9 Best Neo-noir Movies Like Nightcrawler

Movies like nightcrawler

“Nightcrawler” is a neo-noir thriller film that was released in 2014. It is directed by Dan Gilroy and stars Jake Gyllenhaal as the main character, Louis Bloom, a freelance crime journalist who records violent events in Los Angeles and sells the footage to news stations.

The film explores several themes, including the dark side of ambition, the blurred lines between crime and media, and the moral implications of pursuing success at any cost. The movie also touches on topics like the ethics of journalism, the role of media in society, and the impact of violence in the news.

One reason why people love “Nightcrawler” is its thrilling and suspenseful plot. The film is tense and captivating, drawing viewers into the story as they watch Bloom’s ruthless pursuit of success. It also offers a unique and unsettling perspective on the media industry, which has become increasingly relevant in the digital age.

Another reason for the film’s popularity is the outstanding performance of Gyllenhaal. He portrays Bloom’s obsessive and sociopathic personality with chilling accuracy, making the character both compelling and disturbing.

“Nightcrawler” was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous awards and nominations. The film has also gained a cult following, with many viewers praising its originality and thought-provoking themes.

Some other interesting facts about “Nightcrawler” include the fact that Gyllenhaal lost 30 pounds for the role, giving him a gaunt and eerie appearance. The film was also shot entirely on location in Los Angeles, giving it an authentic and gritty feel. Overall, “Nightcrawler” is a captivating and thought-provoking film that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences.

If you enjoyed “Nightcrawler,” here are 9 movies that you might also enjoy:

“Zodiac” (2007) – A David Fincher movie based on the true story of a serial killer in San Francisco in the 1960s and 1970s. The film is a slow-burn thriller that explores the obsession of a cartoonist and a journalist with the case.

“Drive” (2011) – A Nicolas Winding Refn movie starring Ryan Gosling as a Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver. Like “Nightcrawler,” “Drive” is a moody and stylish neo-noir thriller with a captivating and unusual protagonist.

“The Social Network” (2010) – A David Fincher movie that tells the story of the founding of Facebook. The film explores the dark side of ambition and success, and features a complex and manipulative protagonist, Mark Zuckerberg.

“Gone Girl” (2014) – Another David Fincher movie based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. “Gone Girl” is a twisty and suspenseful thriller that explores the darker side of a seemingly perfect marriage.

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011) – A David Fincher movie based on the bestselling novel by Stieg Larsson. The film is a dark and disturbing thriller about a journalist and a hacker who team up to investigate a decades-old murder case.

“Prisoners” (2013) – A Denis Villeneuve movie starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film is a tense and harrowing thriller about the abduction of two young girls and the lengths their parents will go to find them.

“Night Moves” (2013) – A Kelly Reichardt movie about three environmental activists who plot to blow up a dam. The film is a slow-burn thriller that explores the moral complexities of activism and the consequences of radical action.

“The Insider” (1999) – A Michael Mann movie based on a true story about a tobacco industry whistleblower. The film explores the ethics of investigative journalism and the impact of corporate greed on public health.

“Nocturnal Animals” (2016) – A Tom Ford movie starring Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film is a stylish and haunting neo-noir thriller that tells the story of a woman who receives a manuscript from her ex-husband, which forces her to confront the demons of their past.

1. “Zodiac” (2007)

“Zodiac” is a chilling true-crime thriller directed by David Fincher and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. The film is based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, who terrorized San Francisco in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The movie follows the investigation led by San Francisco police and reporters to catch the killer, and the subsequent obsession of a cartoonist (Gyllenhaal) with the case.

The film is similar to “Nightcrawler” in that it explores the dark side of obsession and ambition. Both movies delve into the moral complexities of pursuing success and the toll it can take on one’s psyche. “Zodiac” is a masterful exercise in tension and suspense, with Fincher’s expert direction creating a palpable sense of unease throughout the film.

2. “Drive” (2011)

“Drive” is a stylish and visceral neo-noir thriller directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and stars Ryan Gosling as a Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver. The film follows the driver’s relationships with a young mother and a criminal associate, and the violent consequences that ensue.

Like “Nightcrawler,” “Drive” is a moody and stylish thriller with a captivating and unusual protagonist. Gosling’s character is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes, and the film’s stunning cinematography and pulsing synth score create a mesmerizing atmosphere. “Drive” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

3. “The Social Network” (2010)

“The Social Network” is a captivating drama directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. The film tells the story of the founding of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles between its co-founders, Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin.

The movie is similar to “Nightcrawler” in that it explores the dark side of ambition and success. The character of Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg) is portrayed as brilliant but ruthless, driven by a desire for power and control. The film’s sharp dialogue and expert pacing create a tense and captivating atmosphere, and the performances by Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake are all exceptional.

