10 Riveting Movies Like American Psycho That Will Leave You On The Edge Of Your Seat

• IMDB score: 7.7/10
• Director: Brad Anderson
• Writer: Scott Kosar
• Stars: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
• Duration: 1h 41m

If you loved Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, then this movie is a must-watch. The Machinist is a 2004 psychological thriller film directed by Brad Anderson, starring Christian Bale as Trevor Reznik, the titular scrawny factory worker who suffers from terrible sleeplessness.

Movies Like Apocalypto - Get Onto Mesmerizing Cinematic Adventures

Trevor, haunted by a mysterious incident, grows increasingly paranoid as reality is warped into a surreal and terrifying world for him. As he attempts to figure out what's causing his sleeplessness and the weird happenings that surround him, he uncovers an unsettling connection to a coworker called Ivan (played by John Sharian).

"The Machinist" garnered mostly good reviews from critics. It was praised for its atmospheric directing, Christian Bale's commitment to his role, and its exploration of psychological topics. The film's dark and eerie atmosphere, along with Bale's extraordinary physical metamorphosis, captivated moviegoers and generated a haunting sense of unease. However, being a low-budget indie film, The Machinist did not attain considerable economic success. Despite this, it has developed a strong cult following, with many viewers praising its unusual storytelling and psychological depth.

For me, The Machinist is a mesmerizing picture. It is a journey into the interstices of a mind bereft of sleep and sustenance, a mind struggling to disentangle the jumble of a history of shame and dread. And this journey is frightening. To say that Christian Bale was outstanding in this movie would be an understatement. He went above and beyond the call of duty to give what I would consider one of the most devoted performances in cinema history.

Despite the differences in plot, tone, and narrative structure, The Machinist and American Psycho both delve into the protagonists' inner psychological depths. They touch upon issues like identity, guilt, and the disintegration of the human psyche. Similarly, both Trevor Reznik and Patrick Bateman have to suffer psychological torture and fight with their vision of reality.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDB score: 8.8/10
• Director: David Fincher
• Writers: Chuck Palahniuk, Jim Uhls
• Stars: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf
• Duration: 2h 19m

If you have seen those Patrick Bateman memes, chances are you have also come across Fight Club memes. "Fight Club" is a 1999 film directed by David Fincher and based on Chuck Palahniuk's novel of the same name. It's a bleak, sarcastic look at masculinity, materialism, and identity.

The story revolves around an unidentified narrator, portrayed by Edward Norton, who suffers from sleeplessness and lives a repetitive life working in a white-collar job. When he meets Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, an intriguing soap salesman with an unusual view on life, his life takes a dramatic turn. They join an underground fight club to express their grievances and rebel against conventional standards. However, when the fight club grows into a wider anarchist movement known as Project Mayhem, the narrator's hold on reality begins to deteriorate.

"Fight Club" got mixed reviews upon its first release, but it has since established a cult following and been hailed for its challenging and thought-provoking narrative. The ideas, quotable phrases, and visual flair of the film have made it a cultural phenomenon. When it was released in 1999, "Fight Club" had a modest performance at the box office. Despite a $63 million budget, the picture originally struggled to draw a large audience and did not achieve economic success throughout its theatrical run.

This film has a raw intensity that captures my attention every time I view it. It is a fantastic, exciting ride! Visually spectacular, with career-best performances from everyone involved, this film was an excellent adaptation of an excellent book. The direction is perfect. The cinematography, pacing, and editing are all flawless. On top of all that, the book's twists and intricacies are all well depicted in the film.

Both American Psycho and Fight Club delve into the study and deconstruction of conventional masculinity. They look at the demands and expectations that society places on men, and how these pressures may lead to personal hardships and despair. If you are looking for movies like American Psycho where reality, psychology, and symbolism are intertwined, Fight Club is one of the best out there.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDB: 8.3/10
• Director: Sam Mendes
• Writer: Alan Ball
• Stars: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch
• Duration: 2h 2m

Released in the same year as Fight Club, American Beauty is another “American” social commentary movie like American Psycho, albeit much more critically acclaimed (initially) and commercially successful. Directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball, this movie is a dark comedy-drama that delves into themes of suburban life, personal desires, and the pursuit of happiness.

Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, is a middle-aged man experiencing a midlife crisis. Lester develops feelings for his daughter's gorgeous friend, Angela, played by Mena Suvari, which sets off a chain of events that leads to contemplation and transformation. The story follows the lives of several individuals that reside in the same suburban neighborhood, including Lester's wife Carolyn (Annette Bening), their daughter Jane (Thora Birch), and their odd neighbor Ricky Fitts (Wes Bentley).

"American Beauty" received widespread critical praise and commercial success. It received five Academy Award nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Kevin Spacey), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. The film also resonated with viewers, igniting debates on the façade of suburban life and the desire for personal fulfillment. The film went on to gross over $350 million worldwide on a $15 million budget.

This is a one-of-a-kind film for me. I had a hole in the pit of my stomach after watching it. American Beauty left me with a lot of questions, most of which are unanswerable. A film that makes me think after I watch it, in my opinion, is second to none, and this film surely delivers in that regard. Do not watch American Beauty if you want a lighthearted film with elements of humor and drama. However, if you appreciate movies like American Psycho that make you think and are strengthened by a superb cast, director, and writing, this film should be at the top of your list.

Like American Psycho, American Beauty is a satirical critique of American culture and societal norms. They expose the emptiness and superficiality beneath the facade of success and happiness in modern American life. However, it's important to note that "American Beauty" and "American Psycho" have distinct differences in terms of plot, tone, and style. American Psycho is more surreal, with a reality altered by the decaying mental state of the protagonist, while American Beauty paints the picture using the perspective of multiple characters, with humor sprinkled throughout.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDB score: 3.7/10
• Director: Morgan J. Freeman
• Writers: Alex Sanger, Karen Craig, Bret Easton Ellis
• Stars: Mila Kunis, William Shatner, Geraint Wyn Davies
• Duration: 1h 28m

I bet you didn't know American Psycho had a sequel, did you? That’s because "American Psycho 2: All American Girl" is a direct-to-video sequel to the 2000 film "American Psycho." While the first film was based on Bret Easton Ellis' novel and focused on the character of Patrick Bateman, the sequel takes a fresh approach with a new tale and protagonist.

"American Psycho 2: All American Girl" features criminology student Rachael Newman, played by Mila Kunis, who gets infatuated with becoming a teaching assistant for her professor, Robert Starkman, played by William Shatner. Rachael is motivated by a horrible secret: she murdered her own professor in order to win the post. As she advances through the academic ranks, she goes on a murdering rampage to remove her rivals, all while attempting to avoid suspicion from her peers and police authorities.

Critics gave "American Psycho 2: All American Girl" largely poor reviews. Many people panned the picture for its lack of link to the original, bad acting, and a poorly handled plot. A major issue was the lack of depth and intricacy that made the original picture so powerful. Some viewers, however, have found enjoyment in the film's campy and over-the-top attitude.

If you view this film as a parody of American Psycho with explicit violence rather than a social commentary film with symbolism and thought-provoking ideas, you could have fun with it. Look elsewhere if you want more of what the original "American Psycho" has to offer. That's all I can say about this film, honestly, this movie is quite literally made for those who just love to see violence and madness in movies.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDB score: 8.1/10
• Director: David Fincher
• Writer: Gillian Flynn
• Stars: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
• Duration: 2h 29m

This psychological thriller directed by David Fincher explores a complicated and deceptive relationship between a husband and woman, loaded with twists and suspense.

The plot centres around Amy Dunne, played by Rosamund Pike, going missing on her fifth wedding anniversary. Her husband, Nick Dunne, played by Ben Affleck, becomes the leading suspect, and the film explores the complexity of their marriage as well as the hidden objectives of both characters as the inquiry progresses. The plot takes unexpected turns, questioning the audience's understanding of reality.

