12 Movies You’ll Love If You Enjoyed ‘There Will Be Blood’

Gangs of New York: For about three months now, I have (on an almost daily basis) passed a movie theatre not far from my home. On the side of this movie theatre is a huge poster advertising the movie "Gangs of New York". Meanwhile, all I heard about on television was the buzz about the upcoming "Gangs of New York". So, when this highly publicized movie finally opened, I went and saw it. I went to the theatre, I bought my ticket, I found a seat in a very crowded theatre and I sat. For three hours I sat in that dark theatre and I watched what was one of the most amazing movies I have ever had privilege to see. It is hard to even begin to explain why this movie was amazing, but it was. The way it was shot is brilliant. The cinematography is spectacular. The story is completely enthralling.

Day of the Falcon, also known as Black Gold, is a movie that takes us back to the 1930s Arab states during the oil boom. Just like There Will Be Blood, it explores the theme of oil, but adds a twist by focusing on the clash between tradition and modernity. In Day of the Falcon, a young Arab prince finds himself torn between the conservative values of his father and the progressive ideas of his father-in-law. This conflict creates a compelling narrative that keeps you engaged throughout the film. While There Will Be Blood is a drama that delves into the dark side of humanity, Day of the Falcon infuses action, history, and war into its storyline. The movie captures the brutality and drama of the time period without crossing any lines or insulting your intelligence. With exceptional acting, beautiful cinematography, and a unique perspective on the oil industry, Day of the Falcon is a must-watch for anyone who enjoyed There Will Be Blood.

Deepwater Horizon is reminiscent of There Will Be Blood in its exploration of the oil industry and the devastating consequences that can arise from it. Both films delve into the dark side of human ambition and the destructive nature of greed. While There Will Be Blood focuses on the early days of the oil business and the madness that ensues, Deepwater Horizon portrays the real-life disaster that occurred in 2010, resulting in the worst oil spill in American history. Despite their different time periods and settings, both movies share a common theme of man's relentless pursuit of wealth and power, and the catastrophic effects it can have on both individuals and the environment. So, if you enjoyed There Will Be Blood and want to witness a gripping and thrilling depiction of a modern-day oil disaster, Deepwater Horizon is a must-watch.

Dallas: The next generation of the Ewing family clashes over their oil business and vast fortune in this drama series. While it may not be as intense or epic as "There Will Be Blood," Dallas captures the same essence of greed and power struggles. Both stories revolve around the world of oil, highlighting the lengths people will go to control it. However, Dallas adds a touch of romance to the mix, exploring the complexities of relationships within the Ewing family. The show successfully continues the legacy of the original Dallas, keeping the characters we know and love while introducing a new generation. With its captivating plot and talented cast, Dallas is a must-watch for fans of There Will Be Blood who want to dive into a modern-day oil dynasty with a twist of scandal and betrayal.

A Most Violent Year is reminiscent of There Will Be Blood in its exploration of ambition and the ruthless pursuit of success. Both films delve into the darker side of American capitalism, highlighting the lengths people will go to protect their businesses and families. While There Will Be Blood focuses on the oil industry in the early 20th century, A Most Violent Year transports us to New York City in 1981, during one of the most dangerous years in its history. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an unforgettable performance as a morally ambiguous oil prospector in There Will Be Blood, while Oscar Isaac shines as an ambitious immigrant fighting to maintain his integrity in A Most Violent Year. Both films tackle themes of power, corruption, and the struggle to maintain honor in a cutthroat world. However, A Most Violent Year offers a different perspective, exploring the clash between two codes of life rather than relying heavily on explicit violence.

Syriana, the similar movie, shares some striking similarities with There Will Be Blood. Both films revolve around the theme of oil and its impact on various aspects of society. While There Will Be Blood focuses on the early days of the oil business and the madness it engenders, Syriana takes a politically charged approach to explore the state of the oil industry in the hands of those personally involved in and affected by it. The two movies also share a dark and somber tone, diving deep into the complexities and corruption surrounding the oil industry. However, Syriana takes a more fragmented and non-linear storytelling approach, constantly changing location, focus, characters, and chronology. This adds an extra layer of complexity and keeps the audience on their toes throughout the film. Ultimately, Syriana presents a convincing and Machiavellian portrayal of a world driven by power and greed.

