19 Must-Watch Movies Similar to No Country for Old Men

Hell or High Water, released in 2016, brings to mind No Country for Old Men. Both films fall into the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and share elements of neo-western and Texas settings. While No Country for Old Men is a character-driven crime fiction, Hell or High Water explores the dynamics of race and culture. The two movies offer different perspectives on the consequences of poverty and portray flawed individuals you can't help but empathize with. Both films feature outstanding performances, with No Country for Old Men showcasing the talents of Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin, and Hell or High Water shining a light on Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges. If you enjoyed the unconventional narrative and thought-provoking monologues of No Country for Old Men, you won't want to miss Hell or High Water's portrayal of poverty's effects and realistic morality tale.

Broken Horses, released in 2015, is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men. Both movies share the key topics of neo western and contemporary western, which creates a similar atmosphere and tone. Broken Horses explores the bonds of brotherhood, loyalty, and the futility of violence in the shadows of the US-Mexico border gang wars. Although it may not have received outstanding reviews, personally, I found it to be a really good movie with enough suspense to keep me interested throughout. The performances, especially by Chris Marquette as the mildly retarded brother, were brilliant, and the filming and story were also well-done. Unlike some boring movies, Broken Horses didn't bore me for a second. It's a mystery to me why it has such a low score on IMDb. If you enjoyed No Country for Old Men, I recommend giving Broken Horses a watch.

Vegas: "Vegas" is reminiscent of "No Country for Old Men" in its portrayal of a changing landscape and the struggle of law enforcement in unconventional circumstances. While "No Country for Old Men" takes place in Texas and centers around a drug deal gone wrong, "Vegas" is set in Las Vegas and follows the life of a former MP turned sheriff. Both stories feature sheriffs dealing with crime in their respective territories, but "Vegas" adds a twist with the introduction of a Chicago gangster running a casino. The main characters in both movies, played by Tommy Lee Jones and Dennis Quaid, respectively, bring a sense of weariness and determination to their roles. However, the similarities end there, as "Vegas" incorporates more action and drama elements, with a touch of mystery.

Lone Wolf McQuade: If Dirty Harry were a Texas Ranger, he'd look a helluva lot like J.J. McQuade. Ranger Chuck is your Dirty Harry of Texas Rangers. And McQuade takes the Dirty part seriously, speaking of which, McQuade isn't very friendly much of the time. His best pals are his fists, feet, his guns, and his trusty pet wolf. LONE WOLF MCQUADE has a nice modern-day Western feel to it. A lot of that is helped by the excellent score by Francesco De Masi. Being from the 1980s, it naturally has everything, including: fists, kicks, guns, Uzis, rocket launchers, a crossbow, grenades, and a contest between a bulldozer and an armored car. Chuck usually hits the bad guys before they even finish swinging their fists.

Fallout: Red Star is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men in its genre and themes. Both movies fall within the realm of neo western, contemporary western, and neo noir, creating a similar gritty and atmospheric tone. While No Country for Old Men explores the drug trade and the consequences of greed, Fallout: Red Star takes place in the Fallout game universe and follows a ranger on a mission to find a person of interest. The difference in setting allows for Fallout: Red Star to incorporate elements of sci-fi, adding a unique twist to the western genre. With its impressive production value and captivating storyline, Fallout: Red Star is a must-watch for fans of No Country for Old Men who are looking for a fresh take on the genre.

Swelter: Ten years after their casino heist, four escaped convicts trace their former partner to a desert town, where he is now a lawman with no memory of his criminal past.
Swelter is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men in its blending of genres. Both movies fall under the umbrella of neo western and neo noir, offering a unique twist on the crime and thriller genres. While No Country for Old Men is hailed as a masterpiece by some and Swelter might not break three legs to a duck, both films provide an unconventional take on crime fiction. In No Country for Old Men, the story revolves around a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, while in Swelter, four escaped convicts search for their former partner who has become a lawman with amnesia. The gritty and violent nature of the narratives is complemented by the compelling performances of the actors.

