10 Movies and Shows Similar to Blue Ruin (2014)

Description: Like 'Blue Ruin', this film explores the idea of a seemingly ordinary man with a violent past, and the consequences when that past catches up with him. Both films are tense, character-driven thrillers that subvert expectations about revenge narratives. The themes of identity and the inescapability of violence are central to both stories.

Fact: Viggo Mortensen performed many of his own stunts. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards. Director David Cronenberg initially turned down the project before changing his mind.

Description: This Coen Brothers masterpiece shares 'Blue Ruin's' bleak outlook on violence and fate, with a similar emphasis on tension and atmosphere over action. Both films feature protagonists who are in over their heads, pursued by relentless killers. The sparse dialogue and haunting visuals are also reminiscent of 'Blue Ruin's' style.

Fact: Javier Bardem's haircut was inspired by a photograph of a 1970s Texas prisoner. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The Coen Brothers considered not having any music in the film at all.

Description: Like 'Blue Ruin', this film is a stylish, atmospheric thriller with a quiet, introspective protagonist who is capable of extreme violence. Both films use minimal dialogue and rely heavily on visuals and music to create mood. The themes of loneliness and the consequences of violence are also central to both stories.

Fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to do stunt driving for the role. The film's soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon. Director Nicolas Winding Refn was inspired by fairy tales when making the film.

Description: This neo-noir thriller shares 'Blue Ruin's' themes of mistaken identity and escalating violence, with an ordinary man drawn into a dangerous world. Both films feature a protagonist who is in over his head, with a similar tone of dread and unpredictability. The 1980s setting and synth-heavy score also give it a distinctive atmosphere, much like 'Blue Ruin's' unique aesthetic.

Fact: Based on a novel by Joe R. Lansdale. Features a rare dramatic role for comedian Don Johnson. The film's score was composed by Jeff Grace, who also worked on 'Stake Land' and 'The House of the Devil'.

Description: Like 'Blue Ruin', this film is a gritty, character-driven thriller about a man seeking vengeance for his family. Both films explore themes of brotherhood, violence, and the struggles of the working class. The bleak, rural setting and tense atmosphere are also reminiscent of 'Blue Ruin's' aesthetic.

Fact: Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson both underwent physical transformations for their roles. The film was shot in Braddock, Pennsylvania, a real-life struggling steel town. Director Scott Cooper also wrote the screenplay, which was inspired by real events.

Description: This crime thriller shares 'Blue Ruin's' cynical view of violence and its consequences, with a focus on the gritty, unglamorous side of criminal life. Both films feature protagonists who are professional killers, but the films are more about the psychological toll of violence than the action itself. The political undertones and sharp dialogue also set it apart, much like 'Blue Ruin's' unique perspective.

Fact: Based on the novel 'Cogan's Trade' by George V. Higgins. Brad Pitt took a significant pay cut to star in the film. The film's release was delayed due to Hurricane Sandy.

Description: Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic Australia, this film shares 'Blue Ruin's' focus on a lone, driven protagonist seeking vengeance. Both films explore themes of isolation and the futility of violence, with sparse dialogue and a heavy reliance on visual storytelling. The desolate landscapes and tense atmosphere are reminiscent of 'Blue Ruin's' moody aesthetic.

Fact: Robert Pattinson's performance was highly praised, marking a departure from his 'Twilight' roles. The film is set 10 years after a global economic collapse. Director David Michôd also wrote the screenplay, which took him years to develop.

Description: This modern Western shares 'Blue Ruin's' themes of desperation and revenge, with a similar focus on character over action. Both films are tense, morally complex thrillers that explore the consequences of violence. The dusty, sun-baked landscapes also evoke a similar atmosphere to 'Blue Ruin's' rural setting.

Fact: Chris Pine and Ben Foster did their own driving stunts. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards. The script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays for years.

Description: This stylish thriller shares 'Blue Ruin's' mix of tension, dark humor, and sudden violence, with a similarly enigmatic protagonist. Both films have a retro aesthetic and a synth-heavy score that adds to the atmosphere. The themes of identity and the past coming back to haunt you are also central to both stories.

Fact: Dan Stevens adopted an American accent for the role, which he maintained off-set. The film's soundtrack was heavily influenced by 1980s synth music. Director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett have collaborated on several films.

Description: Like 'Blue Ruin', this film is a gritty, slow-burning revenge thriller that focuses on a deeply troubled protagonist. Both films explore themes of violence, trauma, and the cyclical nature of revenge, with a strong emphasis on atmospheric tension rather than action. The visual style is similarly raw and intimate, drawing the viewer into the protagonist's psychological state.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix lost a significant amount of weight for the role. The film won Best Screenplay and Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival. Director Lynne Ramsay shot the film in just 30 days.