17 Mind-Bending Movies Like House: A Must-Watch List

If you loved the mind-bending drama and mystery of House, then you're in for a treat! Get ready to embark on a cinematic journey with our list of 20 must-watch movies that will keep you guessing till the very end. From intricate plots to enigmatic characters, these films are sure to captivate and challenge your imagination.

1) Diagnosis Murder

Diagnosis Murder reminds me of House because both shows revolve around the medical field and feature a lead character who is a genius in their respective fields. In House, we have Dr. House, an antisocial doctor with a penchant for solving complex medical cases. Similarly, in Diagnosis Murder, we have Dr. Mark Sloan, who has a knack for getting into trouble while solving crimes with the help of his son, Steve, a homicide detective.
While House focuses primarily on the medical drama aspect, Diagnosis Murder adds an intriguing twist by incorporating crime-solving elements. The mix of medical mysteries and criminal investigations adds an extra layer of excitement to the show. Another notable difference is the tone of the two shows. House leans towards a darker and more serious tone, with its main character being an arrogant and misanthropic doctor. On the other hand, Diagnosis Murder has a lighter and more comedic tone, reminiscent of classic shows like the Dick Van Dyke Show.

Release date: November, 2010
IMDB Rating: 6.8

2) The Kingdom

The Kingdom, much like House, is a captivating series that combines medicine and mystery. While House focuses on a brilliant but misanthropic doctor and his crack team of doctors, The Kingdom takes us to an ultramodern hospital in Denmark where doctors are convinced that the place is haunted. Both series have an intriguing plot that keeps you hooked until the end. However, while House is a drama with elements of mystery, The Kingdom goes a step further by adding comedy, fantasy, horror, and even Voodoo into the mix. It's a wild ride that will leave you screaming for more. So if you enjoyed House and are looking for something equally engaging and unconventional, The Kingdom should be your next watch.

Release date: April, 2000
IMDB Rating: 8.2

3) Extreme Measures

Extreme Measures is a 1997 cinema movie that shares some similarities with House. Both movies revolve around the medical field, with Extreme Measures exploring the ethical questions and moral dilemmas that arise when a young doctor confronts a famous colleague about the true methods of his work. While House focuses on a maverick doctor solving puzzling medical cases, Extreme Measures delves into the darker side of medicine. The plot of Extreme Measures is a thinking man's thriller, with good performances and good writing. Hugh Grant delivers a surprisingly effective against-type performance, and the movie asks difficult questions that have no easy answers. Although Extreme Measures may require some suspension of disbelief and features a few contrived situations, it offers a unique and intense viewing experience for those who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers.

Release date: February, 1997
IMDB Rating: 6.2

4) Lift to Hell

Lift to Hell is reminiscent of House, the popular medical drama series. While House focuses on an antisocial doctor and his team solving mysterious medical cases, Lift to Hell takes place in a hospital in northern China, where a killing spree occurs. The similarity lies in the setting of both movies, as they both revolve around the intriguing world of hospitals. However, the two movies differ greatly in terms of tone and genre. House is a drama-mystery series known for its witty dialogue and complex characters, while Lift to Hell is a suspenseful thriller set in a horror-mystery genre. While House keeps you entertained with its crack team of doctors and witty remarks, Lift to Hell grips you with its eerie atmosphere, suspense, and unpredictable climax. So if you enjoyed the medical drama and mystery elements of House, Lift to Hell offers a different twist with its suspenseful storyline set in a hospital.

Release date: February, 2013
IMDB Rating: 4.7

5) The Syndicate

The Syndicate: Each series features a different group of people whose lives turn upside down after they jointly win the lottery. I've just finished watching the final episode of this excellent series. I have been impressed throughout with the acting and the brilliant scripts. Being from Leeds myself I was particularly impressed with the accents although a slight hint of Lancashire from a few of them but overall it was not like Coronation Street or Emmerdale which seem to have very strong Yorkshire or Lancashire accents in the wrong counties. The plot of the whole story was brilliant and believable of what may happen with people in that position. Timothy Spall was brilliant as usual but Mathew Lewis and Mathew McNulty played brilliantly brothers. Kay Mellor I don't think can do anything wrong and I feel a lot of pride in the fact she is a Leeds lass but I hope I'm not too biased because I think people up and down the country could relate to this story and it's characters.

