All About Eve is a classic drama that delves into the world of theater, ambition, and betrayal. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll appreciate these 20 movies that share a similar thematic depth and complexity. For more information on All About Eve, check out this AboutEve’>link.
1. Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is a 1950 film noir that tells the story of a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled with a faded silent film star. Starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden, this film explores themes of ambition and the dark side of Hollywood.
2. A Star is Born (1954)
This musical drama features Judy Garland and James Mason in a tale of a rising starlet and her declining mentor. It’s a poignant exploration of fame, love, and sacrifice in the entertainment industry.
3. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a psychological horror-thriller about two aging sisters, both former actresses, living in a decaying Hollywood mansion.
4. The Bad and the Beautiful
Kirk Douglas and Lana Turner star in this 1952 film about the rise and fall of a manipulative film producer. The movie delves into the intricacies of Hollywood’s golden age and the personal costs of ambition.
5. Network
Network is a 1976 satirical drama that critiques the television industry. Featuring Faye Dunaway, William Holden, and Peter Finch, the film explores the lengths to which people will go for ratings and fame.
6. The Player
Directed by Robert Altman, The Player (1992) stars Tim Robbins as a Hollywood studio executive who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. It’s a darkly comedic take on the cutthroat nature of the film industry.
7. Birdman
Birdman (2014) follows a washed-up actor, played by Michael Keaton, as he tries to reinvent himself by staging a Broadway play. The film explores themes of identity, fame, and artistic integrity.
8. All That Jazz
Starring Roy Scheider, All That Jazz (1979) is a semi-autobiographical musical about a Broadway director and choreographer. The film offers a gritty look at the pressures of show business and personal demons.
9. The Sweet Smell of Success
This 1957 film noir stars Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis in a story about a powerful newspaper columnist and a desperate press agent. It’s a biting critique of media manipulation and ambition.
10. Tootsie
Tootsie (1982) is a comedy-drama featuring Dustin Hoffman as an out-of-work actor who disguises himself as a woman to land a role. The film explores gender roles, fame, and the challenges of the acting profession.
11. The Apartment
Starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, The Apartment (1960) is a romantic comedy-drama about a man who lets his bosses use his apartment for extramarital affairs. It’s a nuanced look at ambition and personal integrity.
12. Stage Door
Stage Door (1937) features Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers as aspiring actresses living in a boarding house. The film captures the struggles and camaraderie of young women trying to make it in show business.
13. The Hours
This 2002 drama stars Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman in interconnected stories about three women affected by Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs. Dalloway. It’s a profound exploration of identity, mental health, and artistic ambition.
14. The Artist
The Artist (2011) is a silent film that tells the story of a silent movie actor’s decline with the advent of talkies. Starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, it’s a love letter to the silent film era.
15. La La Land
This 2016 musical romance stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as two aspiring artists in Los Angeles. The film explores the balance between love and ambition in the pursuit of dreams.
16. Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge! (2001) is a musical drama starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Set in the bohemian world of Paris, it’s a story of love, art, and sacrifice.
17. Black Swan
Starring Natalie Portman, Black Swan (2010) is a psychological thriller about a ballerina’s descent into madness as she prepares for a major role. The film explores the pressures of artistic perfection and identity.
18. 8½
Federico Fellini’s 8½ (1963) stars Marcello Mastroianni as a film director struggling with creative block. It’s a surreal exploration of the artistic process and personal introspection.
19. The Devil Wears Prada
This 2006 comedy-drama stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in a story about the cutthroat world of fashion journalism. It’s a witty look at ambition, power, and personal values.
20. Amadeus
Amadeus (1984) is a biographical drama about the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, starring Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham. The film delves into themes of genius, jealousy, and the sacrifices of artistic life.