16 Movies Like The Usual Suspects You Shouldn’t Miss

"The Usual Suspects" is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to gripping crime dramas with a twist. If you can't get enough of the mysterious and thrilling world of criminals, then you definitely shouldn't miss these 16 movies that will keep you guessing until the very end. From unexpected plot twists to intricate character developments, these films will leave you on the edge of your seat, just like "The Usual Suspects.

1) Se7en

Se7en: Two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. Dark and depressing but just fascinating. Director David Fincher shots the entire film in dim light and shoves the victims mutilated bodies in our face. The grimness of the tone wears you down but that's appropriate considering the subject matter. No humor either. It all leads to a truly harrowing ending. There was supposed to be a happy ending but they (wisely) chose not to do it. Freeman and Pitt work very well together and both give excellent performances. I even thought Paltrow (who I hate) was good! Kevin Spacey is very good too in a small role. If you have trouble with blood, gore and disturbing subject matter stay far away from this movie. But if you can handle that, watch this one. It's depressing and unpleasant but riveting.

Release date: February, 1996
IMDB Rating: 8.6
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2) Basic

Basic is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects in its twisty and overwrought mystery thriller style. Both movies keep you on your toes with surprise endings and unreliable narrators. While The Usual Suspects focuses on a criminal mastermind and the events that unfold after a police lineup, Basic takes us into the investigation of the disappearance of an Army Ranger Drill Sergeant and his cadets during a training exercise. Both films are filled with suspense, but Basic adds more action and battle scenes in its flashbacks. John McTiernan's direction shines through with tense scenes and some good action sequences. Although the plot of Basic may be confusing and a little hard to follow, it's a good premise that is worth a watch. John Travolta delivers one of his best performances, and Samuel L. Jackson once again proves his talent. So if you're a fan of The Usual Suspects and enjoy a complex mystery with a touch of action, Basic is definitely a movie you should check out.

Release date: July, 2003
IMDB Rating: 6.4

3) Malik

Malik. Released in 2021, this movie shares some striking similarities with The Usual Suspects. While The Usual Suspects is a classic crime drama with a surprise ending, Malik takes a different approach by adding elements of action, biography, and thriller to the mix. Both films revolve around criminals, showcasing their influence on the events that unfold. However, Malik introduces us to Freddy, a juvenile criminal, who is assigned the task of eliminating his estranged uncle, Sulaiman, while he's in prison. This plotline adds an intriguing layer of family dynamics and personal history to the narrative. With its intense storyline and brilliant performances, Malik proves to be a worthy watch for fans of The Usual Suspects, offering a fresh take on the genre.

Release date: July, 2021
IMDB Rating: 8

4) A Pure Formality

A Pure Formality is a movie that takes place in a lonely, broken-down police station, where an inspector interrogates a partly amnesiac writer who is suspected of a murder. The film, like The Usual Suspects, delves into the mind of its main character to unravel a mysterious crime. However, while The Usual Suspects focuses on a criminal mastermind and a group of suspects, A Pure Formality explores the mind of a recluse writer who is suspected of a murder near his house. Both movies keep you guessing and feature surprise endings, but A Pure Formality presents its story in a more metaphorical and symbolic way. With its sardonic and witty tone, exceptional performances from Gerard Depardieu and Roman Polanski, and a plot full of twists and turns, A Pure Formality is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

Release date: May, 1994
IMDB Rating: 7.6

5) Frailty

Frailty is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects because both movies captivate viewers with their unexpected plot twists. In The Usual Suspects, the sole survivor of a pier shoot-out narrates how a notorious criminal influenced a group of five criminals who met during a random police lineup. Similarly, Frailty follows a mysterious man who visits an FBI agent and recounts his childhood, revealing how his religious fanatic father believed he received visions instructing him to eliminate people who were actually "demons." Both films keep you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing what will happen next. However, while The Usual Suspects delves into the world of crime and suspects, Frailty explores the twisted depths of religious fanaticism. With its intriguing story, superb acting, and seamless flow of action, Frailty is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural.

