10 Movies & Shows Similar to Nightcrawler (2014)

Description: 'Taxi Driver' shares with 'Nightcrawler' the theme of a socially isolated protagonist descending into obsession and violence. Both Travis Bickle and Lou Bloom are outsiders who become increasingly unhinged as they navigate the seedy aspects of their respective cities. The films also share a similar visual style, with a focus on nighttime urban landscapes and a sense of impending doom.

Fact: Robert De Niro actually obtained a taxi driver's license and worked as a cabbie for a month to prepare for the role. The famous 'You talkin' to me?' scene was largely improvised by De Niro. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: 'Se7en' and 'Nightcrawler' both delve into the darkest corners of human nature, with a focus on crime and morality. Both films feature protagonists who are drawn into a world of violence and obsession, with the line between good and evil becoming increasingly blurred. The visual style of 'Se7en', with its rain-soaked, grimy cityscapes, mirrors the bleak atmosphere of 'Nightcrawler'. Both films also build tension through a slow, methodical narrative.

Fact: The film's title is stylized as 'Se7en' to reflect the seven deadly sins central to the plot. The infamous 'box scene' was kept secret from the actors until the day of filming to capture genuine reactions. Director David Fincher fought to keep the film's dark ending, which studios initially wanted to change.

Description: 'American Psycho' and 'Nightcrawler' both feature protagonists who are narcissistic, manipulative, and capable of extreme violence. Patrick Bateman and Lou Bloom are both obsessed with success and image, albeit in different contexts. The films critique the darker aspects of capitalism and ambition, with a satirical edge. Both also feature a cold, detached tone that makes the violence even more unsettling.

Fact: Christian Bale based his portrayal of Patrick Bateman on Tom Cruise, after seeing him on 'The Tonight Show'. The film was initially given an NC-17 rating but was edited to secure an R rating. Bret Easton Ellis, the author of the novel, initially disapproved of the film but later praised Bale's performance.

Description: Like 'Nightcrawler', 'The Machinist' delves into the psyche of a disturbed protagonist whose grip on reality is tenuous. Both films explore themes of obsession, guilt, and psychological unraveling. The visual style of 'The Machinist', with its bleak, washed-out colors, mirrors the grim tone of 'Nightcrawler'. Both protagonists are also driven by an insatiable need to prove themselves, leading to their downfall.

Fact: Christian Bale lost 63 pounds (

Description: 'Zodiac' shares with 'Nightcrawler' a focus on obsession and the pursuit of truth in a morally ambiguous world. Both films are set in California and explore the impact of media on public perception. The meticulous attention to detail in 'Zodiac' mirrors Lou Bloom's relentless drive for the perfect shot. Both films also build tension through a slow-burn narrative, leaving the audience unsettled.

Fact: Director David Fincher insisted on using period-accurate technology and props, even if they weren't visible on screen. Jake Gyllenhaal, who stars in 'Zodiac', is the brother of Maggie Gyllenhaal, who appears in 'Nightcrawler'. The film's runtime is 2 hours and 37 minutes, making it one of Fincher's longest films.

Description: Similar to 'Nightcrawler', 'Drive' explores the dark underbelly of Los Angeles through the lens of a morally ambiguous protagonist. Both films feature a loner who operates on the fringes of society, engaging in illegal activities. The visual aesthetics of both movies are striking, with neon-lit nightscapes and a focus on the gritty, urban environment. The emotional tone is similarly tense and unsettling, with moments of sudden violence.

Fact: Ryan Gosling learned how to do his own stunt driving for the film. The film's soundtrack, composed by Cliff Martinez, became iconic and heavily influenced by 1980s synth-pop. Director Nicolas Winding Refn was inspired by fairy tales, aiming to create a modern-day fairy tale with 'Drive'.

Description: 'Prisoners' and 'Nightcrawler' both explore themes of morality, justice, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. Both films feature protagonists who blur the line between right and wrong, with Hugh Jackman's character in 'Prisoners' mirroring Lou Bloom's ruthless determination. The films also share a dark, atmospheric tone and a focus on the psychological toll of their characters' actions.

Fact: Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal both starred in 'Prisoners' and 'Nightcrawler', though in different roles. The film was shot in 50 days, with a budget of $46 million. Director Denis Villeneuve cited 'Silence of the Lambs' as a major influence for the film.

Description: 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' and 'Nightcrawler' both feature protagonists who operate outside societal norms to uncover dark truths. Both films are set in a morally ambiguous world where justice is often subjective. The visual style of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', with its cold, bleak landscapes, mirrors the grim tone of 'Nightcrawler'. Both films also explore themes of power, corruption, and revenge.

Fact: Rooney Mara underwent extensive physical transformations for her role as Lisbeth Salander. The film's opening sequence, set to Karen O's cover of 'Immigrant Song', became iconic. Director David Fincher insisted on shooting in Sweden to maintain the authenticity of the story.

Description: 'Gone Girl' and 'Nightcrawler' both critique the media's role in shaping public perception and the manipulation of truth. Both films feature protagonists who are master manipulators, with Amy Dunne and Lou Bloom using their intelligence and cunning to control those around them. The films also share a darkly satirical tone and a focus on the darker aspects of human nature.

Fact: Rosamund Pike's performance as Amy Dunne earned her an Academy Award nomination. The film's twist was kept secret during marketing to preserve the surprise for audiences. Author Gillian Flynn also wrote the screenplay, making few changes from her novel.

Description: 'Nocturnal Animals' and 'Nightcrawler' both explore themes of revenge, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Both films feature protagonists who are deeply flawed and driven by their past traumas. The visual style of 'Nocturnal Animals', with its stark contrasts and tense atmosphere, mirrors the unsettling tone of 'Nightcrawler'. Both films also use violence as a narrative device to unsettle the audience.

Fact: The film is based on the novel 'Tony and Susan' by Austin Wright. Director Tom Ford also worked as a fashion designer before transitioning to filmmaking. The film received a 10-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.