Top Similar Movies to Joker: Psychological Thrillers with Dark Visions

Are you a fan of Joker (2019)? If so, you might appreciate the following films that share thematic or stylistic similarities with this critically acclaimed film. These movies dive deep into the psyche of complex characters and explore societal critiques in ways that resonate with the darker world seen in Joker.

1. Taxi Driver (1976)

Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver follows a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran, played by Robert De Niro, who becomes a taxi driver in New York City and descends into madness. This film captures the isolation and derangement of its protagonist, mirroring the dark journey of Arthur Fleck in Joker. Both films feature a protagonist who is driven to the edge by the societal ills around them, highlighting the impact of mental instability on society.

2. Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, is a film about an insomniac office worker, played by Edward Norton, who forms an underground fight club with his friend, jungle, played by Brad Pitt. The movie explores themes of consumerism, identity, and mental illness, making it a strong parallel to Joker. Fight Club delves into the protagonist's struggle with anonymity and his desperate search for connection and purpose, much like Arthur Fleck in the Joker universe.

3. American Psycho (2000)

Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker, played by Christian Bale, who hides his psychopathic ego from his friends and colleagues. This psychological thriller showcases the inner turmoil and moral decay of its protagonist, traits echoed in Arthur Fleck's transformation in Joker. Both films examine the dark underbelly of modern society and explore how societal pressures can lead to mental collapse.

4. The King of Comedy (1982)

This film, also directed by Martin Scorsese, tells the story of a mentally unstable aspiring comedian, Jerry Hall, played by Robert De Niro, who becomes increasingly obsessed with a famous talk show host, Jerry Langport, played by Jerry Lewis. Like Joker, the film portrays a character whose mental instability is a reflection of the chaos and mediocrity of the entertainment industry. Both films critique the superficiality and artificiality of modern life.

5. Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Lars von Trier's Requiem for a Dream is a harrowing look at addiction and the pursuit of dreams, exploring the psychological deterioration of its characters. The film's lead characters, all of whom are obsessed with achieving something, are pushed to their limits, just as Arthur Fleck in Joker is driven to madness. This film's raw portrayal of addiction and the quest for perfection offers a fitting parallel to the psychological and physical breakdown witnessed in Joker.

6. Black Swan (2010)

Another psychological horror film, Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is about a ballerina, Nina Sayers, played by Natalie Portman, who becomes consumed by her ambition, leading to a breakdown of her sanity. Like Arthur Fleck, Nina is driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection, leading to a complete mental breakdown. The film's exploration of duality and the pressures of achievement provide a compelling comparison to Joker's complex protagonist.

7. Se7en (1995)

A dark detective thriller, Se7en delves into the minds of both the detectives and the serial killer, examining themes of morality and despair. The film's exploration of psychological trauma and the breakdown of societal order is comparable to the dark undercurrents in Joker. Both films highlight the moral decay and psychological turmoil that can arise from the breakdown of societal norms.

8. Her (2013)

While Her initially seems tonally different, the film explores isolation and the search for connection in a modern world, focusing on a man's relationship with an AI, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The protagonist's emotional connection to an artificial companion mirrors the complex relationships in Joker, highlighting the theme of human connectivity and the dangers of isolation in a technological society.

9. Oldboy (2003)

A South Korean neo-noir action thriller, Oldboy, tells the story of a man who spends years in a room and, upon his release, seeks revenge on those who wronged him. The film's exploration of revenge and identity resonates with Arthur Fleck's gradual descent into madness as he seeks to rectify the wrongs committed against him. The themes of vengeance and the cyclical nature of violence are also present in Joker.

10. The Machinist (2004)

Another psychological thriller, The Machinist follows a factory worker who suffers from insomnia and begins to question reality as he becomes increasingly paranoid. The film's exploration of the protagonist's mental instability and the gradual unraveling of his psyche are similar to the deteriorating mental state of Arthur Fleck in Joker. Both films examine the consequences of sleep deprivation and the fragility of the human mind.

These films, like Joker, explore complex characters and their psychological struggles, providing a rich tapestry of dark visions and societal critiques. Whether it's the mental instability of a Vietnam veteran, a ballerina's quest for perfection, or a man's fight for revenge, these stories resonate with the complexity and tragedy of Joker.