14 Movies Like American Psycho | Similar-List

Since its 2000 release, American Psycho has continually grown in popularity and acclaim, establishing itself as one of the most notable cult movies of the century. This psychological horror, crime, and dark comedy film follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), an investment banker in 1980s New York City who harbors incredibly dark thoughts. By night, he either murders or imagines murdering numerous people. The film is confronting and strange yet undeniably memorable. Although it dials back much of the novel's content, it retains a provocative and daring edge. While American Psycho may feel unique, several other crime, dark comedy, and horror films offer similarly engaging experiences. The following titles are perfect recommendations for those who enjoy American Psycho.

14 Movies Like American Psycho

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Though The Wolf of Wall Street lacks horror elements or a protagonist who kills, it exists in a similarly excessive and amoral world, sharing comparable themes and satirical tones. The film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a stockbroker who exploits the weak financial system of the 1980s and 90s to amass an enormous fortune. From lavish parties and drug-fueled escapades to the eventual unraveling of his empire, his story is a gripping portrayal of unchecked greed and corruption.

The Wolf of Wall Street arguably stands out as the most collaborative work between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film is notorious for depicting excessive behavior, capturing Belforts' life filled with hedonistic pleasures and moral decay. Despite the absence of murder, the extensive damage caused by greed and corruption mirrors the destructive behaviors seen in American Psycho. For instance, Belfort’s manipulation of the stock market and his blatant disregard for ethical standards create a serious, thought-provoking message. Additionally, many scenes provide darkly comedic and absurd instances, such as Belfort trying to drive his car while heavily intoxicated or the infamous office parties where dwarfs are thrown as entertainment. By encapsulating these elements, The Wolf of Wall Street offers a provocative, entertaining, and slightly unsettling narrative that keeps the audience riveted, much like American Psycho. Fans of American Psycho will appreciate the film's unflinching look at the darker side of capitalism and human nature, combined with its satirical humor and energetic storytelling.

Natural Born Killers (1994)

Natural Born Killers, directed by Oliver Stone and initially scripted by Quentin Tarantino, follows two lovers, Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis), engaging in a violent crime spree. Unlike American Psycho, it features a duo of killers and leans heavily into dark comedy. The film's controversial nature led to widespread media influence and violent debates.

Like American Psycho, this film shocks audiences while incorporating darkly comedic and satirical tones. Its narrative focuses on how the mass media glorifies and profits from violence, maintaining relevance and offering a scathing critique of media sensationalism. The film is notorious for its rapid-fire editing and surreal, almost cartoonish sequences that heighten its satirical impact. Notably, the character of Wayne Gale (Robert Downey Jr.), a sensationalist journalist, exemplifies the film's critique of media ethics. The over-the-top depiction of Mickey and Mallory's killing spree directly reflects society's obsession with celebrity criminals, making Natural Born Killers a thought-provoking counterpart to American Psycho.

Man Bites Dog (1992)

Man Bites Dog, an uncompromising French film that still feels daring and grisly over 30 years later, is another crime movie with very dark humor. It chronicles a documentary crew that follows a brutal serial killer named Ben (Benoit Poelvoorde) as he goes about his daily life, committing violent crimes with startling nonchalance.

Man Bites Dog employs a mockumentary approach, making the narrative feel disturbingly believable and stomach-churning. As the film progresses, the crew starts aiding Ben in his crimes, blurring the lines between observer and participant. This narrative choice forces viewers to confront their voyeuristic impulses as American Psycho does with its audience.

Adding to the unsettling nature of the film, Ben's casual and often charismatic demeanor while committing heinous acts highlights the terrifying duality of his character. This mirrors Patrick Bateman's ability to seamlessly slip between a polished businessman and a sociopathic murderer. Additionally, the film’s examination of the media's role in sensationalizing violence remains highly relevant in today's reality TV and social media culture age, making it a proactive and thought-provoking watch for fans of American Psycho who appreciate raw, unsettling narratives intertwined with dark satire.

After Hours (1985)

For those seeking a slightly lighter-hearted yet still compelling psychological thriller than American Psycho, After Hours is highly recommended. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it follows the exceedingly unlucky Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne) through a harrowing and bizarre night in New York City's SoHo district. After a seemingly innocent late-night date goes awry, Paul finds himself in odd and increasingly surreal situations as he attempts to make his way home.

