The 25 Best Movies Like 'The Nice Guys,' Ranked

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang fuses humor and intellect in its fast-paced narrative. Robert Downey Jr.'s character, a petty thief turned actor, finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation alongside Val Kilmer's gay private investigator. The film's witty banter, combined with its complex plot twists, offers an innovative take on the neo-noir genre. It has been highly praised for its inventive blend of comedy and mystery which continues to influence modern cinema. As both films are directed by Shane Black, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang fuses humor and intellect, akin to The Nice Guys. Both films offer innovative takes on the neo-noir genre, influencing modern cinema with their inventive blend of comedy and mystery.

Lethal Weapon, despite being an adrenaline-pumping action flick at heart, also contains deeper themes of friendship and personal redemption. Mel Gibson stars as Martin Riggs, a suicidal cop who forms an unlikely partnership with Danny Glover's Roger Murtaugh. Their contrasting personalities create dynamic chemistry onscreen as they navigate through dangerous criminal underworlds together. This film has left an indelible impact on the buddy-cop sub-genre of action films. Lethal Weapon transcends its adrenaline-pumping action roots by exploring deeper themes of friendship and personal redemption, much like The Nice Guys. Both films feature dynamic chemistry between their lead characters, leaving lasting impacts on the buddy-cop sub-genre.

The Last Boy Scout is an action-packed thriller that combines intelligence and suspense. The plot revolves around a private detective, played by Bruce Willis, who partners with a former professional football player (Damon Wayans) to solve a murder case. This unlikely pair navigates through the world of politics and sports corruption, exposing viewers to the gritty underbelly of society. Its clever dialogue and intricate storyline make it more than just another action movie. The Last Boy Scout combines intelligence and suspense within its action-packed thriller narrative, similar to The Nice Guys. Both films use clever dialogue and intricate storylines to elevate themselves beyond typical action movies.

In Game Night, intrigue meets hilarity in this smartly crafted dark comedy-action hybrid. Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star as Max and Annie – competitive gamers whose weekly game night spirals into real-world chaos when Max’s brother Brooks is kidnapped by shady criminals. The film cleverly blurs the line between reality and fiction while delivering laughs alongside high-stakes danger, showcasing how action can be seamlessly blended with other genres for unique storytelling experiences. Game Night seamlessly blends intrigue with hilarity in its dark comedy-action hybrid, aligning with The Nice Guys in its unique storytelling approach. Both films showcase how action can be seamlessly integrated with other genres for captivating and entertaining experiences.

The Other Guys is a testament to the genius that can emerge when comedy and action collide in perfect harmony. Starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as mismatched NYPD detectives, this film deftly mixes hilarity with heart-pounding excitement. The plot follows these two unlikely heroes as they stumble upon a massive financial scandal while investigating seemingly mundane crimes. While predominantly humorous, it also subtly comments on corporate greed and economic inequality, making it a smart addition to the action-comedy landscape. The Other Guys aligns with The Nice Guys by seamlessly combining comedy and action. Both films utilize humor to subtly comment on societal issues, making them smart additions to the action-comedy landscape.

The Long Kiss Goodnight is a cleverly woven tapestry of action and intelligence. Known for its smart storytelling, the film revolves around Samantha Caine (Geena Davis), a small-town schoolteacher suffering from amnesia. When she begins to remember her past life as a lethal government agent, an exhilarating journey of rediscovery ensues. Samuel L. Jackson stars as her wisecracking detective partner, providing comic relief amidst high-stakes espionage. The movie's unique blend of sharp wit and explosive action sequences has left an indelible mark on the genre. The Long Kiss Goodnight shares thematic similarities with The Nice Guys through its blend of sharp wit and explosive action sequences. Both films feature protagonists with complex pasts who embark on exhilarating journeys of rediscovery, accompanied by wisecracking partners.

Point Break, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, adds a thrilling twist to the heist genre by incorporating extreme sports into its plotline. Patrick Swayze stars as Bodhi, an adrenaline junkie who leads a gang of bank robbers known as "The Ex-Presidents". Keanu Reeves plays Johnny Utah, an undercover FBI agent tasked with infiltrating this group. With themes revolving around freedom and living life on the edge, Point Break has left an indelible mark in pop culture and continues to inspire action films today. Point Break and The Nice Guys both continue to inspire action movies with their impactful contributions to pop culture.

Lucky Number Slevin, featuring Josh Hartnett as Slevin Kelevra, is a smartly woven tale incorporating elements of crime, mystery, and action genres. The story revolves around mistaken identity and revenge plots among New York City mobsters. The sleek dialogue matches its clever plot twists, while its star-studded ensemble cast - including Morgan Freeman and Sir Ben Kingsley - bring gravitas to their respective roles. It's a chess game played out on screen that keeps audiences guessing till the end. Lucky Number Slevin weaves elements of crime, mystery, and action, similar to The Nice Guys. Both films engage audiences with sleek dialogue, plot twists, and stellar ensemble casts, creating a chess game on screen.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood serves up intelligent storytelling under the guise of star-powered action cinema. Quentin Tarantino masterfully weaves together fact and fiction in his portrayal of 1960s Los Angeles where faded television actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) strive to achieve fame amidst the backdrop of the Manson Family murders. This film not only revitalizes the classic movie tropes but also offers a nostalgic tribute to Hollywood's Golden Age. Both Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Nice Guys offer nostalgic tributes to bygone eras while delivering intelligent storytelling.

