As a film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours poring over the celluloid chronicles of our beloved heroes and anti-heroes alike, I can confidently say that these cinematic gems share a striking resemblance to the enigmatic world of Joker.
Before “Joker 2” featuring Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn arrives, there are numerous films similar to “Joker” that you can watch to get ready for the chaotic events to come in “Joker 2”.
In Joker: Folie à Deux, you’ll find numerous inspirations that will undoubtedly surface, whether it’s the intense atmosphere of a Martin Scorsese crime thriller or the sweeping emotions of a romantic saga.
The upcoming film offers a melodious portrayal and delves into collective insanity, significantly altering the character known as the Joker, which suggests it might be beneficial to brush up on your knowledge before catching the latest chapter in Arthur Fleck’s uprising.
Luckily, we’ve picked out all the best movies like Joker you should watch before Joker 2.
The Batman (2022)
Without a doubt, a Joker screening wouldn’t feel complete without delving into some recent Batman tales. Given that The Batman is the nearest movie featuring the Caped Crusader in Arthur Fleck’s world, it makes sense to start with Matt Reeves’ gritty portrayal of Gotham as your initial choice.
Absolutely, The Batman franchise features its unique portrayal of the Joker, hinted at by Barry Keoghan’s character in Arkham. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the two storylines are completely disconnected. It’s undeniable that both the Joker’s universe and The Batman series present some of the most intense and crime-ridden versions of Gotham City within the Batman universe.
The King of Comedy (1982)
It’s no surprise that the connection between Joker and The King of Comedy is frequently discussed, so it’s not unexpected to find them on this list. Both Arthur Fleck and Rupert Pupkin are portrayed as struggling, aspirational comedians with overly optimistic dreams but limited common sense. They both cultivate resentful feelings towards a talk show host, and interestingly, Robert De Niro appears in both films.
Both stories depict two individuals with identical objectives, but their methods differ drastically. These narratives can be seen as a bleak, ironic portrayal of tragedy, employing humor to underscore the miserable existences of characters named Arthur and Rupert.
Taxi Driver (1976)
As a gamer, when I imagine a solitary soul dwelling in the gritty core of a forlorn urban jungle, it’s hard not to think of any movie other than Taxi Driver. If there was another film that came close, it would likely be Joker. Just like Taxi Driver, Joker masterfully explores the concept of the loner, taking it to new cinematic heights.
Martin Scorsese’s masterclass in portraying feelings of isolation and loneliness can be seen as a reflection of Arthur Fleck’s life journey. Living in a city that appears to ignore his existence, Fleck finds visibility through increasingly extreme actions, unwittingly igniting a wave of violence. These two films, in essence, mirror each other in their exploration of these themes.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Looking forward to another thrilling installment of Batman, “The Dark Knight” serves as an excellent prologue for your upcoming Joker 2 experience. The conflict between Batman and Joker has been central since their inception, and Christopher Nolan’s gritty portrayal of their relationship is one of the most compelling cinematic interpretations.
It’s a great viewing to fully understand the dynamics between the supervillain and the hero, and watching Heath Ledger’s legendary performance is always a good idea. Not for comparison’s sake, but it’s enticing to watch two entirely different performances to see the evolution of the criminal mastermind. One’s a frantic madman, the other a giggling mess.
American Psycho (2000)
Under a superficial perspective, American Psycho appears to be a notable slasher film, chronicling the life of a prosperous businessman who is as likely to be drenched in blood as he is immaculate in designer suits. However, beneath its polished veneer, it delves into the themes of delusion, the pitfalls associated with status and power, and the emptiness of material wealth.
The narrative also revolves around an individual who dwells deeply within his mind, evaluating the surroundings based on how they perceive (or seem to overlook) him. Interestingly, Arthur Fleck and Patrick Bateman may appear polar opposites, but they share a common obsession with their image and grow increasingly disenchanted with the superficial world that leaves them feeling hollow.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Lady Gaga isn’t unfamiliar with acting roles, and A Star Is Born is generally considered the movie that significantly altered her professional path. This film, being a musical, offers her an opportunity to display her impressive vocal skills while delivering a deeply emotional portrayal of a young artist battling internal struggles on her way to stardom.
If you’re among those who question if she can handle Harley Quinn, the film A Star Is Born could convince you otherwise. Granted, she’s not swinging a comical hammer, but she’s grappling with her rapid ascent to stardom while trying to manage her husband’s renown and his deteriorating grip on reality. Remind you of someone named Arthur Fleck, doesn’t it?
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Regardless of whether you’re a fan or not, it’s clear that the upcoming Joker 2 will feature show tunes. Given this, it might be beneficial to brush up on your musical knowledge beforehand, and Sweeney Todd, a dark tale about revenge, could help prepare you for the film’s tone. This Stephen Sondheim musical (directed by Tim Burton) may not appeal to everyone, but then again, neither does Joker.
The story of a man gone mad in his quest for revenge isn’t too far removed from Arthur Fleck’s journey of self-discovery and standing up for himself, and both are just as gruesome. Although Sweeney Todd might be an original work, the two musicals are proof that even the most grim of subjects can withstand a couple of songs.
City Lights (1931)
Charlie Chaplin frequently uses slapstick humor to conceal satirical or political comments, and City Lights is no different. The movie tells the tale of a homeless man who develops feelings for a blind flower vendor. The story unfolds as the man finds himself mistaken for a wealthy individual, leading him on a quest to maintain this illusion.
One significant theme in the movie Joker revolves around Arthur’s growing disenchantment with society and its treatment of him. Despite being easily overlooked by others, he strives to portray himself differently – as something other than who he truly is. This includes trying to pass off as a successful comedian, a romantic interest, or a man without insecurities.
Mean Streets (1973)
In a different wording, Mean Streets has a similar narrative to The Penguin or Batman’s mafia-related storylines, but it significantly influenced Todd Phillips’ portrayal of Gotham in his work. The Joker shares many parallels with several Martin Scorsese films, as demonstrated by this list. The filming locations and overall mood in Joker seem to capture Scorsese’s intense depiction of New York City.
Martin Scorsese himself shared that he was considered for directing Joker, but ultimately had to withdraw due to personal matters. Despite this, he expressed admiration for the film, calling it “extraordinary work.” To appreciate how Scorsese might have depicted the world of Gotham, it’s worth diving into his films and understanding his unique style.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
It’s hard to think that a film from the ’20s might have much in common with anything Todd Phillips has to put out, but really, the theme of being an outsider and being ostracized by society has always featured on the screen.
Drawing inspiration from Victor Hugo’s novel, “The Man Who Laughs” revolves around a man whose face has been permanently contorted into a grin due to a cruel mutilation. This character endures ridicule and humiliation. Despite the grim settings and grotesque expressionist horror elements, it also unfolds as a tender love story, although the romance is frequently masked by these darker aspects.
In the case of finding an authentic bond, it’s likely you’ll discover that in the dynamic between Arthur and Harley, and their struggle against societal prejudice.
Here are some films similar to “Joker” that you might want to watch prior to its sequel, “Folie à Deux,” set for release on October 4, 2024:
Until that moment, feel free to explore the list of forthcoming DC films and series. Additionally, discover our guide on how to stream all Batman films, and uncover our top picks for the greatest superhero movies ever made.
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2024-09-30 15:21