American Psycho has steadily grown in popularity and acclaim since its 2000 release, becoming one of the century’s most notable cult movies in the process. It’s a psychological horror, crime, and dark comedy movie all rolled into one, following the life of a man named Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), who works as an investment banker in New York City during the 1980s. He also harbors incredibly dark thoughts, and by night, murders — or imagines murdering — scores of people.
It’s a confronting, strange, yet undeniably memorable film, and though it dials back much of the content from the novel on which it’s based, it still feels provocative and daring. It may ultimately feel distinctive, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other movies out there — belonging to the crime, dark comedy, or horror genres — that scratch the same itch American Psycho does. The following titles demonstrate this well; all have a good deal to offer for those who enjoyed American Psycho.
1. Nightcrawler (2014)
Nightcrawler stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom, a stringer who records violent events late at night in Los Angeles and sells the footage to a local television news station. Though Lou doesn’t literally kill people like Patrick Bateman, he’s still a deeply disturbed individual who will go to unethical lengths to succeed in his field.
The film is a biting satire of sensationalist media and those who enable it. Like American Psycho, it features a mesmerizing lead performance, with Gyllenhaal fully committing to portraying Lou’s sociopathic tendencies and warped worldview. The cinematography also captures the dark underbelly of LA in a stylish neo-noir aesthetic. If you enjoyed the social commentary and antihero protagonist of American Psycho, Nightcrawler is well worth checking out.
2. Funny Games (1997)
Austrian director Michael Haneke’s Funny Games is a home invasion thriller that subverts audience expectations at every turn. The plot involves two young men who hold a family hostage in their vacation home and subject them to sadistic psychological games.
Like American Psycho, Funny Games implicates the viewer by forcing them to confront their complicity in on-screen violence. The fourth wall is frequently broken, with the antagonists addressing the camera directly. It’s an unsettling and thought-provoking film that raises questions about why we are drawn to depictions of brutality as entertainment.
Haneke later remade Funny Games shot-for-shot with an English-speaking cast in 2007, but the original Austrian version remains the definitive one to watch for fans of challenging cinema in the vein of American Psycho. Just be warned – this is an incredibly disturbing film, even more so than American Psycho in many ways.
3. Man Bites Dog (1992)
Man Bites Dog is a Belgian black comedy mockumentary about a film crew following a ruthless serial killer named Ben as he goes about his daily life. As the crew becomes more complicit in Ben’s crimes, the line between observer and participant grows increasingly blurred.
Like American Psycho, Man Bites Dog satirizes media violence and the audience’s fascination with depravity. Ben frequently breaks the fourth wall by addressing the camera, not unlike Patrick Bateman’s asides to the audience. The film’s matter-of-fact depiction of horrific acts serves to highlight the absurdity and amorality of its characters.
Man Bites Dog is shot on grainy black-and-white film stock, lending it a raw, guerrilla-style aesthetic that suits the subject matter. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but those who appreciate the coal-black humor of American Psycho will find much to admire here. Just be prepared for some truly shocking moments of violence and cruelty.
4. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a chilling true crime film loosely based on the confessions of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. The film follows Henry (Michael Rooker) and his roommate Otis (Tom Towles) as they commit a series of brutal murders in Chicago.
Like American Psycho, Henry offers a disturbingly realistic portrayal of a psychopath who blends into society. There’s no satirical edge or dark humor to lighten the mood – this is a relentlessly grim and disturbing film. But it’s also a masterful character study, with Rooker delivering a chilling performance as the soft-spoken yet monstrous Henry.
Henry was originally rated X by the MPAA for its graphic violence, and it remains a difficult watch to this day. But for those who appreciate American Psycho‘s unflinching look at the darkest corners of the human psyche, Henry is essential viewing. Just be sure to watch it on an empty stomach.
5. Maniac (1980)
Maniac is a sleazy exploitation film about a disturbed loner named Frank Zito (Joe Spinell) who stalks and kills women in New York City. The film is notorious for its graphic violence and misogynistic overtones, which make it a challenging watch for modern audiences.
Like Patrick Bateman, Frank Zito is a deeply disturbed individual with severe mommy issues. He scalps his female victims and keeps their hair as trophies. The film’s grimy, low-budget aesthetic adds to the unsettling atmosphere, making it feel like a voyeuristic peek into a deranged mind.
Maniac is definitely not for everyone, and it lacks the satirical edge and social commentary of American Psycho. But for those with a strong stomach and an appreciation for grindhouse cinema, it’s a fascinating time capsule of early ’80s sleaze. Just don’t expect to feel good about humanity afterwards.
