Movies Like American Psycho

Since its 2000 premiere, American Psycho has grown to become one of the most prominent cult films of the century. It’s a crime, dark comedy, and psychological horror film all rolled into one that centers on the life of Patrick Bateman, an investment banker in 1980s New York City. At night, he kills a lot of people or imagines killing a lot of people. Even if it feels unique, there are numerous movies like American Psycho. Here is a list of movies offered for plenty of fans of American Psycho.

8 Best Movies Like American Psycho That You Must Watch

1. Requiem for a Dream
2. The Killing of a Sacred Deer
3. We Need to Talk About Kevin
4. American History X
5. The Machinist
6. The Shining
7. Cape Fear
8. Memento

Requiem for a Dream (2000) – Streaming on Fubo TV, rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV

Movies Like American Psycho: Requiem for a Dream IMDb Rating 8.3 English 1h 42m

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly

What it’s about: Harry and Marion have a deep affection for one another and hope for a brighter future. Nonetheless, they are all dependent on drugs, and they all want to profit handsomely from the sale of narcotics. Harry’s mom is an avid television viewer. She took diet pills in hopes of fulfilling her greatest desire to appear on television, but the drugs they contained led to her addiction. Dillon, a buddy of Harry’s, is a heroin addict who entered the underground in an attempt to become extremely wealthy. Their aspirations were hard-won, but they eventually gave in to drug addiction and were unable to overcome it. In what way might the lost individual respond to this distant cry from his dream to comfort himself?

Why it’s similar: Firstly, the impact of drugs on one’s life is mentioned in these two classic films. Secondly, the two masterpieces have well-written scripts. Furthermore, several outstanding performances improve the film’s quality even more. Quick cuts between scenes, fisheye lenses, heightened sound effects, shaky camera angles, many panes, TV figures leaping out of the screen, and other bizarre techniques are some of two techniques directors Darren Aronofsky and Mary Harron utilize to give the impression that the audience is confined as well. The two films are great for persuading someone to give up drugs or lead a healthy lifestyle.

Relevant Recommendation: Movies Like The Strangers

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) – Rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV

Movies Like American Psycho: The Killing of a Sacred Deer IMDb Rating 7.0 English 2h 1m

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Barry G. Bernson, Herb Caillouet, Bill Camp

What it’s about: Celebrated heart surgeon Dr. Steven Murphy leads an ideal existence with his spouse and two children. Martin is a fatherless child who lives outside of a lovely suburban life and continually intrudes into the doctor’s life. Steven quickly realizes Martin’s real goals when he confronts him about a long-forgotten tragedy that might ruin his family’s happiness forever.

Why it’s similar: The soundtrack to the two movies is an essential element. The music’s extremely unsettling tone heightens the eerie ambiance and elevated tension. With the camera positioned far from the protagonists, the unusual cinematography gives the impression that the characters are little about the room’s size. Such methods demonstrate Yorgos Lanthimos’s brilliance as a director while gently reminding the spectator of this family’s helplessness.

We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) – Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla

Movies Like American Psycho: We Need to Talk About Kevin IMDb Rating 7.5 English 1h 52m

Director: Lynne Ramsay

Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller

What it’s about: Housewife Eva’s eldest kid has struggled since childhood and doesn’t appear to care about his parents’ worries. Eva gave her aphasic young kid all of her affection after feeling a bit let down. Kevin grew increasingly estranged from his mother as an adult, although he remained close to his father. His father got him a bow and arrow since he enjoyed archery. Strangely, the family’s pleasure was brought about by this bow and arrow.

Why it’s similar: From Kevin’s infancy to his incarceration, Ramsay narrates her experience in collaged bits. Because of Ramsay’s subtle directing and powerful acting, the movie has a persistently eerie vibe like American Psycho. Both Tilda Swinton and Ezra Miller are outstanding in their respective parts. The film, which tried to examine social, parental, and psychological concerns, got many positive reviews at the Cannes Film Festival.

Relevant Recommendation: Movies Like Get Out

American History X (1998) – Rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV

Movies Like American Psycho: American History X IMDb Rating 8.5 English 1h 59m

Director: Tony Kaye

Starring: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D’Angelo

What it’s about: Skinhead Derek Vinyard commanded a group of white nationalists. He was sentenced to three years in prison after killing two black men who tried to steal his truck. After taking some time to think back on his life while incarcerated, he decided to reject the prejudice and hatred of his past upon his release. After leaving the gang, he endeavored to lead a normal life. Conversely, his past actions and prejudices could have influenced his younger sister.

