10 Movies and Shows Like Bound (1996)

Description: As a classic film noir, 'Double Indemnity' shares with 'Bound' themes of crime, betrayal, and femme fatales. Both films feature protagonists who are drawn into dangerous schemes by manipulative women. The storytelling is tight and suspenseful, with a focus on the moral downfall of the characters. The visual style of 'Double Indemnity' is a clear influence on the neo-noir aesthetics of 'Bound'.

Fact: The film was based on a true crime story. It was directed by Billy Wilder, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Raymond Chandler. The film was nominated for seven Oscars but won none.

Description: 'Body Heat' shares with 'Bound' a neo-noir sensibility, focusing on themes of passion, betrayal, and crime. Both films feature intense, steamy relationships that lead to dangerous consequences. The visual style of 'Body Heat' is similarly dark and atmospheric, with a strong emphasis on mood and tension. The femme fatale character in 'Body Heat' is as manipulative and deadly as those in 'Bound'.

Fact: This was Kathleen Turner's film debut. The film was inspired by classic noir films like 'Double Indemnity'. The famous line 'You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man' was improvised by Turner.

Description: 'Jagged Edge' and 'Bound' both belong to the thriller genre, with a focus on crime, deception, and legal drama. Both films feature strong female protagonists who navigate dangerous situations. The storytelling is suspenseful, with a focus on uncovering the truth amidst a web of lies. The visual style is sleek and stylish, with a noir influence.

Fact: The film was written by Joe Eszterhas, who also wrote 'Basic Instinct'. Glenn Close and Jeff Bridges star in the lead roles. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $40 million at the box office.

Description: Both 'Fatal Attraction' and 'Bound' explore themes of obsession, betrayal, and the consequences of illicit relationships. While 'Fatal Attraction' leans more towards psychological horror, it shares with 'Bound' a focus on strong, complex female characters who drive the narrative. The tension and suspense in both films are palpable, with a climax that leaves a lasting impact.

Fact: The original ending was much darker but was changed after test audiences reacted negatively. Glenn Close's performance earned her an Oscar nomination. The term 'bunny boiler' entered popular culture because of this film.

Description: 'The Grifters' and 'Bound' both delve into the world of crime and deception, with a focus on complex, morally ambiguous characters. Both films feature strong female leads who are adept at manipulation and survival. The neo-noir style of 'The Grifters' is similar to 'Bound', with a dark, gritty visual aesthetic and a narrative full of twists and turns.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Jim Thompson. Anjelica Huston, John Cusack, and Annette Bening all received critical acclaim for their performances. The film was nominated for four Oscars.

Description: Similar to 'Bound' (1996), 'Basic Instinct' is a neo-noir thriller that explores themes of sexuality, deception, and crime. Both films feature strong, manipulative female leads who use their wits and sexuality to control those around them. The visual aesthetics of both films are dark and stylish, with a focus on tension and suspense. Additionally, both films have a significant focus on lesbian relationships, which was groundbreaking for their respective times.

Fact: Sharon Stone's infamous leg-crossing scene was improvised. The film was highly controversial upon release due to its explicit content. Director Paul Verhoeven initially wanted to cast Kim Basinger for the lead role.

Description: While 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle' is more of a psychological thriller, it shares with 'Bound' a focus on a manipulative female antagonist who infiltrates the lives of her victims. Both films explore themes of trust, betrayal, and revenge, with a strong emphasis on tension and suspense. The visual style is similarly dark and atmospheric.

Fact: Rebecca De Mornay's performance as the villain was highly praised. The film was a box office success, grossing over $140 million worldwide. The director, Curtis Hanson, went on to direct 'L.A. Confidential'.

Description: Like 'Bound', 'The Last Seduction' is a neo-noir film that centers around a cunning and ruthless female protagonist who manipulates those around her for personal gain. Both films feature strong femme fatale characters and explore themes of betrayal and crime. The storytelling style is sharp and fast-paced, with a focus on psychological tension and unexpected twists.

Fact: Linda Fiorentino's performance was critically acclaimed but she was ineligible for an Oscar because the film aired on HBO before a theatrical release. The film was shot in just 25 days. It was initially intended to be a direct-to-video release.

Description: Like 'Bound', 'To Die For' features a strong, manipulative female protagonist who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Both films explore themes of ambition, deception, and crime, with a darkly comedic tone. The storytelling is sharp and satirical, with a focus on the media's role in shaping public perception.

Fact: Nicole Kidman's performance was widely praised and earned her a Golden Globe. The film is loosely based on the true story of Pamela Smart. Director Gus Van Sant used a mockumentary style for parts of the film.

Description: 'Wild Things' shares with 'Bound' a neo-noir sensibility, with a plot full of twists, turns, and double-crosses. Both films feature strong female characters who use their sexuality as a weapon. The visual style is stylish and provocative, with a focus on suspense and surprise. The themes of betrayal and crime are central to both films.

Fact: The film is known for its infamous threesome scene. It features an all-star cast including Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, and Neve Campbell. The plot twists were so complex that the filmmakers included a diagram in the press kit to explain them.