If you loved the gritty realism and raw emotion of 'On the Rocks' (1975), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same intense drama, complex characters, and unfiltered storytelling. Whether you're a fan of 70s cinema or just discovering this gem, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

Harper (1966)
Description: A classic detective story with a modern twist, featuring a witty and resourceful private investigator who navigates a labyrinth of lies and deceit.
Fact: The film's protagonist, Lew Harper, is based on the character created by author Ross Macdonald, blending hard-boiled detective tropes with 1960s sensibilities.


Klute (1971)
Description: A psychological thriller that combines elements of noir with a character study, focusing on a detective and a call girl whose lives become dangerously intertwined.
Fact: The film's portrayal of its female protagonist was groundbreaking for its time, offering a nuanced and complex depiction of a woman in a male-dominated world.


The Long Goodbye (1973)
Description: A neo-noir film that blends detective tropes with a modern, existential twist, featuring a protagonist who navigates a morally ambiguous world with a mix of cynicism and charm.
Fact: The film's protagonist, Philip Marlowe, is portrayed as a more laid-back and contemporary version of the classic detective, reflecting the changing social attitudes of the 1970s.


Chinatown (1974)
Description: A quintessential neo-noir that delves into themes of corruption, betrayal, and the dark underbelly of power, wrapped in a meticulously crafted mystery.
Fact: The film's iconic line, 'Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown,' has become one of the most memorable in cinema history, symbolizing the futility of fighting systemic corruption.


The Conversation (1974)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores themes of surveillance, paranoia, and the erosion of privacy, with a protagonist whose professional detachment begins to crumble.
Fact: The film's sound design is meticulously crafted to reflect the protagonist's obsession with audio surveillance, creating a deeply immersive experience.


The Parallax View (1974)
Description: A conspiracy thriller that delves into the paranoia and uncertainty of the post-Watergate era, with a protagonist who uncovers a web of deceit.
Fact: The film's famous 'Parallax Test' sequence is a surreal montage designed to identify potential assassins, showcasing the film's innovative visual style.


The Drowning Pool (1975)
Description: A detective thriller that explores themes of corruption and redemption, with a protagonist who must confront his past while solving a new mystery.
Fact: The film's setting in the American South adds a layer of atmospheric tension, with the humid, oppressive environment mirroring the protagonist's internal struggles.


Night Moves (1975)
Description: A detective story that subverts traditional noir tropes, focusing on a protagonist whose personal and professional lives are equally fraught with disillusionment.
Fact: The film's title is a double entendre, referring both to the protagonist's nocturnal investigations and the chess term, symbolizing his strategic but ultimately futile moves.


Three Days of the Condor (1975)
Description: A tense political thriller that examines themes of trust, betrayal, and the individual's struggle against vast, shadowy organizations.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by real-life CIA operations, adding a layer of authenticity to its portrayal of espionage and conspiracy.


The Late Show (1977)
Description: A neo-noir that pays homage to classic detective stories while infusing them with a contemporary, self-aware humor and a focus on aging and obsolescence.
Fact: The film's title is a playful nod to the twilight years of its protagonist, a retired detective who is drawn back into the world of crime-solving.
