Based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas tells the story of a journalist and his lawyer as they travel to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race. However, their trip quickly goes off the rails as they become caught up in a world of drugs and debauchery.
If you’re a fan of dark comedies with an offbeat sense of humor, then you’ll love these movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. From tales of drug-fueled misadventures to stories of the criminal underworld, these films are sure to keep you entertained from start to finish.
1. Climax (2018)
The work of Gaspar Noé is kaleidoscopic, and he has established himself as a psychedelic filmmaker. His most recent endeavor to utilize these hallucinogenic styles is called ‘Climax.’ ‘Climax,’ billed as a dance horror film, traces the adventures of a group of French dancers who party in an abandoned school building during a snowstorm. What starts as an innocuous evening of fun quickly descends into madness as the group realizes that someone has spiked their sangria with LSD.
The film has an expressionistic style and outstanding performances by the main actors, making it a pure frenzy. Furthermore, the absence of a solid narrative development adds to the comic tone.
The film’s final shot, which shows a burning train plummeting into a tunnel as the protagonist looks on in horror, has become something of an iconic image for Noé. It too was praised for Noé’s direction, Benoît Debie’s cinematography and the music behind it, but it was condemned for its graphic violence and lack of empathy for its characters.
2. In Bruges (2008)
If you’re looking for a movie that’s both hilarious and heart-wrenching, then look no further than In Bruges. The film follows two hitmen, Ken and Ray, who are ordered by their boss Harry to go into hiding in the titular city of Bruges, Belgium after a job gone wrong.
While In Bruges is ultimately a tragic story, it’s also one of the funniest black comedies you’re likely to ever see. The film is packed with great one-liners and features terrific performances from both Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell.
3. The Guard (2011)
The Guard is an Irish black comedy that tells the story of Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a small-town police officer who finds himself at the center of a major drugs trafficking investigation.
Boyle is played by Brendan Gleeson, who also starred in In Bruges (see above). Gleeson gives an amazing performance as the foul-mouthed and cynical Boyle, who is definitely not your typical police officer.
The Guard also features a great supporting cast, including Don Cheadle as an FBI agent who teams up with Boyle to take down the drug dealers.
If you’re a fan of black comedies, then you’ll definitely want to check out The Guard. It’s one of the funniest and most profane films you’re likely to ever see.
4. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street is a black comedy about greed, corruption, and the excesses of the financial world.
The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, a stockbroker who becomes involved in a massive securities fraud scheme.
The Wolf of Wall Street is an outrageous and hilarious film that also happens to be one of the most scathing indictments of the financial industry ever made. If you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh and make you think, then this is the film for you.
5. The Big Lebowski (1998)
Last but not least, we have The Big Lebowski. This Coen Brothers classic tells the story of Jeff ‘The Dude’ Leboswki, a slacker who becomes entangled in a kidnapping plot after he’s mistaken for another man with the same name.
The Big Lebowski is a hilarious and quotable film that features great performances from Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Steve Buscemi. If you’re looking for a comedy that’s both smart and funny, then this is the movie for you.
6. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Requiem for a Dream is a film that follows the descent into addiction of four different characters. The film was directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.
While Requiem for a Dream is ultimately a tragedy, it’s also an incredibly powerful and moving film. The performances by the cast are amazing, and the film’s visual style is truly unique. If you’re looking for a film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it, then this is the one for you.
7. Trainspotting (1996)
Trainspotting is a film that follows the lives of a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh, Scotland. The film was directed by Danny Boyle and stars Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, and Jonny Lee Miller.
Trainspotting is an amazing film that’s both funny and tragic. It’s also one of the most realistic portrayals of addiction ever put on film. If you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then this is the one for you.
8. Mandy (2018)
Mandy is a film that follows the vengeance of Red Miller, a man who’s sought by a demonic cult after they kidnap and kill his girlfriend. The film was directed by Panos Cosmatos and stars Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, and Linus Roache.
Mandy is an absolutely insane film that features one of the most unhinged performances you’re ever likely to see from Nicolas Cage. If you’re looking for a film that’s equal parts brutal and bizarre, then this is the one for you.
9. Enter The Void (2009)
Enter The Void is a film that follows the story of Oscar, a drug dealer who’s killed in a police raid and then watches over his sister from the afterlife. The film was directed by Gaspar Noé and stars Nathaniel Brown, Paz de la Huerta, and Cyril Roy.
Enter The Void is an incredibly trippy and mind-bending film that’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a film that will leave you feeling both confused and exhilarated, then this is the one for you.
So there you have it, nine great movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. If you’re looking for more films to watch, then be sure to check out our other lists. And as always, if you have any suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!