10 Movies and Shows Similar to Night Moves (1975)

Description: A precursor to 'Night Moves', 'Harper' features a similar hard-boiled detective protagonist who is cynical yet principled. Both films involve complex mysteries that reveal deeper societal issues.

Fact: Stars Paul Newman as Lew Harper, a role he reprised in 'The Drowning Pool'. Based on the novel 'The Moving Target' by Ross Macdonald. The film was a commercial success and helped solidify Newman's status as a leading man.

Description: Both 'Klute' and 'Night Moves' feature private investigators who become emotionally involved in their cases, leading to personal and professional complications. The films also share a moody, atmospheric tone and a focus on character psychology.

Fact: Jane Fonda won an Academy Award for her role as Bree Daniels. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, who is known for his 'paranoia trilogy'. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of a call girl's life.

Description: Similar to 'Night Moves' in its neo-noir style and themes of disillusionment and moral ambiguity. Both films feature protagonists who are private investigators navigating a world that is more complex and corrupt than they initially realize. The films share a slow-burning tension and a focus on character over action.

Fact: Directed by Robert Altman, known for his unconventional storytelling. Features Elliott Gould in a career-defining role as Philip Marlowe. The film's soundtrack includes a recurring jazz version of the title song, which plays in various forms throughout the movie.

Description: Like 'Night Moves', 'Chinatown' is a neo-noir that explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and the futility of fighting against a system rigged against the protagonist. Both films feature a detective uncovering a web of deceit that is far more extensive than they anticipated.

Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski, with a screenplay by Robert Towne. Jack Nicholson's performance as J.J. Gittes is considered one of his best. The film's famous line, 'Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown,' has become iconic in cinema history.

Description: Shares with 'Night Moves' a focus on paranoia and surveillance, as well as a protagonist who becomes increasingly isolated and disillusioned. Both films use sound and visual techniques to create a sense of unease and tension.

Fact: Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, between 'The Godfather' and 'The Godfather Part II'. Gene Hackman stars as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert with a troubled conscience. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival.

Description: Both 'The Parallax View' and 'Night Moves' deal with themes of paranoia and conspiracy, featuring protagonists who are in over their heads. The films share a tense, unsettling atmosphere and a critique of institutional power.

Fact: Directed by Alan J. Pakula, part of his 'paranoia trilogy'. Features a famous montage sequence used by the Parallax Corporation to test potential assassins. The film's ending is notably bleak, even for the genre.

Description: A sequel to 'Harper', this film shares with 'Night Moves' a Southern setting and a plot involving family secrets and corruption. Both films feature protagonists who are out of their depth in unfamiliar environments.

Fact: Again stars Paul Newman as Lew Harper. Features a young Melanie Griffith in one of her first film roles. The film's title refers to a method of torture used in the plot.

Description: Like 'Night Moves', this film involves a protagonist who stumbles upon a conspiracy and must navigate a world where trust is scarce. Both films reflect the post-Watergate era's distrust of authority.

Fact: Stars Robert Redford as a CIA researcher who becomes a target. Directed by Sydney Pollack, known for his collaborations with Redford. The film was loosely based on the novel 'Six Days of the Condor' by James Grady.

Description: Shares with 'Night Moves' a sense of disillusionment and a plot that involves uncovering a conspiracy. Both films feature protagonists who are flawed and struggling with personal demons.

Fact: Stars John Heard and Jeff Bridges in lead roles. The film was initially a box office failure but has since gained a cult following. Based on the novel 'Cutter and Bone' by Newton Thornburg.

Description: Like 'Night Moves', 'The Late Show' is a neo-noir that blends traditional detective story elements with a more modern, character-driven approach. Both films feature aging protagonists who are somewhat out of step with the world around them.

Fact: Stars Art Carney as the aging detective Ira Wells. Lily Tomlin plays his quirky sidekick, Margo Sperling. The film was written and directed by Robert Benton, who would later win Oscars for 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and 'Places in the Heart'.