If you were captivated by the quiet yet poignant storytelling of 'Jasper Mall' (2020), a documentary that explores the decline of a once-thriving shopping center, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article curates a list of titles that share themes of nostalgia, economic shifts, and the human stories behind fading American institutions. Whether you're a fan of observational documentaries or enjoy reflective narratives, these picks will resonate with you.

Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Description: A horror classic that uses a shopping mall as its primary setting, this film explores themes of consumerism and societal collapse. The mall becomes a sanctuary and a prison, reflecting both the comforts and dangers of modern life.
Fact: The movie was shot in a real shopping mall in Pennsylvania, which was still under construction at the time.


The Blues Brothers (1980)
Description: While not set in a mall, this film features a memorable scene in a shopping center, showcasing the chaos and energy that can erupt in such spaces. The movie's blend of music, comedy, and destruction mirrors the unpredictable nature of mall life.
Fact: The shopping mall scene was filmed in a real mall in Illinois, which had to be closed for several days to accommodate the elaborate car chase sequence.


Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Description: This coming-of-age comedy features a shopping mall as a central hub for teenage life, where characters work, hang out, and navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. The mall serves as a microcosm of youthful energy and rebellion.
Fact: The film was based on a book by Cameron Crowe, who went undercover as a high school student to research the story.


Night of the Comet (1984)
Description: This sci-fi horror film features a shopping mall as one of the few remaining safe havens after a comet wipes out most of humanity. The mall's emptiness and abundance of resources make it a surreal and eerie setting for survival.
Fact: The film was inspired by the director's childhood memories of empty shopping malls early in the morning.


Chopping Mall (1986)
Description: This horror-comedy takes place in a shopping mall after hours, where killer robots run amok. The film plays on the eerie emptiness of a usually bustling space, turning it into a deadly playground.
Fact: The film was originally titled 'Killbots' but was changed to 'Chopping Mall' to capitalize on the slasher movie trend of the 1980s.


Clerks (1994)
Description: This black-and-white indie film takes place in a convenience store and a video rental shop, capturing the monotony and absurdity of retail work. The film's raw, unfiltered dialogue and mundane setting resonate with the everyday struggles of mall employees.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just 21 days, mostly at night, because the director had to keep his day job at the store where the movie was filmed.


Clueless (1995)
Description: A modern retelling of Jane Austen's 'Emma,' this film uses the shopping mall as a symbol of teenage privilege and social hierarchy. The protagonist's frequent mall trips highlight the importance of consumer culture in shaping identity and relationships.
Fact: The film popularized several fashion trends of the 1990s, including plaid skirts and knee-high socks.


Empire Records (1995)
Description: Set in a record store, this film captures the camaraderie and chaos of working in a retail environment. The store becomes a haven for misfits and music lovers, much like the eclectic community found in a mall.
Fact: The film was shot in a real record store in North Carolina, which closed shortly after production wrapped.


Mallrats (1995)
Description: Set entirely within a shopping mall, this comedy delves into the lives of slackers and misfits who find solace and absurdity in consumer culture. The mall serves as both a backdrop and a character, highlighting the surreal and often hilarious interactions that take place there.
Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but gained a cult following through home video releases and repeated TV airings.


The Parking Lot Movie (2010)
Description: This documentary captures the mundane yet oddly fascinating lives of people working in a seemingly ordinary setting, much like the everyday drama found in a shopping mall. It explores themes of boredom, existentialism, and the quirks of human interaction in a confined space.
Fact: The film was shot over three years and features real-life parking lot attendants who share their unfiltered thoughts about life, work, and society.
