10 Movies and Shows Similar to American Psycho (2000)

Description: Both 'Taxi Driver' and 'American Psycho' feature isolated, mentally unstable protagonists who descend into violence. The films critique urban alienation and the dark underbelly of society. Travis Bickle and Patrick Bateman are both iconic antiheroes whose narratives challenge the audience's perception of sanity and morality.

Fact: Robert De Niro actually obtained a taxi driver's license to prepare for the role. The famous 'You talkin' to me?' scene was largely improvised. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival.

Description: 'Se7en' and 'American Psycho' both delve into the minds of serial killers, with a focus on their meticulous, almost artistic approach to murder. Both films critique societal decay and moral corruption. The dark, gritty aesthetic and psychological intensity are hallmarks of both movies.

Fact: The film's title stylized as 'Se7en' refers to the seven deadly sins. Brad Pitt waived his salary to get the film made. The infamous 'box scene' was kept secret from the cast to ensure genuine reactions.

Description: Both 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' and 'American Psycho' center around charismatic, sociopathic protagonists who navigate high society while hiding their true natures. The films explore themes of identity theft, envy, and the destructive pursuit of the American Dream. The lush, stylish visuals contrast with the dark narratives.

Fact: Matt Damon learned to play piano for the role. The film is based on Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel. Jude Law received an Academy Award nomination for his performance.

Description: Similar to 'American Psycho', 'Fight Club' explores themes of identity crisis, consumerism, and the dark side of masculinity. Both films feature unreliable narrators and delve into the psychological breakdown of their protagonists. The satirical critique of modern society and the blurring line between reality and delusion are central to both narratives.

Fact: Brad Pitt and Edward Norton underwent intense physical training for their roles. The film was initially met with mixed reviews but later gained a cult following. The famous 'fight club rules' were inspired by actual rules from a martial arts dojo.

Description: Like 'American Psycho', 'The Machinist' delves into the psychological unraveling of its protagonist. Both films feature main characters who are unreliable narrators, struggling with their own perceptions of reality. The themes of guilt, paranoia, and self-destruction are prevalent in both stories.

Fact: Christian Bale lost 63 pounds for his role, reducing his weight to 120 lbs. The film's budget was only $5 million. The director, Brad Anderson, was inspired by classic psychological thrillers like 'Repulsion' and 'The Tenant'.

Description: Like 'American Psycho', 'Zodiac' explores obsession, paranoia, and the elusive nature of truth. Both films are based on real-life events (or in 'American Psycho's case, inspired by real societal fears) and feature protagonists whose sanity is questioned. The meticulous attention to detail in both narratives adds to their unsettling realism.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal spent time with the real Robert Graysmith to prepare for his role. The film's runtime is 2 hours and 40 minutes, one of Fincher's longest. The basement scene was shot over 50 times to achieve the right tension.

Description: Similar to 'American Psycho', 'No Country for Old Men' features a chilling, amoral antagonist (Anton Chigurh) whose violence is both random and methodical. Both films explore themes of fate, existential dread, and the banality of evil. The Coen Brothers' stark, unflinching style parallels the cold detachment of 'American Psycho'.

Fact: Javier Bardem's haircut was inspired by a 1979 photo of a brothel patron. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The coin toss scene was improvised by Bardem.

Description: 'Black Swan' shares with 'American Psycho' a descent into madness narrative, where the protagonist's obsession with perfection leads to self-destruction. Both films blur the line between reality and hallucination, and feature intense, psychological horror elements. The themes of duality and transformation are central to both stories.

Fact: Natalie Portman trained in ballet for a year to prepare for the role. The film was shot in just 42 days. Darren Aronofsky originally conceived the idea as a follow-up to 'The Wrestler'.

Description: 'Gone Girl' and 'American Psycho' both explore themes of deception, manipulation, and the performative nature of identity. Both films feature protagonists who meticulously craft their public personas to hide their true, darker selves. The narratives also critique media sensationalism and societal expectations.

Fact: Rosamund Pike's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination. Author Gillian Flynn also wrote the screenplay. The film's twist was kept secret from the cast until necessary.

Description: 'Nightcrawler' shares with 'American Psycho' a critique of ambition and moral decay in modern society. Both protagonists are sociopathic individuals who manipulate those around them to achieve their goals. The films also share a dark, satirical tone and explore themes of obsession and the commodification of human suffering.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal lost 20 pounds to play the gaunt, hungry-looking Lou Bloom. The film's title refers to freelance journalists who chase crime scenes. Director Dan Gilroy was inspired by the 1976 film 'Network'.