10 Movies & Shows Like Manodrome (2023)

Description: A character study of a lonely, mentally unstable man whose alienation from society leads to violent tendencies. The film's gritty realism and psychological depth are hallmarks of its genre.

Fact: Robert De Niro obtained a real taxi driver's license and worked 12-hour shifts to prepare for his role. The famous 'You talkin' to me?' scene was largely improvised.

Description: Explores themes of toxic masculinity, identity crisis, and societal disillusionment through a dark, psychological lens. The protagonist's descent into an underground world mirrors the psychological unraveling seen in similar narratives.

Fact: The film's twist ending was kept secret from the cast until the final days of shooting. The iconic 'soap' scene used real bars of soap made from human fat, donated by a liposuction clinic.

Description: Delves into the psyche of a narcissistic, violent protagonist whose grip on reality is questionable. The film critiques materialism and the emptiness of modern life, themes that resonate with psychological thrillers.

Fact: The business card scene was improvised by the actors. The film was initially given an NC-17 rating due to its graphic violence, but edits were made to secure an R rating.

Description: A harrowing portrayal of addiction and its devastating effects on individuals. The film's unflinching realism and psychological intensity are central to its impact.

Fact: The film's iconic 'ass to ass' scene was almost cut due to its graphic nature. The score, composed by Clint Mansell, has been widely used in trailers and other media.

Description: Focuses on a man suffering from severe insomnia and guilt, leading to a distorted perception of reality. The film's bleak atmosphere and psychological tension are central to its narrative.

Fact: Christian Bale lost 63 pounds for the role, reducing his weight to 120 pounds. The film's title refers to the protagonist's profession and his mechanical, detached existence.

Description: A stylized thriller about a stoic protagonist with a violent undercurrent. The film's minimalist dialogue and intense, atmospheric visuals are key to its appeal.

Fact: The film's soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, with its synth-heavy score. The iconic scorpion jacket was custom-made for the film and became a symbol of the protagonist's duality.

Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the pressures of perfection and the protagonist's mental unraveling. The film's intense, surreal visuals and themes of duality are key elements.

Fact: Natalie Portman trained in ballet for over a year to prepare for the role. The film's climactic transformation scene used a mix of practical effects and CGI.

Description: A gritty character study of a broken man clinging to his past glory. The film's raw, emotional tone and exploration of identity resonate with similar narratives.

Fact: Mickey Rourke performed many of his own stunts, including the barbed wire scene. The film's script was written specifically with Rourke in mind.

Description: Follows an ambitious but morally ambiguous protagonist who thrives in the underbelly of crime journalism. The film's critique of media sensationalism and its dark tone align with psychological thrillers.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost 20 pounds to portray the gaunt, obsessive character. The film's title refers to the nocturnal nature of the protagonist's work.

Description: A character-driven exploration of mental illness, societal neglect, and the birth of a villain. The film's gritty realism and psychological depth make it a standout in the genre.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix's laughter was inspired by real-life cases of pathological laughter. The film's budget was relatively low for a comic book movie, at around $55 million.