MovieChat Forums > Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Discussion > Films similar to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang... ...

Films similar to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang... suggestions?

posted 13 years ago by Doug384
84 replies | jump to latest

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was looking for other films which also featured great characters, had an interesting/unique plot with twists that would surprise me, and finishes with a satisfying ending.

One other film that, off the top of my head, I think comes close is "Lucky Number Slevin". Both have that combination of really good actors who are given great dialogue combined with a VERY compelling story that has twists and turns you don't see coming. While both KKBB and Slevin have some violence, it isn't overly graphic, glorified or comes at the expense of the plot.

Any suggestions?

And please, no mentions of any Tarantino films.

Many thanks!

[–] dooma 13 years ago

Both are two of my favourite movies. Both dark humour, buddy dynamic.

[–] speedolstar 13 years ago

Ohh, yes, good suggestion. In Bruges is a wonderful movie.

[–] TwiistedJoker 13 years ago

In Bruges, truly one of my most favourite films of all time.

Id like to suggest Hot Fuzz to this collection of similiar films, Nicholas Angel played by Simon Pegg seems to fit the character of Gay Perry, whilst Nick Frosts' character Danny Butterman seems to resemble Downey Jr's character, Harry Lockhart.

Both pairs must uncover a murder, and an even bigger plot BEHIND said murder, despite some issues in friendship at the start of the film, they both become a great duo towards the end.

[–] the_enemy_inside914 13 years ago

Damn, I was going to recomend In Bruges. But check out Bound with Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tily, its similar to how Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a modern film set in contemporary times but is influenced by classic film noir, plus its also got a really dark sense of humor as well.

[–] chicago85 13 years ago

Here is a suggestion but I haven't seen the movie. A long time ago there was an episode of Hill Street Blues where Belker, a surly undercover cop, was forced to take an actor around with him. The actor then copied all his mannerisms in a tv series sending Belker up the wall. Later a movie called "The Hard Way" came out with the same plot.

In "The Hard Way" Michael J Fox plays the actor and James Woods played the police detective. It might be available on netflix

[–] RynoII 8 years ago

Does Seven Psychopaths count as similar?

[–] Captain_Kenneth 13 years ago

pineapple express has a similar plot and and great characters,i think it came out in 2008

[–] TexasJack (12515) 5 years ago

A similar plot?

[–] jai1 13 years ago

The Zero Effect

[–] jneiberger 13 years ago

Yes! The Zero Effect is an awesome movie and it has a very similar vibe. Loved that movie!

[–] franchise5000 8 years ago

Zero Effect- very underrated, very dry humor and subtle but hillarious jokes! Good call!

[–] arp0925 13 years ago

this might sound odd, but for some reason this movie kept giving me a Big Lebowski vibe. both are film-niors set in modern times and both have a dark/quirky humor to them. granted kiss kiss bang bang is more dark and violent where as Big Lebowski is more quirky and less violent.

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[–] maria-leonor 13 years ago

Big Lebowski definitely came to mind, Pineapple Express too. Also some Wonderboys, but mostly because of RD jr, his presence leaves a strong impression in any movie.

[–] tinoynk 12 years ago

How has this thread gone all these pages and nobody has mentioned Get Shorty? Both plots revolve around criminals getting involved in the movie biz, both have that super-hip noirish/hardboiled aesthetic, both have all sorts of twists and turns and both are totally awesome.

The entire time watching KKBB I couldn't help but think of Get Shorty. Val Kilmer even looks a little like Travolta at points in the movie.

_____________________________________________________________

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[–] YakPro 12 years ago

How about "The Guard" with Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson?

It even copies/pays homage to a key scene near the end....

[–] IcySpoon 8 years ago

I love that film!! Brendan Gleeson is hilarious and a brilliant character actor.

"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it." Norman Maclean

[–] hazylazydays 13 years ago

Grosse Pointe Blank

[–] madison_bridges20 12 years ago

Wild Target ( underrated British comedy with Bill Nightly, Emily Blunt, and Rubert Grint aka Ron from the Potter films) and Red ( old people KKBB with Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren-yes, there is a sequel in the works)

[–] balducci2 12 years ago

Yes, Wild Target is great.

[–] PulpFrellingDude 11 years ago

Definitely Lebowski. A comedic take on film noir :)

[–] DazeOfHeaven69 13 years ago

Im surprised no one has said this yet...

The Emperor's New Groove

[–] Pete-Field 13 years ago

Although the dialogue has a somewhat similar flow to it, and The Emporer's New Groove is a very funny film, I can't see any other similarities.

[–] DarrenDirt 12 years ago

Perhaps they suggested Emperor's New Groove because it's a similar "buddy picture/road trip" type of movie, with one character pretty deceptive about who they really are...

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Chipping away at a mountain of pop culture trivia,
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[–] rxlennon 13 years ago

Brick is an amazing movie that incorporates film noir elements into a modern story. It doesn't fit the buddy movie criteria as it's about a loner who delves into the seedy underbelly of his high school to look for a killer when his ex girlfriend turns up dead. It does have great acting, smart dialogue, and a clever plot so I would recommend it if you enjoyed Kiss Kiss.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] maniuis 13 years ago

Brick is a joke. Do not, I repeat, do NOT watch this horrible, silly film.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] chilone (17251) 7 years ago

Brick is excellent. ALWAYS watch movies that self important idiots tell you to not watch.

[–] Floh-Ruehle 13 years ago

Keep this thread running! I am so hoping for more movie suggestions that come close to the genius of Lucky Number Slevin and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang! The latter is my all-time favourite and I regularly check the boards for threads like this one.

There used to be a "similar movies" thread, but sadly I forgot most of what was mentioned there. Let me see what I can recover:

1. "Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998)" and "Snatch (2000)" by Guy Ritchie. And more Guy Ritchie movies. There is more graphic violence in those, but the screen writing is of similar pace and quality and you are presented with some major plot twists.

2. "Big Nothing (2006)":
That's a bit of an outreach, because it's a rather unknown film and I have only seen it once in the cinema. Maybe I was just in the right mood for it, but I enjoyed it very much. Also about a guy that ends up in the middle of a crime story that is way over his head. Also very funny and with plot twists. Man, I should get that one on DVD myself, as I just realize. :o)

3. "2 Days In The Valley (1996)":
Because of his age, this one is not cut and written as fast. But it still plays in a similar genre and has the California vibe going on. As well as some really quirky characters.

4. "Wonder Boys (2000)":
I love Robert Downey Jr. in comedies. This is a lot more quiet than Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, but I still got some good laughs out of it and I think it's maybe comparable.

5. "The Dog Problem (2006)":
No crime in here, and no story twists. But it's feelgood and it's funny and witty in diaglogue and it has some great laugh-out-loud moments.

6. "Heathers (1989)":
Was mentioned several times in the last thread for similarly dark humor, although I personally did not enjoy it as much.

That's all I can remember for now, but maybe it's a start. Please keep posting if anything comes to mind, I would love to see more of those types of movies.

PS: Yes, my English is bad, but you should hear my French! Greetings from Germany. :o)

[–] mobocracy 10 years ago

Two Days in the Valley I think is one of the best comparisons, both for its LA vibe and its kind of crazy plot.