Are you looking for some of the best movies similar to Beau Is Afraid? If so, then look no further! We’ve curated a list of some of the best horror films like Beau Is Afraid that are sure to keep you up at night.
From slashers and suspenseful thrillers to psychological horror and dark comedies, these movies similar to Beau Is Afraid will make for an entertaining and spine-tingling binge-watch.
Are you ready for a mind-bending cinematic experience? Look no further than Ari Aster’s “Beau Is Afraid.”
Beau Is Afraid takes viewers on a thrilling and terrifying journey, leaving them hungry for more horror films with a similar edge.
This film, originally titled “Disappointment Blvd.,” has captured the attention and sparked debates among movie enthusiasts.
Described as a nightmare comedy, “Beau Is Afraid” is a unique blend of neuroticism, absurdity, and heartache.
Let’s look for movies to watch before or after experiencing “Beau Is Afraid,” these recommendations are sure to leave you questioning reality and exploring the deepest recesses of your fears and desires.
List of The Best Movies Similar To Beau Is Afraid
1. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
If you’re a fan of Beau Is Afraid and are looking for similar movies to watch, then I’m Thinking of Ending Things should definitely be on your list.
This Charlie Kaufman film is a dense and thought-provoking exploration of identity and relationships.
While it may be challenging and arduous to watch, the film rewards viewers with its incredible ambiance and stellar performances.
Deeper than it initially appears, I’m Thinking of Ending Things delves into bleak and scathing territory, leaving audiences with a staggering idea to contemplate.
Once you comprehend its ending, you’ll see why it’s considered one of Kaufman’s greatest works.
2. Midsommar (2019)
Aster’s films, including Midsommar and Hereditary, have made a significant impact on the horror genre in recent years.
Midsommar, in particular, stands out with its sheer psychological unnervingness as its characters slowly unravel.
Like Beau is Afraid, Aster’s film moves away from traditional horror tropes and delves into a more meditative and character-driven approach to psychological terror.
With its hauntingly dream-like aesthetics, Midsommar is a perfect companion to Beau Is Afraid, offering a unique and unsettling cinematic experience.
3. Sorry To Bother You (2018)
Boots Riley’s directorial debut, “Sorry To Bother You,” is a must-watch for fans of “Beau Is Afraid” who are looking for a similar dose of weirdness.
The film takes viewers into an alternate vision of modern-day society, where LaKeith Stanfield’s character, a telemarketer, stumbles upon the key to success that transports him into a nightmarish corporate world.
As he grapples with the ethical implications, he must decide whether to embrace the company’s sinister agenda or reject it.
“Sorry To Bother You” is a dark comedy that delves into themes of racism, capitalism, and social commentary, providing a highly imaginative and surreal critique of our current society.
You watch it before or after experiencing “Beau Is Afraid,” this film is sure to captivate and challenge you.
4. Take Shelter (2011)
Take Shelter (2011) is a captivating film that defies traditional genre classifications. Its mood of unwavering impending dread sets it apart, making it a unique and haunting experience.
Directed by Jeff Nichols and starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, this breakout film is a parable with biblical weight, despite its seemingly small scale.
Part marital drama and part psychological horror, Take Shelter keeps viewers on the edge of their seats by keeping them in the dark along with its characters.
The film’s ending has sparked discussion and interpretation, with director Jeff Nichols emphasizing its open-ended nature. Take Shelter is a must-see for fans of adventure and horror movies alike.
5. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan (2010) is a mesmerizing and captivating film that delves into the world of ballet and the dark psyche of its protagonist. Darren Aronofsky’s direction brings a dynamic and visually striking energy to the screen, making the film both thrilling and repelling.
Unlike The Wrestler, Black Swan is more surreal and delusional, creating a unique balance between fragile delicacy and fierce intensity. The movie immerses you in the mind of the leading swan, offering an unnerving and visceral experience.
Aronofsky’s operatic storytelling and virtuosic camerawork elevate the film, and Natalie Portman delivers a flawless and mesmerizing performance, showcasing both her viciousness and delicacy.