Why it’s similar: Let’s dive into the factors that make this film one of the movies like American Psycho. The movie skillfully illustrates how a racist with an iron will, such as Derek Vinyard, gradually accepts his biases once they are imposed upon him in a limited setting. Viewers are allowed to reflect on their own lives and experiences and recognize the compassion and beauty found in all people, regardless of race or nationality. This is a really good film. It’s a tremendously moving and significant movie.

The Machinist (2004) – Streaming on Paramount+, Fubo TV, Hoopla

Movies Like American Psycho: The Machinist IMDb Rating 7.6 English 1h 41m

Director: Brad Anderson

Starring: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón

What it’s about: Sleeplessness was causing Trevor Leznick to lose weight. His physical and emotional well-being were severely impacted by this sort of existence. He constantly thought that a colleague was working next to him in the workshop, even though no one else could see him, and he discovered a strange message in his flat. His lover ends up being his sole source of solace as the world he lives in becomes an actual nightmare. He decided to figure out all of this. However, when he starts to work on regaining his identity, he finds that the more he knows, the more he refuses to learn more.

Why it’s similar: The two movies’ locations are ideal. Never dull, the film continues introducing fresh narrative points. As the tale progresses, you will find that the writing is far more intelligent than you initially believed. It enhances the idea much to have this twist explained. A common feature of suspense and horror films is that each scene has a function.

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The Shining (1980) – Rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV

Movies Like American Psycho: The Shining IMDb Rating 8.4 English 2h 26m

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd

What it’s about: Author Jack Torrance is interviewed for the position of winter custodian of the distant, historic, enormous, and breathtaking Overlook Hotel. Jack brought his son, Danny, and his wife, Wendy. Danny so happens to be endowed with a mystery ability known as The Shining. Danny encounters the hotel’s chef, Halloran, on his first day at the Overlook Hotel, and he warns him about the hotel and the creepy Room 237. Over time, Jack starts to lose his mind and grow more violent, while Danny starts to have hallucinations. Danny and Wendy are now convinced that Jack may attempt a criminal act.

Why it’s similar: You get to see the terrifying unfolding of the main character’s mental collapse like American Psycho. This beginning is classic, with stunning cinematography and fantastic imagery. Though it’s an excellent film, The Shining still causes me nightmares. It’s worth seeing. Jack Nicholson gave a performance that will never be forgotten. This is an excellent horror film emphasizing terror and terror rather than just gore. It is worth checking out if you appreciate scary films.

Cape Fear (1991) – Rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV

Movies Like American Psycho: Cape Fear IMDb Rating 7.3 English 2h 8m

Director: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Robert De Niro, Nick Knott, Julia Roberts, Jessica Lange.

What it’s about: Max is charged with rape. He hires his lawyer, Sam, to defend himself. Sam is a feminist. Out of righteous indignation, Sam’s defense is that he intentionally withheld evidence in Max’s favor, resulting in Max being sentenced to an additional six years. Max, who did not know the law, discovered Sam’s betrayal of him by self-learning the law in prison and vowed to find Sam for revenge. Fast forward 14 years, Max is released from prison and begins his revenge plan.

Why it’s similar: The audience finds the plot reasonable and fascinating, just like American Psycho. In particular, the revenge plot in the film is not only tense and exciting but also deeply excavates the characters’ complex emotions, making the whole story more full and tense.

Memento (2000) – Streaming on Peacock Premium, Hoopla, rent or buy on Apple TV

Movies Like American Psycho: Memento IMDb Rating 8.4 English 1h 53m

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano

What it’s about: Inspector Leonard of the insurance company is determined to exact revenge for his wife’s passing. He is unable to recall daily events due to his short-term amnesia. He had to take his notes, which were irrational even after sleeping. The film goes back in time to uncover every piece of the jigsaw to solve the murder of his wife, leaving spectators equally as confused as he is. As the story opens, Pierce is on the phone with Sammy Jankis, a former client he believes is going through a comparable situation.

Why it’s similar: A clever and surprising twist to the two timeless suspense thrillers gives the unfortunate viewer a unique perspective, as the protagonist’s mental state is mirrored throughout. It is a masterfully filmed and edited piece, recorded in black and white, similar to a documentary.

Relevant Recommendation: Movies Like Talk to Me

Conclusion: American Psycho is not just a fun movie; it’s a thought-provoking viewing experience and a terrifying character study that gives viewers much to think about long after the credits have rolled. Put differently, American Psycho accomplishes a great deal of things. There aren’t many films that are quite like it, but if you’re searching for something to watch after the movie, these 8 American Psycho-inspired films will make your heart race.

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