Movies Like A24’s Bodies Bodies Bodies

As a cinephile who’s seen more horror movies than I care to count, I can confidently say that if you loved the chaotic fun of “Bodies Bodies Bodies”, then you’re in for a treat! From the creators of some of the best horror comedies in recent years comes a list of films that are sure to tickle your funny bones and scare the living daylights out of you.

Although Halloween has passed, it doesn’t prevent you from enjoying A24’s “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” This 2022 black comedy, directed by Halina Reijn, focuses on a group of friends who assemble for a house party, but their innocent nighttime murder mystery game takes an unexpectedly tragic turn. The film’s cast has been making waves in Hollywood lately, with notable actors like Rachel Sennott from “Saturday Night,” Maria Bakalova from “The Apprentice,” and Amandla Stenberg from “The Acolyte” achieving breakthrough success in 2024. Not only that, but the supporting cast boasts up-and-coming comedic talents such as Pete Davidson and Connor O’Malley, both established figures in their respective fields.

If you enjoyed the blend of campy horror and drama in “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” there are several other films that can satisfy a similar taste. Some of these movies were actually referenced by the filmmakers as sources of inspiration for this unique horror comedy. Others are just part of A24’s innovative movie catalog, renowned for nurturing fresh cinematic talent. Here is a list of 13 films covering topics like modern society and comedic murder mysteries, which would make great choices for a movie night if you enjoyed “Bodies Bodies Bodies.

Heathers

1988’s “Heathers” stands out as one of the most iconic comedies from the 1980s. Halina Reijn, in an interview with A.frame, acknowledged that the movie directly inspired her work on “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” She explained, “It manages to be funny while also being frightening and examining group dynamics among young people. It tackles themes like belonging, bullying, exclusion, and the desire to fit in. To me, it seems incredibly bold.

In simpler terms, both the cast of “Heathers” and “Bodies Bodies Bodies” feature stars from the early ’90s who share many similarities. Winona Ryder plays Veronica, a teenage girl in “Heathers,” who joins forces with a young murderer (Christian Slater) to fake the deaths of popular girls, disguising them as suicides. Despite its high school comedy appearance, the movie is actually quite dark and satirical, much like the slang used in “Bodies Bodies Bodies” has influenced teen language for years to come.

Bottoms

If you found Rachel Sennott’s captivating performance in “Bodies Bodies Bodies” enthralling, chances are you’ve already watched her co-written 2023 comedy titled “Bottoms.” For those who haven’t, get ready for a delightful experience. Directed by Emma Seligman, who has previously worked with Sennott on “Shiva Baby,” “Bottoms” showcases Sennott and Ayo Edebiri as lesbian best friends initiating a school-approved fight club disguised as self-defense classes for girls, all in an attempt to win over their crushes. The supporting cast boasts a wealth of promising young talent, with Ruby Cruz, Kaia Gerber, and Nicholas Galitzine among them.

After its debut, “Bottoms” was often referred to as the genuine representation of comedy for Generation Z, with Charli XCX contributing to its soundtrack score and providing the original song “Hot Girl.” In an interview with W magazine, Sennott compared the atmosphere on the set to the spontaneity and excitement of “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” stating, “Everyone is around 20 years old, and the vibe was electric!” Similar to “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” “Bottoms” incorporates a significant amount of absurdism and violence that fans of Sennott from the 2022 slasher film will appreciate.

Knives Out

In the realm of contemporary murder mysteries, none excel like Rian Johnson. His 2019 production, “Knives Out,” is swiftly gaining classic status, featuring Daniel Craig as the charming Detective Benoit Blanc, a globally renowned sleuth. Hired to scrutinize the supposed suicide of influential mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey, one family member secretly suspects foul play. However, “Knives Out” defies all conventions associated with a murder mystery, borrowing themes from Agatha Christie’s legendary works. The film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast that includes Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

In their review, Vanity Fair praised the movie “Bodies Bodies Bodies” for having a similar style to “Knives Out,” but with content more suitable for a younger audience. If you’re a fan of intricate films where subtle details can easily be missed, then “Knives Out” is an outrageous murder mystery that’s worth dying for. If you found “Bodies Bodies Bodies” just as engaging, Netflix has a sequel titled “Glass Onion” ready for you, and you can start counting down the days until “Wake Up Dead Man,” which premieres in 2025.

Jennifer’s Body

One appealing factor for younger viewers of the movie “Bodies Bodies Bodies” was its bold portrayal of queerness. As The Guardian noted in their review, “The film starts off with an extended, passionate kiss between two women.” However, it’s important to note that this film doesn’t lead the pack in the niche genre of queer horror. That title belongs to the 2009 cult favorite “Jennifer’s Body,” where Megan Fox plays a teenager who is taken over by a succubus demon and starts consuming her male classmates for sustenance.

