The 25 Best Movies Like 'Taxi Driver', Ranked By Fans
- Photo: The King of Comedy113 VOTES
The King of Comedy, directed by Martin Scorsese, is an intense psychological thriller that delves into the life and mind of Rupert Pupkin, a struggling comedian played by Robert De Niro. Pupkin's obsession with fame and recognition takes him down a dark path where he kidnaps his idol to secure a spot on late-night television. The film explores themes of celebrity worship, mental illness, and the lengths one might go for success. It has left an indelible mark on pop culture and remains a significant piece in the genre.
The King of Comedy shares similarities with Taxi Driver through its exploration of an obsessive character played by Robert DeNiro in a film directed by Martin Scorsese.
- Photo: Mean Streets220 VOTES
Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets paints a gritty picture of New York City through its exploration of morality, religion, and redemption. This gripping tale follows Charlie (Harvey Keitel), who navigates his way through seedy underworlds while grappling with personal demons fueled by Catholic guilt. His relationship with Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro), an unpredictable loan defaulter, adds another layer to this complex narrative. The film’s impact resonates throughout the genre as it redefined the cinematic portrayal of urban life.
Mean Streets resonates with Taxi Driver by delving into the gritty urban landscape and moral dilemmas faced by its characters, highlighting Robert De Niro's captivating portrayal and Martin Scorsese's directorial prowess amidst the themes of guilt and redemption found in both films.
- Photo: Warner Bros39 VOTES
Todd Phillips' Joker offers an unsettling glimpse into the transformation of Arthur Fleck, portrayed brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix, from a marginalized citizen to Gotham city’s most notorious villain. Its exploration of societal neglect and mental health issues create a disturbing atmosphere that challenges audience perceptions about hero-villain dynamics typically seen in comic-based films. Winning numerous awards, Joker not only pushed boundaries within its genre but also sparked extensive dialogue around mental health awareness in society.
Joker parallels Taxi Driver with its portrayal of a misanthropic character descending into violence as a response to societal isolation.
- Photo: Prisoners / Alcon Entertainment415 VOTES
Prisoners is an intense exploration of how far one can go when their child's life is at stake. The plot revolves around two families whose daughters are kidnapped, leading to a desperate and morally ambiguous quest for justice. Hugh Jackman delivers a riveting performance as Keller Dover, a man pushed to his limits by the horrifying situation. Jake Gyllenhaal also shines as Detective Loki, who tries to maintain law and order in the face of mounting pressure. With its chilling narrative and thought-provoking themes about the nature of humanity under extreme stress, Prisoners leaves an indelible mark on the psychological thriller genre.
Prisoners parallels Taxi Driver by showcasing characters pushed to extremes in pursuit of vigilante justice.
- Photo: Nocturnal Animals510 VOTES
Nocturnal Animals, directed by Tom Ford, is a hauntingly beautiful psychological thriller that intertwines reality with fiction through multiple narratives. Amy Adams plays Susan Morrow, an art gallery owner haunted by her past decisions when she receives a manuscript written by her ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal). The chilling novel within the movie depicts violent events which parallel the emotional turmoil of their failed relationship. The film's impeccable storytelling and its exploration of revenge, regret, and redemption have made it a standout in the genre.
Nocturnal Animals mirrors Taxi Driver in its themes of psychological turmoil and revenge.
- Photo: Bad Lieutenant67 VOTES
Abel Ferrara’s Bad Lieutenant is an unsettling masterpiece that follows the harrowing journey of a corrupt cop (Harvey Keitel) spiraling into addiction and moral decay. His path to redemption through an investigation of a nun's rape gives this film its chilling edge. The movie strikes a balance between religious symbolism and grittiness, making it a thought-provoking addition to the genre. Its unflinching portrayal of corruption and redemption has left a lasting impact on the depiction of law enforcement characters in cinema.
Bad Lieutenant echoes Taxi Driver in its depiction of violent hedonism and corruption, with both films featuring raw and gripping performances as troubled protagonists grapple with inner demons in both narratives.
- Photo: Nightcrawler / Open Road Films712 VOTES
In contrast, Nightcrawler takes viewers into the eerie underworld of crime journalism in Los Angeles. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, an ambitious sociopath who finds his calling recording violent events late at night and selling them to local news stations. This film brilliantly exposes our society's obsession with sensationalism and the ethical boundaries blurred for success and fame. Rene Russo's portrayal as Nina Romina perfectly complements Gyllenhaal's character, adding another layer of complexity to this dark tale.
Nightcrawler shares similarities with Taxi Driver through its portrayal of an unbalanced protagonist often driving through the dark underbelly of society.
- Photo: Miller's Crossing84 VOTES
Set in the Prohibition era, Miller's Crossing is a riveting exploration of trust, power dynamics, and moral ambiguity. The Coen Brothers artfully weave a tale around Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), a crafty advisor caught in a violent power struggle between two rival gangsters. This movie's intricate plot and complex character relationships offer an immersive experience that leaves viewers questioning their own understanding of morality and allegiance within its darkly atmospheric setting.
