10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to MaXXXine (2024)

Description: As a foundational horror film, 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' shares with 'MaXXXine' a raw, visceral approach to horror. Both films feature protagonists fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds, with a focus on survival and the grotesque.

Fact: The film was marketed as based on true events, though this was largely fictional. It was shot on a very low budget in extreme Texas heat. Leatherface's mask was made from real human skin in the film's lore.

Description: 'American Psycho' shares with 'MaXXXine' a satirical take on ambition and the dark side of success, set against a backdrop of 1980s excess. Both films feature protagonists who are deeply immersed in their respective worlds (finance and entertainment) and whose psyches unravel in violent ways.

Fact: Christian Bale based his performance on Tom Cruise's intense smile and demeanor. The film was controversial upon release for its extreme violence. Director Mary Harron fought to keep the film's darkly comedic tone.

Description: 'Black Swan' and 'MaXXXine' both explore the psychological toll of artistic ambition, with protagonists who become consumed by their pursuit of perfection. Each film blends horror elements with drama, resulting in unsettling, visually stunning experiences.

Fact: Natalie Portman trained in ballet for a year to prepare for her role. The film was inspired by Dostoevsky's 'The Double'. Director Darren Aronofsky used body doubles to enhance the film's themes of duality.

Description: Like 'MaXXXine', the 2018 'Suspiria' remake is a horror film centered around a female protagonist in a competitive, artistic environment (dance in this case). Both films blend body horror with psychological terror, and feature striking, stylized visuals.

Fact: Director Luca Guadagnino intentionally avoided the vibrant colors of the original. Tilda Swinton plays multiple roles, including an elderly man. The film's score was composed by Radiohead's Thom Yorke.

Description: This film, like 'MaXXXine', is a throwback to 80s horror, with a slow-burn tension that builds to explosive violence. Both films feature young women in perilous situations, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and period-accurate aesthetics.

Fact: Director Ti West shot the film on 16mm to achieve an authentic 80s look. The movie was inspired by real-life Satanic panic of the 1980s. It features an early performance by Greta Gerwig.

Description: Similar to 'MaXXXine' (2024), 'X' is a horror film that explores themes of ambition, fame, and the dark side of the entertainment industry. Both films are directed by Ti West and share a gritty, retro aesthetic that pays homage to 70s and 80s horror. The films also feature strong female leads navigating dangerous environments.

Fact: 'X' was shot back-to-back with its prequel 'Pearl', both directed by Ti West. The film stars Mia Goth in dual roles, playing both the protagonist and the antagonist. The movie's aesthetic is heavily inspired by 70s exploitation films and grindhouse cinema.

Description: 'Pearl' serves as a prequel to 'X' and shares the same director, Ti West, with 'MaXXXine'. The film delves into the origins of its titular character, much like 'MaXXXine' might explore its protagonist's backstory. Both films blend horror with psychological drama, featuring women whose ambitions lead them down dark paths.

Fact: Mia Goth co-wrote the script for 'Pearl' with Ti West. The film was shot in secret during the production of 'X'. 'Pearl' uses a Technicolor-inspired color palette to evoke classic Hollywood films.

Description: Like 'MaXXXine', 'The Neon Demon' is a stylish horror film set in the world of modeling and entertainment, exploring themes of beauty, obsession, and the price of fame. Both films feature striking visuals and a surreal, nightmarish tone that critiques the industries they depict.

Fact: Director Nicolas Winding Refn was inspired by real-life stories of models in Los Angeles. The film's soundtrack was composed by Cliff Martinez, known for his work on 'Drive'. Elle Fanning's character was originally written for an older actress, but Refn changed his mind after meeting her.

Description: Both 'The Love Witch' and 'MaXXXine' are modern films that meticulously recreate the look and feel of older cinema (60s/70s for 'The Love Witch', 80s for 'MaXXXine'). They share themes of female empowerment and the dark side of desire, wrapped in visually sumptuous packages.

Fact: Director Anna Biller handmade many of the film's costumes and props. The film was shot on 35mm to achieve its retro look. It's a feminist take on the witch genre, subverting traditional tropes.

Description: 'Mandy' and 'MaXXXine' both feature intense, psychedelic horror with a strong visual style. Each film has a revenge-driven narrative and explores themes of obsession and madness, set against a backdrop of the 1980s.

Fact: Nicolas Cage's performance was highly improvisational. The film's color palette was achieved through a unique chemical process. It features a memorable score by the late Jóhann Jóhannsson.