19 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Ace in the Hole

Out of the Past is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in several ways. Both films fall under the Film-Noir genre and have a runtime of around 2 hours. They both feature morally ambiguous characters and delve into themes of corruption and danger. However, while Ace in the Hole focuses on the media circus surrounding a man trapped in a cave, Out of the Past explores the world of a private detective running a gas station in a small town, whose past catches up with him. The plot of Out of the Past involves love, double crosses, and duplicitous dames, which adds a layer of romance and thriller to the film. The performances in Out of the Past are particularly noteworthy, with Robert Mitchum delivering one of his greatest roles as the detective. The dialogue in the film is sharp and fits Mitchum's tough and laid-back nature perfectly. The cinematography and music score in Out of the Past are also top-notch, creating a visually stunning and atmospheric noir experience.

"The Lost Weekend" takes us on a journey through the desperate life of a chronic alcoholic during a four-day drinking spree. Although it may seem like an odd comparison, this film is reminiscent of "Ace in the Hole" in its exploration of self-destructive behavior. Both movies delve into the dark side of human nature, exposing the unhealthy obsessions that can consume us. While "Ace in the Hole" focuses on the media circus surrounding a man trapped in a cave, "The Lost Weekend" centers around the destructive power of addiction. Both films are a testament to Billy Wilder's ability to tackle complex subjects with his signature blend of drama and film-noir elements. However, the key difference lies in the protagonists' motivations: while the journalist in "Ace in the Hole" is driven by ambition, the alcoholic in "The Lost Weekend" is battling his inner demons.

Sweet Smell of Success" is reminiscent of "Ace in the Hole" in its portrayal of the dark side of the media industry. Both films delve into the world of journalism, showcasing the manipulation and unethical practices that occur behind the scenes. While "Ace in the Hole" focuses on a journalist exploiting a man trapped in a cave to further his career, "Sweet Smell of Success" revolves around a powerful Broadway columnist coercing a press agent to break up his sister's romance with a jazz musician. Both movies feature morally ambiguous characters who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The dialogue in "Sweet Smell of Success" is particularly outstanding, filled with clever film-noir lines that make you want to hear them again and again. Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster deliver exceptional performances, with Lancaster's ruthless newspaper columnist and Curtis's slimy press agent leaving a lasting impression.

White Heat is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in its portrayal of a ruthless and deranged protagonist, Cody Jarrett, who leads his gang in a daring heist. Just as Ace in the Hole explores the dark side of media manipulation and circus, White Heat delves into the twisted psyche of a psychopathic criminal with a mother complex. While Ace in the Hole focuses on the exploitation of a trapped man in a cave, White Heat takes us into the dangerous world of gangsters and prisons. Both films showcase the thermal intensity and gripping storytelling that captivate audiences. So, if you enjoyed the gripping drama and morally complex characters in Ace in the Hole, you'll definitely want to dive into the explosive world of White Heat.

Stalag 17: After two Americans are killed while escaping from a German P.O.W. camp in World War II, the barracks black marketeer, J.J. Sefton, is suspected of being an informer. Although the film has several comedy scenes, I believe that the focus of the film is not that, the story is very believable, it deals with espionage, anger, doubt, revolt, envy among other feelings. Approaching such a serious topic, comedy comes to alleviate the tensions experienced by the characters. A great movie, I think it ended up revealing its secret too soon. A classic without a shadow of a doubt, showing in a relaxed way life in a camp of pioneers approaching aspects that may have happened in a certain way. Actors fluent in English and German is a great differential for the film as it further enriches the narrative.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in its intriguing combination of film-noir and drama. Both movies captivate the audience with their gripping storylines and morally complex characters. While Ace in the Hole explores the dark side of media manipulation and the lengths people will go to for fame, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers delves into the secrets and lies that bind a small town. Kirk Douglas shines in both films, delivering powerful performances that keep you on the edge of your seat. However, the key difference lies in the tone of the movies. Ace in the Hole is a cynical and biting critique of sensational journalism, while The Strange Love of Martha Ivers has a slightly lighter touch, blending noir elements with melodrama. If you enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere and morally ambiguous characters of Ace in the Hole, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers is definitely worth a watch.