Black Swan is a must-watch for those seeking adventure and psychological depth in their movie choices.
6. Inception (2010)
Inception (2010) is a visually awe-inspiring film that explores the realm of nightmares rather than dreams, contrary to popular belief. Some critics have found fault with its imaginative literalness, comparing it to the works of Michel Gondry or Alejandro Jodorowsky, this misses the true essence of the movie.
Christopher Nolan delves into the concept of nightmares through the character of Mal Cobb (played by Marion Cotillard), the late wife of the protagonist.
The film examines how our minds project and control people and the power they hold over us.
Nolan invites the audience to explore their deepest fears and anxieties, with the elevator serving as a powerful metaphor for the film’s themes.
Inception is an adventure-filled movie that will leave you questioning the nature of reality and your own subconscious fears.
7. Ink (2009)
Ink (2009) is a true testament to the power of imagination and passion in filmmaking, even on a microscopic budget.
Jamin Winans, akin to visionary directors like Terry Gilliam and Christopher Nolan, creates films that are ambitious and bursting with creativity.
They may not have the same intellectual depth as other filmmakers, but they more than make up for it with their sheer inventiveness and heartfelt storytelling.
Ink, Winans’ first feature film to gain serious traction, was made with a budget of only $250,000, a shockingly small amount considering the final product.
Despite its limited resources, the film showcases Winans’ talent as he took on multiple roles as director, writer, producer, composer, and editor.
Ink garnered a significant audience through online piracy, a testament to its emotional impact and compelling storytelling.
This sentimental and incredibly ambitious film takes viewers on a Spielberg-esque voyage of mammoth scope. With its imaginative world-building and captivating narrative, Ink is an adventure movie that deserves to be watched before or after experiencing the terror of Beau Is Afraid.
8. Coraline (2009)
Coraline (2009) is a captivating film that taps into the anxieties of children, much like Paperhouse. It takes something as familiar as family and turns it on its head, creating a sense of terror by upending reality.
Expertly adapted by Henry Selick from Neil Gaiman’s novel, Coraline is arguably the most successful Gaiman adaptation to date. This dark fairytale boasts a muted color palette and a haunting score that contribute to its grave mood.
The film fully embraces its genuinely creepy atmosphere while also delivering strong set pieces. Coraline is a sublime realization of a childhood nightmare that will leave a lasting impression. Coraline is a must-watch for fans of eerie and imaginative movies.
9. Synecdoche, New York (2008)
If there’s one director who deserves multiple entries on this list, it’s undoubtedly Mr. Kaufman. While “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” showcases his abstract storytelling, “Synecdoche, New York” is truly his magnum opus – and it seems like Aster might be aiming for something similar.
Starring the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman as a depressed theater director, “Synecdoche, New York” blurs the lines between reality and fiction by exploring the creation of its characters.
Kaufman and Hoffman created a world of play sets that undoubtedly influenced the theatrical vibe of “Beau Is Afraid.”
The dream-like quality of the sets, which feel strangely two-dimensional, adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere. For fans of “Beau Is Afraid,” “Synecdoche, New York” is a must-watch, offering a deeply introspective and unsettling experience.
10. Mulholland Drive (2001)
If you’re a fan of psychological horror, then you need to add David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive to your watchlist. This mesmerizing film not only delves into the essence of dreams but also challenges our perception of reality.
Just like Beau Is Afraid, Mulholland Drive will leave you unsettled and questioning everything you thought you knew.
So, before watching or after experiencing Beau Is Afraid, be sure to check out this cinematic masterpiece that explores the hidden depths of the subconscious.
11. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
If you’re in the mood for a captivating marriage movie, look no further than Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” Originally conceived as a sex comedy, the film takes a deliberate approach to bewilder the audience and its main character.
While it’s set in New York, it plays with the idea that it’s actually London.
Despite the initial controversy surrounding its explicit content, “Eyes Wide Shut” delves deep into psychological and thematic exploration, solidifying its place among Kubrick’s greatest works.
12. Lost Highway (1997)
If you’re a fan of David Lynch’s films, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on “Lost Highway.”