Release date: August, 2002
IMDB Rating: 7.2

6) Diabolique

Diabolique, released in 1955, is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. While The Usual Suspects tells the story of a criminal mastermind and the events that unfold after five criminals meet in a police lineup, Diabolique revolves around a plot to murder a loathed school principal with what the characters believe to be the perfect alibi. Both movies feature surprise endings that keep you on the edge of your seat. However, Diabolique adds a touch of horror to the mix, making it a unique blend of genres. If you enjoyed The Usual Suspects, you should definitely watch Diabolique for its gripping storyline, solid performances, and well-executed suspense.

Release date: January, 1955
IMDB Rating: 8.1
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7) The Body

The Body is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects in its gripping storytelling and intricate plot. Both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and feature a surprise ending that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. While The Usual Suspects focuses on a criminal mastermind who influences a group of criminals, The Body revolves around a detective searching for the missing body of a femme fatale. The similarities between the two movies lie in their clever narrative structures and their ability to keep viewers guessing until the very end. However, The Body adds an extra layer of complexity by incorporating flashbacks and projections of the protagonists' imagination, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. With its brilliant performances and masterful execution, The Body is a must-watch for fans of The Usual Suspects who crave another thrilling and mind-bending cinematic experience.

Release date: December, 2012
IMDB Rating: 7.6

8) Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone captures the essence of The Usual Suspects in a gripping and thought-provoking manner. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and they share key topics like surprise endings and criminal elements. However, Gone Baby Gone takes a different approach by focusing on a moral dilemma and a missing child. While The Usual Suspects revolves around a criminal mastermind and an unreliable narrator, Gone Baby Gone presents a private detective's journey to investigate a little girl's kidnapping. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat as you witness the detective's personal and professional life unravel in unexpected ways. With its tough and gritty storytelling, Gone Baby Gone is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted detective movie that will leave you discussing its ending long after the credits roll.

Release date: February, 2008
IMDB Rating: 7.6

9) Raqeeb

Raqeeb is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects, but with a romantic twist. The Indian film follows the story of a rich businessman who unknowingly marries a woman with ulterior motives. Just like The Usual Suspects, Raqeeb keeps the audience intrigued with its twists and turns. The plot and unexpected surprises make it a thrilling watch. While The Usual Suspects is known for its criminal mastermind and unreliable narrator, Raqeeb adds a romantic element to the mix. The performances by Rahul Khanna, Sharman Joshi, and Tanushree Dutta are commendable, and the movie's resemblance to Fida and Race adds to its appeal. So, if you enjoyed The Usual Suspects and are in the mood for a crime thriller with a dash of romance, Raqeeb is the movie for you.

Release date: May, 2007
IMDB Rating: 4.4

10) Section 375

Section 375 is a Bollywood masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like The Usual Suspects. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and they share key topics like surprise endings and courtroom drama. While The Usual Suspects takes you on a journey of crime and deception, Section 375 delves into the intense world of a celebrated director accused of rape. The films captivate their audiences with intriguing narratives and stellar performances. Kevin Spacey gives a memorable performance in The Usual Suspects, but it won't be erroneous to state that Akshaye Khanna steals the show in Section 375 with one of his career-best and memorable portrayals. Despite their differences in country and plot, both movies demand your attention and deliver a gripping experience that will leave you wanting more. So, if you enjoyed the brilliant storytelling and suspense of The Usual Suspects, Section 375 is a must-watch.

Release date: September, 2019
IMDB Rating: 8.1

11) Baywatch Nights

Baywatch Nights is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects because both involve criminals and suspenseful storylines. While The Usual Suspects focuses on a criminal mastermind and a pier shootout, Baywatch Nights takes a unique twist by following Baywatch veteran Mitch Buchannon as he moonlights as a P.I. with his friends. In the second season, the show takes a supernatural turn, adding an element of horror to the mix. Despite the differences in genre and tone, both movies keep you on the edge of your seat with unexpected plot twists and intriguing characters. So, if you enjoyed the suspense and surprises of The Usual Suspects, Baywatch Nights offers a thrilling and supernatural take on crime solving that will keep you entertained.