"Gone Girl" was a box office and critical success, grossing over $369 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $61 million. It was well praised for its storyline, directing, acting, and ability to defy viewer expectations. The film was hailed for its keen social satire as well as its examination of gender roles and power dynamics in relationships. It was nominated for multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe for Best Director.

Watching Gone Girl to me is like riding a roller coaster in the dark. You have no clue where the next bend is, you have no idea where you're heading, and you have no idea how many more ups and downs you'll go through until it's all done. It's a film that keeps you guessing, and just when you think you've got it all figured out, the game shifts and it's all up in the air again. The diary-exposition concept is also quite innovative and was flawlessly implemented. Many films lose the audience when they move back and forth between past and present, but Gone Girl - you guessed it - accomplishes it well.

This film is on the list because, like American Psycho, it delves into the darker sides of human nature and the hidden depths beneath seemingly normal, successful individuals. They peel back the layers of their characters to reveal their manipulative, deceitful, and violent tendencies. Just like in American Psycho, you can find social commentary with a focus on consumerism, materialism, and the concern with appearance and status in this film. It reveals the shallowness and emptiness hidden under the surface of affluence and prosperity.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDb score: 8.0/10 
• Director: Richard Kelly
• Writer: Richard Kelly
• Stars: Jake Gyllenhaa, lJena Malone, Mary McDonnell
• Duration: 1h 53m

A cult classic movie like American Psycho, "Donnie Darko" is a cult science fiction psychological thriller film directed by Richard Kelly and released in 2001. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role and features a supporting cast including Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, and Patrick Swayze. The film follows a troubled teenager named Donnie Darko, who experiences strange visions and encounters a mysterious figure known as Frank, a large rabbit-like creature.

The movie takes place in the late 1980s and centers around Donnie Darko, a high school student who struggles with mental health issues and feels disconnected from reality. After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident involving a falling airplane engine, Donnie starts experiencing visions and encounters Frank, a figure in a rabbit costume who informs him about the impending end of the world. As Donnie navigates his troubled personal life, he becomes entangled in a complex web of time travel and existentialism.

"Donnie Darko" initially received mixed reviews upon its release, but it gained a dedicated following over time and achieved cult status. The film was praised for its intriguing and thought-provoking storyline, memorable performances, and atmospheric direction. It has been lauded for its exploration of themes such as fate, determinism, and the nature of reality.

Understandably, the movie did not perform well at the box office during its initial release either, but it gained a significant following through subsequent DVD and Blu-ray releases. Its cult status has led to successful re-releases and special screenings in later years.

While "Donnie Darko" and "American Psycho" differ in genre and narrative style, they share thematic similarities in their exploration of mental instability and the darker aspects of human psychology. Both films delve into the psyche of their troubled protagonists and present a complex examination of their unraveling mental states.

Additionally, both films challenge the audience's perception of reality and blur the boundaries between fantasy and the characters' subjective experiences. They provoke thought and discussion about the nature of identity, morality, and the human condition.

Despite their differences in tone and setting, "Donnie Darko" and "American Psycho" engage audiences with their unconventional storytelling and their exploration of the complexities of the human mind.

In summary, "Donnie Darko" is a cult science fiction psychological thriller that follows a troubled teenager's journey through strange visions, time travel, and existential questioning. The film initially received mixed reviews but has gained a devoted following. It shares thematic similarities with "American Psycho" in its exploration of mental instability and the challenges of the human psyche.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDb score: 8.4/10 
• Director: David Fincher
• Writer: Andrew Kevin Walker
• Stars: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey
• Duration: 2h 7m

This film follows Detectives David Mills (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) as they investigate a series of gruesome murders committed by a sadistic serial killer. Each murder represents one of the seven deadly sins, including gluttony, greed, sloth, and more. As the detectives get closer to capturing the killer, they are drawn into a dark and morally complex world, testing their own sanity and resolve.

"Se7en" received critical acclaim for its gripping storyline, atmospheric direction, and stellar performances. The film was praised for its dark and gritty tone, as well as its exploration of moral ambiguity and the depths of human depravity. It is often lauded as one of the best crime thrillers of all time.

