10 Movies and Shows Similar to Super Dark Times (2017)

Description: This classic coming-of-age film shares with Super Dark Times the theme of childhood friendships tested by a traumatic event. Both movies explore the loss of innocence and the haunting impact of violence on young minds, set against a nostalgic backdrop.

Fact: The film is based on Stephen King's novella 'The Body'. River Phoenix was originally considered for the role of Gordie, but he wanted to play Chris instead. The famous train bridge scene was filmed on a real active train line, with the young actors genuinely running from an approaching train.

Description: Both films blend psychological drama with elements of surrealism and existential dread. They feature troubled teenage protagonists grappling with disturbing visions and the darker aspects of suburban life, creating a similar unsettling atmosphere.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal's sister Maggie was originally cast as Donnie's sister Elizabeth, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. The film's cult following led to a director's cut being released in 200Drew Barrymore, who plays Karen Pomeroy, also served as an executive producer on the film.

Description: Like Super Dark Times, this film presents a raw, unflinching look at teenage rebellion and the rapid loss of innocence. Both movies depict how peer pressure and trauma can lead young characters down dark paths, with intense emotional performances.

Fact: Co-writer Nikki Reed was only 13 when she wrote the screenplay with director Catherine Hardwicke. Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed actually pierced each other's ears for real during filming. The film was shot in just 24 days on a budget of $

Description: This psychological thriller shares with Super Dark Times an exploration of how violence manifests in young people and its devastating impact on families. Both films use non-linear storytelling to build tension and explore themes of nature vs. nurture.

Fact: Tilda Swinton worked with three different actors who played Kevin at different ages, but never met them off-set to maintain distance. The film was shot in just 30 days. Director Lynne Ramsay spent seven years developing the project.

Description: Like Super Dark Times, this film explores the complexities of adolescence, trauma, and the blurred lines between innocence and darkness. Both films feature a group of teenagers navigating emotional turmoil, with a strong focus on psychological depth and coming-of-age themes.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also directed the movie. Emma Watson auditioned for the role of Sam by sending in a video of herself singing 'I'm Going to Go Back There Someday' from The Muppet Movie. Logan Lerman was cast as Charlie after Chbosky saw his performance in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Description: While more romantic than Super Dark Times, this film similarly examines teenage relationships with emotional honesty and explores how personal trauma affects young lives. Both films feature protagonists who use avoidance as a coping mechanism.

Fact: Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley chemistry tested by being locked in a closet together. The screenplay was written by the same team that wrote (500) Days of Summer. The film was shot in just 25 days in Athens, Georgia.

Description: While more absurdist, this film shares Super Dark Times' dark humor and exploration of societal pressures. Both create unsettling atmospheres where violence simmers beneath the surface of seemingly normal situations.

Fact: Colin Farrell gained 40 pounds for his role. The film's unique concept came from director Yorgos Lanthimos' observation of dating shows. Rachel Weisz didn't meet Colin Farrell until their characters meet in the story.

Description: Both films share a disturbing, psychological horror element and explore themes of guilt, punishment, and the breakdown of normalcy. They create similar feelings of unease through deliberate pacing and unsettling performances.

Fact: Barry Keoghan improvised the scene where he licks Martin's wrist. The film's title references the Greek myth of Iphigenia. Director Yorgos Lanthimos forbade the actors from blinking in certain scenes to create an eerie effect.

Description: This dark comedy-drama series shares Super Dark Times' exploration of teenage alienation and violence. Both feature protagonists who struggle with emotional numbness and engage in increasingly dangerous behavior, wrapped in a stylized visual aesthetic.

Fact: The series is based on the graphic novel by Charles Forsman. The entire first season was shot in just 23 days. Alex Lawther (James) and Jessica Barden (Alyssa) had never met before filming their first scene together.

Description: Both films deal with family trauma and its psychological repercussions, blending domestic drama with elements of horror. They share a similar slow-burn tension and exploration of grief's distorting effects on reality.

Fact: Toni Collette performed the screaming scene in one take. The miniature houses in the film were all built by hand. Director Ari Aster based some scenes on his own nightmares.