10 Movies and Shows Similar to Dead Ringers (1988)

Description: Like 'Dead Ringers', 'Rosemary's Baby' is a psychological horror film that explores themes of paranoia, manipulation, and the horrors of reproduction. Both films feature a slow build of tension and a focus on the protagonist's deteriorating mental state.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Ira Levin. It was Roman Polanski's first American film. The film's composer, Krzysztof Komeda, died shortly after completing the score.

Description: Cronenberg's first major film, 'Shivers' sets the tone for his later work, including 'Dead Ringers', with its focus on bodily horror and the breakdown of social norms. Both films feature a clinical, almost detached approach to their horrific subject matter.

Fact: The film was initially met with controversy due to its graphic content. It was produced by Ivan Reitman, who would later direct 'Ghostbusters'. The film is set in a single apartment building, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere.

Description: Roman Polanski's 'The Tenant' shares with 'Dead Ringers' a focus on psychological horror and the disintegration of identity. Both films feature protagonists who become increasingly paranoid and unstable, with a claustrophobic, unsettling atmosphere.

Fact: Polanski himself stars in the film. It is the final film in Polanski's 'Apartment Trilogy'. The film was initially met with mixed reviews but has since been reevaluated as a classic.

Description: This early Cronenberg film shares with 'Dead Ringers' a focus on medical horror and the transformation of the body. Both films explore the terrifying consequences of scientific experimentation gone wrong.

Fact: The film stars adult film actress Marilyn Chambers in the lead role. It was inspired by Cronenberg's fascination with disease and infection. The film was remade in 2019, though without Cronenberg's involvement.

Description: A psychological horror film that, like 'Dead Ringers', deals with themes of reproduction, bodily autonomy, and the horrors of the human body. Both films feature a cold, clinical atmosphere and explore the dark side of human relationships.

Fact: The film was inspired by Cronenberg's own contentious divorce. It features one of the most disturbing child performances in horror cinema. The film's score was composed by Howard Shore, a frequent Cronenberg collaborator.

Description: This film, like 'Dead Ringers', explores the limits of human consciousness and the terrifying possibilities of scientific experimentation. Both films feature protagonists who push the boundaries of their own bodies and minds, with horrifying results.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Paddy Chayefsky, who disowned the final product. It was director Ken Russell's only foray into science fiction. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for their time.

Description: This film, like 'Dead Ringers', explores themes of psychic and physical duality, with a focus on the grotesque and the scientific. Cronenberg's direction ensures a similar tone of clinical horror and existential dread.

Fact: The film is famous for its explosive head scene. It was inspired by Cronenberg's interest in telepathy and psychic phenomena. The film spawned several sequels, though none were directed by Cronenberg.

Description: While not a Cronenberg film, 'Possession' shares with 'Dead Ringers' a focus on psychological breakdown, doppelgängers, and the horrors of intimate relationships. Both films feature intense performances and a surreal, nightmarish tone.

Fact: The film was banned in the UK as a 'video nasty'. Isabelle Adjani's performance won her the Best Actress award at Cannes. The film was largely ignored upon release but has since gained a cult following.

Description: Another Cronenberg masterpiece, 'Videodrome' shares with 'Dead Ringers' a fascination with the blurring of reality and hallucination, and the transformation of the human body. Both films feature protagonists who descend into madness, with a surreal and often grotesque visual style.

Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its graphic content. The iconic line 'Long live the new flesh' has become a cult favorite. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for their time.

Description: Like 'Dead Ringers', 'The Fly' is a body horror film directed by David Cronenberg, exploring themes of physical transformation, identity, and the dark side of scientific experimentation. Both films delve into the psychological and physical deterioration of their protagonists, with a strong emphasis on visceral, unsettling imagery.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1958 film of the same name. Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis began a romantic relationship during filming. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup.