If you loved the witty banter, action-packed sequences, and neo-noir charm of 'The Nice Guys' (2016), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same blend of humor, mystery, and retro vibes. Whether you're a fan of buddy comedies, detective stories, or 70s-inspired aesthetics, these recommendations will keep you entertained and craving more.
The Long Goodbye (1973)
Description: Robert Altman's revisionist noir shares 'The Nice Guys'' Los Angeles setting and detective protagonist who's out of his depth. Both films update classic noir tropes with contemporary humor and style.
Fact: Elliott Gould's portrayal of Marlowe was controversial for being so different from previous versions. The film was a commercial failure but is now considered a classic. Altman encouraged improvisation throughout filming.
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Chinatown (1974)
Description: This neo-noir classic shares 'The Nice Guys'' Los Angeles setting and detective protagonist uncovering corruption. Both films blend mystery with social commentary, though 'Chinatown' is more serious in tone.
Fact: The famous 'Forget it Jake, it's Chinatown' line was improvised. Roman Polanski cut Nicholson's nose in a real fight scene. The film was originally supposed to have a happy ending.
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Pulp Fiction (1994)
Description: Tarantino's masterpiece shares 'The Nice Guys'' nonlinear storytelling, dark humor mixed with violence, and colorful criminal underworld characters. Both films reinvent classic crime genres with modern sensibilities.
Fact: The famous dance scene was improvised. The briefcase's contents were never specified. The film revived John Travolta's career.
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The Big Lebowski (1998)
Description: This Coen Brothers classic shares 'The Nice Guys'' blend of comedy and crime, featuring an unlikely protagonist caught in a web of misunderstandings and criminal activity. Both films have a laid-back, quirky tone despite their violent moments.
Fact: The Dude's character was inspired by real-life Vietnam War activist Jeff Dowd. The film initially underperformed but became a massive cult hit. There's an annual festival called Lebowski Fest dedicated to the movie.
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L.A. Confidential (1997)
Description: This neo-noir shares 'The Nice Guys'' 1950s/60s Los Angeles setting and themes of corruption. Both feature mismatched detectives solving a complex case, though 'L.A. Confidential' is more serious in tone.
Fact: Kim Basinger won an Oscar for her role. The film was a comeback for director Curtis Hanson. It's based on James Ellroy's novel of the same name.
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Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Description: Guy Ritchie's debut shares 'The Nice Guys'' mix of crime and comedy, with multiple storylines converging in unexpected ways. Both films feature bumbling criminals and sharp dialogue.
Fact: The film was made for just £
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Snatch (2000)
Description: Guy Ritchie's fast-paced crime comedy shares 'The Nice Guys'' energetic style, colorful characters, and intertwining criminal plots. Both films balance violence with humor and feature incompetent criminals.
Fact: Brad Pitt's character's dialogue was intentionally hard to understand. The film introduced many viewers to Jason Statham. The famous 'dags' scene was improvised.
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Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Description: Like 'The Nice Guys', 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' is a neo-noir crime comedy directed by Shane Black, featuring witty dialogue, a mismatched duo, and a convoluted plot set in Los Angeles. Both films blend humor with dark themes and have a self-aware, meta approach to storytelling.
Fact: Robert Downey Jr.'s performance in this film is often credited with reviving his career. The title is taken from a 1960s Italian James Bond poster. Shane Black wrote the script as a comeback after several years away from Hollywood.
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In Bruges (2008)
Description: Martin McDonagh's dark comedy shares 'The Nice Guys'' balance of humor and violence, with hitmen protagonists who are both funny and tragic. Both films feature flawed characters navigating criminal underworlds with witty dialogue.
Fact: Colin Farrell won a Golden Globe for his performance. The film's budget was just $15 million. McDonagh wrote the script after visiting Bruges as a tourist.
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Seven Psychopaths (2012)
Description: Another Martin McDonagh film that, like 'The Nice Guys', blends crime and comedy with meta storytelling. Both feature eccentric characters, self-referential humor, and a plot that plays with genre conventions.
Fact: Christopher Walken's character was written specifically for him. The film features a cameo from Harry Dean Stanton. It was partially inspired by McDonagh's own struggles as a screenwriter.
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