10 Movies & Shows Like ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ (1985)

Description: 'Tootsie' and 'Desperately Seeking Susan' both explore themes of identity and disguise, with protagonists who adopt new personas to navigate their worlds. Both films use humor to address serious issues like gender roles and societal expectations, and both feature strong performances that highlight the complexities of their characters' transformations.

Fact: Dustin Hoffman's performance is considered one of the greatest in film history. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Jessica Lange won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role.

Description: This dark comedy shares with 'Desperately Seeking Susan' a New York setting and a plot involving mistaken identities and chaotic, humorous situations. Both films feature characters who are out of their depth and must navigate absurd circumstances, with a tone that balances satire and heart.

Fact: Directed by the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams, known for their slapstick comedies. Bette Midler's performance was widely praised. The film was a box office success, cementing Danny DeVito's status as a leading man.

Description: This film shares with 'Desperately Seeking Susan' a quirky, offbeat tone and a narrative that revolves around a chance encounter leading to unexpected adventures. Both movies blend genres, mixing comedy, romance, and thriller elements, and feature strong, unconventional female leads who disrupt the lives of the more reserved protagonists.

Fact: Directed by Jonathan Demme, who later won an Oscar for 'The Silence of the Lambs'. Features an early performance by Ray Liotta in a dramatic turn. The soundtrack includes eclectic music that became a hallmark of Demme's films.

Description: Like 'Desperately Seeking Susan', 'Broadcast News' is set in a fast-paced urban environment and features a strong, independent female lead navigating professional and personal challenges. Both films blend comedy and drama, and explore themes of authenticity and the search for meaningful connections in a superficial world.

Fact: Holly Hunter's performance earned her an Oscar nomination. The film was written, produced, and directed by James L. Brooks. It was inspired by Brooks' experiences in television news.

Description: Both 'Moonstruck' and 'Desperately Seeking Susan' are romantic comedies with a strong sense of place (New York City and Brooklyn, respectively) and feature women who find themselves through unexpected romantic encounters. The films balance humor with heartfelt moments and explore themes of love, fate, and self-discovery.

Fact: Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. The film also won Oscars for Best Supporting Actress (Olympia Dukakis) and Best Original Screenplay. The famous line 'Snap out of it!' became iconic.

Description: 'Overboard' and 'Desperately Seeking Susan' both involve characters assuming new identities, with humorous and heartwarming results. Both films explore themes of class and identity, with protagonists who find themselves in unfamiliar worlds and must adapt to survive.

Fact: Stars Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, who were a real-life couple. The film was remade in 2018 with Anna Faris and Eugenio Derbez. The original was a modest hit but has since gained a cult following.

Description: This film shares with 'Desperately Seeking Susan' a theme of reinvention and the pursuit of the American Dream in a corporate setting. Both protagonists use disguise and deception to climb the social ladder, with comedic and romantic complications along the way.

Fact: Michael J. Fox was at the height of his fame during this period. The film was a box office hit, capitalizing on Fox's 'Back to the Future' fame. The soundtrack features popular 80s music, enhancing the film's energetic tone.

Description: Like 'Desperately Seeking Susan', 'Working Girl' explores themes of identity, transformation, and female empowerment in an urban setting. Both films feature a protagonist who reinvents herself to navigate a world dominated by more powerful figures. The films share a mix of comedy and drama, with a strong focus on the lead female characters' personal growth.

Fact: Melanie Griffith received an Academy Award nomination for her role. The film was directed by Mike Nichols, known for his sharp social commentaries. The iconic 'Let the River Run' by Carly Simon won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Description: While more dramatic, 'Thelma & Louise' shares with 'Desperately Seeking Susan' a focus on female friendship and liberation from societal constraints. Both films feature women breaking free from their mundane lives, though 'Thelma & Louise' takes a more radical approach. The road movie format and the exploration of female agency are key similarities.

Fact: The film's ending is one of the most debated in cinema history. Brad Pitt's breakout role was in this film. Directed by Ridley Scott, known for his visually stunning films.

Description: This film, like 'Desperately Seeking Susan', features two women from different backgrounds thrown together in unexpected circumstances. Both movies mix comedy and adventure, with a focus on the protagonists' growing friendship and their journey of self-discovery.

Fact: Stars Shelley Long and Bette Midler in a rare comedic pairing. The film was a commercial success, showcasing the appeal of female-led comedies. The plot involves mistaken identity and a cross-country chase.