In addition to the critical acclaim, the film also performed well at the box office, grossing over $327 million worldwide. Its success was driven by positive word-of-mouth and its reputation as a must-see psychological thriller.

"Se7en" and "American Psycho" share similarities in their exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the psychology of violence. Both films delve into the minds of disturbed individuals and present a bleak and unsettling view of society. They also explore themes of obsession, moral decay, and the fine line between sanity and madness. While "Se7en" focuses on the pursuit of a serial killer, "American Psycho" delves into the mind of a narcissistic Wall Street executive who descends into a world of violence and psychosis.

Both films are known for their atmospheric and intense storytelling, creating a sense of unease and suspense. They challenge the audience's perceptions and provide a thought-provoking examination of human behavior.

In summary, "Se7en" is a gripping crime thriller that follows detectives as they investigate a series of murders based on the seven deadly sins. The film received critical acclaim, performed well at the box office, and shares similarities with "American Psycho" in terms of their exploration of dark psychological themes and the boundaries of human depravity.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDb score: 7.4/10
• Director: Anthony Minghella
• Writers: Patricia Highsmith, Anthony Minghella
• Stars: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law
• Duration: 2h 19m

Set in the 1950s, "The Talented Mr. Ripley" centers around Tom Ripley, a talented but socially awkward young man. Tom is sent to Italy by a wealthy businessman to convince his playboy son, Dickie Greenleaf, to return home to America. However, Tom becomes enamored with Dickie's luxurious lifestyle and gradually assumes his identity. As Tom's lies and manipulation escalate, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, leading to tragic consequences.

"The Talented Mr. Ripley" received critical acclaim upon its release. The film was praised for its stylish direction, compelling performances, and intricate storytelling. Matt Damon's portrayal of Tom Ripley was particularly lauded for its depth and complexity. The film garnered multiple award nominations, including several Academy Award nominations.

"The Talented Mr. Ripley" performed well at the box office, grossing over $128 million worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its strong critical reception, star-studded cast, and the appeal of its intriguing and suspenseful storyline.

"The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "American Psycho" share some thematic similarities in their exploration of identity, deception, and the darker aspects of human nature. Both films feature protagonists who are deeply flawed and engage in manipulative and morally questionable behavior. They delve into the psychological complexities of their main characters and challenge the audience's perception of reality.

However, it's important to note that "The Talented Mr. Ripley" has a different setting, time period, and narrative focus compared to "American Psycho." While "American Psycho" delves into the mind of a Wall Street executive and explores themes of consumerism and psychopathy, "The Talented Mr. Ripley" focuses more on the themes of envy, obsession, and the desire for a different life.

In summary, "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a young man's descent into deception and murder. The film received critical acclaim and achieved box office success. While sharing some thematic similarities with "American Psycho," they differ in setting and narrative focus. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" stands on its own as a gripping exploration of identity and obsession.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDb score: 8.2/10
• Director: Martin Scorsese
• Writer: Paul Schrader
• Stars: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd
• Duration: 1h 54m

"Taxi Driver" is a psychological thriller movie directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1976. The movie stars Robert De Niro in the iconic role of Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a taxi driver in New York City. The film explores themes of alienation, urban decay, and the dark underbelly of society.

The story follows Travis Bickle, an insomniac and disillusioned Vietnam War veteran who becomes increasingly disturbed by the corruption, violence, and moral decay he encounters while driving his taxi through the gritty streets of New York City. As his alienation deepens, Travis becomes obsessed with cleaning up the city and saving a young prostitute named Iris, played by Jodie Foster, from her exploitative environment. Travis's mental state deteriorates, leading to a violent and shocking climax.

"Taxi Driver" was critically acclaimed upon its release and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was praised for its raw and gritty portrayal of urban decay, Scorsese's masterful direction, and De Niro's powerful performance as Travis Bickle.

The movie also performed well at the box office, grossing over $28 million against a modest budget. Its critical acclaim and cult following helped solidify its status as a classic film.

