10 Incredible Movies Like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

"Drive, He Said" is reminiscent of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in its exploration of characters on the edge of sanity. While the former tackles the struggles of a star college basketball player who spirals out of control due to an illicit affair and his roommate's desperate attempts to avoid the war draft, the latter delves into the life of a Korean War veteran who feigns insanity to escape prison and ends up in a mental institution. Both movies examine the oppressive systems that govern their protagonists' lives and the power dynamics that exist within them. However, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" takes a more serious tone and critiques the way institutions handle mental illness, while "Drive, He Said" blends comedy and drama to portray the unraveling of its characters.

The Rookies, released in 1972, shares some similarities with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Both movies portray the struggles of individuals in institutional settings, whether it's a mental institution or a police force. While One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest examines the dehumanizing effects of mental institutions, The Rookies explores the challenges faced by three young police officers. Despite their different genres, both films shed light on the power dynamics and the plight of those who find themselves trapped in these systems. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest delves into the battle against a tyrannical nurse, while The Rookies showcases the trials and adventures of rookie police officers. Both movies provide a thought-provoking commentary on the flaws and limitations of these institutions.

"A Country Practice" is a heartwarming Australian drama series that takes place in a rural town called Wandin Valley. It revolves around the daily lives of the doctors, nurses, patients, and other townsfolk. This series is reminiscent of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in terms of its focus on the dynamics within a medical setting and the relationships between the characters. However, unlike the intense and dark atmosphere of the mental institution in the film, "A Country Practice" offers a more lighthearted and relatable portrayal of a small-town hospital. While "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" delves into the themes of mental illness and the oppressive nature of institutions, "A Country Practice" explores the highs and lows of everyday life in a rural community. With its mix of drama and romance, this series is a delightful watch that will have you laughing hysterically one moment and shedding tears the next.

Lonesome Cowboys reminds me of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, but with a wild twist. While both movies tackle the theme of rebellion against authority, Lonesome Cowboys takes a more unconventional approach. Instead of a mental institution, we find ourselves in the wild west, where five cowboys find their lives turned upside down after encountering Ramona Alvarez and her nurse. Just like McMurphy in Cuckoo's Nest, these cowboys challenge the status quo and refuse to conform. However, while Cuckoo's Nest uses drama to explore its themes, Lonesome Cowboys infuses comedy, crime, and drama in a unique blend. It's a wild ride filled with stoned cowboys, gay cowboys, and even a transvestite. The audience is in for a treat as they witness the cowboys' hot and bothered escapades.

Night Call Nurses: In this funny sexual fantasy, three naughty nurses who work at a psych ward of a local hospital find themselves dealing with flashers, suicides, horny drug-taking cowboys, ex-con black prisoners, and death threats, among other things. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, this movie is not tightly plotted and feels more like an excuse to get the ladies topless, which is not necessarily a bad thing. If you're a fan of the kitschy '70s and mostly innocent exploitation, Night Call Nurses is a mindless fluff that you can enjoy. While it may not have the same depth or critical acclaim as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, it provides a lighthearted and entertaining experience, perfect for when you want to unwind and have a good laugh.

The Bamboo House of Dolls, released in 1973, is reminiscent of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Both films explore the theme of oppression within institutions, albeit in different contexts. While One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest focuses on a mental institution in the 1960s, The Bamboo House of Dolls takes place in a Japanese women's POW camp during World War II. The similarities lie in the portrayal of powerful female figures who manipulate and control the vulnerable individuals under their care. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Nurse Ratched maintains control over her patients through subtle manipulation and the enforcement of strict rules. Similarly, in The Bamboo House of Dolls, a nurse in the POW camp masterminds an escape plan. However, the differences between the two movies are also significant.

"Hra o jablko" is reminiscent of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in that it also takes place in a medical setting and explores the dynamics between doctors and nurses. However, while "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" delves into the serious and dark aspects of mental illness and institutionalization, "Hra o jablko" takes a lighter and more comedic approach. The film follows a young gynecologist who finds himself torn between a young nurse and his married lover. As both women refuse to play his game anymore, things become increasingly complicated. Directed by Vera Chytilová, this film showcases her usual anarchic playfulness, even though it may not be as technically stylish as some of her other works. "Hra o jablko" offers an interesting timepiece and a role-reversed battle-of-the-sexes narrative that, while not particularly original, still manages to deliver amusing moments.

Patrick is a 1978 film that shares some similarities with the main movie, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Both movies revolve around hospitals and feature the character of a nurse. However, the similarities end there. While "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is a drama set in a mental institution, "Patrick" takes a different path as a drama, horror, and sci-fi film. It tells the story of a comatose hospital patient who uses his telekinetic powers to harass and kill, all in an attempt to claim his private nurse as his own. The main movie, on the other hand, focuses on a Korean War veteran who pleads insanity to avoid prison and ends up in a mental institution, where he incites the scared patients against the tyrannical nurse. Despite their shared elements, "Patrick" takes a different approach, combining suspense and supernatural elements to create a unique viewing experience.

Yaarana, released in 1981, is reminiscent of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. While the genres of the two movies differ, they both explore the theme of regaining one's sanity. In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, a Korean War veteran pleads insanity and is admitted to a mental institution, where he challenges the tyrannical nurse and rallies the scared patients. Similarly, in Yaarana, Bishan loses his fortune while helping his friend Kishan in his singing career, and after becoming successful, Kishan must decide whether to return the favor. Both movies touch on the idea of overcoming challenges and finding redemption. However, the setting and cultural context differ significantly, as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is set in a mental institution in 1960s Oregon, while Yaarana takes place in India and explores the world of music and friendship.

In a Glass Cage is a Spanish horror drama that shares a resemblance to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Both films explore the dark side of institutionalization. While One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest takes place in a mental institution in the 60s, In a Glass Cage tells the story of a former Nazi child-killer confined to an iron lung in an old mansion. Both movies delve into the psychological toll of confinement, as the characters are subject to the control of powerful figures. However, while One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest critiques the oppressive nature of the mental health system, In a Glass Cage focuses on the disturbing past of its protagonist. In a Glass Cage is a thought-provoking film for those who appreciate suspense, mystery, and dark atmospheres, offering a unique perspective on the consequences of guilt and the depths of human depravity.