13 Movies Like Joker That Will Leave You Breathless

Joker's twisted tale of a struggling comedian turned infamous villain captivated audiences worldwide. If you're craving more captivating movies that will leave you breathless, we've got you covered. From gripping crime dramas to thrilling psychological thrillers, this list of 13 movies is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to dive into a world of darkness and chaos as you explore the depths of human nature.

1) Trespass

Trespass: As they're held for ransom, a husband and wife's predicament grows more dire amid the discovery of betrayal and deception. Nicolas Cage has been on a bad movie streak for a while now. Every now and then he makes a winner, but most are forgettable B-movies that he agrees to do for a paycheck: You can't blame the man for doing his job. However, not all B-movies are bad - in fact, they're ideal entertainment if you want to sit back, relax, and shut off your brain for a couple hours. Trespass provides that mindless entertainment in spades, with a few head-scratches along the way.
What makes this movie interesting is the performances. Cage taps into his subtlety - something he rarely does these days - which helps the tension and uneasiness of the atmosphere build until he finally bursts (on more than one occasion). And you never really know what is going through his head.

Release date: December, 2011
IMDB Rating: 5.3

2) Sand Castles

Sand Castles is reminiscent of Joker in that both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller. However, while Joker explores themes of mental illness, evil clown, and nihilism, Sand Castles focuses on a different aspect of mental illness. It tells the story of Noah and his impoverished family dealing with the mysterious return of his now mute sister, who was kidnapped and held captive for over a decade. Unlike Joker, which delves into the rise of a pariah to become Gotham's clown prince, Sand Castles takes a more intimate approach, exploring the struggles of a family in rural Indiana. Despite their differences, both movies offer intriguing narratives that captivate the viewer. So, if you enjoyed Joker's dark and thought-provoking storyline, you should definitely give Sand Castles a watch.

Release date: February, 2016
IMDB Rating: 6.4

3) I, Olga Hepnarova

I, Olga Hepnarova: Based on the true life of Olga Hepnarova, a young Czech woman who became a rampage killer in 1973. The movie plunges us into a world of nihilism, where the darkness of the human psyche reigns supreme. It is a portrait of a young woman who is disillusioned with society and driven to commit a heinous crime. The movie explores the depths of human despair and the impact of social isolation on the individual psyche.
While Joker and I, Olga Hepnarova belong to different genres and have different plotlines, they both delve into the themes of mental illness, nihilism, and the consequences of social isolation. In Joker, we witness the rise of Arthur Fleck, a pariah who transforms into Gotham's clown prince and leader of the revolution. Similarly, I, Olga Hepnarova portrays the journey of Olga, a young woman driven to the edge by a society that rejects her.

Release date: January, 2017
IMDB Rating: 6.6

4) The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight, released in 2008, is a movie that will surely remind you of Joker. While Joker tells the story of Arthur Fleck's transformation into Gotham's infamous clown prince, The Dark Knight follows Batman's battle against the notorious Joker. Both movies explore the darker side of humanity, taking us on a thrilling journey through moral dilemmas, psychopathic characters, and the blurred line between good and evil. However, what sets The Dark Knight apart is its action-packed nature and its ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche. With the exceptional performances of Heath Ledger as the Joker and Christian Bale as Batman, this film takes the superhero genre to new heights, captivating audiences with its complexity and soul. So, if you enjoyed Joker's exploration of the human condition, The Dark Knight will leave you mesmerized with its depth, intensity, and mind-blowing direction by Christopher Nolan.

Release date: August, 2008
IMDB Rating: 9
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5) Cracked

Cracked is a crime drama series that, like Joker, explores the theme of mental illness. While Joker delves into the psyche of a troubled stand-up comedian turned villain, Cracked follows teams of cops and psychiatric professionals in the Psych Crimes and Crisis unit as they solve crimes involving the mentally ill. Both movies shine a light on the complexities of mental health and its implications in the criminal justice system. However, unlike Joker's dark and nihilistic tone, Cracked offers a more compassionate approach, focusing on the human side of the mentally ill and portraying the officers as understanding and empathetic. With its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and the perfect balance between drama and thrill, Cracked is a must-watch for those seeking a crime show that goes beyond the typical mold, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

Release date: January, 2013
IMDB Rating: 6.9

6) Nightingale

Nightingale is reminiscent of Joker in its exploration of mental illness and the unraveling of its main character. While Joker tells the story of Arthur Fleck's transformation into Gotham's clown prince, Nightingale follows a lonely war veteran who psychologically unravels ahead of an old friend's visit. Both movies delve into the depths of their protagonists' minds, showcasing their descent into madness. However, Nightingale takes a different approach by presenting the story through a single actor show, with David Oyelowo delivering a magnificent and magnetic performance. The film is a showcase of Oyelowo's talent, as he carries virtually every frame with his portrayal of a disturbed and complex individual. Although Nightingale lacks the thematic subtext found in Joker, it captivates the audience with its absorbing narrative of obsession and yearning. If you enjoyed Joaquin Phoenix's captivating performance in Joker, you should definitely watch Nightingale to witness Oyelowo's equally spectacular turn.

Release date: June, 2014
IMDB Rating: 6.4

7) Professor T.