Like American Psycho, After Hours is set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City and captures the quirky and unpredictable nature of the city at night. The film's dreamlike and nightmarish ambiance pairs well with its comedic undertones, offering a lighter yet intriguing narrative. Scorsese's adept direction and the film's darkly comedic elements provide a contrasting but complementary experience to the psychological tension found in American Psycho.

Additional scene examples enrich the narrative: Paul’s frantic quest slowly unfolds into a series of misadventures involving eclectic characters like a neurotic bartender, an eccentric woman barreling through the night’s events with her papier-mché sculptures, and an unpredictable vigilante group. These sequences underscore the film’s surreal and comedic elements, making it a unique counterpart to the intense psychological themes of American Psycho. The film's final twist and Dunne's engaging performance make After Hours a captivating and entertaining watch for those who appreciate psychological narratives with a dark, humorous edge.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Few movie characters are as terrifying as Patrick Bateman, but the titular Henry (Michael Rooker) from Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is arguably even worse. The film graphically documents Henry’s murders, sparing no detail, which ensures this isn't a film for the faint-hearted. Based on the real-life crimes of Henry Lee Lucas, this movie delves into the chillingly mundane existence of a serial killer, making the horror all the more palpable.

While Patrick Bateman's killings in American Psycho leave room for interpretation regarding their reality, Henry’s actions in this film are disturbingly real and vividly depicted within the film’s universe. For instance, scenes where Henry methodically plans and executes his murders, such as the infamous home invasion sequence, provide an unflinching look into his psyche. The shocking brutality of these scenes, combined with a documentary-style approach, creates a raw and unsettling portrayal that deeply resonates with fans of American Psycho. Additionally, Henry's ability to seamlessly blend into his surroundings and manipulate those around him mirrors Bateman’s duality. This disturbing realism and exploration of a serial killer who can hide his darker side offer a comparably horrifying and raw experience, making it a gripping watch for anyone drawn to the darker aspects of human nature.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange is a dystopian crime film known for its terrifying lead character and bold artistic choices. The film centers on Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) and his gang, exploring "reforming" people through controversial methods.

The film’s exploration of crime, justice, and human nature's darker aspects ensures it retains notoriety similar to American Psycho. Much like Patrick Bateman, Alex is a deeply unsettling character, who revels in violence and chaos. Kubrick’s use of classical music, particularly Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, juxtaposes the film’s brutal scenes, creating a disturbing harmony that amplifies its impact. Additionally, exaggerated, stylized visuals and innovative camera work immerse the audience in Alex's deranged world. The “Ludovico Technique,” a fictional aversion therapy used to reform Alex, raises ethical questions about free will and state control, making it a thought-provoking watch that challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of morality and societal reform, for fans of American Psycho, A Clockwork Orange offers an equally provocative examination of disturbed characters and their descent into moral ambiguity.

The House That Jack Built (2018)

Lars von Trier's The House That Jack Built delves into deeply disturbing and twisted territories. The film chronicles 12 years in the life of Jack (Matt Dillon), an extremely intelligent but psychopathic serial killer, as he recounts his gruesome murders to the mysterious Verge (Bruno Ganz) during a conversation that metaphorically takes place in hell.

Designed to shock and provoke, the film succeeds in spades. Jack's meticulously planned murders are both horrifying and perversely artistic, reflecting his twisted view of killing as an art form. One particularly haunting scene involves Jack using a young boy's corpse as a grotesque puppet, illustrating von Trier's willingness to push boundaries and confront the audience with extreme imagery.

The film also explores Jack's fear of being caught as he meticulously plans and covers his tracks, much like Patrick Bateman's careful facade in American Psycho. The House That Jack Built engages viewers with its chilling and cerebral examination of a psychopath's mind, similar to how American Psycho presents Bateman's psychological disintegration.

The narrative structure, divided into "incidents," allows von Trier to delve deeply into each murder, providing a detailed and disturbing look into Jack's psyche. The conversations between Jack and Verge add philosophical depth, touching on themes of morality, art, and the very nature of evil. They explicitly connect to historical and cultural references that make the film both complex and thought-provoking.

Fans of American Psycho will appreciate this film's unflinching examination of horrific violence and moral ambiguity, ensuring it will captivate and disturb its audience equally. This multifaceted approach to depicting a serial killer's life makes The House That Jack Built a compelling watch for those intrigued by the darkest facets of human nature.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro have made numerous cinematic masterpieces together, with 1976's Taxi Driver as one of their most impactful collaborations. This psychological crime/drama film centers on Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a disaffected Vietnam War veteran grappling with profound insomnia as he navigates the gritty underbelly of 1970s New York City. He takes on a job as a late-night taxi driver to pass the time, wandering through the city’s darkest corners.