Release date: March, 2012
IMDB Rating: 7.3

6) Silent Cry

Silent Cry reminds me of House, the popular medical drama series. Both Silent Cry and House delve into the world of hospitals and medical mysteries, captivating audiences with their intriguing stories. However, while House focuses on a brilliant but antisocial doctor and his team of doctors, Silent Cry takes a different route, exploring the journey of a single mother searching for her stolen newborn baby in the underworld of London. Despite their differences in plot, both movies share the genre of mystery and the theme of hospitals. Silent Cry offers an interesting, twisting-and-turning story that keeps you engaged, although the script falls a bit flat, creating emotional dis-attachment from the characters. On the other hand, House is known for its witty dialogue and the charismatic performance of Hugh Laurie as Dr. House. If you're a fan of medical dramas and enjoy unraveling mysteries, Silent Cry is definitely worth a watch. Just don't expect the same level of character development and sharp wit that House offers.

Release date: June, 2002
IMDB Rating: 4.9

7) The Good Life

The Good Life is reminiscent of House, but with a darker twist. While House is a medical drama with a misanthropic doctor solving puzzling cases, The Good Life tells the story of Mikey, a character who has been in search of the good life after a childhood marked by poverty and distress. Both shows explore the theme of the protagonist's journey to find a better life, but The Good Life takes it to a much darker place with secrets, seduction, drugs, wealth, power, and greed. While House relies on its crack team of doctors and the genius of Dr. House, The Good Life delves into the underworld where the antagonist holds all the power. The similarities lie in the genres of Drama and Mystery, but The Good Life adds an extra layer of Thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Release date: March, 2013
IMDB Rating: 5.2

8) The Barbarian Invasions

The Barbarian Invasions is reminiscent of House because both explore the complexities of human relationships and the impact of illness. While House focuses on the medical field, The Barbarian Invasions delves into the personal lives of its characters. The dying man's reunion with old friends, former lovers, his ex-wife, and his estranged son mirrors House's approach of solving puzzling cases with the help of his crack team of doctors. However, The Barbarian Invasions takes a more philosophical and satirical approach, criticizing capitalism and socialism, and delving into themes of denial, regret, guilt, acceptance, and forgiveness. The film's infusion of these layers is commendable, and the director, Denys Arcand, manages to balance poignant themes with dry and satirical humor. The performances, especially by Remy Girard, Stephane Rousseau, and Marie-Josee Croze, are captivating, and the well-written dialogue adds subtle layers to the characters.

Release date: November, 2003
IMDB Rating: 7.5

9) Saaya

Saaya, released in 2003, is a Bollywood movie that shares some similarities with House, the popular American medical drama series. While House revolves around an antisocial doctor and his team solving complex medical cases, Saaya tells the story of two doctors, Akash and Maya, who are happily married until a tragic accident leaves Maya presumed dead. Both House and Saaya explore the world of medicine, with House focusing on diagnostic medicine and Saaya delving into the emotional impact of a medical tragedy. However, the two differ in their genres, with House falling under the categories of Drama and Mystery, while Saaya combines Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, and Thriller. Additionally, House is a television series with a runtime of 2,640 minutes, while Saaya is a cinema movie with a longer runtime of 8,100 minutes.

Release date: July, 2003
IMDB Rating: 5.7

10) Youth Without Youth

"Youth Without Youth" is a movie that takes you on a philosophical journey, much like "House" does with medicine and mystery. While "House" keeps you entertained with its arrogant and callous protagonist, "Youth Without Youth" immerses you into a deeply philosophical trance. The movie delves into the reality matrix of people and appeals to those who are open-minded or have a philosophical inclination. The dream/monologue scenes capture the essence of human thought, showcasing the doubt, contradictions, and the good and bad sides of the same person. Although "Youth Without Youth" may not offer the drama or action that keeps you glued to your seat, it provides a unique and thought-provoking experience for those who are willing to explore the mysteries of life. So, if you enjoyed the formulaic yet captivating nature of "House," you should give "Youth Without Youth" a watch and let it catch you off-guard with its philosophical charm.

Release date: July, 2008
IMDB Rating: 6.1

11) Blindness

Blindness, a movie released in 2009, shares some similarities with House. Both films fall under the genres of Drama and Mystery, and they both explore the theme of hospitals and medical conditions. However, while House focuses on the life of an antisocial doctor and his team solving puzzling medical cases, Blindness takes a more dystopian approach. Blindness tells the story of a city ravaged by an epidemic of instant white blindness, creating a chaotic and violent quarantine situation. The film is an adaptation of a complex novel by Portuguese author José Saramago, and it has received mixed reviews. Despite some flaws, Blindness is an efficient adaptation that delves into thought-provoking themes and features excellent cinematography by César Charlone and a powerful performance by Julianne Moore. So, if you enjoyed the medical drama of House and are looking for a darker, dystopian take on hospitals and human struggles, Blindness might be a movie worth watching.

