In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Drive, we provide recommendations for movies with similar themes and vibes.
Cast
- Ryan Gosling – The Driver
- Carey Mulligan – Irene Gabriel
- Bryan Cranston – Shannon
- Albert Brooks – Bernie Rose
- Oscar Isaac – Standard Gabriel
- Christina Hendricks – Blanche
- Ron Perlman – Nino ‘Izzy’ Paolozzi
- Kaden Leos – Benicio Gabriel
- James Biberi – Chris Cook
- Jeff Wolfe – Assassin In The Tan Suit
- Russ Tamblyn – Doc
- Andy San Dimas – Dancer
- Hossein Amini – Writer
- Nicolas Winding Refn – Director
Movies like Drive
Nightcrawler (2014)
Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a chilling performance in Dan Gilroy’s dissection of media sensationalism and the American Dream. Gyllenhaal’s ambitious anti-hero navigates the nocturnal underbelly of Los Angeles, exploiting human tragedy for personal gain. Co-stars Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed contribute to the film’s searing critique of the relentless pursuit of success at any cost.
Baby Driver (2017)
Edgar Wright’s high-octane thriller redefines the heist genre with its rhythmic blending of music and action. Ansel Elgort shines as the eponymous Baby, a gifted getaway driver striving to break free from a life of crime. Amidst high-stakes heists and thrilling car chases, the film explores themes of love and redemption, with strong supporting performances by Jon Hamm and Lily James.
Heat (1995)
This riveting crime drama from director Michael Mann sets the stage for a monumental face-off between two powerhouses of cinema: Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. De Niro’s master thief and Pacino’s relentless detective are two sides of the same coin, trapped in a dangerous game of cat and mouse that blurs the boundaries between law and lawlessness, providing an introspective look into their conflicting loyalties and personal sacrifices.
A Bittersweet Life (2005)
Directed by Kim Jee-woon and headlined by Lee Byung-hun, this Korean crime drama delves into the dichotomies of loyalty and betrayal, love and vengeance. Byung-hun’s compelling portrayal of a mob enforcer torn between duty and compassion sets the stage for a visceral exploration of existential angst and retribution.
Le Samouraï (1967)
Jean-Pierre Melville’s stylish neo-noir thriller presents Alain Delon as an enigmatic hitman whose life unravels after a hit goes awry. Delon’s icy demeanor and the film’s minimalist aesthetic create a mesmerizing exploration of solitude, morality, and the cost of anonymity in a world governed by crime.
The Limey (1999)
Steven Soderbergh’s atmospheric neo-noir, featuring Terence Stamp as a British ex-con and Peter Fonda as the deceptive music producer, presents a labyrinthine tale of revenge set amidst the sun-soaked backdrop of Los Angeles. Stamp’s relentless pursuit of truth behind his daughter’s death unravels layers of deceit, revealing a profound meditation on justice, loss, and parental love.
Bullhead (2011)
Directed by Michaël R. Roskam and starring Matthias Schoenaerts, this Belgian crime film explores the tragic consequences of steroid addiction within the context of the illegal bovine hormone trade. Schoenaerts delivers a potent performance as a cattle farmer battling demons from his past, offering a raw and poignant exploration of masculinity and suppressed trauma.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)
Jim Jarmusch’s eccentric fusion of gangster film and samurai ethics stars Forest Whitaker as a professional hitman who lives by the ancient code of the Japanese warrior. Amidst the seedy urban landscapes, the film crafts a thoughtful commentary on honor, duty, and the dichotomies of modern existence.
Sexy Beast (2000)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer, this British crime film offers a unique blend of sun-soaked retirement and looming danger. Featuring a ferocious performance by Ben Kingsley as an unhinged gangster, the film chronicles the twisted efforts to pull Ray Winstone’s retired safe-cracker back into London’s underworld. With its sharp dialogue and intense performances, Sexy Beast provides a riveting examination of the struggle to escape one’s past.
The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
This sprawling, multi-generational epic directed by Derek Cianfrance stars Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, and Eva Mendes. Gosling’s portrayal of a stunt rider turned bank robber and Cooper’s ambitious police officer intersect in a narrative that explores the profound impact of fathers’ actions on their sons, weaving a powerful saga of sin, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence.
Eastern Promises (2007)
David Cronenberg’s brutal exploration of London’s Russian mob showcases Viggo Mortensen’s riveting performance as a complex gangster with a hidden agenda. Mortensen’s nuanced portrayal, coupled with Naomi Watts as a midwife drawn into the violent criminal underworld, creates a gripping narrative that questions identity, loyalty, and the price of power.
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