Taxi Driver vividly captures Travis Bickle's descent into madness and isolation through its stark, sometimes surreal, visual style and haunting soundtrack. The film delves deep into the psyche of a disturbed individual, revealing his growing obsession with cleansing the city of its perceived filth and corruption. This character study mirrors the portrayal of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, where both characters live double lives and grapple with violent fantasies.

Specific scenes, such as Travis's iconic "You talking to me?" monologue, highlight his disconnect from reality and descent into vigilantism. The film also explores themes of societal alienation and unacknowledged mental illness, paralleling American Psycho's critique of superficial societal values and the darkness lurking beneath outward appearances.

Additionally, Taxi Driver doesn't shy away from depicting moral ambiguity; Travis is a hero and a villain, much like Patrick Bateman. His infatuation with saving a young prostitute, Iris (Jodie Foster), further showcases his complex, conflicting desires and sense of righteousness, adding layers to his character that American Psycho fans would find compelling.

In every frame, Taxi Driver vividly portrays a tormented man’s inner world, making it a quintessential watch for those captivated by the psychological depth and disturbing undercurrents of American Psycho.

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down features a middle-aged man named William Foster (Michael Douglas). He snaps under the weight of societal pressures and begins to lash out against the annoyances and injustices he perceives around him. What starts as a simple day attempting to get to his daughter's birthday party transforms into a chaotic rampage across Los Angeles.

The film’s dark comedy and societal critique resonate well with American Psycho. Michael Douglas delivers a gripping performance, embodying a pent-up frustration and desperation that feels disturbingly relatable. A poignant example is the scene where Foster, frustrated by the high prices at a convenience store, ends up smashing items and ranting about economic inequity. His transformation from an ordinary, if oppressed, man into an antihero who embodies societal discontent makes for an unsettling and compelling narrative. The film’s exploration of themes such as unemployment, the breakdown of social order, and personal disillusionment contribute to its depth, making it a thought-provoking and intense viewing experience for fans of psychological dramas that challenge societal norms as perceptively as American Psycho does.

Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club, directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, is a seminal film that delves into the complexities of identity and the psyche. The story follows an unnamed narrator (Edward Norton), disillusioned with his white-collar job and consumer-driven life. He forms an underground fight club with the charismatic Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) as a form of male bonding and rebellion against societal norms.

Like American Psycho, Fight Club explores the darker aspects of the human psyche and modern societal discontent. Both films feature protagonists who lead double lives and are driven by inner turmoil, ultimately leading to violent and rebellious behavior. They also critique the emptiness of consumer culture and the loss of individual identity.

The psychological unraveling of Edward Norton's character mirrors Patrick Bateman's descent into madness, making both films compelling studies of duality and identity crises. Tyler Durden's anarchistic philosophy and subversive charisma starkly contrast the narrator's mundane existence, just as Batemans glamorous exterior conceals his horrific inner life. Additionally, Fight Club’s twist ending, where the narrator discovers that Tyler Durden is a figment of his imagination, parallels the ambiguous reality of Bateman's actions in American Psycho. This shared narrative twist challenges audiences to question the boundaries between reality and mental delusion.

Se7en (1995)

David Finchers Se7en is a psychological thriller that delves into the minds of two detectives (Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt) tracking a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. The film's grim and immersive atmosphere and plot, filled with twists and moral dilemmas, make it a masterclass in building suspense and psychological depth.

Se7en shares thematic similarities with American Psycho in its exploration of the dark undercurrents of human nature. Both films feature intricately crafted villains whose actions challenge our understanding of morality and justice. John Doe (Kevin Spacey) in Se7en methodically plans each murder to reflect one of the deadly sins, creating a narrative that's as intellectually stimulating as it is disturbing.

What sets Se7en apart is its relentless pacing and the sense of dread that builds throughout the film. The rain-soaked city where the story unfolds adds to the oppressive atmosphere, much like the stark, cold aesthetic of American Psycho. Additionally, the film's shocking climax – where Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) opens a box to find his wife's severed head – stands as one of the most memorable and horrifying moments in cinema, echoing the unsettling nature of Batemans imagined or real atrocities.