Professor T. is a Belgian series that shares some similarities with Joker. Both stories revolve around characters who struggle with mental illness. In Joker, we follow the rise of Arthur Fleck, an aspiring stand-up comedian who becomes Gotham's clown prince. Similarly, Professor T. features the eccentric criminology professor Jasper Teerlinck, who advises the Belgian federal police in Antwerp. Both characters exhibit strange behavior that drives others crazy. However, while Joker delves into the dark and gritty world of crime and nihilism, Professor T. takes a lighter approach, blending comedy, crime, and drama. Despite their differences, both movies provide a fresh perspective on the human condition, showcasing the complexities and frailties we all grapple with. So, if you enjoyed Joker's exploration of isolation and the human psyche, Professor T. is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: September, 2015
IMDB Rating: 8.1

8) Two Seconds

Two Seconds takes us back to 1932, reliving the story of a condemned murderer on death row. Although not the finest piece of entertainment, this movie is a must-see for anyone interested in witnessing the remarkable acting skills of Edward G. Robinson. His talent and genius are beautifully captured in this film, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotions through expressions, gestures, and even his walk. Watching Robinson's performance is like witnessing a thespian par excellence demonstrating the art of acting. It's a shame that this outstanding film is not readily available for purchase, but it is definitely worth seeking out for those who are serious about studying drama and acting skills. So, if you enjoyed the rise of Arthur Fleck in Joker, you should definitely give Two Seconds a watch to witness the brilliance of Edward G. Robinson in action.

Release date: May, 1932
IMDB Rating: 6.9

9) Calling Dr. Gillespie

Calling Dr. Gillespie: Dr. Gillespie is called in to investigate when a young man suffering from mental problems disappears on a killing spree. This film takes a sharp turn into a film noir melodrama as Dr. Gillespie becomes the target of a homicidal maniac. The dynamic of the movie series shifts with this film, but it still manages to captivate the audience. The plot revolves around a young man who flips out and kills a dog, and Dr. Gillespie brings in a consultant to help with the case. They conclude that the young man is insane and belongs in a hospital, but their conclusion is challenged by the family physician. The film takes an interesting turn when the young man flees to Detroit and commits a couple of murders. The movie showcases the professional relationship between Dr. Gillespie and his assistant, which is different from the previous films in the series.

Release date: August, 1942
IMDB Rating: 6.2

10) Massacre County

Massacre County, also known as Condado Macabro, is a Brazilian crime, horror, mystery, and thriller movie released on November 12, 2015. This film shares some similarities with Joker, the main movie. Both movies belong to the crime and thriller genres, involving characters with clown-related themes. However, that's where the similarities end. While Joker is a critically acclaimed film that explores the rise of a disturbed individual in Gotham City, Massacre County takes a different approach. It tells the story of a suspicious clown who tries to prove his innocence after a hideous crime in a mansion. The tone and style of the two movies are vastly different as well, with Joker focusing on psychological depth and social commentary, while Massacre County leans towards horror and slasher elements. If you're a fan of crime and thriller movies with a clown twist, Massacre County offers a unique and distinct experience that is worth checking out.

Release date: November, 2015
IMDB Rating: 5.1

11) The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street is a wild ride that will leave you gasping for air, just like Joker did. While Joker takes us on a dark and twisted journey into the mind of a mentally ill clown, The Wolf of Wall Street dives into the debauchery-filled life of a wealthy stockbroker. Both films are fueled by exceptional performances, with Joaquin Phoenix giving a haunting portrayal of Arthur Fleck and Leonardo DiCaprio delivering one of his best performances as Jordan Belfort. The similarities between these two movies lie in their exploration of characters who start from the bottom and rise to the top, only to eventually fall from grace. However, while Joker is a gritty and intense character study, The Wolf of Wall Street is a raucous and over-the-top depiction of excess and greed. So, if you loved Joker's dark and twisted journey, you should definitely strap yourself in for The Wolf of Wall Street's wild and outrageous ride.

Release date: January, 2014
IMDB Rating: 8.2
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12) Shadows in the Night

Shadows in the Night is a captivating movie that takes you back to a different era. Reminiscent of Joker, this film delves into the depths of the human mind, exploring themes of mental illness and mystery. While Joker portrays the transformation of Arthur Fleck into the infamous Joker, Shadows in the Night follows a young woman seeking the help of The Crime Doctor to unravel her enigmatic nightmares. Both films keep you on the edge of your seat, but Shadows in the Night adds an extra layer of suspense with its intricate and complex plot, leaving you guessing until the very end. Warner Baxter's portrayal of The Crime Doctor is just as engaging as Joaquin Phoenix's unforgettable performance as the Joker. So, if you enjoyed the psychological depth of Joker and are in the mood for an old-school crime mystery, Shadows in the Night is a must-watch.

Release date: July, 1944
IMDB Rating: 6.3

13) Chasing Holden

Chasing Holden is a captivating movie that bears a resemblance to Joker. Both films delve into the depths of mental illness and the struggles of their troubled protagonists. In Chasing Holden, the main character embarks on a journey to meet an author whom he believes has a profound influence on his life. Similarly, Joker follows the rise of Arthur Fleck, a stand-up comedian turned Gotham's clown prince and leader of a revolution. Both movies explore the theme of isolation and the impact it can have on an individual's psyche. However, while Joker takes a darker and more intense approach, Chasing Holden offers a slower-paced narrative with moments of brilliance. If you enjoyed Joker's exploration of the human mind and its complexities, Chasing Holden will surely capture your attention.

Release date: January, 2003
IMDB Rating: 5.2

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