11 Movies Like Paper Moon That Will Leave You Wanting More

What's Up, Doc? is a delightful and hilarious comedy that will transport you back to the 70s. Reminiscent of Paper Moon, this film captures the essence of the era with its charming characters and witty storytelling. While Paper Moon takes place during the Great Depression, What's Up, Doc? brings us into the 70s with its groovy soundtrack and vibrant San Francisco setting. Both films feature the talented duo of Ryan O'Neal and Madeline Kahn, who deliver memorable performances that will have you laughing out loud. However, What's Up, Doc? adds an extra layer of romance to the mix, as Barbra Streisand's character becomes the madcap love interest of O'Neal's doofus professor. With its hilarious chase scenes and courtroom antics, What's Up, Doc? is a must-see comedy that will leave you smiling from start to finish.

The Sting. Two grifters team up to pull off the ultimate con. Released just a few weeks after Paper Moon, this film shares a similar setting of deception and charm. While Paper Moon tells the story of a con man and a little girl during the Great Depression, The Sting takes us on a journey with two grifters in the world of illegal activity. Both films are filled with witty dialogue, clever schemes, and unexpected twists, keeping the audience on their toes. However, The Sting takes the con game to a grander scale, with a more elaborate plot and higher stakes. Paul Newman and Robert Redford deliver captivating performances, capturing the essence of their characters with their natural chemistry. The Sting's delicious wheeze, pin-sharp editing, and a superb musical track make it a cinematic delight. If you enjoyed the charm and cleverness of Paper Moon, you'll definitely want to join Henry's gang in The Sting, and experience the ultimate con firsthand.

Paper Moon, the TV series adaptation of the immensely charming and successful film, captures the essence of its predecessor. Set during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the show follows the adventures of Moses Pray, a con artist, and Addie Loggins, a young girl, as they travel across America. While the series may not have the same level of critical acclaim as the film, it boasts its own appeal. Jodie Foster, in one of her early roles, is utterly charming and shows glimpses of the talent that would lead her to star in iconic films like "Taxi Driver." Christopher Connelly, though lesser known today, was a talented and funny character actor who brings his own comedic touch to the role of Moses. Although the series only ran for thirteen episodes and is rarely seen today, it remains a testament to the power of scripted television.

Only When I Larf is a British adventure comedy crime film from 1973 that shares some similarities with the American classic Paper Moon. Both movies involve con men as main characters, who use their cunning and wit to deceive others for personal gain. While Paper Moon is set during the Great Depression in the United States, Only When I Larf takes its characters on an international adventure. Although the plot of Only When I Larf is more episodic and lacks a strong overarching story, it compensates with a brisk pace and smart direction. Richard Attenborough delivers a solid performance as the master conman, and David Hemmings adds a cheeky charm to the film. Alexandra Stewart's attractive presence provides the final twist to the story. Despite its poor title, Only When I Larf is an enjoyable film for those who appreciate a good con artist story with a British twist.

Irreconcilable Differences is a charming film that alternates between the past and the present, following the story of a precocious little girl who decides to sue her selfish, career-driven parents for emancipation. It's a surprising movie that delves into the highs and lows of a marriage and highlights the selfishness of parents and their unintentional impact on their child. While Paper Moon and Irreconcilable Differences have some similarities, such as both featuring a little girl as a central character, the latter takes a different approach by exploring the dynamics of a troubled marriage. It showcases how a seemingly perfect relationship can unravel and how each party can be responsible for its demise. While Paper Moon is set during the Great Depression and has a con man as a main character, Irreconcilable Differences focuses on contemporary issues like marital separation and adultery.

