10 Movies & Shows Like Poolman (2024)

Description: A classic film noir with a convoluted plot, sharp dialogue, and a morally ambiguous detective navigating a web of deceit and murder.

Fact: The plot was so confusing that even the director and screenwriter reportedly couldn't explain some of its twists. The film's chemistry between its leads became legendary.

Description: A revisionist noir that subverts genre expectations, featuring a detached, chain-smoking detective navigating a morally ambiguous world.

Fact: The film was a commercial failure upon release but is now considered a cult classic. Its protagonist was deliberately written as an anachronism in the 1970s setting.

Description: A gritty neo-noir with a cynical private investigator uncovering corruption, blending a hardboiled mystery with social commentary.

Fact: The film's infamous ending was controversial but cemented its status as a masterpiece. It was inspired by real-life water scandals in early 20th-century Los Angeles.

Description: A darkly comedic crime story with ordinary people caught in escalating violence, blending Midwestern charm with brutal irony.

Fact: The film's opening claim of being based on true events was entirely fictional. Its distinctive accent and phrases like 'ya betcha' became cultural touchstones.

Description: A quirky, offbeat crime comedy with a laid-back protagonist caught in a web of absurd situations, blending noir elements with humor and eccentric characters.

Fact: The Dude's love of White Russians became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fans to order the drink by his name. The film initially underperformed but gained a massive cult following.

Description: A black-and-white neo-noir exploring existential themes, with a barber caught in a crime spiral, blending fatalism with dry humor.

Fact: The film's cinematography was inspired by classic noir and German Expressionism. It was shot in color and later converted to black-and-white for artistic effect.

Description: A self-aware crime comedy with a bumbling protagonist entangled in a murder plot, blending meta-humor with classic noir tropes.

Fact: The title comes from a famous Italian poster for the James Bond film 'Thunderball.' The film marked a career resurgence for its lead actor after a long hiatus.

Description: A psychedelic detective story set in the 1970s, featuring a stoner PI navigating a convoluted plot filled with paranoia, humor, and surreal encounters.

Fact: Based on Thomas Pynchon's novel, it was the first adaptation of his work. The film's nonlinear narrative and dense plot divided critics but delighted fans of the genre.

Description: A buddy-cop comedy set in the 1970s, mixing sharp wit with a convoluted mystery, featuring mismatched detectives and a satirical take on the era.

Fact: The script was originally written in the 1990s but shelved for decades. The film's retro aesthetic and soundtrack were praised for capturing the vibe of the 1970s.

Description: A modern neo-noir mystery with a slacker protagonist uncovering hidden codes and conspiracies in Los Angeles, blending surrealism with dark humor.

Fact: The film's intricate symbolism and hidden Easter eggs sparked online communities dedicated to decoding its mysteries. It was inspired by classic Hollywood noir and conspiracy theories.