The movie stands out today for openly portraying bisexuality through the characters played by Megan Fox (Fox’s character) and Amanda Seyfried (Needy), despite initially underperforming at the box office due to its marketing strategy geared towards young male fans of Fox. However, it has been recognized as impactful in inspiring the coming-out experiences of young teenage girls by many, including Fox herself. In future, viewers of “Bodies Bodies Bodies” may look back and appreciate the representation provided by Maria Bakalova’s and Amandla Stenberg’s characters in the A24 film, similar to how current fans view Fox’s character.

Sanctuary

2022’s film “Sanctuary,” lasting 90 minutes, stands out primarily because it features only two actors, Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. This gives the movie an intimate, almost theatrical feel rather than a typical cinematic experience. Despite being categorized as a psychosexual comedy, it shares similarities with “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” Qualley portrays a dominatrix whose wealthy client (played by Abbott) ends their relationship, leading to a final, intricate game where she aims to extract every last resource from him. As Variety put it in its review, the movie is a “sharply wicked thriller about exerting power over others and oneself.

In contrast to the power struggle game in “Sanctuary,” which revolves around themes like degradation, sex, and class conflict, the game depicted in “Bodies Bodies Bodies” serves as the backdrop for a chaotic blend of horror and murder mystery. However, both movies exhibit comparable tones and are significantly driven by their outstanding casts. Remarkably, this Neon production maintains an experimental and suspenseful vibe similar to A24’s most notable contributions to the horror genre.

It’s What’s Inside

If you enjoyed the movie “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” I’d recommend checking out another intriguing film on Netflix. Released in 2024, this horror comedy shares some similarities with “Bodies.” Set at a pre-wedding gathering among reunited friends, the cast includes Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Reina Hardesty, and Devon Terrell. The group is fraught with unresolved conflicts, and things take an unusual turn when the outcast Forbes (David Thompson) arrives, introducing a peculiar device that allows everyone at the party to swap bodies. As you might expect, what starts as young Gen Z-ers playfully experimenting with this device quickly escalates into a nail-biting thriller where trust becomes a scarce commodity.

According to The AV Club’s critique, Director Greg Jardin’s film shares similarities with movies like “Knives Out” and “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” which are both suspenseful and humorous. Similarly to Halina Reijn’s horror comedy from two years ago, “It’s What’s Inside,” this movie is playful and absurd, but when things turn serious, they become incredibly intense. Unfortunately, Netflix decided against a theatrical release, which would have made it an excellent choice for Halloween night viewing.

The Cabin in the Woods

Initially, “The Cabin in the Woods” from 2011 might appear as an ordinary slasher movie. However, upon closer examination, it offers much more than meets the eye. Crafted by screenwriter Drew Goddard, who also worked on “Cloverfield” and “The Martian”, this film follows a group of college-aged friends (Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams) embarking on an ill-fated journey to the cabin in question. But unlike typical horror tropes, they’re not just being hunted by a serial killer or supernatural entity. Instead, these characters are unwitting participants in a secret ritual engineered by underground scientists who serve ancient deities known as Chthonic entities.

The movie titled “The Cabin in the Woods” faced a significant path to reach the big screen, despite receiving good reviews and earning decent income, particularly compared to “The Hunger Games.” However, it has garnered recognition for its cult status in recent times due to its exploration of traditional horror film motifs. While viewers of “Bodies Bodies Bodies” might not be overly familiar with classic horror creatures or the satire that this film offers, they will still find satisfaction in the movie’s conclusion – a remarkably bloody and extravagant ending, considered one of the most outrageous in cinema history.

Happy Death Day

If you enjoy watching horror movies, chances are you’ve encountered the productions by Blumhouse. This studio has been instrumental in creating some of the most successful horror films over the past ten years, including Academy Award-winning films like “Get Out” and popular franchises such as “Insidious” and “Paranormal Activity.” However, one film that truly stands out from their portfolio, “Happy Death Day,” took almost a decade to reach theaters. Despite the lengthy wait, it turned out to be one of the most audacious horror-comedies in 2017 and one of Blumhouse’s top-grossing films. The movie’s success led to a sequel in 2019 titled “Happy Death Day 2U.

“Happy Death Day” presents Jessica Rothe as Tree, a young woman who meets an untimely death on her birthday, only to repeat the day like Bill Murray’s character in “Groundhog Day.” As she grapples with this strange predicament, Tree becomes relentless in discovering her murderer’s identity, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns that promise to keep viewers guessing. If you appreciate a good horror movie that often goes under the radar, “Happy Death Day” is an enjoyable choice, particularly for fans of the recent thriller “Bodies Bodies Bodies.

The Menu

In “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” social media addiction in Gen Z was scrutinized using slasher film tropes. Similarly, another horror-comedy from the same year, “The Menu,” uses a different aspect of modern bourgeois society – fine dining, as its critique. The movie features Anya Taylor-Joy as Margot, a guest at an exclusive restaurant named Hawthorn, run by food connoisseur Tyler (Nicholas Hoult). However, the film is not what it initially seems, as the chef, Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes), has hidden intentions for bringing them all to a remote island.