The Swindle (Il bidone) is reminiscent of Paper Moon in its portrayal of con men navigating their way through life's challenges. While Paper Moon takes place during the Great Depression in the US, The Swindle is set in Italy and follows a trio of con-men led by a lonesome swindler. Both films explore the complexities of their characters' lives, as they balance their criminal activities with the pressures of family. However, while Paper Moon maintains a comedic tone throughout, The Swindle delves deeper into the drama and crime aspects. The Swindle also offers a fascinating contrast between the con-men's criminal lives and their domestic lives, as they navigate the roles of husbands and fathers. Although The Swindle has been described as a "cheap crime thriller," it still contains strong Fellini-esque phases and moods that make it a worthwhile watch.

Double Dhamaal is reminiscent of Paper Moon in its comedic portrayal of con men. While Paper Moon takes place during the Great Depression in the US, Double Dhamaal is set in modern-day India. Both movies explore the theme of conning and feature a group of characters seeking revenge for their humiliation at the hands of a con man. However, Double Dhamaal differs from Paper Moon in its execution. While Paper Moon is a critically acclaimed film with a timeless quality, Double Dhamaal falls short in terms of its comedy, with many scenes relying on double meaning and being overly loud. Despite this, Double Dhamaal does offer catchy music with standout songs like "Chak Kudiye" and "Jalebi Bai." Overall, if you enjoyed the clever and charming con artist dynamic in Paper Moon, you may find some enjoyment in Double Dhamaal's comedic take on the genre.

Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl is reminiscent of Paper Moon in its portrayal of a con man and his deceptive tactics. Both movies explore the world of cons and the unlikely relationships formed within them. However, while Paper Moon is set during the Great Depression and focuses on the partnership between a con man and a young girl, Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl is a fun-filled "ROM-CON" set in contemporary times. The Indian film features a smooth and charming conman named Ricky Bahl who cons girls for a living but finally meets his match. With its smart script and entertaining direction by Maneesh Sharma, Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl offers a fresh take on the con artist genre. Ranveer Singh delivers a captivating performance as Ricky Bahl, showcasing his charm and smartness, while Anushka Sharma evolves as a leading lady in her role.

Focus is reminiscent of Paper Moon in its portrayal of con artists and their intricate schemes. Both movies explore the world of deception and the art of manipulation, with the main characters using their wit and charm to navigate through their cons. While Paper Moon is set during the Great Depression and follows a con man and a young girl, Focus takes place in a more modern setting and revolves around a seasoned con man and a woman from his past who disrupts his plans. The movies differ in their genres, with Paper Moon being a comedy, crime, and drama, while Focus adds romance to the mix. Despite their differences, both movies captivate the audience with their charismatic leads and clever plot twists. If you enjoyed the cleverness and charm of Paper Moon, Focus offers a modern take on the world of con artists that is equally entertaining and thrilling.

Squad 38, also known as 38 Task Force, is a Korean series that shares many similarities with Paper Moon. Both movies fall under the genres of comedy, crime, and drama, and revolve around con men who find themselves in unexpected situations. While Paper Moon is set during the Great Depression and follows a con man and a young girl, Squad 38 is set in modern times and centers around a task force chief and a con man who work together to collect taxes. Despite the differences in time period and setting, both films explore themes of deception, cleverness, and unlikely partnerships. If you enjoyed the witty banter and unpredictable plot twists of Paper Moon, Squad 38 will surely captivate you with its engaging story and lovable characters.

The Brothers Bloom is reminiscent of Paper Moon in its charming and offbeat portrayal of con men. Both movies explore the world of confidence tricksters, showcasing their elaborate schemes and the excitement that comes with them. However, while Paper Moon takes place during the Great Depression and follows a con man reluctantly partnered with a young girl, The Brothers Bloom is set in a more contemporary setting and revolves around two brothers conning a rich and eccentric heiress. Despite their differences in time period and plot details, both films share a similar sense of adventure and whimsy. They capture the thrill of the con, the allure of living outside the law, and the unexpected bonds that can form between unlikely companions. If you enjoyed Paper Moon, The Brothers Bloom offers a fresh take on the con artist genre with its own unique charm and style.