10 Best Thriller Movies Like ‘Reptile’ You Need to Watch: In 2023, “Reptile” emerges as a crime-thriller under the directorial debut of Grant Singer, who co-wrote the screenplay with Benjamin Brewer and Benicio del Toro. The film features an ensemble cast, including del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Eric Bogosian, Ato Essandoh, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Michael Pitt. As “Reptile” gains prominence, we explore 12 similar movies to it.
The story is set around the aftermath of the brutal murder of a young real estate agent. A strong detective attempts to uncover the truth, and in this case, nothing is what it seems. In his investigations, he begins to dismantle the illusions in his own life.
The film is chilling and compelling from the start. The film has a brilliant pace that builds intrigue and suspense, and with Benicio del Toro and Justin Timberlake giving compelling and career-high performances, this film is a must-watch for all crime-thriller fans. It brings back nostalgic vibes from films of the same genre in the 90’s and 2000’s. If you enjoyed Reptile, then here’s a list of similar movies we think you’ll enjoy.
10 Movies like Reptile (2023) you must watch
1. Gone Baby Gone (2007)
This film was Ben Affleck’s directorial debut, and similar to Reptile, the story is the aftermath of a tragedy. Here, when four-year-old Amanda goes missing, her aunt Beatrice hires detectives Angie and Patrick to trace her. However, the duo encounters pedophiles, gangs, and drug dealers during their search operations. The film is filled with ethical dilemmas, which will keep you interested throughout.
2. The Third Man
Carol Reed’s direction and Graham Greene’s screenplay collaborate in “The Third Man,” a post-war film noir masterpiece set in the divided and war-torn Vienna. Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten), an American author, arrives in the city to reunite with his old friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles). However, he is greeted with the news of Lime’s enigmatic demise, propelling him into a complex world of deception, espionage, and ethical ambiguity.
From its iconic zither score to its unforgettable characters, “The Third Man” remains a cinematic gem. The film’s distinctive use of Dutch angles, dimly lit alleyways, and cobblestone streets fosters an atmosphere of suspense and disquiet. Orson Welles’ brief yet memorable appearance, especially during the renowned Ferris wheel scene, accentuates the movie’s exploration of post-war skepticism and moral deterioration. As a film noir, a historical document, and a character analysis, “The Third Man” serves as a testament to the enduring influence of cinema.
3. Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners is based on Aaron Guzikowski’s short story, Not A True Story. In this film, when the police take too long to find two missing girls, one of the fathers takes it upon himself to find them. His desperation leads him to almost find the truth and jeopardize his own life. Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal give unbelievably strong performances, bringing this intense and heartbreaking story to life.
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” based on Stieg Larsson’s best-seller, is a riveting modern mystery that delves into corruption, vengeance, and concealed family secrets. Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is commissioned to unravel the long-standing vanishing of Harriet Vanger, a member of Sweden’s wealthiest clan. In his pursuit, he forges an alliance with the brilliant yet troubled hacker, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), whose enigmatic past holds the key to unraveling the mystery.
The film’s strength doesn’t solely rest in its intricate plot but in the compelling portrayal of its central character, Salander. Mara’s depiction of Lisbeth encompasses both fierceness and vulnerability, establishing her as one of contemporary cinema’s iconic figures. Against the bleak, wintry backdrop of Sweden and the even darker corners of the human psyche, Fincher crafts an enthralling narrative of murder, suspense, and redemption.
5. Fractured (2019)
This storyline might be simple, but this psychological-thriller film is filled with suspense and well worth investing in, especially if you like investigative plots. After his wife and injured daughter disappear from the emergency room, a man becomes convinced the hospital is hiding something. While some films on this list are hard-hitting and emotionally battering in content, Fractured is far more suited to the casual thriller viewer. It’s a small, familiar setting and story re-imagined in a way that’s compelling.
6. Memento (2000)
In the year 2000, Christopher Nolan set a high bar for a directorial debut with Memento, an American neo-noir mystery psychological thriller based on the short story Memento Mori. The story follows Leonard Shelby, an insurance investigator, who suffers from anterograde amnesia and uses notes and tattoos to hunt for the man he thinks killed his wife, which is the last thing he remembers. Similar to Reptile, we’re unfolding a case and learning the truth through a tension-filled story.
7. Mulholland Drive (2001)
Mulholland Drive (stylized as Mulholland Dr.) is a surrealist neo-noir mystery film written and directed by the genius that is David Lynch. The confusing but brilliant story surrounds Rita, a dark-haired amnesiac, and Betty, a perky blonde actress, who team up to find clues related to Rita’s accident and ascertain her true identity. I had to watch this film twice as it’s puzzling, but certainly one to watch if you’re looking for tension, drama, and mystery in your movies.
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8. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Joel and Ethan Coen’s adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country for Old Men” is a chilling exploration of destiny, morality, and the inescapable presence of malevolence. The tale revolves around Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), who stumbles upon a botched drug deal and seizes a suitcase filled with money. This choice triggers a violent pursuit by the enigmatic hitman Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), a character who leaves an indelible mark as one of cinema’s iconic antagonists.
Beneath the suspense and brutality, “No Country for Old Men” delves into profound reflections on human existence, especially through the perspective of the world-weary Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones). The Coen brothers masterfully entwine themes of chance, destiny, and America’s evolving landscape into a narrative that is both thrilling and philosophically rich. The film’s open-ended conclusion and its rejection of easy resolutions solidify its status as a modern masterpiece.
9. Zodiac (2007)
Welcome to the work of David Fincher, a neo-noir mystery thriller film based on the non-fiction books by Robert Graysmith, Zodiac (1986) and Zodiac Unmasked (2002). The story follows a cartoonist, Robert Graysmith, who becomes obsessed with the Zodiac killer. Graysmith uses his puzzle-solving abilities to track down and reveal the identity of the killer. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, this film is a fantastic watch as it tells the real-life harrowing tale of a psychotic killer and intense investigation from detectives.
10. Se7en (1995)
This David Fincher classic follows a serial killer who begins murdering people according to the seven deadly sins. Two detectives, one new to the city and the other about to retire, are tasked with apprehending the criminal. The film has a stellar cast, including Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey, and a compelling plot with twists and turns that’ll keep you on your toes.
11. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Ending this list with an edgy, arty, but completely underrated film. In 1969, seven shady strangers meet in a deserted hotel with a dark history, and as time goes by, their secrets come out one by one. This mystery-thriller explores themes of morality, faith, and redemption. It’s a movie like Reptile in that it has a building, a tense storyline, and some excellent acting.
12. Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Ben Affleck’s “Gone Baby Gone” left a lasting impression on me. Set in the gritty underbelly of Boston, it follows two private investigators, portrayed by Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan, as they search for a kidnapped girl. The film’s atmospheric depiction of a community shrouded in secrets and the moral dilemmas the characters grapple with reminded me of the intense journey in “Reptile.”
The strength of “Gone Baby Gone” lies in its ability to seamlessly blend a captivating detective story with profound ethical quandaries. As the investigation deepens, it confronts the audience with tough choices and blurred moral boundaries. Similar to “Reptile,” the film doesn’t offer simple answers but compels viewers to examine their own convictions about right and wrong. It serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of humanity and the shades of gray that often underlie seemingly black-and-white decisions.
Do you have any other recommendations for movies like Reptile? Let us know!