Imagine if "No Country for Old Men" took a detour to the modern-day Wild West. Well, that's exactly what "Deputy" feels like. This TV series follows Deputy Bill Hollister, who suddenly becomes the acting sheriff of Los Angeles County. Now, Bill is a seasoned lawman who knows how to kick down doors but is completely lost in a staff meeting. The show combines the thrilling action of a modern Western with the humor of a fish-out-of-water scenario. While "No Country for Old Men" delves into the dark and philosophical aspects of crime, "Deputy" brings a lighter touch and injects some comedy into the mix. With Stephen Dorff's brilliant and funny portrayal of Bill Hollister, and a supporting cast that keeps you laughing, this series is a breath of fresh air for fans of the genre.

Terribly Happy, also known as Frygtelig lykkelig, is a Danish thriller that is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and share similar key topics like neo western and estranged husband. While No Country for Old Men takes place in Texas, Terribly Happy is set in a small town in Denmark. The main characters in both films find themselves in dangerous situations that they cannot easily escape. In No Country for Old Men, a hunter stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and decides to keep the money for himself, which leads to a chase by a sadistic stranger. In Terribly Happy, a Copenhagen cop with a troubled past moves to a small town and becomes entangled in a bigger mess with the local residents. Both films have gripping plotlines that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men, but with a twist. While both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, their tones are drastically different. No Country for Old Men is a slow-burning neo-western that delves into the darkness of human nature, while Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a hyper-stylized revenge flick with over-the-top action sequences. Both films feature strong female protagonists, but their motivations and methods of revenge differ greatly. No Country for Old Men explores the moral complexities of its characters, while Kill Bill: Vol. 1 embraces the adrenaline-fueled thrill of its revenge plot. So if you're looking for a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat while also delivering a unique visual experience, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a must-watch.

A Perfect World. A kidnapped boy strikes up a friendship with his captor, an escaped convict on the run from the law, while the search for him continues. Although A Perfect World is a completely different story than No Country for Old Men, it is reminiscent of the Coen brothers' masterpiece in its exploration of morally complex characters and its setting in Texas. Both films delve into the dark underbelly of crime and feature characters who are not easily defined as purely good or evil. However, while No Country for Old Men presents a more philosophical and introspective narrative, A Perfect World focuses on the unlikely bond between the boy and his captor. With Kevin Costner delivering one of his best performances and Clint Eastwood as the tough lawman, the film offers a compelling exploration of redemption and the complexity of human nature. So if you enjoyed No Country for Old Men's exploration of the gray areas of morality and its gripping storytelling, A Perfect World is definitely worth a watch.

Sons of Thunder is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men, but with a twist. While No Country for Old Men is a gripping crime thriller set in Texas, Sons of Thunder takes a different approach by combining action, crime, drama, and martial arts. The former revolves around a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, while the latter follows Detective Carlos Sandoval, who resigns from the police force after his partner's murder. Both movies capture the essence of Texas, showcasing its rugged landscapes and unique atmosphere. However, while No Country for Old Men is known for its philosophical musings and unconventional narrative, Sons of Thunder focuses more on thrilling action sequences, with slow-motion fight scenes that some viewers might find divisive. So, if you're in the mood for a crime thriller with a twist of martial arts and a dash of Texas flavor, Sons of Thunder might just be the ticket.

Rushlights: Billy and Sarah, two delinquent teenage lovers from the suburbs of Los Angeles, travel to a small southern town to falsely claim a dead friend's inheritance. This movie, reminiscent of No Country for Old Men, takes a different approach to the crime genre. While No Country for Old Men is a gritty neo-western with philosophical musings and unconventional storytelling, Rushlights brings a Tarantino vibe with its twists and turns. The cast is fantastic, and the filming is awesome, but the music feels out of place for a Texas bad boys/fast car movie. It's more reminiscent of the annoying music in Eyes Wide Shut or Hitchcock films. Despite this, Josh Henderson delivers wicked ways, making him a standout. If you're a fan of crime dramas and enjoy unexpected surprises, Rushlights is definitely worth a watch.