In John Wick, explosive fight scenes meet intricate world-building resulting in a smart fusion of action and lore. Keanu Reeves shines as John Wick - a retired hitman who dives back into his deadly profession for personal vengeance. This film redefined modern-day action films with its innovative combat choreography while introducing audiences to a captivating underworld filled with assassins and coded conduct. Its influence can be seen throughout pop culture today with references to “the boogeyman” figure Wick embodies. John Wick redefines modern-day action films, much like The Nice Guys, with its innovative combat choreography and captivating underworld. Both movies have left lasting impacts on pop culture, introducing audiences to iconic characters and influencing subsequent films in their respective genres.

A whodunit like no other, Knives Out is Rian Johnson’s masterful reinvention of classic murder mystery tropes within an action-packed setting. A standout ensemble cast including Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc and Chris Evans playing against type as the spoiled Thrombey family member elevate the intrigue of this tightly woven narrative. With sharp dialogue and intricate plotting that rewards attentive viewing, Knives Out redefines the boundaries of its genre. Knives Out reinvents classic murder mystery tropes within an action-packed setting, aligning with The Nice Guys in its genre-bending approach. Both films feature standout ensemble casts, sharp dialogue, and intricate plotting that redefine the boundaries of their respective genres.

Sicario, a gripping tale of drug trade along the US-Mexico border, is an action-packed thriller that doesn't skimp on intelligence. The film explores the moral grey areas of law enforcement and international politics with its narrative driven by Emily Blunt's character, an idealistic FBI agent drawn into a covert operation against a powerful cartel. With standout performances from Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro, Sicario not only delivers adrenaline-fueled sequences but also thought-provoking commentary on the war on drugs. Sicario aligns with The Nice Guys through its gripping exploration of the moral grey areas in law enforcement and international politics. Both films feature standout performances and deliver adrenaline-fueled sequences while offering thought-provoking commentary on societal issues.

Inherent Vice is an intricate labyrinth of neo-noir mystery and stoner comedy that challenges the traditional boundaries of the action genre. Joaquin Phoenix stars as Larry "Doc" Sportello, a pot-smoking detective navigating through 1970s Los Angeles to solve a complex case involving his ex-girlfriend. The film presents a thought-provoking exploration of paranoia, counterculture, and conspiracy theories amidst its atmospheric backdrop. With its layered narrative and idiosyncratic characters, it offers a distinctively cerebral spin on the classic private-eye tale. Inherent Vice challenges action genre boundaries, similar to The Nice Guys, by presenting an intricate blend of neo-noir mystery and comedy. Both films offer thought-provoking explorations of paranoia and counterculture, providing distinctively cerebral spins on classic detective tales.

The last in the list, The Gentlemen, presents a cleverly constructed narrative set in London's criminal underworld. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this action-comedy thrills with its energy and wit while exploring the power struggles between crime lords. Matthew McConaughey leads an ensemble cast as American expat Mickey Pearson, who built a highly profitable marijuana empire in Britain. The film is known for its dynamic storytelling that marries fast-paced action sequences with sharp dialogue, making it a standout entry in the genre of smart action films. The Gentlemen and The Nice Guys marry fast-paced action sequences with sharp dialogue, showcasing the directors' prowess in creating dynamic storytelling.

Gangster Squad, set against the backdrop of post-WWII Los Angeles, showcases how intelligence can be wielded as effectively as physical force in combatting crime. This period piece tells the tale of a secret police unit assembled to take down mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn). With Josh Brolin leading the squad and The Nice Guys actor Ryan Gosling playing his right-hand man, the cast delivers performances that are both compelling and charismatic. Its sophisticated narrative structure adds depth to the conventional good-versus-evil trope typically seen in gangster films. Gangster Squad mirrors The Nice Guys in its exploration of combating crime through intelligence and physical force. Both films feature charismatic casts and sophisticated narrative structures that elevate the conventional good-versus-evil trope.

Sin City redefines traditional action films with its unique blend of neo-noir aesthetics and smart storytelling. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, it brings to life Miller's graphic novel series in a visually striking manner. The intersecting stories of morally ambiguous characters are portrayed by an ensemble cast including Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, and Mickey Rourke. Its influence on pop culture is undeniable, paving the way for the rise of comic book adaptations with darker tones and mature themes. Sin City redefines traditional action films through its unique blend of neo-noir aesthetics and smart storytelling, similar to The Nice Guys.

