15 Best Movies Like ‘American Psycho’, Ranked by IMDb Score
When it comes to satirical, psychopathic, or serial killer horror movies, one of the absolute best that instantly pops to mind is American Psycho. Christian Bale absolutely blew us away as Patrick Bateman, but what makes the movie work isn’t just the violence – it’s the humor and social satire behind it.
If you’re a big fan of American Psycho like myself, you’re probably in constant search of similar movies. That’s why I’m bringing you the ultimate list of the fifteen best movies that are just like American Psycho in one way or another. The list is solely ranked based on the IMDb scores of each movie, although it is pretty close to how I’d rank it individually as well. Enjoy!
15. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (2019)
IMDb score: 6.7/10
What it’s about: Following the life and criminal downfall of Ted Bundy (portrayed by Zac Efron), one of the most notorious, well-known serial killers in history. Bundy had slain over 30 women, getting away with a charming persona, charisma, and intelligence.
We follow the story from the perspective of Liz, Ted’s girlfriend, who starts realizing the truth about Bundy but struggles to accept it.
Why it’s like American Psycho: We’re opening with a banger! Both of these movies are centered around a murderous psychopath who sees himself as superior to his victims and kills for the joy and thrill of killing. Only in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile we’re talking about a real-life, non-fictional serial killer.
Also, Ted Bundy and Patrick Bateman are charming and fooled many, who would never have even suspected them due to their likable personality.
14. The House That Jack Built (2018)
IMDb score: 6.8/10
What it’s about: Jack was just your typical suburban American from the 1970s. However, he discovered that he had strong murderous intentions, which only escalated over time. We follow his story down a 12-year path of crimes and a murdering spree which he himself deems as art.
Why it’s like American Psycho: I truly believe this movie is underrated and should be talked about more. Like American Psycho, it revolves around yet another serial killer. He is seemingly normal and successful in his murderous endeavors. Jack tells us his story, going 12 years back in the past, to describe and depict his incredibly intelligent crimes that escalated over time.
13. Natural Born Killers (1994)
IMDb score: 7.2/10
What it’s about: Mickey Knox and Mallory Wilson both had traumatic childhoods. Both were scarred by it and once they started a new relationship together, it spiraled into absolute mayhem.
The lovers first kill Mallory’s abusive father and then go on a road trip that sees them kill one person after another anywhere they stop. To make matters worse, the media sensationalizes their crimes and inadvertently glorifies them, only encouraging them to go further.
Why it’s like American Psycho: We’re talking about murderous psychopaths in both movies, and both movies are powerful social comments. While American Psycho speaks out on materialism and elitism, Natural Born Killers speaks of sensationalism, unethical, irresponsible reporting, and media coverage.
12. Mr. Brooks (2007)
IMDb score: 7.3/10
What it’s about: Earl Brooks is Portland’s Man of the Year. The respected businessman built an empire, but it may all come crashing down when the world discovers he has a murderous alter ego – a serial killer persona known as the Thumbprint Killer. Will Mr. Brooks manage to keep his two lives a secret? Things will get really complicated – really fast.
Why it’s like American Psycho: Both movies revolve around a respected businessman with a dark, murderous secret. Also, both movies have some satirical elements that you’ll enjoy.
11. Zodiac (2007)
IMDb score: 7.7/10
What it’s about: From 1968 to 1983, the Zodiac Killer terrorized Nothern California with numerous murders, always leaving cryptic messages behind. Despite an abundance of seeming evidence, the Zodiac was never caught. We follow the story through the eyes of a detective and a San Francisco cartoonist who became obsessed with the case.
Why it’s like American Psycho: We have a serial killer movie based on a true story. The Zodiac Killer did terrorize Northern California for about a decade and a half and was never caught.
This film has a much, much darker undertone than American Psycho, but it’ll have you on the edge of your seat throughout the film, supported by phenomenal performances from the entire cast.
10. The Machinist (2004)
IMDb score: 7.7/10
What it’s about: An industrial worker suffers from crippling insomnia and hasn’t slept well in over a year. His physical health is deteriorating, but he also starts losing his sanity in the process. What is the root cause of his insomnia? Is there an underlying issue he can’t deal with?
Why it’s like American Psycho: There are more similarities between The Machinist and American Psycho, apart from the fact that both movies share a lead actor in Christian Bale. I’m trying to keep things spoiler free, but I will say that The Machinist is one of the best thrillers I’ve ever watched, with a spectacular twist at the end that puts all the pieces in place like a jigsaw.
9. Nightcrawler (2014)
IMDb score: 7.8/10
What it’s about: Louis Bloom is a sociopathic con man who’s trying to get some work and earn some money. He’s trying to get into the world of journalism, but he quickly realizes that his talents lie a bit outside of the morally comfortable. He dives into L.A.’s crime journalism, trying to get exclusive footage from crime scenes, accidents, etc.
Why it’s like American Psycho: I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a better portrayal of a psycho/sociopath in my life. Jake Gyllenhaal, just like Christian Bale in American Psycho, completely dominated the lead role and elevated the movie to new heights.
Nightcrawler is one of my favorite movies of all time, and certainly one of my favorites from this list, and I highly recommend it to everyone. If you think American Psycho holds a social commentary between the lines, wait until you see what they’ve created with Nightcrawler.
