If Mandy (2018), directed by Panos Cosmatos, left you entranced with its dark, surreal atmosphere, neon-lit visuals, and intense revenge narrative, you’re not alone. This film, starring Nicolas Cage, has become a cult favorite for fans of disturbing, visually striking cinema. The blend of psychedelic visuals, ultra-violence, and psychological turmoil found in Mandy resonates with many viewers who seek films that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. For those looking for films with a similar vibe, we’ve compiled a list of movies like Mandy that offer more of the same visual intensity, complex characters, and unsettling storylines. Some of these films might evoke a sense of unease or deliver adrenaline-pumping action, while others lean into the surreal, as is the case with films that evoke the dark, whimsical charm of movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas.
1. The Neon Demon (2016)
Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon shares a similar atmosphere to Mandy, focusing on the themes of beauty, obsession, and violence. This visually intoxicating film delves into the world of fashion, where a young model (Elle Fanning) is drawn into a deadly cycle of jealousy and manipulation. Much like Mandy, The Neon Demon is characterized by bold, neon-lit visuals and a haunting score that elevate its nightmarish tone. If you’re drawn to the surreal and disturbing aesthetic of movies like Mandy, The Neon Demon will not disappoint. Its cold, stylized visuals and dreamlike pacing will keep you mesmerized throughout.
2. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
This Iranian-American co-production by Ana Lily Amirpour combines horror, western, and neo-noir elements in a way that is both visually striking and unsettling. It features a young female vampire (played by Sheila Vand) who roams the streets of a desolate town, dealing out justice in a world of darkness and mystery. Like Mandy, this film draws heavily on its visual style to convey its dark themes. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is an intriguing choice for fans of movies like Mandy, offering a similarly unique and haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
3. Enter the Void (2009)
Gaspar Noé’s Enter the Void is a psychedelic and mind-bending journey through the afterlife that shares a kinship with the visually intense world of Mandy. The film follows a young drug dealer named Oscar who, after his death, experiences his life from beyond the grave in a psychedelic, otherworldly state. Much like Mandy, the visuals in Enter the Void are kaleidoscopic and disturbing, creating a hallucinatory atmosphere that reflects the fragility of life and death. If you enjoyed the vivid and surreal elements in movies like Mandy, Enter the Void offers a similarly experimental and visually stunning experience.
4. The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects is a brutal, violent film that shares Mandy’s unflinching approach to the darker side of human nature. It follows the murderous Firefly family as they try to escape the law and continue their reign of terror. Like Mandy, The Devil’s Rejects is soaked in blood and violence, but its gritty, visceral style and focus on revenge and survival will appeal to those who appreciate the intensity of movies like Mandy. It’s a raw, unrelenting ride that you won’t soon forget.
5. The Lighthouse (2019)
The Lighthouse, directed by Robert Eggers, is a psychological horror film set in the 19th century, where two lighthouse keepers spiral into madness while stranded on a remote island. Its intense atmosphere and surreal visuals echo the tension and psychological horror found in Mandy. Both films explore themes of isolation, madness, and the deterioration of the human psyche in extreme environments. If you were captivated by the visual intensity of movies like Mandy, you’ll find The Lighthouse equally gripping, with its stark black-and-white imagery and ever-growing sense of dread.
6. Mother! (2017)
Darren Aronofsky’s Mother! is a psychological horror film that mirrors the surreal and disturbing visuals of Mandy. The film centers on Jennifer Lawrence’s character, whose life is upended when mysterious visitors (played by Javier Bardem and Michelle Pfeiffer) invade her home, leading to a nightmarish spiral of events. Both films use intense, visually striking imagery to convey a sense of dread and unraveling reality. If you enjoyed the atmosphere and escalating tension of movies like Mandy, Mother! will keep you on edge, blending surrealism with an unsettling narrative that feels like an emotional and psychological rollercoaster.