Release date: January, 1998
IMDB Rating: 3.8

12) Consenting Adults

Consenting Adults: During a joint dinner at the restaurant, the neighbors offer to exchange wives for one night. It was a joke, but only at first. Now, let's talk about why you should watch this movie, especially if you've seen The Usual Suspects. While both films fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, Consenting Adults takes a different approach. It's like the mischievous younger sibling of The Usual Suspects. You see, both movies involve criminal activities and unexpected twists, but Consenting Adults adds a touch of voyeurism and Hitchcockian elements into the mix. It's like a playful nod to the suspenseful storytelling we love, with characters who find themselves in increasingly absurd and dangerous situations. So, if you enjoyed The Usual Suspects' criminal mastermind and unreliable narrator, you'll find Consenting Adults to be reminiscent but with its own unique charm.

Release date: October, 1992
IMDB Rating: 5.7

13) L.A. Confidential

L.A. Confidential takes us back to the corrupt and gritty 1950s Los Angeles, just like The Usual Suspects did for the criminal underworld. While The Usual Suspects focused on a criminal mastermind and an unreliable narrator, L.A. Confidential explores the seamy side of the city through the eyes of three very different policemen. Both movies are crime dramas with mystery and thriller elements, but L.A. Confidential delves deeper into the world of corruption, with a multi-layered storyline and an ensemble cast that delivers superb performances. While Kevin Spacey is part of both films, L.A. Confidential also features Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, who have their own moments to shine. With its smart screenplay, excellent direction, and powerful portrayal of post-World War II Los Angeles, L.A. Confidential stands out as a brilliant film that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Release date: November, 1997
IMDB Rating: 8.2
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14) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil takes us to Savannah, Georgia, where a visiting city reporter, John Kelso (played by John Cusack), finds himself caught up in the murder trial of a local millionaire, Jim Williams (played by Kevin Spacey), who he befriends. Similar to The Usual Suspects, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a crime drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery and thriller elements. However, while The Usual Suspects focuses on a group of criminals and their interaction in a police lineup, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil explores the complexities of a murder trial and the eccentric characters involved. The film's title and intriguing plot promise a captivating journey, although it may suffer from disjointed subplots and a lack of focus. Nevertheless, for fans of Kevin Spacey, his performance in this film delivers entertainment value.

Release date: May, 1998
IMDB Rating: 6.6

15) The Negotiator

The Negotiator is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects because it also involves a main character who finds himself in a tense and complex situation. In both movies, the protagonists are faced with the challenge of proving their innocence in the midst of a criminal investigation. However, while The Usual Suspects keeps you guessing until the very end with its surprise ending, The Negotiator takes a more straightforward approach to storytelling. The film relies on the dynamic and exciting verbal exchanges between Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey, who deliver compelling performances that make the movie highly watchable. Despite its conventional plot and some stretches of believability, The Negotiator remains an entertaining work within its limitations. So if you enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of The Usual Suspects, you should definitely give The Negotiator a shot.

Release date: January, 1999
IMDB Rating: 7.3

16) Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!

Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! is a thrilling crime drama that takes place in Calcutta during the 1940s. The movie follows the adventures of Byomkesh, a young detective, as he investigates the disappearance of a chemist and uncovers a larger conspiracy. Reminiscent of The Usual Suspects, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! is a slow-burn thriller that keeps you hooked with its twists, suspense, and moments of shock. The film's period setting, complex characters, and intricate narrative make it a must-watch for fans of crime mysteries. While The Usual Suspects is set in a contemporary setting and revolves around a criminal mastermind, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! adds an element of international political intrigue and seduction to the mix.

Release date: April, 2015
IMDB Rating: 7.6

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