Miller's Crossing resonates with Taxi Driver in its exploration of loyalty and ethical dilemmas amidst a backdrop of violence.
- Photo: 88 Minutes96 VOTES
The race against time gets a new meaning in 88 Minutes. Al Pacino plays Dr. Jack Gramm, a forensic psychiatrist who receives a death threat stating he has only 88 minutes left to live. As he tries to unravel who wants him dead, viewers are plunged into a fast-paced journey filled with suspense and uncertainty. The movie masterfully uses real-time countdowns to heighten tension while exploring themes such as guilt, vindication and trust.
88 Minutes resonates with Taxi Driver by featuring a caught in a life and death scenario amidst themes of guilt and redemption.
- Photo: Locke1015 VOTES
Locke offers a unique take on psychological thrillers through its minimalist approach - set entirely in a car during a single drive at night. Tom Hardy gives an exceptional performance as Ivan Locke, whose life unravels over numerous phone calls while he drives from Birmingham to London. Despite its confined setting, Locke manages to create a gripping narrative that delves into themes of responsibility, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. The movie’s influence can be seen in later works that use limited settings to enhance psychological tension.
Locke mirrors Taxi Driver in its exploration of psychological tension and moral dilemmas intensified by monotone monologues and the meditative feel of driving.
- Photo: Panic in Needle Park / 20th Century Fox1110 VOTES
The Panic in Needle Park provides a raw and unflinching look at drug addiction's devastating effects. Al Pacino delivers a powerful performance as Bobby, a small-time thief addicted to heroin, while Kitty Winn portrays Helen, his girlfriend who descends into addiction alongside him. Set against the backdrop of New York's Sherman Square - known as “Needle Park” for its rampant drug use - the film offers an empathetic portrayal of addicts struggling with their personal demons. Its candid depiction of drug culture has made it a standout in the psychological thriller genre and continues to resonate in today's society.
The Panic in Needle Park echoes Taxi Driver in its portrayal of societal outcasts descending into despair, with both films featuring powerful performances amidst themes of isolation and self-destruction.
- Photo: The Limey127 VOTES
The Limey stands out in the pantheon of revenge thrillers due to its unique narrative style and compelling character study. Terence Stamp captivates audiences as Wilson, an English ex-con on a quest for vengeance in Los Angeles following his daughter's death under mysterious circumstances. His relentless pursuit becomes more than just retribution; it evolves into self-discovery and introspection against a backdrop of crime-laden intrigue.
The Limey shares similarities with Taxi Driver through its portrayal of a vengeful protagonist navigating a world of crime and intrigue.
- Photo: Hoffa137 VOTES
Hoffa delves deep into the labyrinth of the human psyche through its protagonist James R. Hoffa, played by the legendary Jack Nicholson. The film unfolds as a historical thriller that explores the life of the infamous labor union leader who mysteriously disappeared in 1975. It is an enthralling journey that navigates through Hoffa's ambitious rise to power and his subsequent tragic downfall. The movie’s psychological intensity lies in its exploration of political corruption, power struggles, and loyalty.
Hoffa shares similarities with Taxi Driver through its exploration of a complex protagonist navigating a world of betrayal.
- Photo: Raging Bull142 VOTES
Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese chronicles the life of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a professional boxer whose violent tendencies and self-destructive behavior extend beyond the ring. The film delves into the psychological impact of aggression, jealousy, and obsession on personal relationships. LaMotta's tumultuous life journey, magnificently portrayed by De Niro, has left a lasting impact on cinematic portrayals of complex characters in the psychological thriller genre.
Raging Bull echoes Taxi Driver in its exploration of a complex protagonist grappling with inner demons and destructive tendencies, featuring Robert De Niro's mesmerizing performance and Martin Scorsese's impeccable directing.
- Photo: Serpico152 VOTES
Serpico, on the other hand, offers a stark portrayal of police corruption. Al Pacino brilliantly brings to life the character of Frank Serpico, an honest cop who risks everything to expose the rampant bribery and corruption within his own department. The film's intense exploration of integrity and moral compromise amidst systemic corruption makes it stand out as a compelling psychological thriller.
Serpico shares similarities with Taxi Driver through its exploration of corruption and moral integrity led by a powerful acting performance.
- Photo: Thief165 VOTES
Thief, directed by Michael Mann, is a gritty exploration of the criminal underworld. James Caan gives a riveting performance as Frank, an expert jewel thief who wants to leave his life of crime behind but finds himself pulled back in for that one last job. The film delves deep into Frank's psyche and his struggle between loyalty to his profession and desire for a normal life. This film has been lauded for its realistic depiction of thieves' lives, marking it as an important entry in the psychological thriller genre.
Thief echoes Taxi Driver in its depiction of a protagonist torn between a life of crime and a desire for redemption amidst themes of existential angst.