In a new film directed by Mark Mylod, known for his work on “Game of Thrones” and “Succession”, Fiennes and Taylor-Joy deliver standout performances as characters who are polar opposites in the food chain, yet discover shared traits that surpass their initial expectations. The movie skillfully blends suspenseful thriller elements with comedic satire, offering an experience slightly less gory than “Bodies Bodies Bodies”, but equally terrifying for those who question the portrayal of fine dining in series like “The Bear”. If you’re one of them, “The Menu” could be your next horror-comedy must-watch.

A Simple Favor

Bodies Bodies Bodies” has attracted its share of enthusiasts, drawn by its portrayal of queer characters. However, it’s not the first comedy-mystery film to embrace this representation; that title goes to Paul Feig’s “A Simple Favor” from 2018. This film took audiences by surprise with its subtle queer undertones and has since grown into a cult classic, so much so that it’s now getting a sequel. While “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is more gruesome and murder-filled, fans of the former might still find plenty to admire in “A Simple Favor,” particularly moments that deepen their affection for Blake Lively.

In the movie titled “A Simple Favor,” Anna Kendrick portrays Stephanie, a vlogger who develops an unusual bond with classmate Emily Nelson (brilliantly played by Blake Lively in stylish suits). However, Emily suddenly disappears under mysterious circumstances, prompting Stephanie to search for her. The truth that surfaces raises more questions than it answers, creating a gripping and even more rewarding mystery experience compared to “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” Unlike the teen-oriented slasher feel of Halina Reijn’s film, this story is heavily influenced by noir elements, but both narratives are packed with unexpected twists and turns that viewers won’t predict.

Game Night

The films “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and “Game Night” both revolve around unique forms of gaming, but in distinct ways. In “Bodies Bodies Bodies”, an ordinary house party takes a dark turn when a game inspired by “Mafia” goes wrong, leading to a real-life murder mystery. Conversely, “Game Night” emphasizes on a circle of friends who are accustomed to playing murder mystery games, but in “Game Night”, the stakes become alarmingly high for our protagonists. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, “Game Night” features Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman as Annie and Max, a competitive couple whose game nights with friends take an unexpected turn when Max’s older brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler), introduces a kidnapping mystery game that turns out to be more than just a game.

According to The Guardian’s critique, “Game Night” is a film that appeals instantly to most people, and it’s hard not to be drawn in by its humor, silliness, and the acting prowess of Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman. Similar to “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” first-time viewers will find themselves chuckling at every line of dialogue, particularly those delivered by Jesse Plemons as a peculiar, friendless cop. However, upon repeated viewings, more jokes and intricate details will be discovered.

Freaky

The movie “Freaky,” produced by Blumhouse, is a comedy-infused slasher flick that bears resemblance to “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” Similar to the films directed by Christopher Landon, who was behind the “Happy Death Day” series and wrote most of the “Paranormal Activity” franchise, this film offers a unique twist. Unlike the body-swapping premise in “Freaky Friday,” where a mother and daughter exchange bodies, here it’s a notorious serial killer (played by Vince Vaughn) and his teenage victim (Kathryn Newton) who find themselves in each other’s roles. This switch results in an abundance of comedic opportunities as we see Vaughn portray a teenage girl and Newton adopt the role of a middle-aged killer.

Despite the challenging process of making “Freaky”, it proved to be a hit both at the box office and with critics. Critics such as Consequence of Sound praised it as an intense and entertaining film, bringing Landon ever closer to horror legends like Wes Craven and John Carpenter. Compared to “Bodies Bodies Bodies”, this is a hilariously scary movie that should definitely be on your Halloween movie list. The gifted actress Newton stands out in every scene as a psychopathic killer disguised as a teenager, while the seasoned comedian Vaughn delivers his most obnoxious performance yet.

Y2K

Fans who enjoyed the throwback atmosphere of “Bodies Bodies Bodies” might want to stay tuned for their local movie theaters in December 2024, as a fresh horror flick from A24 is set to grace the silver screen. Titled “Y2K”, this film marks the directorial debut of Kyle Mooney, a standout cast member from “Saturday Night Live”. Known for his unique blend of nostalgia and slight unease, Mooney’s distinctive retro style has been evident in his previous works such as the 2017 drama “Brigsby Bear” and the Netflix animated series “Saturday Morning All Star Hits!”.

In the upcoming movie “Y2K,” we find an impressive ensemble of budding stars, such as Jaeden Martell known from “It,” Rachel Zegler hailing from “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” and Julian Dennison, famed for his role in “Deadpool 2.” These actors portray high school students whose New Year’s Eve celebration in 1999 takes a dark turn when the Y2K theory becomes reality, triggering a battle between mankind and technology as they fight to stay alive. Critics from film festivals like South by Southwest have already hyped it as an entertaining, gory disaster movie that echoes the chaos of “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” Bloody Disgusting even called it a “continuous, exhilarating comedy-horror” with no qualms about offing even the most beloved characters among a vast cast. It’s safe to say this film will likely become a future Halloween favorite, standing alongside movies like “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and other horror classics on this list.

2024-12-09 22:31