If you loved the dark humor, biting social commentary, and luxurious yet unsettling atmosphere of *The White Lotus* (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same blend of satire, drama, and psychological tension. Whether you're drawn to the show's sharp critique of privilege or its slow-burning mysteries, these recommendations will keep you hooked.
The Resort (2022)
Description: This mystery-comedy shares The White Lotus's tropical resort setting and blend of humor with darker themes. Both involve guests uncovering secrets about the location and themselves, with nonlinear storytelling that reveals connections between past and present.
Fact: Cristin Milioti and William Jackson Harper improvised many scenes. The show was partially inspired by Mexican true crime stories. The resort was filmed at an actual luxury hotel in Riviera Maya.
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Enlightened (2011)
Description: While tonally different, Enlightened shares The White Lotus's interest in characters seeking transformation in exotic locales (Hawaii vs. a wellness retreat). Both blend humor with pathos in examining personal growth and corporate corruption, with Laura Dern's performance mirroring Jennifer Coolidge's in its vulnerability.
Fact: Mike White created both Enlightened and The White Lotus. The show was canceled after two seasons despite critical acclaim. Laura Dern based her character on real wellness activists.
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Sharp Objects (2018)
Description: This psychological thriller, like The White Lotus, examines the rot beneath beautiful surfaces - both literally (decaying mansions) and metaphorically (family dysfunction). Both feature troubled female protagonists returning to environments that trigger their trauma, with atmospheric tension and slow-burning mysteries.
Fact: Amy Adams learned to play piano for her role as Camille. The series used real locations in Barnesville, Georgia. Director Jean-Marc Vallée edited the series himself, working 18-hour days.
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Big Little Lies (2017)
Description: Big Little Lies shares with The White Lotus a focus on affluent communities hiding dark secrets beneath a picturesque surface. Both series explore themes of deception, scandal, and the facades people maintain. The ensemble casts and coastal settings (Monterey in BLL, Hawaii in TWL) create similar atmospheric tension.
Fact: Meryl Streep joined the cast in Season 2 specifically to work with Nicole Kidman. The show was initially planned as a limited series but was expanded due to popularity. Laura Dern's character was originally written as a blonde in the novel.
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Search Party (2016)
Description: This dark comedy shares The White Lotus's satirical take on millennial self-absorption and privilege. Both feature wealthy, flawed characters getting entangled in increasingly absurd criminal situations, with sharp writing that critiques contemporary culture.
Fact: The show transitioned from comedy to thriller across seasons. John Early improvised many of Elliott's lines. The creators originally envisioned it as a film.
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The Flight Attendant (2020)
Description: Like The White Lotus, this thriller-comedy follows a messy protagonist (Kaley Cuoco's Cassie) through glamorous international locations while unraveling a mystery. Both blend genres, using humor to offset dark subject matter, and feature protagonists confronting their own self-destructive tendencies.
Fact: Kaley Cuoco broke two ribs filming a stunt. The show uses split-screen to represent Cassie's mental state. Rosie Perez did most of her own stunt driving.
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Succession (2018)
Description: Like The White Lotus, Succession delves into the lives of the wealthy elite, exposing their moral decay and dysfunctional relationships. Both shows blend dark humor with dramatic tension, offering a satirical look at privilege and power. The sharp writing and complex characters in both series keep audiences engaged while critiquing societal issues.
Fact: Succession was inspired by real-life media dynasties like the Murdochs and the Redstones. The show's theme song was composed by Nicholas Britell, who also scored Moonlight. Many scenes are improvised, especially those involving the Roy siblings.
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Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
Description: This series shares The White Lotus's examination of privilege, motherhood, and racial tensions within affluent communities. Both use seemingly perfect suburban settings to explore class divides and personal secrets, with meticulous production design reflecting character psychology.
Fact: Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington were executive producers. The show changed the book's ending significantly. The teenage actors weren't allowed to read the full scripts due to mature content.
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The Undoing (2020)
Description: Sharing The White Lotus's exploration of wealthy New Yorkers facing crises, The Undoing similarly peels back layers of privilege to reveal disturbing truths. Both feature luxurious settings that contrast with dark narratives, and both keep audiences guessing with psychological suspense.
Fact: Nicole Kidman's coats in the show became a fashion phenomenon. Hugh Grant's casting marked his first major TV role. The series was filmed during an actual New York winter, unlike many shows that fake it.
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Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)
Description: Like The White Lotus, this limited series traps wealthy guests in a luxurious retreat that becomes increasingly unsettling. Both explore themes of self-improvement, deception, and the dark side of wellness culture, with an ensemble cast revealing hidden motives.
Fact: Nicole Kidman based her character's accent on a Russian ballet teacher. The cast actually did some bonding exercises together off-set. The wellness center set was built on a former banana plantation.
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