10 Movies & Shows Like The People’s Joker

Description: A bizarre, existential comedy that delves into themes of identity, control, and the nature of self. The film's surreal premise and dark humor align with similar explorations of psychological and existential themes.

Fact: The film was Spike Jonze's feature directorial debut. John Malkovich initially turned down the role but changed his mind after reading the script.

Description: A subversive exploration of masculinity, identity, and societal disillusionment. The film's dark humor, unreliable narrator, and critique of consumer culture align with similar themes of personal and societal breakdown.

Fact: The film's twist ending is one of the most famous in cinema history. The production team had to fight with the studio to keep the original ending.

Description: A satirical horror film that critiques materialism and superficiality while exploring the protagonist's descent into madness. The film's dark humor and unreliable narrator create a similar tone of psychological unease.

Fact: Christian Bale based his performance on Tom Cruise's public persona. The film was initially given an NC-17 rating before being edited to secure an R rating.

Description: A mind-bending blend of psychological thriller and science fiction that explores themes of time, destiny, and mental illness. The film's surreal atmosphere and complex narrative structure resonate with similar themes of existential questioning.

Fact: The film was a box office flop but became a cult classic after its DVD release. The director's cut includes additional scenes that clarify the plot.

Description: A surreal, emotionally charged exploration of memory, love, and identity. The film's nonlinear storytelling and visual inventiveness create a similar sense of psychological depth and emotional resonance.

Fact: The film's script was inspired by a conversation the screenwriter had with a friend about erasing memories. The movie's title comes from a line in an Alexander Pope poem.

Description: A deconstruction of superhero mythology, delving into the psychological and moral complexities of its characters. The film's dark, satirical take on heroism and its visually striking style mirror similar thematic and aesthetic elements.

Fact: The film's opening credits sequence is often praised as one of the best in cinema. The graphic novel it's based on was considered unfilmable for years.

Description: A complex exploration of chaos, morality, and the thin line between hero and villain, featuring a standout performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker. The film's dark tone and philosophical underpinnings align closely with the themes of identity and societal breakdown.

Fact: Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker is considered one of the greatest in cinema history. The film was one of the first major blockbusters to be partially shot with IMAX cameras.

Description: A psychological thriller that delves into themes of obsession, identity, and self-destruction. The film's intense focus on the protagonist's mental unraveling and its surreal, nightmarish visuals create a similar atmosphere of psychological tension.

Fact: Natalie Portman trained in ballet for a year to prepare for the role. The film was shot in just 42 days.

Description: A dystopian black comedy that satirizes societal norms around relationships and conformity. The film's absurdist humor and bleak outlook on human connection mirror similar themes of alienation and societal critique.

Fact: The film was shot in Ireland but is set in an unnamed dystopian society. The director insisted on using real animals in the film, not CGI.

Description: A dark, psychological character study that explores themes of mental illness, societal rejection, and transformation into an iconic villain. The film's gritty realism and focus on personal turmoil resonate with similar themes.

Fact: The film was the first R-rated movie to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Joaquin Phoenix lost 52 pounds for the role.