10 Movies & Shows Like CQ (2001)

Description: A satirical take on media sensationalism and corporate control over news broadcasting, highlighting how entertainment values corrupt journalistic integrity.

Fact: The famous 'I'm mad as hell' speech was ad-libbed by Peter Finch. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Finch posthumously.

Description: A subtle satire on media and politics where a simple-minded man becomes a national figure through misinterpretation and television exposure.

Fact: Peter Sellers' final film role. The famous walking on water scene was achieved using a submerged plexiglass ramp.

Description: A sharp look at the ethical dilemmas in television journalism, contrasting substance with style in news reporting.

Fact: Albert Brooks improvised many of his lines. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards but won none.

Description: A dark mockumentary following a serial killer, blurring lines between documentary and exploitation while critiquing media's fascination with violence.

Fact: The film was made on an extremely low budget with a crew of film students. Its original title translates to 'It Happened in Your Neighborhood.'

Description: A meta-commentary on Hollywood's obsession with profit over art, filled with industry satire and self-referential humor.

Fact: The film features over 60 celebrity cameos. Its famous 8-minute opening shot took 15 takes to perfect.

Description: Critiques media glorification of violence and crime, portraying how killers become celebrities through sensationalist coverage.

Fact: The film's chaotic editing style was achieved by using over 3000 cuts. Quentin Tarantino wrote the original screenplay but disowned the final version.

Description: Exposes the corruption behind quiz shows in the 1950s, revealing how entertainment values undermined honesty and fairness.

Fact: Based on the real-life Twenty-One quiz show scandal. Ralph Fiennes gained 20 pounds for his role to resemble the real Charles Van Doren.

Description: Examines the dark side of fame and ambition through a woman who will stop at nothing to achieve media stardom, including manipulation and murder.

Fact: Nicole Kidman learned to speak with a perfect New Hampshire accent by listening to tapes of a local weather reporter. The film is loosely based on a true crime case.

Description: Explores themes of reality versus illusion, media manipulation, and the blurring of public and private life through a protagonist unaware he's living in a constructed world.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone. Jim Carrey's performance was initially met with skepticism due to his comedic background.

Description: Delves into political spin and media fabrication, showing how crises can be manufactured to distract the public from real issues.

Fact: The film was released shortly before the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke, making its plot eerily prescient. It was shot in just 29 days.