If you enjoyed the quirky, darkly comedic tone of 'Austin Found' (2017), a film about a woman who fakes her own kidnapping for fame, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows with similar themes of deception, dark humor, and unexpected twists. Whether you're a fan of satirical takes on fame or love a good crime comedy, this list has something for you.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: This movie delves into the life of a charming con artist who successfully impersonates various professionals, highlighting themes of deception and the thrill of the chase.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life story of Frank Abagnale, who forged checks worth millions before turning his life around. The real Abagnale makes a cameo in the movie as a French police officer.


The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: This film explores themes of ambition, excess, and the consequences of unethical behavior, much like the reference title. It features a charismatic protagonist who navigates a world of crime and deception.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in rampant corruption and fraud. It holds the record for the most uses of the word 'fuck' in a non-documentary film.


The Informant! (2009)
Description: A darkly comedic take on corporate whistleblowing, this film follows a quirky protagonist whose actions spiral out of control, revealing deeper layers of deceit.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Mark Whitacre, a high-ranking executive who became an FBI informant. The real Whitacre served prison time for embezzlement despite his cooperation with authorities.


The Social Network (2010)
Description: This film chronicles the rise of a tech entrepreneur, focusing on themes of betrayal, ambition, and the ethical dilemmas faced during rapid success.
Fact: The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, who adapted it from the book 'The Accidental Billionaires.' The real Mark Zuckerberg has never publicly commented on the film's accuracy.


The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film examines the financial crisis through the lens of those who saw it coming, blending dark humor with a critique of greed and systemic corruption.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts, including Margot Robbie in a bubble bath explaining subprime mortgages. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.


American Hustle (2013)
Description: A tale of con artists and FBI agents, this film captures the essence of deception, ambition, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Fact: The film was inspired by the FBI's Abscam operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Many of the characters' hairstyles and outfits were based on real people from that era.


Pain & Gain (2013)
Description: This crime-comedy follows a group of bodybuilders who get involved in a kidnapping scheme, showcasing themes of ambition gone awry and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Fact: The film is based on a true story that was covered in a series of Miami New Times articles. The real-life events were far more gruesome than depicted in the movie.


War Dogs (2016)
Description: A darkly comedic take on arms dealing, this film follows two young men who exploit the system for personal gain, highlighting themes of greed and moral ambiguity.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz, who won a $300 million contract from the Pentagon. The real-life events were first reported in a Rolling Stone article.


The Bling Ring (2013)
Description: A story about a group of teenagers who rob celebrities' homes, this film explores themes of fame obsession, entitlement, and the consequences of reckless behavior.
Fact: The film is based on real events involving a group of teenagers who burglarized the homes of celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. Some of the actual victims' homes were used as filming locations.


The Founder (2016)
Description: This film tells the story of a persistent entrepreneur who transforms a small business into a global empire, exploring themes of ambition, ruthlessness, and the cost of success.
Fact: The film depicts the rise of Ray Kroc and the McDonald's fast-food empire. The original McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino, California, was recreated for the film.
