10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Brutalist (2024)

Description: Mad Men and The Brutalist (2024) both explore themes of identity, reinvention, and the American Dream within meticulously recreated historical settings. The psychological depth and moral ambiguity of the characters in Mad Men resonate with the complex character studies anticipated in The Brutalist. Both series use their respective eras as a lens to examine broader societal issues.

Fact: Jon Hamm auditioned twice for the role of Don Draper and was almost passed over because the network wanted a bigger name. The series was known for its historical accuracy, including the use of vintage props and costumes, some of which were original pieces from the 1960s. The show's creator, Matthew Weiner, wrote the pilot in 1999 but it wasn't produced until

Description: Boardwalk Empire and The Brutalist (2024) both delve into the darker aspects of ambition and power during transformative historical periods. The series' exploration of organized crime, political corruption, and personal moral dilemmas aligns with the themes likely to be explored in The Brutalist. The cinematic quality and historical authenticity of Boardwalk Empire set a high bar for period dramas.

Fact: The series was created by Terence Winter, a writer for The Sopranos, and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, who also directed the pilot. The Boardwalk set was built from scratch in Brooklyn and was one of the largest standing sets in television history. Steve Buscemi, who played Nucky Thompson, was initially hesitant to take on a leading role in a TV series.

Description: Downton Abbey and The Brutalist (2024) both examine the tensions between tradition and progress within stratified societies. The intricate character dynamics and attention to historical detail in Downton Abbey mirror the depth and authenticity expected in The Brutalist. Both series use their settings to explore universal themes of love, loss, and social change.

Fact: The series was originally conceived as a miniseries but was expanded due to its popularity. Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed, is a real estate that the Carnarvon family still resides in when the show isn't filming. Maggie Smith (Dowager Countess) often improvised her lines, adding to her character's wit and charm.

Description: Masters of Sex and The Brutalist (2024) both examine the intersection of personal and professional lives within restrictive societal norms. The series' exploration of groundbreaking yet controversial work, coupled with its period authenticity, aligns with the intellectual and historical depth expected in The Brutalist. Both shows challenge viewers to reconsider the boundaries of their eras.

Fact: The series is based on the biography of real-life sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Michael Sheen, who plays Masters, and Lizzy Caplan, who plays Johnson, had to undergo extensive research to portray their characters' clinical work accurately. The show was praised for its frank and nuanced portrayal of sexuality, a rarity for television at the time.

Description: The Americans and The Brutalist (2024) both explore themes of identity, loyalty, and deception within a high-stakes historical context. The psychological intensity and moral complexity of The Americans' characters are akin to the nuanced portrayals anticipated in The Brutalist. Both series use their historical settings to heighten the tension and drama of their narratives.

Fact: Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, who played the lead roles, began a real-life relationship during the show's production. The series was praised for its accurate depiction of the 1980s, including the use of period-appropriate technology and fashion. The show's creator, Joe Weisberg, is a former CIA officer, which lent authenticity to the spycraft depicted in the series.

Description: Peaky Blinders shares similarities with The Brutalist (2024) through its gritty, period-specific storytelling and exploration of power dynamics within a structured society. Both series delve into the complexities of ambition, family, and survival against a backdrop of societal upheaval. The visual aesthetics of Peaky Blinders, with its moody cinematography and attention to historical detail, mirror the immersive world-building expected in The Brutalist.

Fact: The series is named after a real urban youth gang in Birmingham, England, known for sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps. Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, initially turned down the role but changed his mind after meeting with creator Steven Knight. The show's soundtrack features modern music, including songs by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, to contrast with its 1920s setting.

Description: The Knick and The Brutalist (2024) both explore innovation and brutality within their historical settings. The Knick's unflinching look at early 20th-century medicine, with its blend of progress and barbarism, parallels the thematic depth and historical scrutiny anticipated in The Brutalist. Both series use their periods to reflect on contemporary issues.

Fact: The series was directed entirely by Steven Soderbergh, who also served as cinematographer under the pseudonym Peter Andrews. Clive Owen, who plays Dr. Thackery, performed many of his own surgical scenes after extensive training with medical consultants. The show's electronic score, composed by Cliff Martinez, was unusual for a period drama but helped modernize its tone.

Description: Babylon Berlin and The Brutalist (2024) both capture the turbulence and decadence of their respective historical periods. The series' blend of crime drama, political intrigue, and personal turmoil mirrors the multifaceted storytelling expected in The Brutalist. The visual splendor and meticulous attention to period detail in Babylon Berlin set a precedent for immersive historical dramas.

Fact: Babylon Berlin is the most expensive German TV series ever produced, with a budget of around €40 million for the first season. The series is based on the novels by Volker Kutscher, though it takes significant creative liberties. The show's depiction of 1929 Berlin includes historically accurate sets, costumes, and even reconstructed nightclub performances.

Description: The Alienist and The Brutalist (2024) both delve into the darker corners of society, exploring crime, psychology, and justice within a richly detailed historical framework. The atmospheric tension and complex character studies in The Alienist align with the psychological depth and period authenticity expected in The Brutalist.

Fact: The series is based on the 1994 novel by Caleb Carr, which was a bestseller and is considered a pioneer of the historical crime thriller genre. The production recreated 1890s New York City on sets in Budapest, Hungary. Dakota Fanning, who plays Sara Howard, is one of the few American actors in the predominantly British cast.

Description: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel shares with The Brutalist (2024) a focus on strong, unconventional protagonists navigating societal constraints. Both series blend drama with sharp, witty dialogue and feature protagonists who challenge the status quo. The meticulous period detail in Mrs. Maisel's 1950s New York parallels the immersive historical setting expected in The Brutalist.

Fact: Rachel Brosnahan had to learn how to perform stand-up comedy for her role as Midge Maisel. The series was inspired by the real-life story of Joan Rivers, though it is not a direct biography. The show's costume designer, Donna Zakowska, won multiple Emmys for her work, creating over 5,000 costumes for the series.