10 Movies & Shows Like Zoolander (2001)

Description: 'Old School' and 'Zoolander' both feature Will Ferrell in a comedic role that highlights his talent for physical comedy and absurd humor. Both films are satirical, with 'Old School' targeting fraternity culture and 'Zoolander' taking on the fashion industry.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life fraternity at the University of Wisconsin. Will Ferrell's streaking scene was entirely improvised. The film was shot in just 30 days.

Description: Like 'Zoolander', 'Anchorman' is a satirical comedy that pokes fun at a specific industry—here, the world of 1970s broadcast journalism. Both films feature exaggerated, dim-witted protagonists (Ron Burgundy and Derek Zoolander) who are at the top of their respective fields but are hilariously out of touch with reality. The humor in both movies is absurd, quotable, and relies heavily on the eccentricities of their characters.

Fact: Will Ferrell improvised many of his lines, including the famous 'I love lamp' scene. The film was initially a box office disappointment but gained a massive cult following. Christina Applegate's character was originally written as a 'bimbo,' but she insisted on making her more intelligent.

Description: Like 'Zoolander,' 'DodgeBall' is a sports comedy that thrives on absurdity and over-the-top characters. Both films feature underdog stories with ridiculous villains (Ben Stiller plays both Derek Zoolander and White Goodman). The humor in both is fast-paced, physical, and filled with quotable lines.

Fact: Vince Vaughn was originally considered for the role of White Goodman. The film was shot in just 30 days. The 'ESPN 8: The Ocho' gag was inspired by a real-life cable channel.

Description: While 'Wedding Crashers' is more of a romantic comedy, it shares 'Zoolander's' satirical edge and over-the-top humor. Both films feature ridiculous situations and eccentric characters, and both became instant classics in the comedy genre.

Fact: Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn improvised many of their lines. The film was originally intended to be a drama. The 'lock it up' scene was entirely improvised.

Description: 'Talladega Nights' and 'Zoolander' both satirize their respective industries (NASCAR and fashion) through the lens of an idiotic but lovable protagonist. Both films feature Will Ferrell in a lead role, and both use absurd humor to highlight the ridiculousness of their settings.

Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life NASCAR documentary. Sacha Baron Cohen's character was originally supposed to be French. The dinner table prayer scene was entirely improvised.

Description: 'Blades of Glory' and 'Zoolander' both satirize their respective worlds (figure skating and fashion) through absurd humor and ridiculous characters. Both films feature Will Ferrell in a lead role, and both use physical comedy to great effect.

Fact: Jon Heder based his character on real-life figure skater Johnny Weir. The film's skating scenes were choreographed by a former Olympic skater. Will Ferrell and Jon Heder did most of their own skating stunts.

Description: While 'Superbad' is more grounded than 'Zoolander,' both films are comedies that explore themes of masculinity and identity. 'Superbad' does this through the lens of high school, while 'Zoolander' uses the fashion industry. Both feature protagonists who are somewhat naive and out of their depth, leading to hilarious situations.

Fact: The script was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg when they were just 13 years old. Michael Cera and Jonah Hill improvised many of their lines. The film was originally intended to be animated.

Description: Like 'Zoolander,' 'Step Brothers' is a comedy that thrives on the absurdity of its characters. Both films feature protagonists who are immature, self-absorbed, and hilariously inept. The humor in both is over-the-top, physical, and often cringe-worthy, making them both cult classics.

Fact: Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly improvised most of their dialogue. The film was shot in just 35 days. The 'boats and hoes' rap was entirely improvised.

Description: 'Tropic Thunder' shares 'Zoolander's' satirical edge, this time targeting Hollywood and the film industry. Both movies feature self-absorbed, clueless protagonists (Ben Stiller plays both Derek Zoolander and Tugg Speedman) who are parodies of real-world figures. The humor in both is over-the-top, meta, and filled with celebrity cameos.

Fact: Robert Downey Jr.'s performance as Kirk Lazarus was controversial but earned him an Oscar nomination. Tom Cruise's unrecognizable role as Les Grossman was initially kept secret. The film was banned in some countries for its portrayal of mental disability.

Description: 'The Other Guys' and 'Zoolander' both feature Will Ferrell as a lovable but clueless protagonist. Both films blend absurd humor with satire—'Zoolander' targets the fashion industry, while 'The Other Guys' takes on buddy cop movies. The humor in both is fast-paced, ridiculous, and filled with memorable one-liners.

Fact: Mark Wahlberg's character was originally written for a more traditional action star. The film features a cameo from Derek Jeter. The 'aim for the bushes' scene was inspired by a real-life incident.