Movies like The Playful One (1970)
The best movies like The Playful One (1970) are Topkapi (1964), The Green Man (1956) and Mystery Train (1989). If The Playful One hooked you with its comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedMystery Train (1989)7.3/10 from 545 votes
- NewestWolfs (2024)Released 2024
Topkapi (1964)
Arthur Simon Simpson is a small-time crook biding his time in Greece. One of his potential victims turns out to be a gentleman thief planning to steal the emerald-encrusted dagger of the Mehmed II from Istanbul's Topkapi Museum.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Green Man (1956)
Unknown to everyone but his shady Middle Eastern bosses, watchmaker Hawkins is actually a professional hired assassin with a predilection for killing his targets with bombs. After disposing of a dictator and millionaire, Hawkins is assigned to kill a politician who is heading to a remote hotel, The Green Man, for a secret tryst with his secretary. There, however, Hawkins' plot is discovered by vacuum salesman William Blake, who determines to stop him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMystery Train (1989)
In Memphis, Tennessee, over the course of a single night, the Arcade Hotel, run by an eccentric night clerk and a clueless bellboy, is visited by a young Japanese couple traveling in search of the roots of rock; an Italian woman in mourning who stumbles upon a fleeing charlatan girl; and a comical trio of accidental thieves looking for a place to hide.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBuddy Buddy (1981)
During a high-profile Mafia testimony case in Riverside County, a hired killer checks into a hotel room near the courthouse, while his depressed neighbor contemplates suicide over marital problems.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWolfs (2024)
Hired to cover up a high-profile crime, a fixer soon finds his night spiralling out of control when he's forced to work with an unexpected counterpart.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Cocoanuts (1929)
During the Florida land boom, the Marx Brothers run a hotel, auction off some land and thwart a jewel robbery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWelcome to Collinwood (2002)
Five hapless inner-city low-lifes attempt to burgle a pawnbroker's safe, but end up being plagued by bad luck.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIt's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
A group of strangers come across a man dying after a car crash who proceeds to tell them about the $350,000 he buried in California. What follows is the madcap adventures of those strangers as each attempts to claim the prize for himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBandits (2001)
After escaping from prison, Joe and Terry go on a crime spree, robbing banks through Oregon and California in order to finance their scheme for a new life south of the border. Unfortunately, things get more complicated when they meet Kate, who runs into them with her car. She joins the bandits on their cross-country spree, and eventually she steals something, too: their hearts.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFletch (1985)
When investigative reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher goes undercover to write a piece on the drug trade at a local beach, he's approached by wealthy businessman Alan Stanwyk, who offers him $50,000 to murder him. With sarcastic wit and a knack for disguises, Fletch sets out to uncover Stanwyk's story.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWho's Harry Crumb? (1989)
Harry Crumb is a bumbling and inept private investigator who is hired to solve the kidnapping of a young heiress which he's not expected to solve because his employer is the mastermind behind the kidnapping.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKnight and Day (2010)
A fugitive couple goes on a glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure where nothing and no one – even themselves – are what they seem. Amid shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, they race across the globe, with their survival ultimately hinging on the battle of truth vs. trust.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisConfess, Fletch (2022)
The roguishly charming and endlessly troublesome Fletch becomes the prime suspect in a murder case while searching for a stolen art collection. The only way to prove his innocence? Find out which of the long list of suspects is the culprit - from the eccentric art dealer and a missing playboy to a crazy neighbor and Fletch’s Italian girlfriend. Crime, in fact, has never been this disorganized.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTake the Money and Run (1969)
Virgil Starkwell is intent on becoming a notorious bank robber. Unfortunately for Virgil and his not-so-budding career, he is completely incompetent.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRoom Service (1938)
Broke Gordon Miller tries to land a backer for his new play while he has to deal with with the hotel manager trying to evict him and his cast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMonte Carlo or Bust! (1969)
Sequel to "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines". This time an international car rally from England to Monte Carlo provides the comedic farce.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Big Hit (1998)
Affable hit man Melvin Smiley is constantly being scammed by his cutthroat colleagues in the life-ending business. So, when he and his fellow assassins kidnap the daughter of an electronics mogul, it's naturally Melvin who takes the fall when their prime score turns sour. That's because the girl is the goddaughter of the gang's ruthless crime boss. But, even while dodging bullets, Melvin has to keep his real job secret from his unsuspecting fiancée, Pam.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPocket Listing (2016)
A satirical thriller about L.A.'s real estate roller coaster. Double crosses, adultery, murder, mistaken identity, and revenge ensues when a mysterious power player and his sultry wife hire a disgraced Los Angeles property broker to discreetly market and sell their Malibu villa.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTower Heist (2011)
A luxury condo manager leads a staff of workers to seek payback on the Wall Street swindler who defrauded them. With only days until the billionaire gets away with the perfect crime, the unlikely crew of amateur thieves enlists the help of petty crook Slide to steal the $20 million they’re sure is hidden in the penthouse.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
The famous Pink Panther jewel has once again been stolen and Inspector Clouseau is called in to catch the thief. The Inspector is convinced that 'The Phantom' has returned and utilises all of his resources – himself and his Asian manservant – to reveal the identity of 'The Phantom'.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFrench Fried Vacation (1978)
Holidaymakers arriving in a Club Med camp on the Ivory Coast are determined to forget their everyday problems and emotional disappointments. Games, competitions, outings, bathing and sunburn accompany a continual succession of casual affairs.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisShall We Dance? (1996)
A bored accountant spots a beautiful woman in the window of a ballroom dance studio. He secretly starts taking dancing lessons to be near her, and then over time discovers how much he loves dancing. His wife, meanwhile, has hired a private detective to find out why he has started coming home late smelling of perfume.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFamily Plan (1997)
A bumbling guy takes a group of orphans to summer camp.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Addams Family Reunion (1998)
The Addams Family goes on a search for their relatives. Gomez and Morticia are horrified to discover that Grandpa and Grandma Addams have a disease that is slowly turning them "normal". The only chance they have of a cure is to find a family member hoping that they know a home remedy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisPolice Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)
Our favourite police men are called together to deal with a gang who rob banks and jewelers. Using their various talents as well as their extraordinary luck, the crooks stand no chance against our men and women in blue.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisLazer Team (2016)
Four losers are thrust into the position of saving the world when they stumble upon a UFO crash site and become genetically equipped to the battle suit on board.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisMamma Mia! (2008)
A spirited young bride-to-be living with her single mother on a small Greek island secretly invites three of her mother's ex-boyfriends in hope of finding her biological father to walk her down the aisle.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLesbionage (1988)
In this romantic thriller, blackmail, kidnapping, and fraud combine to give two lesbian private detectives (and lovers) their toughest case. Will their relationship survive? Produced by women for women.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
A Pain in the Ass (1973)
Ralf Milan, a hitman, arrives in Montpellier to kill an important witness. He checks in a hotel without knowing that his neighbour has become neurotic after his wife left him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisArgylle (2024)
When the plots of reclusive author Elly Conway's fictional espionage novels begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past. Accompanied by her cat Alfie and Aidan, a cat-allergic spy, Elly races across the world to stay one step ahead of the killers as the line between Conway's fictional world and her real one begins to blur.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Playful One?
The closest matches to The Playful One are Topkapi (1964), The Green Man (1956) and Mystery Train (1989). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Playful One?
Start with Topkapi (1964), the closest match to The Playful One.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Playful One?
Mystery Train (1989), rated 7.3/10 by 545 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Playful One?
Wolfs (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to The Playful One chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Playful One, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.