9 Movies and Shows Similar to There Will Be Blood (2007)

Description: This classic film shares with There Will Be Blood a central theme of greed and its corrosive effects on the human soul. Both films feature protagonists whose descent into paranoia and madness is triggered by their pursuit of wealth. The moral ambiguity and psychological depth of the characters are strikingly similar.

Fact: The film was directed by John Huston, who also won an Oscar for his screenplay. Humphrey Bogart's performance is considered one of his best. The line 'We don't need no stinking badges!' originates from this film.

Description: The Proposition, like There Will Be Blood, is a brutal exploration of violence and morality in a frontier setting. Both films feature stark, unforgiving landscapes and complex characters who are driven by primal instincts. The film's poetic yet violent tone mirrors the existential dread of There Will Be Blood.

Fact: The film was written by musician Nick Cave. It is set in the Australian outback, a setting rarely explored in Westerns. The film was critically acclaimed but performed poorly at the box office.

Description: This film, like There Will Be Blood, delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, and the myth of the American frontier. Both films feature stunning cinematography and a slow-burning narrative that explores the darker aspects of human nature. The performances by Casey Affleck and Brad Pitt are as nuanced as Daniel Day-Lewis's in There Will Be Blood.

Fact: The film was shot using natural light to achieve a period-authentic look. It features a haunting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. The film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following.

Description: No Country for Old Men shares similarities with There Will Be Blood in its exploration of greed, violence, and moral decay. Both films are set in desolate landscapes and feature intense, psychologically complex antagonists. The Coen Brothers' direction, like Paul Thomas Anderson's, emphasizes meticulous pacing and atmospheric tension.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Javier Bardem's character, Anton Chigurh, is one of the most iconic villains in cinema history. The film is based on Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name.

Description: True Grit, like There Will Be Blood, is a period piece that explores themes of justice, revenge, and the rugged individualism of the American West. Both films feature strong, determined protagonists and are characterized by their sharp dialogue and atmospheric settings. The Coen Brothers' direction ensures a tone that balances grit with moments of dark humor.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1969 John Wayne classic. Hailee Steinfeld was only 13 years old during filming. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards.

Description: The Revenant shares with There Will Be Blood a brutal, unforgiving depiction of survival and revenge. Both films are visually stunning, with long takes and natural lighting that immerse the viewer in their harsh environments. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance, like Daniel Day-Lewis's, is physically demanding and emotionally intense.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Academy Award for his role in this film. The film was shot in remote locations in Canada and Argentina. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu used only natural light, similar to The Assassination of Jesse James.

Description: Bone Tomahawk shares with There Will Be Blood a visceral, unflinching portrayal of violence and survival. Both films are set in harsh, unforgiving environments and feature characters pushed to their limits. The film's blend of Western and horror elements creates a tone that is as unsettling as There Will Be Blood's.

Fact: The film marks the directorial debut of novelist S. Craig Zahler. It features a standout performance by Kurt Russell. The film's graphic violence has made it a cult favorite.

Description: Hell or High Water shares with There Will Be Blood a critique of capitalism and the American Dream. Both films are set in stark, rural landscapes and feature morally ambiguous characters driven by desperation. The film's tension and pacing are reminiscent of the slow-burning intensity of There Will Be Blood.

Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards. It was inspired by the economic struggles of rural America. The screenplay was written by Taylor Sheridan, who also wrote Sicario.

Description: The Sisters Brothers, like There Will Be Blood, is a darkly comedic yet brutal take on the Western genre. Both films explore themes of brotherhood, greed, and the futility of violence. The film's blend of humor and horror, along with its stunning visuals, makes it a spiritual cousin to There Will Be Blood.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Patrick deWitt. It stars Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly as the titular brothers. The film was shot in Spain and Romania.