I Walk Alone, released in 1948, shares some similarities with Ace in the Hole, released in 1951. Both movies fall under the Film-Noir genre and explore the dark sides of human nature. While Ace in the Hole focuses on media manipulation and the circus surrounding a man trapped in a cave, I Walk Alone delves into themes of anger, anti-heroism, and the consequences of Prohibition bootlegging. Despite their shared genre, the two movies differ in their plotlines and character dynamics. Ace in the Hole keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they witness a frustrated journalist exploiting a story for personal gain. On the other hand, I Walk Alone captivates audiences with a story of two ex-partners fighting over a nightclub, resulting in a battle of power and control. Both movies boast exceptional casts, including Kirk Douglas in Ace in the Hole and Burt Lancaster in I Walk Alone.

Champion. Boxer Midge Kelly rises to fame... mainly by stepping on other people. While not as gritty as you might expect, this film is a solid boxer drama with a touch of melodrama. The plot is cleverly structured, starting with a triumphant boxer and then flashing back to reveal the damage he has caused in his relentless pursuit of success. Unlike other boxing noirs, we aren't allowed to judge Midge ourselves; his actions are excused by his harsh background and poor childhood. Kirk Douglas delivers a phenomenal performance, portraying Midge as both brutal and self-seeking, showcasing his best and worst sides equally. The supporting cast, including Kennedy as his brother and Stewart as his manager, offer understated performances. Although the women in Midge's story aren't memorable, their presence is important. Overall, Champion may not be the gritty noir you expect, but it's definitely worth a watch for Douglas' compelling performance.

Detective Story is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in many ways. Both movies were released around the same time in the early 1950s and fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Film-Noir. They both feature Kirk Douglas in the lead role, delivering powerful performances that showcase his versatility as an actor. In Ace in the Hole, Douglas plays a frustrated journalist exploiting a story, while in Detective Story, he portrays a hard-nosed detective dealing with a series of troubles. The intense emotions and complex characters are at the core of both films, capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. However, despite their similarities, there are also notable differences between the two movies. Ace in the Hole focuses on media manipulation and the consequences of sensationalism, while Detective Story delves into the daily struggles faced by police officers.

Double Indemnity is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in terms of its gripping storytelling and morally complex characters. Both films explore the darker side of human nature, showcasing the lengths people will go to fulfill their desires. While Ace in the Hole focuses on media manipulation and the sensationalism of a news story, Double Indemnity delves into the realms of insurance fraud and murder. Both films are masterfully directed by Billy Wilder, who brings a unique blend of tension, drama, and impeccable pacing to each scene. The performances in both movies are exceptional, with Kirk Douglas and Fred MacMurray delivering captivating performances as the morally conflicted protagonists. Similarly, Jan Sterling and Barbara Stanwyck shine as the femme fatales, using their seductive charms to manipulate the men around them.

The Lawless: A frustrated newspaper editor in a small agricultural town finds himself entangled in the struggles of the area's Mexican fruit pickers. This film is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole, mainly because both movies explore the power of the press and the impact it can have on a community. While Ace in the Hole delves into the manipulative nature of journalism, The Lawless focuses on the editor's moral dilemma as he goes against the town's people to support the marginalized workers. Both films portray the newspaper as a catalyst for change, but where Ace in the Hole showcases the dark side of media manipulation, The Lawless highlights the power of truthful reporting.

The Blue Gardenia is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in its exploration of the consequences of media manipulation and the power of the press. While Ace in the Hole focuses on a journalist exploiting a story about a man trapped in a cave to revive his career, The Blue Gardenia delves into the life of a telephone operator who wakes up with a hangover and the fear that she may be a murderess. Both movies highlight the way the media can shape public perception and the lengths people will go to in order to tell a captivating story. However, while Ace in the Hole is a dark and intense drama, The Blue Gardenia takes a more suspenseful and psychological approach. With its engaging plot and captivating performances, The Blue Gardenia offers a thrilling ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Houston Story, released in 1956, is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in terms of its plot centered around manipulation and the media. However, while Ace in the Hole explores the dark side of journalism and the exploitation of a man trapped in a cave, The Houston Story takes a different route by focusing on an oil driller who devises a scheme to steal millions of dollars worth of oil. Both films delve into the theme of ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. The Houston Story, directed by William Castle, showcases his talent for visual style and action sequences, which adds to the overall entertainment value. Gene Barry delivers a remarkable performance, exuding a palpable desire for success. Edward Arnold is equally impressive in his supporting role as the Mob boss. While not a masterpiece of the film noir genre, The Houston Story still deserves recognition as an enjoyable gem that offers a unique perspective on crime and manipulation.

