7 Movies to Watch Instead of Joker: Folie à Deux

As a movie critic who has spent countless hours in dimly lit theaters, I can confidently say that while Joker: Folie à Deux may have been billed as the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, it’s far from the best choice for audiences seeking a gripping tale of villainy and anti-heroes. With its dismal box office performance and lackluster reviews, I’d recommend giving these films a spin instead – they’ll leave you feeling more satisfied than a disappointing sequel ever could!

Folie à Deux” on Max, there are several other films focusing on villains and anti-heroes that might pique your interest. A sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 film “Joker,” based on the legendary DC villain, “Joker: Folie à Deux” underperformed at the box office, earning a domestic gross of approximately $58 million and a worldwide total of $206 million, despite a production budget of $200 million. Critics and audiences alike voiced their displeasure with the movie, citing unengaging musical elements and a second installment of Arthur’s story that was often considered dull and superfluous. Consequently, viewers who haven’t seen “Joker: Folie à Deux” might prefer exploring these alternative films instead.

Taxi Driver

In the initial release of “Joker”, it drew parallels with Martin Scorsese’s renowned film “Taxi Driver”, as the latter has served as a catalyst for numerous other productions. Interestingly, Robert De Niro played the role of Murray Franklin in “Joker” and portrayed Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver”. Scorsese’s movie revolves around Bickle, a former military man who spends his nights driving a taxi in New York City. The mental turmoil and propensity for violence that Bickle experiences resonated with many viewers, leading them to find striking similarities between these traits and those of “Joker”‘s Arthur Fleck. While there are indeed similarities between the two films, it is generally agreed that “Taxi Driver” delivers a more compelling narrative.

Nightcrawler

In 2014, the psychological thriller “Nightcrawler” was released, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal as Louis Bloom, a jobless criminal who ventures into journalism. At first, Bloom merely observes crime, but his role evolves, making him both a potential hero and a questionable villain as he starts manipulating situations for personal gain. Directed by Dan Gilroy, “Nightcrawler” follows Bloom’s descent into moral corruption, sharing thematic similarities with the storyline of “Joker” and its sequel.

American Psycho

Mary Harron’s movie “American Psycho,” released in 2000, is adapted from the 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis. The film features Christian Bale portraying Patrick Bateman, a New York City banking executive. Bateman’s malevolent character largely hides his violent acts, giving the impression of dual personalities. This character development bears resemblance to Arthur’s experiences in the “Joker” movies, and Bale’s charm fits the role perfectly.

Collateral

In the crime thriller “Collateral,” helmed by Michael Mann, we follow a Los Angeles taxi driver named Max (played by Jamie Foxx). One fateful night, he picks up a passenger who turns out to be an undercover hitman, Vincent (portrayed by Tom Cruise). This unforeseen encounter leaves Max in the killer’s grasp and compels him to aid Vincent as he travels to his targets. As Max becomes entangled in Vincent’s dark deeds, he must weigh the perilous choices necessary for survival. The gripping plot of “Collateral” delves into numerous ethical quandaries, providing thought-provoking material for viewers that surpasses “Joker: Folie à Deux.

Psycho

The 1960 horror classic by Alfred Hitchcock, titled “Psycho,” is widely recognized as one of the best in its genre. In this film, Janet Leigh plays Marion Crane, a woman who steals $40,000 and subsequently stops at the Bates Motel. There, she encounters Norman Bates, portrayed by Anthony Perkins, who appears friendly but is hiding a troubled psyche with potentially dangerous tendencies – similar to the characters in “Joker: Folie à Deux.

A History of Violence

David Cronenberg’s movie, titled “A History of Violence“, narrates the transformation of Tom Stall (played by Viggo Mortensen) from an ordinary family man into a suspected villain. This transformation occurs after he defends himself and receives widespread recognition for his actions. However, this newfound fame raises suspicions in someone who believes Tom to be a past enemy. Released in 2005, “A History of Violence” presents many intriguing questions about Tom’s enigmatic past as he fights to safeguard his loved ones. It is also worth noting that this film is an adaptation of a DC Comics storyline.

Natural Born Killers

In a similar vein, the movie “Natural Born Killers” is reminiscent of “Joker: Folie à Deux” as it portrays two lovers who become each other’s criminal accomplices. Directed by Oliver Stone in 1994, the film features Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis as Mickey Knox and Mallory Wilson, a lethal duo in their murderous exploits. Unlike “Joker: Folie à Deux”, which focuses on criminals in love, “Natural Born Killers” emphasizes the dangerous glamorization of violence that arises from the actions of Mickey and Mallory.

2024-12-22 19:09