No Country for Old Men is reminiscent of There Will Be Blood in its exploration of the dark and gritty sides of humanity. Both movies delve deep into the complexities of their characters and showcase outstanding performances from their respective casts. While There Will Be Blood focuses on the ruthless pursuit of wealth and power in the oil industry, No Country for Old Men examines the consequences of stumbling upon a drug deal gone wrong. Both films are masterfully directed, with There Will Be Blood capturing the grandeur of the early days of the oil business, while No Country for Old Men takes a more low-key approach, creating a sense of tension and unease throughout. The performances in both movies are exceptional, with Daniel Day Lewis delivering a tour de force portrayal in There Will Be Blood, and Javier Bardem's portrayal of the sadistic Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men being equally chilling.

Phantom Thread is reminiscent of There Will Be Blood in its portrayal of complex characters and their intense relationships. Both movies are masterfully directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and feature remarkable performances from Daniel Day-Lewis. In There Will Be Blood, Day-Lewis delivers a captivating performance as the ruthless oil prospector Daniel Plainview, while in Phantom Thread, he portrays Reynolds Woodcock, a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young woman named Alma. Both films explore themes of obsession and power dynamics, showcasing the destructive nature of passionate pursuits. However, while There Will Be Blood focuses on the greed and madness surrounding the oil industry, Phantom Thread delves into the world of high fashion in 1950s London. The two movies may differ in their settings and plot details, but they both offer a compelling exploration of the human psyche and the lengths people will go to achieve their ambitions.

The Ballad of Jack and Rose is reminiscent of There Will Be Blood in its exploration of complex family dynamics and the consequences of isolation. Both movies delve into the limits of familial relationships, with There Will Be Blood focusing on a father-son dynamic and The Ballad of Jack and Rose highlighting a father-daughter relationship. However, while There Will Be Blood explores themes of greed, power, and madness through the lens of the oil industry, The Ballad of Jack and Rose delves into the themes of emotional incest, jealousy, and the longing for reconciliation. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers captivating performances in both films, portraying characters who are conflicted by their desire to love and protect their children while also grappling with their own flaws. Overall, The Ballad of Jack and Rose offers a unique perspective on family and sexuality, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoyed There Will Be Blood.

Lincoln is reminiscent of There Will Be Blood in its portrayal of a morally complex and driven protagonist. While Daniel Day-Lewis delivers yet another captivating performance as Abraham Lincoln, the film focuses on the political interworkings of his cabinet rather than the Civil War itself. Just as Daniel Day-Lewis embodied the despicable Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood, he mesmerizes once again as Lincoln, embodying the president's character and persona for the entirety of the film. Both movies showcase Day-Lewis' ability to fully immerse himself in a role and bring a character to life on screen. However, the similarities end there. There Will Be Blood delves into themes of family, religion, and madness, while Lincoln explores the struggle to end slavery and the political battles faced by its characters. Additionally, the cinematography in There Will Be Blood captures the grandeur of the American landscape, while Lincoln focuses more on dialogue and monologues.

Wildlife is reminiscent of There Will Be Blood in its exploration of complex family dynamics and the sacrifices individuals make for their own desires. Both films delve into the themes of family versus individuality, showcasing how adults' pursuit of their own ambitions can affect those around them. While There Will Be Blood focuses on the ruthless world of oil and the descent into madness, Wildlife takes a more intimate approach, portraying a teenage boy's struggle with his mother's response to his father's abandonment. Despite their differences in plot and setting, both movies masterfully capture the emotional turmoil and realistic concerns of their characters. Wildlife, directed by Paul Dano, showcases his talent as both an actor and a director, while also highlighting the restraint that prevents the film from descending into overdone pathos. The performances, particularly by Ed Oxenbould, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Carey Mulligan, bring depth and authenticity to the characters.

Dallas: "Dallas" is a captivating drama series that takes us into the world of J.R. Ewing, a Texas oil baron with a knack for manipulation and blackmail. Set against the backdrop of the oil industry, this show delves into the ambitions, conflicts, and personal lives of its characters, including J.R.'s brother Bobby, his arch-enemy Cliff Barnes, and his long-suffering wife Sue Ellen. While "Dallas" may seem like just another soap opera, it becomes so much more. Larry Hagman's portrayal of J.R. Ewing is nothing short of spectacular, as he creates a character reminiscent of a splendid mixture between Shere Khan and Darth Vader. Hagman's talent elevates the series from being just another show to becoming a phenomenon. What makes "Dallas" truly special is its long-lasting impact, transforming viewers into a part of its story.