Release date: March, 2009
IMDB Rating: 6.5

12) Dexter

Dexter. Released in 2006, Dexter is reminiscent of House, the popular medical drama series. Both shows have a similar people vote average and fall under the genres of Drama and Mystery. However, while House revolves around an antisocial doctor who solves puzzling medical cases, Dexter follows the life of a lovable serial killer who spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them. The main characters, Dr. House and Dexter Morgan, share a certain level of arrogance and intelligence, yet their professions and moral compasses couldn't be more different. House's diagnostic expertise contrasts with Dexter's dark secret and double life. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed House's intriguing plotlines and Hugh Laurie's captivating performance, you'll find yourself equally enthralled by Michael C. Hall's portrayal of Dexter. Just be warned, Dexter's ending might not live up to expectations, but it doesn't take away from the overall brilliance of the show.

Release date: October, 2006
IMDB Rating: 8.7
15 Mind-bending Movies Similar to Dexter

13) City of Angels

City of Angels is a hospital drama set in Los Angeles, reminiscent of House. Both shows dive into the medical world, but with different approaches. While House focuses on the brilliance and misanthropy of Dr. House, City of Angels aims to shine a light on ethnic minority group actors, giving them a chance to shine. The plot and script of City of Angels are promising, and the love-hate relationship between Dr. Ben Turner and Dr. Lillian Price adds an intriguing dynamic. If you've enjoyed House and are looking for a hospital drama that explores different perspectives and showcases talented actors, City of Angels is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: January, 2000
IMDB Rating: 6.6

14) Critical Care

Critical Care
"Critical Care" is a hilarious satire comedy that takes place in a hospital, just like "House". While "House" focuses on a misanthropic doctor who solves puzzling medical cases, "Critical Care" takes a different approach by putting a hospital resident in the middle of a legal battle between two half-sisters. The movie cleverly uses this plot to explore deeper themes such as euthanasia, the healthcare system, and the pursuit of inheritance. With its witty and thought-provoking commentary, "Critical Care" appeals to serious film fans who enjoy movies that challenge their perspectives. Plus, with a talented cast including James Spader, Kyra Sedgwick, and Helen Mirren, the performances in "Critical Care" are top-notch. So if you enjoyed the medical drama and sharp humor of "House", you should definitely give "Critical Care" a watch.

Release date: October, 1997
IMDB Rating: 5.9

15) A Gifted Man

A Gifted Man is reminiscent of House, M.D. in that it is a medical drama with a unique twist. While House focused on a brilliant but misanthropic doctor solving puzzling cases, A Gifted Man follows an ultra-competitive surgeon whose life is changed when his ex-wife starts teaching him about life from the afterlife. Both shows explore the complexities of the medical field, but A Gifted Man adds an intriguing mystical element to the plot. However, unlike House, A Gifted Man falls short in terms of character development and depth. The characters in A Gifted Man feel bland and cliché, lacking the depth and wisdom of their House counterparts. Additionally, the storyline in A Gifted Man is not as exciting or engaging as House. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed House, M.D. for its medical drama and are open to a fresh twist, A Gifted Man might be worth a watch.

Release date: September, 2011
IMDB Rating: 7

16) Sherlock

Sherlock is reminiscent of House in its captivating portrayal of a brilliant protagonist. Just as House is an antisocial maverick doctor with a crack team of doctors, Sherlock Holmes is a high-functioning sociopath detective with the assistance of his war veteran partner, John Watson. Both characters have a unique and unconventional approach to solving cases, using their sharp wits and unorthodox methods. House's misanthropic personality and Sherlock's eccentricity draw viewers in, making them feel guilty for loving these characters who are arrogant and callous, yet undeniably entertaining. While House focuses on medical mysteries, Sherlock delves into the world of crime and murder, but both shows share a common theme of solving complex puzzles. Despite their differences in setting and genre, House and Sherlock captivate viewers with their brilliant writing, exceptional acting, and intriguing storylines. If you enjoyed House and are looking for another captivating series, Sherlock is a must-watch that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Release date: July, 2010
IMDB Rating: 9.1
15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Sherlock

17) The Fragile Heart

The Fragile Heart is reminiscent of House, mainly because both are medical dramas that delve into the complex world of doctors and patients. While House focuses on a brilliant but misanthropic doctor, The Fragile Heart takes us on a journey with a renowned surgeon who is facing personal and professional turmoil. Both series offer a unique perspective on the medical field, showcasing the challenges and dilemmas that doctors face. However, unlike House, which is known for its unconventional and sometimes abrasive main character, The Fragile Heart presents a more nuanced exploration of family relationships and international politics. With Nigel Hawthorne delivering an excellent performance, this miniseries is not only a gripping drama but also a thought-provoking reflection on healing and the human condition. So if you enjoyed House and want to delve into another captivating medical drama, The Fragile Heart is definitely worth checking out.

Release date: November, 1996
IMDB Rating: 7.8

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