The Imposter begins with the intriguing story of Nicholas Barclay, a missing Texas teenager who is miraculously found in France three years later. However, this is where the similarities to No Country for Old Men end. While the Coen brothers' film is a neo-western crime thriller set in the violent world of drug deals and law enforcement, The Imposter takes a different approach. It is a gripping documentary that delves into the mind of a young man who impersonates the missing teenager and successfully convinces the grieving Texas family that he is their long-lost son. The Imposter explores the blurred lines between truth and lies, captivating the audience with interviews and well-executed reconstructions of the events. Unlike No Country for Old Men, which is a fictional tale of greed and violence, The Imposter is a real-life crime story that will leave you questioning the nature of identity and deception.

"The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" is a captivating film that shares some similarities with "No Country for Old Men". Both movies fall into the crime genre and explore the consequences of characters' actions. While "No Country for Old Men" takes place near the Rio Grande, "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" unfolds on the border between the US and Mexico. Both films showcase the vast landscapes of the Western United States, but "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" also contrasts this with the modernity of carton-built houses. Both movies feature outstanding performances, with Tommy Lee Jones excelling in both acting and directing. However, what makes "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" truly unique is its focus on the complexity of its characters, who are neither completely good nor bad, but rather profoundly human.

Hell, released in 2010, is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime and Drama, and share key topics such as neo western and drug deals gone wrong. However, Hell takes a different approach by adding elements of Action, Comedy, and Western to the mix. While No Country for Old Men revolves around a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal and is pursued by a sadistic killer, Hell tells the story of a man who is deported back to Mexico and is forced to join a corrupt drug cartel to survive. Both films delve into the dark side of society and explore themes of violence and corruption, but Hell specifically focuses on the harsh reality of Mexican society, criticizing the government, the church, and the society itself. With its intense and realistic portrayal of Mexican life, Hell offers a thought-provoking perspective on the current situation in Mexico, making it a must-watch for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the country's challenges.

Longmire is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men. Both are set in the Western genre, capturing the essence of the American Southwest. While No Country for Old Men tells a gripping tale of violence and mayhem surrounding a drug deal gone wrong, Longmire follows the dedicated and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he navigates the challenges of his job. Both stories paint vivid pictures of their respective landscapes, immersing viewers in the rugged beauty of Texas and Wyoming. However, where No Country for Old Men delves into the dark and gritty world of crime with philosophical musings, Longmire takes a more lighthearted approach, offering dry wit and a charming small-town feel. With its engaging characters, breathtaking scenery, and absence of glitzy computer effects, Longmire is a series that will transport you to the heart of the American West.

The Homesman is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men in its exploration of the darker side of human nature and its portrayal of the harsh realities of life in the American West. Both movies delve into the themes of violence, desperation, and the struggle for survival. While No Country for Old Men focuses on the cat-and-mouse chase between a hunter and a sadistic killer, The Homesman takes us on a journey with two unlikely companions as they transport three mentally ill women across the country. Both films showcase the talents of their respective casts, with standout performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men, and Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones in The Homesman. However, where No Country for Old Men is a fast-paced and intense thriller, The Homesman is a slower-paced and more introspective drama. It explores the emotional and psychological toll of pioneer life and offers a more nuanced portrayal of its characters.

"Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" takes us on a wild journey through the Mexican underworld as an American barroom pianist and his prostitute girlfriend collect the bounty on the head of a dead gigolo. This film, much like "No Country for Old Men," explores the dark and violent side of humanity. While "No Country for Old Men" delves into the consequences of stumbling upon a drug deal gone wrong, "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" portrays a man forced into a chaotic killing spree by the world around him. Both movies showcase characters who are not traditional heroes but rather anti-heroes, driven to extreme actions by circumstances. However, what sets "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" apart is its humble beginnings. Director Sam Peckinpah takes the time to build a deep connection between the audience and the main character, Bennie.