9 Movies & Shows Like Sorry to Bother You (2018)

Description: Terry Gilliam's 'Brazil' shares 'Sorry to Bother You's' dystopian vision and bureaucratic satire. Both films feature protagonists trapped in absurd, oppressive systems, using dark humor and surreal visuals to critique societal control mechanisms.

Fact: The film's title comes from the song 'Aquarela do Brasil,' which represents escapism for the protagonist. Universal Pictures famously tried to re-edit the film against Gilliam's wishes. The dystopian setting was inspired by George Orwell's '1984' and Kafka's works.

Description: John Carpenter's 'They Live' parallels 'Sorry to Bother You' in its critique of consumerism and hidden societal control. Both films use sci-fi elements to reveal the manipulative forces behind capitalism and media, with protagonists who discover unsettling truths about their world.

Fact: The famous six-minute fight scene was intentionally prolonged to show the difficulty of waking people up to reality. The film's catchphrase 'I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum' was ad-libbed by Roddy Piper. The sunglasses reveal was inspired by Christian eschatology and conspiracy theories.

Description: This film, like 'Sorry to Bother You,' explores identity, exploitation, and the absurdity of modern life through surreal storytelling. Both use bizarre premises to examine deeper philosophical questions about selfhood and societal structures.

Fact: John Malkovich initially turned down the role of himself. The 7½ floor was inspired by a real low-ceilinged office Spike Jonze once worked in. The film was Charlie Kaufman's first produced screenplay.

Description: Both films use unconventional narratives to explore themes of identity and memory in a world where technology can manipulate human experience. They blend romance, sci-fi, and psychological drama to question what makes us human.

Fact: Jim Carrey was cast against type as the introverted Joel. The film's title comes from a line in Alexander Pope's poem 'Eloisa to Abelard.' Michel Gondry storyboarded the entire film himself.

Description: 'Snowpiercer' shares 'Sorry to Bother You's' dystopian critique of class struggle and capitalism. Both films use surreal and exaggerated settings to explore themes of oppression, rebellion, and the dehumanizing effects of hierarchical systems.

Fact: The film is based on a French graphic novel called 'Le Transperceneige.' Director Bong Joon-ho insisted on using practical effects for many scenes, including the train sets. Chris Evans turned down roles in 'The Avengers' and 'Captain America' sequels to star in 'Snowpiercer.'

Description: 'Her' and 'Sorry to Bother You' both examine human relationships with technology in capitalist societies, though with different tones. Both use near-future settings to explore isolation, connection, and the commodification of human experience.

Fact: Scarlett Johansson was a last-minute replacement for Samantha Morton, who had shot all her scenes. The film's futuristic Los Angeles was shot in Shanghai. Spike Jonze wrote the screenplay after his divorce, exploring themes of loneliness and connection.

Description: Like 'Sorry to Bother You,' 'The Lobster' is a surreal dark comedy that satirizes societal norms and pressures. Both films use absurd premises to critique conformity and the dehumanizing aspects of modern social structures.

Fact: Colin Farrell gained 40 pounds for his role to appear more average. The film's dialogue was intentionally delivered in a flat, emotionless manner. Yorgos Lanthimos wrote the script in English, his second language, to achieve the peculiar dialogue style.

Description: Like 'Sorry to Bother You,' 'Get Out' is a satirical horror film that critiques systemic racism and social exploitation through a surreal and darkly comedic lens. Both films use genre-bending storytelling to highlight racial and class disparities, blending humor with unsettling social commentary.

Fact: Jordan Peele won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for 'Get Out,' making him the first African-American to win in this category. The film's budget was only $

Description: Both 'Parasite' and 'Sorry to Bother You' are sharp social satires that expose the absurdities and injustices of class divisions. They employ dark humor and unexpected twists to critique economic inequality and the illusion of upward mobility.

Fact: 'Parasite' is the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's house was a meticulously constructed set, not a real location. Bong Joon-ho drew inspiration from his experiences tutoring wealthy families in his youth.