10 Movies and Shows Similar to Common Side Effects (2025)

Description: Both 'The Insider' and 'Common Side Effects' are based on true stories that reveal the dangers of corporate cover-ups. They focus on whistleblowers who risk everything to expose the truth, emphasizing the personal and professional toll of such actions. The intense, journalistic storytelling style is a common thread.

Fact: Directed by Michael Mann, known for his meticulous attention to detail. Russell Crowe gained 35 pounds for his role as Jeffrey Wigand. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Similar to 'Common Side Effects', 'Erin Brockovich' is a true story about an underdog taking on a powerful corporation accused of harming the public. Both films highlight the importance of perseverance and the fight for justice, with strong female leads who challenge the status quo.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for her performance. The real Erin Brockovich has a cameo in the film as a waitress. The case depicted in the film resulted in the largest direct-action lawsuit settlement in U.S. history at the time.

Description: Both films center on individuals who expose wrongdoing at great personal risk. 'The Whistleblower' and 'Common Side Effects' highlight the moral courage required to stand up against corruption, particularly within systems that are designed to protect the powerful.

Fact: Rachel Weisz's character is based on Kathryn Bolkovac, a real-life whistleblower. The film was shot in Romania, which stood in for Bosnia. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Description: Similar to 'Common Side Effects', 'The Informant!' is based on a true story about corporate fraud and the complexities of whistleblowing. Both films blend serious subject matter with a satirical tone, offering a critique of corporate culture and the often bizarre realities of white-collar crime.

Fact: Directed by Steven Soderbergh, marking his second collaboration with Matt Damon. Damon gained 30 pounds for the role. The film's quirky soundtrack was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, known for his work on 'The Sting' and 'A Chorus Line'.

Description: Like 'Common Side Effects', 'The Big Short' exposes systemic corruption and the devastating effects of corporate malfeasance, albeit in the financial sector. Both films use a mix of drama and dark humor to critique industries that prioritize profit over people, and both feature ensemble casts portraying real-life consequences of unethical practices.

Fact: Directed by Adam McKay, known for his comedic background but took a sharp turn with this serious subject. The film breaks the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts, making it accessible to a broader audience. Won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: This film shares with 'Common Side Effects' a focus on the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals within corrupt systems. Both movies highlight the tension between personal integrity and professional survival, set against the backdrop of industries (finance and pharmaceuticals) that have far-reaching impacts on society.

Fact: J.C. Chandor's directorial debut, which he also wrote. The entire film was shot in just 17 days. Features an ensemble cast including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, and Stanley Tucci.

Description: Both 'Spotlight' and 'Common Side Effects' are about investigative journalism uncovering systemic abuse and cover-ups. They share a commitment to factual storytelling and the impact of exposing the truth, with a focus on the collective effort required to bring about change.

Fact: Won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The real-life Boston Globe 'Spotlight' team consulted on the film. The script was meticulously researched, with many scenes taken verbatim from actual interviews and court documents.

Description: Similar to 'Common Side Effects' (2025), 'Side Effects' explores the dark underbelly of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the unintended consequences of medication. Both films delve into themes of corporate greed, ethical dilemmas, and the impact on individuals. The psychological thriller elements and the critique of the healthcare system make them closely related.

Fact: Directed by Steven Soderbergh, who is known for his versatile filmmaking style. The film was marketed as Soderbergh's final theatrical release before his retirement (which he later reversed). Rooney Mara's performance earned her critical acclaim and comparisons to her role in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.

Description: This film, like 'Common Side Effects', deals with the uncovering of uncomfortable truths hidden by powerful institutions. Both are based on true events and emphasize the painstaking process of investigation and the personal sacrifices involved in seeking justice.

Fact: Adam Driver learned to type with perfect form for his role as Daniel Jones. The film uses a muted color palette to reflect the grim subject matter. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim.

Description: Like 'Common Side Effects', 'Dark Waters' is a legal thriller based on true events, focusing on corporate negligence and its harmful effects on public health. Both films underscore the long, arduous battles faced by those who seek to hold powerful entities accountable.

Fact: Directed by Todd Haynes, known for his visually distinctive films. Mark Ruffalo, who stars and produced the film, was deeply involved in the project's development. The film is based on a 2016 New York Times article titled 'The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare'.