The interplay between Detective Somerset's (Morgan Freeman) seasoned, cautious approach and Mill's impulsive nature adds further depth, demonstrating how differing perspectives cope with monstrous evil. Like American Psycho, Se7en leaves viewers questioning the nature of evil and the thin veneer of civilization that often hides our basest instincts.

By supplementing these additional details, Se7en emerges as a film that not only complements American Psycho but offers a similarly harrowing journey into the darker aspects of the human psyche, making it essential viewing for fans of psychological thrillers.

Gone Girl (2014)

David Finchers Gone Girl is an exceptional psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of marriage and media manipulation. The film follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), on their fifth wedding anniversary.

The story is a labyrinth of twists and turns, with each revelation shedding new light on the character's true nature and relationships. Amy's meticulous plan to frame Nick for her disappearance is shocking and calculated, creating a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The characters are multi-dimensional; Nick’s flaws and Amy’s unsettling manipulativeness make for a gripping watch.

Like American Psycho, Gone Girl delves into the human psyche's dark recesses, exposing seemingly ordinary individuals' sinister aspects. Both films feature unreliable narrators and explore themes of deception, identity, and societal facades. Fincher's meticulous direction and the film’s unsettling atmosphere are akin to the tension and psychological depth found in American Psycho.

Rosamund Pikes's performance as Amy earned her widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination, for her portrayal of a woman who meticulously crafts a facade to manipulate those around her. The film also underscores the role of media sensationalism, as Nick's guilt or innocence is played out in the court of public opinion, reminiscent of how Patrick Bateman’s actions are concealed and highlighted by superficial societal norms.

Fincher’s use of meticulous detail—from the chilling opening sequence to the eerie score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross—adds layers to the narrative, much like the stylistic choices in American Psycho that underline Bateman's duality. The nonlinear storytelling, filled with flashbacks and conflicting perspectives, keeps audiences guessing about the character's true motivations and the story’s ultimate resolution.

Gone Girl offers a complex, suspense-filled narrative that examines dark human behaviors and the facades people maintain, making it an ideal recommendation for fans of American Psycho. Both films challenge viewers to question the nature of truth and the constructs of reality crafted by their protagonists.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

The Talented Mr. Ripley, directed by Anthony Minghella and adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel, follows Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a young man drawn into a world of wealth and deception in 1950s Italy. His envy and desire for the lavish lifestyle lead him down a dark path of impersonation, manipulation, and murder.

Like American Psycho, The Talented Mr. Ripley delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the dark side of human nature. Much like Patrick Bateman, Tom Ripley is a complex character who hides his true self behind a facade of charm and sophistication. The film captures Ripley's transformation as he becomes increasingly entangled in his lies.

Details such as the picturesque yet unsettling setting of coastal Italy highlight the stark contrasts between beauty and the sinister actions taking place. Moreover, Minghella’s direction ensures that the tension is palpable throughout, making the audience both complicit and horrified by Ripley's actions.

The performances further elevate the film. Matt Damon's portrayal of Tom Ripley captures the character's vulnerability and menace, making him a chilling counterpart to Christian Bales Patrick Bateman. Additionally, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cate Blanchett deliver strong supporting roles that enhance the narrative's depth.

Ultimately, The Talented Mr. Ripley offers a gripping psychological thriller experience, with its exploration of deception and identity resonating deeply with themes found in American Psycho.

Nightcrawler (2014)

Nightcrawler follows Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a driven and morally ambiguous man who enters the world of freelance crime journalism in Los Angeles. By filming accidents and crimes at night, he discovers a lucrative yet ethically questionable new career, pushing the boundaries of journalistic integrity.

Lou Bloom's character is meticulously crafted, showcasing his unsettling transformation as he becomes increasingly obsessed with capturing the most graphic and sensational footage. Gyllenhaal’s performance is chilling and relentless, capturing the eerily calm yet desperate demeanor of a sociopath.

Much like Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, Lou Bloom is a deeply unsettling character whose outward charm masks a disturbing lack of empathy and a willingness to exploit others for personal gain. Both films delve into the dark aspects of ambition and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their desires. In Nightcrawler, the film's portrayal of the sensationalist media industry critiques how society consumes violence and tragedy as entertainment, akin to the satirical edge found in American Psycho.

These films, alongside American Psycho, push boundaries and delve into the darkest aspects of human nature. Each provides a thrilling and thought-provoking experience, exploring themes of violence, psychological disintegration, and societal satire. They offer a captivating journey into the more shadowy corners of the human psyche, making them perfect for fans of intense, provocative cinema.