If you loved the thrilling blend of action, suspense, and Hollywood special effects in *F/X (1986)*, you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and TV shows that deliver the same high-stakes excitement, clever twists, and behind-the-scenes intrigue. Whether you're a fan of crime capers, high-tech deception, or pulse-pounding chases, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Stunt Man (1980)
Description: A darkly comedic and surreal exploration of filmmaking, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, much like the chaotic world of movie production.
Fact: The film was shelved for two years due to distribution issues before finally being released to critical acclaim. It features elaborate stunt sequences that were performed without the use of CGI.


The Player (1992)
Description: A satirical take on Hollywood's cutthroat industry, filled with meta-commentary and a self-referential narrative that mirrors the behind-the-scenes chaos of filmmaking.
Fact: The film boasts over 60 celebrity cameos, many playing themselves. Its famous eight-minute opening shot was meticulously planned and rehearsed for weeks.


Ed Wood (1994)
Description: A heartfelt yet humorous tribute to a famously bad filmmaker, celebrating the passion and delusion that often drive creative endeavors, no matter how flawed the results.
Fact: The film is shot in black and white to mimic the style of Ed Wood's own movies. It features meticulous recreations of Wood's infamous low-budget sets.


Get Shorty (1995)
Description: A witty, fast-paced story about the intersection of crime and Hollywood, filled with sharp dialogue and a cynical yet humorous look at the entertainment industry.
Fact: The film is based on an Elmore Leonard novel, known for its snappy dialogue. It features a memorable scene where a character explains movie financing using a napkin.


Living in Oblivion (1995)
Description: A low-budget indie gem that captures the frustrations and chaos of independent filmmaking, with a raw, humorous, and sometimes surreal portrayal of the creative process.
Fact: The film was shot in just 14 days on a shoestring budget. Its dream sequence is a standout moment, blending humor and existential dread.


State and Main (2000)
Description: A clever, ensemble-driven comedy about the mishaps and moral compromises of a film crew shooting in a small town, highlighting the absurdity of Hollywood egos and production chaos.
Fact: The film was written and directed by David Mamet, known for his sharp, dialogue-heavy scripts. It was shot in just 35 days on a modest budget.


Bowfinger (1999)
Description: A hilarious yet sharp critique of low-budget filmmaking, showcasing the absurd lengths people go to in order to make a movie, often blurring ethical boundaries.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life guerrilla filmmaking tactics. Eddie Murphy plays dual roles, including a paranoid action star, in one of his most acclaimed performances.


The Aviator (2004)
Description: A lavish biopic that delves into the obsessive nature of its protagonist, mirroring the relentless drive and eccentricities often found in creative industries like filmmaking.
Fact: The film used pioneering digital technology to recreate vintage Hollywood scenes. It marked Leonardo DiCaprio's first collaboration with director Martin Scorsese.


The Last Shot (2004)
Description: A comedic take on a fake movie production, filled with deception and absurdity, reflecting the often ridiculous nature of Hollywood's behind-the-scenes machinations.
Fact: The film is loosely based on a true story involving the FBI. It features a star-studded cast, including Matthew Broderick and Alec Baldwin, in quirky roles.


Tropic Thunder (2008)
Description: A raucous satire of Hollywood excess and method acting, featuring over-the-top characters and a meta-narrative that pokes fun at the industry's pretensions and pitfalls.
Fact: Robert Downey Jr.'s controversial role involved him wearing dark makeup to play a method actor who undergoes a pigmentation alteration. The film's fake trailers are now iconic.
