10 Movies and Shows Similar to Hell or High Water (2016)

Description: This film, like 'Hell or High Water', explores themes of identity, violence, and the consequences of one's past. Both films feature protagonists who are forced to confront their darker sides in order to protect their families. The tension between rural tranquility and sudden violence is a key element in both stories.

Fact: Directed by David Cronenberg, known for his body horror films. The film is based on a graphic novel of the same name. It was nominated for two Academy Awards.

Description: This film, like 'Hell or High Water', is a modern Western that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the bonds of friendship. Both films are set in the American Southwest and feature protagonists on a quest that blurs the line between right and wrong. The slow-burning narrative and character-driven storytelling are hallmarks of both films.

Fact: Directed by and starring Tommy Lee Jones. The film won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival. It is loosely based on the real-life killing of Esequiel Hernández Jr., a U.S. Marine.

Description: This film, like 'Hell or High Water', is a brutal, morally complex Western that examines the cost of violence and the search for justice. Both films are set in harsh, unforgiving landscapes and feature protagonists who are forced to make difficult choices. The poetic yet violent storytelling is a hallmark of both films.

Fact: The film was written by Nick Cave, who also composed the score. It stars Guy Pearce and Ray Winstone. The film is set in the Australian Outback during the 1880s.

Description: This film, like 'Hell or High Water', is a meditative Western that delves into themes of myth, legend, and the harsh realities of life. Both films feature stunning cinematography and a slow, deliberate pace that allows for deep character exploration. The sense of inevitability and tragedy is palpable in both stories.

Fact: The film stars Brad Pitt as Jesse James and Casey Affleck as Robert Ford. It was based on the novel of the same name by Ron Hansen. The film's cinematography was highly praised and earned an Academy Award nomination.

Description: Similar to 'Hell or High Water' (2016), 'No Country for Old Men' is a neo-Western crime thriller that explores themes of fate, morality, and the harsh realities of rural America. Both films are set in desolate landscapes and feature intense cat-and-mouse chases between law enforcement and criminals. The Coen Brothers' signature storytelling style, with its blend of dark humor and existential dread, mirrors the tone of 'Hell or High Water'.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Javier Bardem's character, Anton Chigurh, is often cited as one of the greatest villains in cinema history. The film is based on Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name.

Description: 'Out of the Furnace' shares with 'Hell or High Water' a focus on blue-collar struggles and the lengths people will go to for survival and revenge. Both films are set in economically depressed areas and feature protagonists who are pushed to their limits. The gritty, realistic tone and strong performances are common to both films.

Fact: The film stars Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson. It was co-written and directed by Scott Cooper, who also directed 'Crazy Heart'. The film's title refers to the steel mills that once dominated the setting of the story.

Description: 'True Grit' shares with 'Hell or High Water' a focus on revenge and justice in the American West. Both films feature strong, determined protagonists who are willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals. The Coen Brothers' signature blend of humor and drama is present in both films, as is their attention to period detail.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1969 John Wayne classic. Hailee Steinfeld was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Mattie Ross. The film was shot in New Mexico and Texas.

Description: Like 'Hell or High Water', 'The Rover' is a gritty, post-apocalyptic Western that explores themes of survival and redemption. Both films feature protagonists who are driven by a singular purpose and are willing to use violence to achieve it. The desolate landscapes and sparse dialogue contribute to the overall sense of tension and isolation.

Fact: The film stars Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson. It was directed by David Michôd, known for 'Animal Kingdom'. The film is set in a dystopian future Australia.

Description: Like 'Hell or High Water', 'Sicario' is a tense, morally complex thriller that examines the blurred lines between law and crime. Both films feature strong performances, gritty realism, and a focus on the socio-political issues affecting the American Southwest. The cinematography in both films emphasizes the vast, unforgiving landscapes, adding to the overall sense of tension and unease.

Fact: Directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his visually stunning and thematically rich films. The title 'Sicario' means 'hitman' in Spanish. The film's sequel, 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado', was released in

Description: 'Wind River' shares with 'Hell or High Water' a focus on the struggles of marginalized communities in the American West. Both films are crime dramas that delve into themes of justice, survival, and the impact of economic hardship. The stark, snowy landscapes of 'Wind River' parallel the arid, sun-baked settings of 'Hell or High Water', enhancing the sense of isolation and desperation.

Fact: The film is written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, who also wrote 'Hell or High Water'. It was inspired by real-life cases of missing Native American women. The film's score was composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.