8. Taxi Driver (1976)
IMDb score: 8.2/10
What it’s about: Travis Bickle works as a night-shift taxi driver in NYC due to his insomnia. He is a Vietnam War veteran with strong opinions about how the world – and his city, primarily – turned into a decadent, disgusting cesspool. He starts imagining himself as the hero and savior of humankind and idolizing a woman named Betsy.
After an incident occurs, Travis decides it’s time to take matters into his own hands, and a massive violent spree by his hand becomes far too real.
Why it’s like American Psycho: Again, we follow a strong lead that’s both the film’s protagonist and antagonist. Robert De Niro owns the movie as Travis Bickle, and he perfectly portrays his deteriorating mental state and brutal, violent tendencies throughout the film.
Like Patrick Bateman, Travis Bickle is heavily opinionated and won’t let anyone or anything change his opinion about humankind and himself having the duty to ‘make it a better place.’
7. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
IMDb score: 8.3/10
What it’s about: Set in the future, Alex DeLarge is a young man leading a gang of ‘ultraviolent’ individuals whose sole purpose is to cause pain and mayhem. Violence, rape, and horror are a way of life for them. But soon, Alex is arrested and convicted of murder and then forced to partake in an experimental program, conditioning prisoners and convicts to detest violence.
The program is brutal, and DeLarge develops a physical reaction of gagging at the thought of violence or women. He gets out of prison – but his real problems start right then when all those people he hurt start hurting him back.
Why it’s like American Psycho: There’s no question that Alex DeLarge was a psychopath, but just like in American Psycho, there’s a strong social comment underneath the story of how society makes and breaks individuals and doesn’t really allow second chances.
It’s an absolutely brutal, violent film from the great mind of Stanley Kubrick that everyone should watch at least once in a lifetime. Or, like, twenty times.
6. Joker (2019)
IMDb score: 8.4/10
What it’s about: Arthur Fleck has a low-income job while caring for his mother. He dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, but his deteriorating mental health makes the journey extremely hard. Everything falls off the rails when he gets humiliated on his favorite talk show and rises to lead a revolution in Gotham as its psychopathic clown prince.
Why it’s like American Psycho: While Joker was envisioned as an unofficial origin story for DC’s Joker, it could very well be any other person in the world who was chewed and spat out by society. Instead of getting Arthur the help he needed, society rejected him and made a mockery of him. He simply accepted it with both hands.
Obviously, Arthur Fleck and Patrick Bateman don’t have a lot in common, but the tense atmosphere, the satirical sequences, and utter violence are absolutely enough for us to link these two films.
5. The Shining (1980)
IMDb score: 8.4/10
What it’s about:
Why it’s like American Psycho: The Shining is one of the best cult-classic horror movies ever created and one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made. While the main character wasn’t really a psychopath to begin with, his environment – and work – completely messed up his mind, turning him into a serial killer that hunted down his own family.
The Shining is yet another example of why Stanley Kubrick is one of the best directors in cinematic history, and like Bale in American Psycho, Jack Nicholson completely dominated the movie with his role as Jack Torrance.
4. Psycho (1960)
IMDb score: 8.5/10
What it’s about: A secretary steals around $40K and goes on a run, only to stumble upon a recluse, rundown motel on the side of the road. She decides to hide there and finds Norman running the place. He’s a kind young man who lives under his mother’s boot. Little did the secretary know that night at the Bates motel would be her last…
Why it’s like American Psycho: As with many psychopath/serial killer movies, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho was a great inspiration for American Psycho to be created. We have a charming guy you wouldn’t expect to be violent that’s not just violent – he’s completely off the rails crazy.
Psycho is probably the most iconic horror film ever made, with pop-cultural references still being used today – especially about Norman Bates and his… ‘mommy issues.’
3. Se7en (1995)
IMDb score: 8.6/10
What it’s about: A serial killer murders and stages his victims brutally, using the seven deadly sins as his motives. Two detectives – a young rookie and an experienced veteran – hunt down the killer and look for clues leading them to places they never thought it would.
Why it’s like American Psycho: I think the twist of this film is one of the most mindblowing yet most well-known plot twists in history. There’s a reason why Se7en is considered one of the best thriller mystery movies of all time. For those who haven’t seen it, I won’t spoil it, but once you know it, it only makes the movie even more enjoyable to watch the second time.
2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
IMDb score: 8.6/10
What it’s about: A young FBI agent is tasked with finding and capturing a brutal serial killer on the loose. However, the only way she can catch the new serial killer is by using the help of another psychopathic, cannibalistic, incarcerated serial killer known as Hannibal Lecter.
Why it’s like American Psycho: If you’re looking for a violent, brutal, prolific depiction of a serial killer like in American Psycho, look no further. Any movie list about serial killers that doesn’t include The Silence of the Lambs is not good.
One of the most riveting films you’ll ever watch and one of the best performances in the long, illustrious career of Sir Anthony Hopkins.
1. Fight Club (1999)
IMDb score: 8.8/10
What it’s about: An office worker suffers from insomnia and struggles to find ways to deal with his issue that started to affect all aspects of his life. At one moment, he meets a soap maker named Tyler Durden, who’s the polar opposite of him – wild, carefree, and insanely overconfident.
The two guys found an underground fight club that quickly spirals into something way more than that – it becomes a revolution.
Why it’s like American Psycho: Lastly, we move away from the serial killer trope but bring you the best film on this list. While the lead isn’t a serial killer, he is mentally unstable. There’s a ton of violence in both movies, with underlying satire and a powerful social commentary aiming at disturbing the societal order.
Fight Club is the kind of movie that you see once and never forget a single detail.