10 Movies and Shows Similar to Clerk (2021)

Description: Clerks (1994) is the original film that inspired Clerk (2021). Both films share a similar setting in a convenience store, focusing on the mundane yet humorous lives of retail employees. The black-and-white aesthetic, witty dialogue, and low-budget indie feel are key similarities. Kevin Smith's signature style of blending crude humor with philosophical musings is present in both.

Fact: Clerks was famously shot in black-and-white due to budget constraints. The entire film was made for just $27,

Description: Mallrats shares Clerk's focus on slacker culture and retail environments, though set in a mall rather than a convenience store. Both films feature aimless protagonists navigating relationships and adulthood with humor. The dialogue-driven comedy and pop culture references are hallmarks of Kevin Smith's style in both films.

Fact: Mallrats was a box office flop but became a cult classic. Stan Lee makes his first cameo in a Kevin Smith film here. The film features early appearances by Ben Affleck and Jason Lee.

Description: Chasing Amy continues Kevin Smith's exploration of relationships and adulthood, similar to Clerk's themes. Both films blend raunchy humor with surprisingly deep emotional moments. The focus on unconventional relationships and frank discussions about sex connect these films.

Fact: The film was inspired by Smith's real-life relationship. Joey Lauren Adams' performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. It features one of the most honest discussions about sexuality in 90s cinema.

Description: While not a Kevin Smith film, Super Troopers shares Clerk's focus on slacker characters in mundane jobs (here, state troopers). The mix of absurd humor, workplace camaraderie, and improvisational feel connects it to Clerk. Both films became cult hits through quotable dialogue.

Fact: The film was made by comedy troupe Broken Lizard. The opening scene was shot with real Vermont state troopers. It spawned a 2018 sequel funded through crowdfunding.

Description: This film brings back the beloved Clerk characters Jay and Silent Bob in a larger adventure. Like Clerk, it features crude humor mixed with heart, and satirizes pop culture. The meta-commentary about filmmaking and fandom connects to Clerk's self-aware style.

Fact: The film features cameos from nearly every major character in the View Askewniverse. It marked the first time Smith worked with a major studio budget. The plot was inspired by online fan reactions to Smith's earlier films.

Description: Waiting... explores the lives of restaurant employees much like Clerk does with convenience store workers. Both films offer a darkly comic look at service industry life, with similar themes of workplace friendships and customer absurdities. The ensemble cast and episodic structure are comparable.

Fact: The film was written by a former restaurant worker. Many scenes were based on real restaurant horror stories. It spawned a less successful sequel in

Description: As the direct sequel to Clerks, this film naturally shares the most similarities with Clerk. It revisits Dante and Randal years later, still stuck in retail but now at a fast food restaurant. The blend of outrageous humor and poignant moments about growing up mirrors Clerk's tone perfectly.

Fact: The film was shot in color, marking a departure from the original. It features a memorable musical number to the Jackson 5's 'ABC'. Rosario Dawson's performance was widely praised.

Description: This comedy shares Clerk's setting in a retail environment (a Costco-like store) and focus on slacker employees. While more mainstream, it captures similar workplace dynamics and the humor found in mundane jobs. The competition between coworkers mirrors some of Clerk's conflicts.

Fact: The film was shot in an actual working Super Target store. Jessica Simpson's performance was widely panned. It features an early appearance by Danny Cooksey (Salute Your Shorts).

Description: Beerfest shares Clerk's celebration of slacker culture and male friendship, though in a more outrageous setting. The blend of crude humor with unexpected emotional depth is similar. Both films feature characters finding purpose in unlikely places.

Fact: The drinking games were performed with real (but weak) beer. The German actors spoke real German, not gibberish. It was inspired by the Broken Lizard members' college experiences.

Description: This film shares Clerk's focus on struggling young adults trying to make ends meet through unconventional means. The raunchy yet heartfelt tone, workplace friendships, and financial struggles mirror Clerk's themes. Kevin Smith's signature dialogue style is present in both.

Fact: The film marked Seth Rogen's first lead role in a non-Judd Apatow production. The original title was simply 'Zack and Miri'. It features one of Smith's most romantic storylines.