6. Taxi Driver (1976)
Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver follows Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a lonely and depressed Vietnam vet who works as a taxi driver in New York City. As Travis becomes increasingly disgusted with the moral decay he sees around him, he begins to fantasize about violently cleansing the streets.
Like Patrick Bateman, Travis Bickle is a deeply alienated individual who feels disconnected from the world around him. He has a warped view of masculinity and sees himself as a righteous vigilante. The film’s gritty portrayal of 1970s New York is reminiscent of the grimy urban hellscape depicted in American Psycho.
Taxi Driver is a masterpiece of ’70s cinema, with De Niro delivering one of his most iconic performances. While it may not have the satirical bite of American Psycho, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the dark underbelly of the male psyche on screen.
7. The House That Jack Built (2018)
Lars von Trier’s The House That Jack Built follows Jack (Matt Dillon), a serial killer who sees himself as an artist creating grotesque masterpieces with his murders. The film is divided into five “incidents” that depict Jack’s crimes and his descent into madness.
Like American Psycho, The House That Jack Built is a darkly satirical take on the mind of a psychopath. Jack frequently breaks the fourth wall to justify his actions to the audience, not unlike Patrick Bateman’s asides. The film is also filled with graphic violence and disturbing imagery that will test the limits of even the most hardened viewers.
The House That Jack Built is a challenging and polarizing film that divided audiences upon its release. But for those who appreciate von Trier’s provocative brand of cinema, it’s a fascinating exploration of the artistic impulse taken to its most extreme and depraved ends.
8. Falling Down (1993)
Falling Down stars Michael Douglas as William “D-Fens” Foster, a divorced and unemployed defense engineer who goes on a violent rampage across Los Angeles after getting stuck in traffic on a hot summer day. As D-Fens encounters various people who trigger his rage, he becomes increasingly unhinged and dangerous.
Like Patrick Bateman, D-Fens is a white-collar professional who feels emasculated and alienated by modern society. He lashes out at perceived injustices and annoyances with disproportionate violence. The film is a darkly comedic take on the “angry white male” trope, with Douglas delivering a memorably unhinged performance.
Falling Down may not be as overtly satirical as American Psycho, but it shares some of the same themes of male entitlement and societal decay. It’s a fascinating time capsule of early ’90s anxieties and a showcase for Douglas’s talents as an actor.
9. Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher’s Fight Club follows an unnamed narrator (Edward Norton) who forms an underground fight club with soap salesman Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) as a way to escape his mundane white-collar existence. As the fight club grows into a full-blown terrorist organization, the narrator begins to question his own sanity and the true nature of his relationship with Tyler.
Like American Psycho, Fight Club is a scathing critique of consumerism and masculinity in crisis. Both films feature protagonists who feel emasculated by modern society and turn to violence as a way to assert their dominance. The twist ending of Fight Club also calls into question the reliability of the narrator, much like the ambiguous ending of American Psycho.
Fight Club is a stylish and provocative film that has only grown in relevance since its release. While it may not be as overtly satirical as American Psycho, it shares many of the same themes and is a must-watch for fans of dark, mind-bending cinema.
10. Filth (2013)
Filth stars James McAvoy as Bruce Robertson, a corrupt and drug-addicted cop in Edinburgh who will stop at nothing to secure a promotion and win back his wife and daughter. As Bruce manipulates and betrays those around him, his mental state begins to deteriorate, leading to increasingly depraved behavior.
Like Patrick Bateman, Bruce Robertson is a deeply unlikable protagonist who engages in all manner of depravity. He’s racist, sexist, and homophobic, and takes pleasure in causing pain to others. But unlike Bateman, Bruce is not a wealthy yuppie – he’s a working-class cop struggling with addiction and mental illness.
Filth is based on the novel by Irvine Welsh, who also wrote Trainspotting. It’s a darkly comedic and often shocking film that features a bravura performance from McAvoy. While it may not have the same cultural cachet as American Psycho, it’s a worthy companion piece for those who enjoy their protagonists deeply flawed and their humor pitch black.
11. Bronson (2008)
Bronson is a stylized biopic of Michael Peterson, aka Charles Bronson, a notorious British prisoner who has spent most of his adult life in solitary confinement. The film follows Bronson (Tom Hardy) as he engages in various acts of violence and rebellion against the prison system, all while pursuing his dream of being a famous artist.
