If David Fincher’s meticulously stylized film about a cold-blooded killer is something you appreciate, then the auteur’s other works are probably already on your favorite list. On the other hand, if it’s something you just happened upon and you’re now desperate for some crime thrillers that are gripping and process-driven, then this list is for you. An immersive experience with dark and hollow characters, this list contains the perfect follow-up to Fincher’s latest, with just as gritty characters and more thrill and excitement.
Spoilers Ahead
American Psycho
A film based on a book about a psychopath whose morning routine would be of interest to any Gen Z influencer, American Psycho is a journey, to say the least. Starring Christian Bale as said psychopath, Patrick Bateman (a name that is unforgettable, and a character who according to theories is a distant relative of THE original “psycho” Norman Bates), this film will keep you thinking for hours after it’s finished. From the pristine white rooms to his taste in music, everything is precisely fit for this character. Of course, American Psycho is much more of a bloodbath than The Killer, but it’ll still give you what you’re craving. Plus, an added bonus is the 26-year-old, well-sculpted, and virtually perfect Christian Bale.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by journalist turned author Stieg Larsson, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a fascinating story, the first of a trilogy about Lisbeth Salander, a girl who is enlisted to help the journalist Mikael Blomkvist solve the mystery of a missing woman. Apart from the story of Blomkvist’s investigation, the film is a study of Salander herself, played by Rooney Mara. This film is incredibly dark and bleak, making one feel extremely uncomfortable more often than not. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara do a really good job of bringing to life these fascinating characters, and we reckon it wasn’t easy to translate an almost 550-page book into a film, but it’s quite a good attempt.
Léon: The Professional
If Mathilda and The Killer had to fight it out, who would win? Of course, the highlight of this film is Natalie Portman’s Mathilda, and although some parts are extremely problematic (to say the least), this film is still a classic. New York’s top hitman, Leon, finds himself the guardian of a 12-year-old neighbor. Sexualization of a minor aside, the action in this film is really good, and it does feel like you’re in a different world. Yet another great revenge drama, but this one is much more sentimental.
Face/Off
This is a highly entertaining film thanks to the role reversal between John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. Both actors carry this film as complete opposites, not just of each other but between themselves and their characters. This is a very unbelievable plot, but there’s no denying that it’s still a fantastic watch. The Killer is quite funny; some may say it’s one of Fincher’s funniest, and Face/Off is rather silly in a great way. Suspend your disbelief and watch this one for some great John Woo action sequences and a good old time.
The Social Network
Yes, this film doesn’t quite fit on this list, but hear me out: isn’t this about a sociopath who is absolutely obsessed with what he does, lacking empathy and trust? You’ve got to admit it’s an appropriate description. Okay, Eisenberg as Zuckerberg is a man of many more words than Fassbender’s cold-blooded killer, but it makes for fantastic parallels. Some of Fincher’s best works are based on real life because of his attention to detail. This film does not miss a beat, and even though it’s a film about the internet and social media, it’s got that very old-school vintage vibe to it that Fincher is so well known for.
Zodiac
The police procedural that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Another favorite from Fincher, this film is an absolute whirlwind of emotions and devastating, to say the least. Starring the holy trinity (of the time), Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, and Jake Gyllenhaal (Taylor Swift fans, forgive us). Immediately, you’re sucked into the journalistic work of the 1970s, and we can’t help but compare the obsessive nature of cartoonist Robert Graysmith (who also happened to be the person who wrote the book that this film is based on) with that of our killer. This is a long film, but not for one second do you feel the length.
John Wick
It’s not surprising that Keanu is on this list, and although we could debate who the most stoic character is, this is definitely the closest in style to The Killer. That one action sequence from The Killer could easily be a scene from the action franchise about a man who takes revenge after his dog is killed. Nah, we would do the same, only we’re not retired hitmen. John Wick definitely doesn’t give off the voyeuristic feeling that The Killer does so well, but it’s a fantastic revenge flick with a relentless killer as the leading man. So at the risk of sounding like a film, bro, I’d say you must watch this film.
Oldboy
Park Chan-Wook’s Oldboy has one of the strangest big reveals in cinematic history, and if you’ve managed to miss it in all these years of its existence, then we applaud you, but it’s high time you watch the film. This revenge thriller doesn’t miss a single detail, and it provides an immersive, terrifying feeling from start to finish. Again, there are many similarities between the protagonist, Oh De-Su, and the killer, except one is circumstantial and one is out of choice. If you want meticulousness, then anything Park Chan-Wook is going to do the trick for you. This film sets a bleak tone, but never can you anticipate what’s coming for you in the end. One of the craziest films to come out of the South Korean industry.
