpected ways, what about a Christmas murder mystery?! Cozy, yet spooky—it’s hard to imagine anything better.
11. Add a dash of Regency regality with a Bridgerton theme
Bridgerton may not be a murder mystery, but if it were, maybe it would end up looking a lot like your Bridgerton murder mystery party…
12. A murder mystery on the high seas with pirates
Pirates and murder are a natural combination, and we’re obsessed with the idea of a murder mystery on the high seas!
13. Go French vintage with a Regency/Rococo theme
Take your party all the way back to 1700s France and give your guests plenty of opportunities to say “Let them eat cake!” as they solve the vintage French mystery you’ve created.
14. Go sweet and unexpected with a Stardew Valley theme
Players of this beloved game know that Stardew Valley is all about the wholesome vibes and isn’t terribly frightening, which makes it pretty perfect for a unique and unexpected murder mystery setting.
New to hosting themed events? No worries; just check out our guide on how to host a murder mystery party to hit it out of the park!
15. Add some mythology to your mystery with a Greek gods theme
Have your guests come in costume as Ancient Greek gods and goddesses and be prepared to investigate a murder on Mount Olympus.
16. Rock ‘n’ roll ‘n’ murder ‘n’ mayhem
After a murder at a rock concert, guests are asked to investigate the music industry for potential motives and alibis and get to the bottom of things.
17. Inspire all your outlaws with a Wild West theme
Transport your guests back to the Old West to uncover the murderer in a town full of cowboys and more than a few outlaws.
18. A creepy circus mystery
Although the circus is supposed to be a source of entertainment, a place where kids see people and animals perform unique stunts, there’s something sinister about circuses, too. Honestly, the clowns alone are enough to give us the creeps. Give your murder mystery a circus theme for a creative, unexpected feel.
19. Get cold-blooded with a vampire theme
Vampires have been all the rage for a while now, so why not incorporate them into your murder mystery? TikToker @gracewillowcrafts attended a vampire-themed murder mystery party in character and had a blast.
Murder mystery party themes: conclusion
Still searching for the perfect space to throw your murder mystery party? Don’t forget to take a look at the event venues available in your area for rent via Peerspace.
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