Like American Psycho, Bronson is a film that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, with its protagonist frequently breaking the fourth wall to address the audience directly. Bronson’s acts of violence are often staged like performance art pieces, with elaborate costumes and musical cues.
Hardy delivers a mesmerizing performance as Bronson, capturing both his charisma and his menace. While the film doesn’t have the same satirical edge as American Psycho, it shares a fascination with the performative aspects of masculinity and violence. It’s a must-watch for fans of Hardy’s work and those who appreciate unconventional biopics.
12. The Killer Inside Me (2010)
The Killer Inside Me is based on the novel by Jim Thompson and follows Lou Ford (Casey Affleck), a deputy sheriff in a small Texas town who is secretly a sociopathic killer. As Lou’s violent urges begin to spiral out of control, he must navigate his relationships with his girlfriend Amy (Kate Hudson) and prostitute Joyce (Jessica Alba) while staying one step ahead of the law.
Like Patrick Bateman, Lou Ford is a charming and seemingly normal individual who harbors a dark secret. He’s able to blend into his community and maintain a facade of respectability while indulging in his violent fantasies. The film is unflinching in its depiction of Lou’s crimes, which can be difficult to watch at times.
Affleck delivers a chilling performance as Lou, capturing both his superficial charm and his deep-seated sociopathy. While The Killer Inside Me may not have the same cultural impact as American Psycho, it’s a faithful adaptation of Thompson’s novel and a fascinating portrait of a killer hiding in plain sight.
13. Bret Easton Ellis’ The Informers (2008)
The Informers is based on a collection of short stories by Bret Easton Ellis, the author of American Psycho. The film follows a group of wealthy and aimless young people in Los Angeles in the early 1980s as they engage in various forms of debauchery and self-destruction.
Like American Psycho, The Informers is a scathing critique of the emptiness and amorality of the upper class. The characters are all deeply unlikable and engage in all manner of hedonistic behavior, from drug use to casual sex to violence. The film captures the same sense of ennui and disconnection that permeates Ellis’ work.
While The Informers may not be as well-known as American Psycho, it’s a worthy companion piece for fans of Ellis’ writing. It features an impressive cast that includes Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, and Mickey Rourke, and captures the same sense of moral decay and existential dread that makes American Psycho so compelling.
14. The Machinist (2004)
The Machinist stars Christian Bale as Trevor Reznik, a factory worker who suffers from severe insomnia and begins to experience strange hallucinations and paranoid delusions. As Trevor’s mental state deteriorates, he becomes increasingly erratic and violent, putting himself and those around him in danger.
Like his performance in American Psycho, Bale undergoes a dramatic physical transformation for The Machinist, losing a significant amount of weight to play the emaciated and sleep-deprived Trevor. The film is a psychological thriller that keeps the audience guessing as to what is real and what is a product of Trevor’s fractured psyche.
While The Machinist may not have the same satirical edge as American Psycho, it shares a fascination with the ways in which mental illness can warp one’s perception of reality. Bale delivers a haunting performance that is both physically and emotionally demanding, cementing his status as one of the most committed actors of his generation.
15. Cosmopolis (2012)
David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis stars Robert Pattinson as Eric Packer, a billionaire asset manager who spends a day traveling across Manhattan in his luxurious limousine while his world slowly unravels around him. Along the way, he encounters various characters who challenge his worldview and sense of invincibility.
Like American Psycho, Cosmopolis is a surreal and darkly comedic take on the excesses and absurdities of the ultra-wealthy. Packer is a man who has everything but feels nothing, and his journey across the city becomes a metaphor for his own spiritual and moral decay. The film is filled with Cronenberg’s trademark body horror and existential dread, making it a challenging but rewarding watch.
Pattinson delivers a cold and detached performance as Packer, capturing the character’s emptiness and lack of empathy. While Cosmopolis may not have the same cultural impact as American Psycho, it’s a fascinating companion piece that explores similar themes of wealth, power, and the human condition.
American Psycho remains a one-of-a-kind film that blends horror, satire, and social commentary in a way that few other movies have been able to match. But for those who are drawn to its dark humor, stylish visuals, and provocative themes, there are plenty of other films out there that offer similar pleasures. From gritty crime dramas to surreal black comedies to unflinching portraits of mental illness, the movies on this list demonstrate the enduring power of cinema to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of American Psycho or simply looking for your next twisted thrill ride, these 15 killer movies like American Psycho are sure to get your heart racing and your mind reeling.