In conclusion, “Zodiac,” “Drive,” and “The Social Network” are all excellent films that explore the darker aspects of human nature. Like “Nightcrawler,” they each feature complex and compelling characters who are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals and the consequences that ensue. These films are all well worth watching for anyone interested in thrilling and thought-provoking cinema.

4. “Gone Girl” (2014)

“Gone Girl” is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn. The film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike as a married couple whose relationship is thrown into turmoil when the wife disappears under mysterious circumstances.

The film is similar to “Nightcrawler” in that it explores the darker side of human nature and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their goals. The characters in “Gone Girl” are complex and multi-dimensional, with secrets and motivations that are gradually revealed over the course of the film. The movie is expertly crafted, with Fincher’s signature attention to detail and a haunting score that creates a palpable sense of unease.

5. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2011)

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a dark and intense crime thriller directed by David Fincher and based on the best-selling novel by Stieg Larsson. The film stars Rooney Mara as a young hacker who is recruited by a journalist (Daniel Craig) to investigate a decades-old disappearance.

The movie is similar to “Nightcrawler” in that it explores the seedy underbelly of society and the toll that violence and corruption can take on individuals. The characters in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” are complex and damaged, with past traumas that inform their actions and motivations. The film is visually stunning, with a bleak and desaturated color palette that emphasizes the gritty realism of the story.

6. “Prisoners” (2013)

“Prisoners” is a haunting and suspenseful thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Viola Davis. The film follows the story of two young girls who go missing in a small Pennsylvania town and the subsequent investigation led by a detective (Gyllenhaal) and a grieving father (Jackman).

The movie is similar to “Nightcrawler” in that it explores the dark and violent aspects of human nature and the ways in which people can be pushed to their limits. The characters in “Prisoners” are all deeply flawed, with past traumas and secrets that gradually come to light over the course of the film. The movie is expertly crafted, with a sense of tension and unease that never lets up, and an ending that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, “Gone Girl,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” and “Prisoners” are all gripping and intense thrillers that explore the darker aspects of human nature. Like “Nightcrawler,” these films all feature complex and multi-dimensional characters and expert direction that creates a palpable sense of tension and unease. These movies are all must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking and suspenseful cinema.

7. “Night Moves” (2013)

“Night Moves” is a gripping eco-thriller directed by Kelly Reichardt and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, and Peter Sarsgaard. The film follows a group of environmental activists who plan to blow up a hydroelectric dam in Oregon, and the moral and personal consequences that follow.

Like “Nightcrawler,” “Night Moves” is a dark and thought-provoking character study that explores the psychological toll of obsession and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their goals. The film’s characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with personal demons and motivations that are gradually revealed over the course of the movie. Reichardt’s direction is restrained and subtle, emphasizing the tension and unease that builds as the plot unfolds.

8. “The Insider” (1999)

“The Insider” is a powerful and gripping drama directed by Michael Mann and starring Al Pacino and Russell Crowe. The film is based on the true story of a tobacco industry whistleblower who exposes the dangerous and deceitful practices of the industry, and the personal and professional consequences that follow.

Like “Nightcrawler,” “The Insider” is a tense and thought-provoking exploration of the cost of truth and the toll of personal ambition. The film’s characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with personal and professional stakes that are gradually revealed over the course of the story. Mann’s direction is masterful, emphasizing the claustrophobic and high-pressure atmosphere of the tobacco industry and the personal and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.

9. “Nocturnal Animals” (2016)

“Nocturnal Animals” is a haunting and suspenseful thriller directed by Tom Ford and starring Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film follows a wealthy art gallery owner who receives a manuscript from her ex-husband and the violent and disturbing story it contains.

Like “Nightcrawler,” “Nocturnal Animals” is a dark and psychological exploration of obsession and the toll it can take on the human psyche. The film’s characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with past traumas and secrets that inform their actions and motivations. Ford’s direction is masterful, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease throughout the film, and a haunting and enigmatic ending that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.

In conclusion, “Night Moves,” “The Insider,” and “Nocturnal Animals” are all gripping and thought-provoking thrillers that explore the darker aspects of human nature. Like “Nightcrawler,” these films all feature complex and multi-dimensional characters and expert direction that creates a palpable sense of tension and unease. These movies are all must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking and suspenseful cinema.

Here is a table with the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomato scores of the movies mentioned in the previous questions:

Movie TitleIMDb RatingRotten Tomato Score
Nightcrawler7.895%
Zodiac7.789%
Drive7.893%
The Social Network7.796%
Gone Girl8.188%
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo7.887%
Prisoners8.188%
Night Moves6.083%
The Insider7.896%
Nocturnal Animals 7.573%
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