- Photo: Serenity174 VOTES
A sci-fi noir with a twist, Serenity hooks audiences with its intriguing plotline and unexpected revelations. Matthew McConaughey delivers a riveting performance as Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain whose tranquil existence is shattered when his past crashes uninvited into his present. As he grapples with reality versus illusion, viewers are drawn into an intense psychological vortex that challenges perceptions of truth and morality.
Serenity parallels Taxi Driver in its exploration of truth versus fiction in the mind of one man grappling with existential questions.
- Photo: Glengarry Glen Ross184 VOTES
In Glengarry Glen Ross, viewers are thrust into a high-stakes world where real estate salesmen are pushed to their limits for survival. This gripping drama showcases exceptional performances from a star-studded cast including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin. Underneath the cutthroat competition and deceitful tactics lies a profound commentary on capitalism's dehumanizing effects. Its iconic line "Always Be Closing" has seeped into pop culture, symbolizing relentless pursuit of success at all costs.
Glengarry Glen Ross resonates with Taxi Driver in its portrayal of characters driven to extremes by the pressures of capitalism.
- Photo: Saban Films191 VOTES
A Vigilante weaves a chilling tale of a woman's quest for justice and retribution. Olivia Wilde delivers an outstanding performance as Sadie, a domestic abuse survivor who dedicates her life to helping victims escape their tormentors. The film explores the psychological impact of trauma and the lengths one will go to seek vengeance. Its gritty realism and intense narrative make it a compelling entry in the realm of psychological thrillers.
A Vigilante echoes Taxi Driver in its portrayal of a character driven by a need for justice by any means necessary.
- Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures201 VOTES
Watchmen catapults its audience into an alternate reality where superheroes exist but are treated as outlaws. This intricate narrative is deeply rooted in psychology, exploring complex themes such as morality, identity, and power dynamics. The ensemble cast includes Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach, a vigilante with his own moral compass that often clashes with societal norms. Watchmen has left an indelible mark on pop culture, challenging conventional superhero narratives.
Watchmen resonates with Taxi Driver in its exploration of morality, isolation, and vigilantism within a dangerous world.
- Photo: Miramax Films213 VOTES
Cop Land is a gripping tale set against the backdrop of law enforcement. Sylvester Stallone delivers an understated yet powerful performance as Freddie Heflin, a small-town sheriff drawn into investigating corrupt New York City cops living in his jurisdiction. The movie dives into Heflin’s moral dilemma and loneliness, creating tension that keeps audiences on edge throughout. It has since become iconic for its layered narrative and complex characterization.
Cop Land resonates with Taxi Driver in its portrayal of one man confronting corruption with both films featuring nuanced performances amidst themes of morality and isolation.
- Photo: Killers of the Flower Moon / Apple Original Films223 VOTES
Killers of the Flower Moon paints a haunting picture of mass murder amidst Oklahoma's oil wealth during the 1920s. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro deliver standout performances in this chilling tale of greed, power, and prejudice. The film expertly weaves historical events with individual paranoia, making it a noteworthy contribution to the psychological crime genre.
Killers of the Flower Moon shares similarities with Taxi Driver through its exploration of violence and prejudice. Both films also feature incredible work by Robert DeNiro and Martin Scorsese.
- Photo: The Score233 VOTES
The Score presents an engaging story of trust, deception, and high-stakes theft. Starring Robert De Niro as Nick Wells, a seasoned thief planning his final heist, this film dives deep into the psyche of criminals and the tension-filled world they inhabit. Edward Norton also shines as Jack Teller, an ambitious rookie with his own agenda. The Score, with its remarkable performances and gripping plot twists, exemplifies the suspenseful allure of psychological thrillers.
The Score shares similarities with Taxi Driver through Robert DeNiro's depiction of a morally ambiguous character grappling with themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- 243 VOTES
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, based on Stieg Larsson’s best-selling novel, plunges viewers into a chilling mystery laced with dark secrets. Rooney Mara’s transformative performance as Lisbeth Salander – computer hacker extraordinaire with her own traumatic past – alongside Daniel Craig's disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist creates thrilling chemistry. The film's exploration of themes like revenge and social isolation through its intricate plot has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo parallels Taxi Driver in its depiction of characters seeking justice amidst a backdrop of darkness and intrigue.
- Photo: Gloria253 VOTES
Gloria serves as an excellent follow-up for fans of Taxi Driver due to its gritty portrayal of New York City and its complex characters navigating the criminal underworld. Both films explore themes of urban decay, redemption, and moral ambiguity, albeit through different lenses. While Taxi Driver delves into the mind of a disillusioned vigilante, Gloria offers a unique perspective with a strong female lead who takes on the mob to protect a young boy.
With its intense storyline and compelling performances, Gloria captures the raw essence of urban survival, making it a great choice for fans seeking similar atmospheric dramas.