The Accountant, starring Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, presents an intriguing blend of high-stakes action and cerebral drama. Wolff is not your typical action hero; he's an accountant with high-functioning autism who moonlights as a forensic auditor for dangerous criminal organizations. His unique abilities and personal struggles offer depth to the fast-paced plotline and contribute to the film's exploration of neurodiversity which has sparked conversations in popular culture. The Accountant combines high-stakes action with cerebral drama, akin to The Nice Guys as both films offer depth to their fast-paced plots, exploring unconventional themes within the action genre.

In The Heat, Sandra Bullock's meticulous FBI Special Agent finds her perfect foil in Melissa McCarthy's brash Boston cop in this smartly written buddy-cop movie. Together they form an unlikely partnership to bring down a ruthless drug lord, proving that brains can indeed coexist with brawn on screen. This film subtly subverts the genre's male-dominated norms while delivering a potent mix of action, humor, and heart. Its success could be seen as an influential force in paving the way for more female-fronted action comedies. The Heat and The Nice Guys both deliver a potent mix of action, humor, and heart, influencing the landscape of action comedies.

Molly's Game stylishly combines high-stakes poker with courtroom drama, creating an action-packed narrative that demands intellectual engagement. Based on true events, the movie follows Molly Bloom, portrayed by Jessica Chastain in an impressive performance, as she runs the world’s most exclusive high-stake poker game before becoming an FBI target. Aaron Sorkin's razor-sharp screenplay adds another layer of sophistication to this smart flick that delves deep into the dynamics of power, ambition, and legality. Molly's Game shares similarities with The Nice Guys by combining high-stakes narratives with intelligent storytelling. Both films demand intellectual engagement, exploring themes of power, ambition, and legality while showcasing impressive performances from their lead actors.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is a riveting continuation of the critically acclaimed television series Breaking Bad. The film chronicles the escape and survival journey of Jesse Pinkman, portrayed by Aaron Paul, after his harrowing ordeal in the series finale. The movie masterfully weaves action sequences with intellectual suspense, providing closure to one of TV's most beloved characters while still delivering a thrilling standalone narrative. Its impact on pop culture is significant, spotlighting moral dilemmas in an era of anti-heroes. El Camino mirrors The Nice Guys as both films masterfully blend action sequences with intellectual suspense, leaving a significant impact on pop culture.

Cellular is an adrenaline-pumping action-thriller that presents a unique take on the genre. Its main premise revolves around a desperate call for help from a kidnapped woman to a random stranger, which sets off a wild and unpredictable chase. Chris Evans takes center stage as the unsuspecting hero, while Kim Basinger delivers an intense performance as the distressed damsel. The film cleverly uses technology as a plot device, and its smart narrative structure keeps you guessing until the end. Cellular stands out in the action-thriller genre, akin to The Nice Guys, by presenting a unique premise. Both films cleverly use their narrative structures to keep audiences guessing until the end.

Brick, directed by Rian Johnson, is a unique blend of film noir and high school drama. Joseph Gordon-Levitt shines as Brendan, a teenage detective navigating through the treacherous world of drug dealers and femme fatales to solve his ex-girlfriend's murder. The film cleverly uses high school tropes in a hard-boiled detective story context, creating an engaging narrative that stands out in the action genre. Its innovative approach has influenced many filmmakers to explore unconventional settings for their stories. Brick stands out in the action genre by blending film noir with drama, echoing The Nice Guys in its innovative approach to storytelling. Both films showcase directors who explore unconventional settings for engaging narratives.

In Destroyer, Nicole Kidman delivers a powerful performance as Erin Bell - a hardened detective haunted by past undercover operations gone awry. This gritty action thriller explores themes of guilt and redemption through its non-linear storytelling technique. Kidman’s transformative role adds depth to her character’s relentless pursuit of justice against a gang she once infiltrated, making it an unforgettable addition to the genre. Destroyer aligns with The Nice Guys by delivering a powerful performance from its lead and exploring themes of guilt and redemption. Both films use suspenseful storytelling techniques to add depth to their gritty action thriller narratives.

In Escape Plan: The Extractors, Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as security expert Ray Breslin in this high-stakes rescue mission. Teaming up with martial arts star Jin Zhang and wrestling icon Dave Bautista, they face off against Devon Sawa's villainous character in this intelligently crafted prison-break story. The film excels in blending brainy problem-solving sequences with high-octane fight scenes, adding depth to its complex plot. Escape Plan: The Extractors intelligently blends brainy problem-solving with high-octane action scenes, much like The Nice Guys.

I Love Trouble presents itself as both romantic-comedy and intelligent action-drama where two rival reporters, played by Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte, find themselves in the midst of a conspiracy. As they delve deeper into their investigation, they encounter danger and romance, making the film an exciting blend of genres. Beyond its action-packed sequences, the movie explores themes such as competition and collaboration in the world of journalism. Beyond action-packed sequences, both I Love Trouble and The Nice Guys explore themes of competition and collaboration within the world of journalism.