While "Taxi Driver" and "American Psycho" differ in their settings and narratives, they share thematic similarities in their exploration of a disturbed protagonist's descent into violence and madness. Both films delve into the psychological complexities of their main characters and offer social commentaries on the dark side of society.

Travis Bickle and Patrick Bateman (the protagonist of "American Psycho") are both deeply troubled individuals who become increasingly disconnected from reality. They exhibit signs of mental instability, have distorted views of the world around them, and are driven to acts of extreme violence.

Both films also explore themes of alienation, social isolation, and the disintegration of the human psyche. They provide provocative examinations of the effects of societal pressures and moral decay on the individual.

Despite their differences in setting and time period, "Taxi Driver" and "American Psycho" are both powerful character studies that delve into the depths of human darkness and challenge the audience's perceptions.

In summary, "Taxi Driver" is a dark character study that follows the journey of an alienated taxi driver descending into madness. The film received critical acclaim, achieved box office success, and is considered a cinematic masterpiece. While sharing thematic similarities with "American Psycho" in their exploration of disturbed protagonists and societal decay, each film offers a unique and gripping examination of the human psyche.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

• IMDb score: 8.3/10
• Director: Stanley Kubrick
• Writers: Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Burgess
• Stars: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates
• Duration: 2h 16m

Lastly, we have a dystopian crime film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1971: "A Clockwork Orange". The movie is based on Anthony Burgess's novel of the same name. It stars Malcolm McDowell in the lead role as Alex DeLarge, a charismatic but violent young man living in a near-future society.

Set in a futuristic London, "A Clockwork Orange" follows the story of Alex DeLarge, a sociopathic teenager who leads a gang of delinquents known as the Droogs. Alex and his gang engage in a series of brutal and sadistic acts of violence and rape. However, after being captured by the authorities, Alex undergoes a controversial behavioral modification experiment aimed at "curing" him of his violent tendencies.

"A Clockwork Orange" received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics divided over its portrayal of violence and controversial themes. The film garnered attention for its stylized visuals, Kubrick's distinctive directorial style, and Malcolm McDowell's captivating performance as Alex DeLarge. Over time, the film gained a significant following and is now considered a classic of cinema.

"A Clockwork Orange" performed well at the box office and became one of Kubrick's most successful films. It generated over $26 million worldwide during its initial release.

"A Clockwork Orange" and "American Psycho" share some thematic similarities in their exploration of violence, societal critique, and the darker aspects of human nature. Both films delve into the minds of morally corrupt and psychologically disturbed protagonists. They offer social commentaries on the implications of violence and question the boundaries of morality in society.

However, it's important to note that "A Clockwork Orange" is set in a dystopian future and explores broader themes of free will, psychological conditioning, and the role of government control. "American Psycho," on the other hand, focuses more on the excessive consumerism of the 1980s and the psychopathic tendencies of its main character, Patrick Bateman.

While both films explore the darker side of human behavior and challenge societal norms, they do so in distinct ways, reflecting the unique visions of their respective directors.

In summary, "A Clockwork Orange" is a dystopian crime film that portrays a violent and disturbed young man's journey through a near-future society. The film received mixed reviews initially but has become a cult classic over time. It shares thematic similarities with "American Psycho" in their exploration of violence and societal critique, but each film offers its own unique perspective on these themes.. The movie is based on Anthony Burgess's novel of the same name. It stars Malcolm McDowell in the lead role as Alex DeLarge, a charismatic but violent young man living in a near-future society.

Watch the movie here: Justwatch

Official Trailer:

"American Psycho" stands as a thought-provoking and disturbing work of fiction that challenges societal values and exposes the dark undercurrents of a materialistic culture. "American Psycho" serves as a warning story, pushing us to reconsider the beliefs we hold dear and the influence they have on our humanity.

If you enjoyed "American Psycho" and are looking for similar movies that explore themes of psychological intensity, social commentary, dark satire, or simply explicit gore, hopefully you have found this article helpful in finding movies like American Psycho to add to your watchlist.