Known for exploring the depths of reality and the human psyche, Lynch takes it to another level with this film. While it may be cryptic and hard to decipher, every scene is a testament to Lynch’s mastery.
The plot may not make sense through logical reasoning, but when viewed through the lens of dreams and psychology, it becomes a rich and captivating experience.
With standout performances from Robert Loggia and Robert Blake, “Lost Highway” is a visually and sonically stunning masterpiece.
13. Persona (1966)
If you’re a fan of Ari Aster’s work, it’s no surprise that Ingmar Bergman’s “Persona” is one of his personal favorites. With its dream-like logic and exploration of the emotional convergence of two women over time, “Persona” poses important questions about the nature of identity and reality.
As Aster continues to push the boundaries of horror films, it will be fascinating to see how “Beau Is Afraid” follows in the footsteps of “Persona” and delves into philosophical depths.
“Persona” is a must-watch for its thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
14. Barton Fink (1991)
If you’re a fan of Ari Aster’s mind-bending films, then you’re likely familiar with the Coen brothers’ unique storytelling style as well. Despite their differences, both directors excel at exploring the depths of the human psyche and pushing characters to their breaking points.
While the Coens’ films often delve into the absurd and nihilistic, Aster’s latest work has been labeled as a comedy, adding an interesting twist to his surreal adventures.
15. The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)
From British auteur Peter Greenaway, “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” is a captivating masterpiece that combines decadence and depravity.
Like Ari Aster’s work, this film is driven by overblown aesthetics and nuanced characters rather than a complex plot. Aster himself has praised the film as “pure evil,” highlighting its exceptional qualities.
However, what sets both Greenaway and Aster apart is their ability to convey powerful ideas through their artistry.
Greenaway’s film serves as an overt political critique of fascist oppression, adding an additional layer of depth to its already mesmerizing visuals.
16. Paperhouse (1988)
Paperhouse is a chilling exploration of children’s fears. The film follows a young girl whose imagination in her sketchbook comes to life in her dreams.
May not be perfect, but Paperhouse has some brilliant and frightening moments. Despite its low budget, the film doesn’t feel second-rate, thanks to the direction of Bernard Rose, a pioneer of digital filmmaking.
Based on the children’s book Marianne Dreams, Paperhouse combines the innocence and wonder of childhood with a dark and haunting vision. It’s a tragic fantasy that has the potential to be remade and is definitely worth watching for its great ideas and unsettling atmosphere.
17. Don’t Look Now (1973)
Don’t Look Now is a film that beautifully captures the anguish of grief and infuses it with supernatural elements. Nicolas Roeg’s mastery of technicality shines through in his innovative editing and storytelling techniques.
The haunting imagery, recurring motifs, and unsettling setting create a vivid and distant atmosphere that immerses viewers in a world of sorrow.
The characters in the film go through the motions of their lives, trapped in a hollow sorrow they can’t escape.
Hallucinatory visions further consume them, shattering their perception of reality.
18. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Yes, Rosemary’s Baby is a horror film that is perfect for a late-night revisit. It’s clear to see the direct influence that the film had on Ari Aster’s first feature, Hereditary.
Both films delve into the occult and explore how tragedy can tear apart a family over time.
Beau Is Afraid will explore similar themes on a larger scale, and it will be fascinating to see how Aster puts his own surrealist spin on Rosemary’s Baby.
Despite their surface differences, all of Aster’s films are filled with universal symbolism that invites in-depth analysis. Whether you watch it before or after Beau Is Afraid, Rosemary’s Baby is a must-see for horror fans.
Summary: Movies Similar To Beau Is Afraid
Whether you’re a fan of Ari Aster’s “Beau Is Afraid” or you’re looking for movies to watch before or after experiencing it, these recommendations will surely keep you on the edge of your seat.
From mind-bending adventures to spine-chilling horror, these films explore the depths of the subconscious and push the boundaries of reality.
So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a thrilling cinematic experience.
If you choose to watch these movies before or after “Beau Is Afraid,” you’re in for a ride that will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s just a figment of your imagination.
