WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After There Will Be Blood
From Oil Rigs to Blood‑Soaked Frontiers: Four Films That Echo There Will Be Blood
If you loved the relentless ambition and moral darkness of There Will Be Blood, you’ll find a kindred spirit in four distinct titles that each explore the same raw hunger for power. From the freshly minted frontier saga The Dead Don't Hurt, to the audience‑pleasing neo‑western Hell or High Water, the cult classic horror road‑trip The Devil's Rejects, and the epic survival revenge of The Revenant, these picks span new, beloved, classic, and perfectly matched experiences.
Together they paint a portrait of ambition gone awry: modern releases that keep the frontier alive, a brotherly heist that critiques capitalism, a savage family saga that revels in lawlessness, and a grizzled frontiersman’s quest for vengeance. Whether you crave fresh perspectives, critical darlings, or timeless thrills, each film offers a unique lens on the same intoxicating mix of greed, betrayal, and relentless drive that made Daniel Plainview’s story unforgettable.
Why these movies are similar to There Will Be Blood
Ruthless silver miner, turned oil prospector, Daniel Plainview, moves to oil-rich California. Using his son to project a trustworthy, family-man image, Plainview cons local landowners into selling him their valuable properties for a pittance. However, local preacher Eli Sunday suspects Plainview's motives and intentions, starting a slow-burning feud that threatens both their lives.
These recommendations branch out from There Will Be Blood with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
The Dead Don't Hurt
MOVIE • 2024
western • drama
Why Watch Next
This freshly released western drama mirrors the ruthless ambition of Daniel Plainview, offering a gritty, character‑driven story set against the harsh Nevada frontier, perfect for fans of intense period intrigue.
Overview
In the 1860s, fiercely independent French-Canadian Vivienne Le Coudy embarks on a journey with Danish immigrant Holger Olsen, attempting to forge a life together in the dusty town of Elk Flats, Nevada. When Holger decides to go fight for the Union in the burgeoning Civil War, Vivienne must fend for herself, which isn't easy in a town controlled by a corrupt mayor.
Hell or High Water
MOVIE • 2016
western • crime • drama
Why Watch Next
A modern neo‑western that captures the same relentless pursuit of wealth and vengeance, Hell or High Water blends family loyalty with a stark critique of capitalism, resonating with admirers of There Will Be Blood’s moral darkness.
Overview
A divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's farm in West Texas.
The Devil's Rejects
MOVIE • 2005
drama • horror • crime
Why Watch Next
Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects delivers a raw, law‑defying saga of a murderous family, echoing the brutal, anti‑heroic tone of the reference film while cementing its status as a genre‑defining cult favorite.
Overview
The murderous, backwoods Firefly family take to the road to escape the vengeful Sheriff Wydell, who is not afraid of being as ruthless as his target.
The Revenant
MOVIE • 2015
western • drama • adventure
Why Watch Next
The Revenant offers a sweeping, survival‑driven revenge tale set in the untamed West, matching the thematic core of greed and retribution while providing a visually stunning, audience‑loving experience.
Overview
In the 1820s, a frontiersman, Hugh Glass, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling.
More shows and movies featuring actors from There Will Be Blood
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to There Will Be Blood.
Love & Mercy
MOVIE • 2015
Why It’s Relevant
Love & Mercy offers a deep, character‑driven drama about artistic ambition and personal downfall, echoing the intense, morally complex tone of There Will Be Blood.
The Good Heart
MOVIE • 2010
Why It’s Relevant
The Good Heart presents a gritty, ambition‑driven story of power and survival in a seedy underworld, mirroring the film’s themes of greed and moral decay.
The Extra Man
MOVIE • 2010
Why It’s Relevant
Okja critiques corporate exploitation and unchecked ambition, aligning with the anti‑capitalist undercurrents of There Will Be Blood while delivering strong critical praise.
The Fabelmans
MOVIE • 2022
Why It’s Relevant
The Fabelmans, a critically acclaimed drama about family secrets and the pursuit of artistic truth, showcases the actor’s range while resonating with the film’s introspective, intense atmosphere.