7. Suspiria (2018)
Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria is a supernatural horror film that shares Mandy’s blend of visual artistry and violence. Set in a prestigious Berlin dance academy, it tells the story of a young dancer (Dakota Johnson) who uncovers a terrifying secret about her teachers. The film’s combination of surrealist horror, intense visuals, and disturbing themes echo the aesthetic choices in Mandy. Like Mandy, Suspiria uses color and lighting to heighten the sense of dread, making it a perfect match for fans of movies like Mandy.
8. Only God Forgives (2013)
Only God Forgives, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, shares the dark and visually striking elements of Mandy, with a focus on revenge, crime, and psychological exploration. Ryan Gosling stars as a man seeking retribution in Bangkok, a city filled with violence and moral ambiguity. Like Mandy, the film’s pace is slow and meditative, creating a mood of tension and unease. If you were drawn to the stylized violence and psychological depth of movies like Mandy, Only God Forgives will deliver a similarly disturbing and hypnotic experience.
9. The Wicker Man (1973)
One of the most unsettling films ever made, The Wicker Man explores themes of paganism and sacrifice in a remote British village. It follows a police officer sent to investigate the disappearance of a young woman, only to uncover a much darker secret. Much like Mandy, The Wicker Man builds an eerie atmosphere with its slow pacing, surreal visuals, and escalating tension. Fans of movies like Mandy will appreciate the film’s unrelenting sense of dread and its focus on the unknown and terrifying.
10. Antichrist (2009)
Antichrist, directed by Lars von Trier, is a disturbing exploration of grief, pain, and the breakdown of a relationship, punctuated by shocking violence and surreal imagery. Like Mandy, it offers a visually intense experience that blends psychological horror with physical violence. The film’s haunting and bizarre atmosphere is perfect for fans of movies like Mandy, as it explores the depths of human suffering in a way that is both surreal and brutally real.
11. Valhalla Rising (2009)
Set in the 11th century, Valhalla Rising tells the story of a mute warrior (played by Mads Mikkelsen) on a journey across a brutal and desolate landscape. Much like Mandy, Valhalla Rising is characterized by its surreal, dreamlike pacing and stark, minimalist visuals. The slow-burn tension and unrelenting violence of the film will appeal to fans of movies like Mandy, as it explores themes of isolation, vengeance, and existential despair.
12. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream is a harrowing exploration of addiction and the human psyche, much like Mandy’s examination of violence and emotional collapse. The film’s disturbing imagery and psychological intensity will resonate with those who enjoyed the chaotic, surreal world of Mandy. Both films push the boundaries of reality, presenting a grim portrayal of human suffering, making Requiem for a Dream an essential film for fans of movies like Mandy.
13. Eraserhead (1977)
David Lynch’s Eraserhead is a nightmarish surrealist film that explores anxiety and existential dread. Like Mandy, it is visually disturbing and psychologically intense, offering a dreamlike experience that defies conventional narrative structures. The eerie, industrial landscape of Eraserhead and its unrelenting sense of dread make it a perfect pick for fans of movies like Mandy.
14. The Holy Mountain (1973)
Alejandro Jodorowsky’s The Holy Mountain is a psychedelic and surreal film that shares the eccentric, mind-bending quality of Mandy. Like Mandy, it is visually stunning and bizarre, with a focus on spiritual and philosophical themes that push the boundaries of conventional cinema. Fans of movies like Mandy will find The Holy Mountain to be a fascinating and challenging experience.
15. The House That Jack Built (2018)
The House That Jack Built, directed by Lars von Trier, is a brutal exploration of a serial killer’s life and descent into madness. Much like Mandy, it features disturbing imagery and a dark exploration of violence, but also provides moments of philosophical depth. If you enjoyed the dark, visceral atmosphere of movies like Mandy, The House That Jack Built offers a similar blend of horror and art-house filmmaking.
If you’re a fan of the haunting, surreal style of Mandy, these 15 movies like Mandy will further immerse you in disturbing worlds that blend art, violence, and psychological depth. Whether you’re drawn to the visual intensity, intense revenge plots, or dark themes, these films will leave you captivated and unsettled. For those also interested in movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, these films offer a similar dark yet captivating approach to storytelling. Enjoy your journey into the strange, unsettling, and unforgettable!