"Slander" is reminiscent of "Ace in the Hole" in its exploration of the dark side of journalism. Both movies delve into the cutthroat world of media manipulation and scandalous reporting. While "Ace in the Hole" focuses on the exploitation of a man trapped in a cave to revive a journalist's career, "Slander" takes a look at the unscrupulous practices of an owner, editor, and publisher of a scandal magazine. Both films shine a spotlight on the underbelly of the journalism industry, exposing the lengths people will go to for success and notoriety. However, the two movies differ in their settings and tones. "Ace in the Hole" is set in a small town, while "Slander" takes place in the glamorous world of Hollywood.

Caged, released in 1950, is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in terms of its gripping portrayal of the human condition in extreme situations. While Ace in the Hole explores the dark side of media manipulation and sensationalism, Caged delves into the brutal reality of life in a women's prison. Both films showcase the relentless struggles faced by their protagonists, with Ace in the Hole's Kirk Douglas playing a frustrated journalist exploiting a man trapped in a cave for personal gain, while Eleanor Parker in Caged portrays a gentle, naive pregnant widow subjected to the sadistic treatment of guards and inmates. Despite their different settings, both movies captivate audiences with their intense character development and thought-provoking narratives. So, if you enjoyed the gripping tension and moral complexity of Ace in the Hole, Caged offers a similar experience by immersing you in a world where survival and identity hang by a thread.

Mystery Street is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole, as both films delve into the dark underbelly of society and explore the consequences of human greed and desperation. While Ace in the Hole focuses on media manipulation and the sensationalism of a man trapped in a cave, Mystery Street takes a different approach, using a murder investigation as its backdrop. What sets Mystery Street apart is its early exploration of police forensics and procedures, serving as a precursor to modern crime-solving shows like "C.S.I." Ricardo Montalban's charismatic performance as the Portuguese-American detective adds a layer of intrigue to the film, and the stellar supporting cast, including Elsa Lanchester and Jan Sterling, bring their characters to life with compelling performances. Fans of classic police dramas will appreciate Mystery Street's captivating storyline and the showcase of talented actors.

Union Station, released in 1950, is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole for several reasons. Both films fall under the genre of film-noir and feature themes of crime and suspense. Union Station, like Ace in the Hole, showcases the power of the media but in a different context. While Ace in the Hole explores media manipulation and the creation of a media circus, Union Station focuses on the role of a sharp-eyed woman who aids the railroad police in their search for a ruthless gang that has kidnapped a blind heiress. The film is a tight and neatly-handled thriller with plenty of action and suspense, reminiscent of the game of cat-and-mouse on a train between criminal and cop, which may have influenced the iconic chase scenes in The French Connection. Although Union Station may not have the same scope as Ace in the Hole, it maximizes its situations and settings, particularly the titular location and the tunnels underneath the station, which provide a captivating backdrop for the climax.

Appointment with Danger is reminiscent of Ace in the Hole in its portrayal of a dedicated investigator trying to solve a murder case. Both movies capture the essence of suspense and tautness, keeping the audience engaged throughout. While Ace in the Hole focuses on media manipulation and the circus surrounding a man trapped in a cave, Appointment with Danger centers around a postal inspector and a targeted nun who is the sole witness to a murder. Although the latter falls slightly short of its potential, it still manages to deliver an entertaining experience with its noir-ish elements and a talented cast, including Alan Ladd and Paul Stewart. With its moody lighting, atmospheric locations, and stylish photography, Appointment with Danger creates a sense of foreboding that adds to its overall appeal. While it may not reach the same level of intensity as Ace in the Hole, it still offers enough gripping moments and exciting scenes to keep viewers interested.

"Split Second" is reminiscent of "Ace in the Hole" in its ability to combine suspense and social commentary. Just like "Ace in the Hole" explores the dark side of media manipulation and sensationalism, "Split Second" delves into the theme of violence and its roots. The film cleverly juxtaposes the imminent detonation of an atomic bomb with the escape of three killers hiding in a deserted mining town. This analogy between personal and international violence is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Jan Sterling's character, Dottie Vale, adds a touch of humor to the tense situation, injecting the film with a sense of nonchalance despite the impending doom. The rest of the cast, including Stephen McNally as the cold-blooded killer Sam Hurley, delivers compelling performances that keep you on the edge of your seat.