10 Movies and Shows Like ‘Igby Goes Down’ (2002)

Description: This classic film shares with 'Igby Goes Down' a theme of youthful alienation and rebellion against the expectations of the upper class. Both protagonists are directionless young men navigating complex relationships with older women. The mix of satire and genuine emotion in 'The Graduate' is similar to 'Igby Goes Down's tone.

Fact: Dustin Hoffman was 30 when he played 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock. The famous pool jumping scene was improvised. Mike Nichols won the Academy Award for Best Director for this film.

Description: Like 'Igby Goes Down', this cult classic features a wealthy, disaffected young protagonist who rebels against his family's expectations. Both films blend dark humor with existential themes, and feature unconventional relationships that challenge social norms.

Fact: The film was a box office flop but became a cult classic through midnight screenings. Cat Stevens wrote several songs specifically for the film. Ruth Gordon (Maude) was 75 during filming, while Bud Cort (Harold) was

Description: 'Rushmore' shares with 'Igby Goes Down' a focus on a precocious but troubled young protagonist who rebels against authority figures. Both films explore themes of alienation, adolescence, and the search for identity, with a mix of humor and pathos. The deadpan delivery and stylized dialogue in 'Rushmore' mirror the tone of 'Igby Goes Down'.

Fact: This was Wes Anderson's second feature film. Bill Murray's role as Herman Blume marked a turning point in his career towards more dramatic roles. The film's protagonist, Max Fischer, was inspired by Anderson's own experiences at a private school.

Description: This film shares with 'Igby Goes Down' a focus on alienated, sarcastic teenagers navigating post-high school life. Both feature protagonists who are too smart for their own good, struggling with the phoniness of the adult world. The dark humor and poignant character studies are similar in both films.

Fact: Based on Daniel Clowes' graphic novel of the same name. Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson became close friends during filming. The film's diner scenes were shot at a real Los Angeles diner that was about to be demolished.

Description: Like 'Igby Goes Down', 'The Royal Tenenbaums' is a darkly comedic drama about dysfunctional families and the struggles of young protagonists navigating complex relationships. Both films feature eccentric characters, sharp dialogue, and a blend of humor and melancholy. Wes Anderson's distinctive visual style and quirky storytelling align with the offbeat tone of 'Igby Goes Down'.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The character Margot Tenenbaum was inspired by J.D. Salinger's Glass family stories. The film's soundtrack features songs by Nico, The Rolling Stones, and Elliott Smith.

Description: This film, like 'Igby Goes Down', delves into the emotional turmoil of a teenager caught in the middle of his parents' divorce. Both movies feature intellectual but dysfunctional families, with protagonists who are both precocious and deeply troubled. The raw, honest portrayal of family dynamics and adolescent angst is a key similarity.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on writer-director Noah Baumbach's childhood. It was shot in just 23 days. The title refers to a diorama at the American Museum of Natural History.

Description: Like 'Igby Goes Down', 'Juno' features a whip-smart but emotionally vulnerable teenage protagonist navigating complex family dynamics. Both films balance quirky humor with genuine emotional depth, and feature distinctive, stylized dialogue.

Fact: Diablo Cody won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Ellen Page learned to play the guitar for her role. The film's budget was $

Description: Both films center on sensitive, intelligent teenagers struggling with mental health issues and family problems. They share themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the pain of growing up. The mix of humor and deep emotional moments in 'Perks' mirrors the tone of 'Igby Goes Down'.

Fact: The film was written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his own novel. Emma Watson auditioned for the role of Sam by sending in a videotape of herself singing 'I'm Always Chasing Rainbows'. The tunnel scene was filmed on the first day of shooting.

Description: Like 'Igby Goes Down', 'Lady Bird' features a rebellious protagonist navigating a complicated relationship with their mother and struggling with class consciousness. Both films blend humor and heartbreak in their portrayal of adolescence, with sharp dialogue and authentic emotional moments.

Fact: Greta Gerwig's solo directorial debut. The film holds the record for most 'rotten tomatoes' perfect reviews (197). Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf's mother-daughter scenes were often filmed in single takes.

Description: While focusing on a younger protagonist, 'Eighth Grade' shares with 'Igby Goes Down' an unflinching look at adolescent anxiety and the struggle to find one's place. Both films balance cringe comedy with genuine pathos, and feature protagonists who are simultaneously wise beyond their years and painfully naive.

Fact: Bo Burnham wrote the script specifically for Elsie Fisher after seeing her YouTube videos. The pool party scene was filmed in one continuous take. Burnham watched hundreds of YouTube videos by real teens to prepare for the film.