Before the upcoming musical sequel featuring Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn, there are numerous films similar to Joker that you can watch to prepare for the wild ride in Joker 2.
Whether you prefer a gripping Martin Scorsese crime drama or a romantic epic, there are various influences likely to seep into Joker: Folie à Deux.
This new installment is both a musical and a study of shared madness, promising to offer a fresh perspective on the Clown Prince of Crime. Therefore, it would be beneficial to do some homework before diving into the next chapter of Arthur Fleck’s revolution.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the best movies like Joker worth watching prior to Joker 2.
The Batman (2022)
It wouldn’t make sense to discuss Joker without revisiting some of the latest Batman lore. Given that The Batman is the closest iteration of the Caped Crusader to Arthur Fleck’s universe, it’s fitting that Matt Reeves’ dark portrayal of Gotham should be among your top picks.
Of course, The Batman features its own version of the Joker, portrayed by Barry Keoghan in Arkham. However, the two narratives are far from unrelated. This version of Gotham is undoubtedly one of the most violent interpretations we’ve seen, making both films a must-watch that lays bare the city’s underbelly.
The King of Comedy (1982)
The connection between Joker and The King of Comedy has been extensively analyzed, making its inclusion on this list unsurprising. Both Arthur Fleck and Rupert Pupkin are struggling comedians with more ambition than common sense, developing disdain for the same talk show host. Plus, Robert De Niro appears in both films.
These movies explore the painful journeys of two men with identical ambitions but vastly different approaches. Ultimately, both stories depict violent, cynical tragedies that use humor to highlight the bleak realities faced by Arthur and Rupert.
Taxi Driver (1976)
No film encapsulates the image of an alienated man in a distressed city better than Taxi Driver. Like Joker, it dives into themes of loneliness and disconnection. Martin Scorsese’s film, depicting the life of a man largely ignored by society, mirrors Arthur Fleck’s struggle for recognition, even as he inadvertently sparks a wave of violence.
Both films act as reflections of each other, exploring deeply unsettling social themes.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight stands as an ideal precursor to your viewing of Joker 2. The iconic duel between Batman and the Joker has been a defining element of their character arcs since their inception. Christopher Nolan’s dark exploration of this dynamic remains one of the most acclaimed cinematic interpretations.
Understanding the complex relationship between hero and villain is invaluable, and Heath Ledger’s iconic performance offers a captivating contrast to Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the Joker. Witnessing these two different interpretations enriches the overall viewing experience.
American Psycho (2000)
At first glance, American Psycho might seem like a quintessential slasher film, following the life of a successful businessman entangled in bloodshed as much as he is in high-end fashion. However, beneath the facade lies a deeper analysis of delusion, the emptiness of wealth, and the absurdities of social status.
Though Arthur Fleck and Patrick Bateman are polar opposites in many respects, both characters share a fixation on image and a disillusionment with the superficial world they inhabit.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Lady Gaga made waves with her performance in A Star Is Born, a film that significantly altered her career trajectory. As a musical, it enables Gaga to showcase her vocal talents while portraying a young star grappling with personal challenges.
For those skeptical of her portrayal as Harley Quinn, A Star Is Born serves as a testament to her acting skills. While she’s not swinging a cartoonish mallet, she embodies the struggles of navigating fame and the fraught dynamics of her relationship with a fading star. Sounds familiar to Arthur Fleck, doesn’t it?
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Regardless of whether you appreciate musicals, it’s evident that Joker 2 will include musical numbers. Thus, brushing up on musicals like Sweeney Todd can serve as a fitting warm-up. This Stephen Sondheim musical, directed by Tim Burton, features a vengeful tale that resonates well with Arthur Fleck’s harrowing journey of self-discovery.
Although they’re different narratives, both address the theme of madness and revenge, demonstrating that even grim subjects can be expressed through song.
City Lights (1931)
Charlie Chaplin’s films frequently blend social commentary with comedy, and City Lights showcases this technique well. It chronicles the story of a tramp who falls for a blind flower girl and attempts to sustain the illusion of wealth.
Similarly, one of the central themes in Joker is Arthur’s disillusionment with society. Although he doesn’t usually get mistaken for someone successful, Arthur tries to project an image of a competent comedian and a desirable partner.
Mean Streets (1973)
While Mean Streets leans more into mafia themes akin to The Penguin or even The Batman, it undoubtedly influenced Todd Phillips’ take on Gotham. The parallels between Joker and Scorsese’s works are evident, especially given the intense representation of New York in both.
Interestingly, Scorsese was once in line to direct Joker before stepping back for “personal reasons.” Yet, he acknowledged the film as “remarkable work.” Thus, explore Scorsese’s filmography to understand how he might have rendered the world of Gotham.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
It’s surprising to consider how a film from the 1920s relates to Todd Phillips’ work, yet the theme of societal ostracism remains timeless. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, The Man Who Laughs tells the story of a disfigured man subjected to ridicule, layered within a love story sprinkled with horror elements.
The connection between the journeys of Arthur and Harley and the societal rejection they face is difficult to overlook.
These are all the films similar to Joker that you should view before Joker: Folie à Deux, set to release on October 4, 2024.
In the meantime, check out all the upcoming DC movies and TV shows.
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