7 movies to watch if you liked 'The Instigators'

Matt Damon in The Instigators (image via Apple TV)
Matt Damon in The Instigators (image via Apple TV)

The Instigators, premiered on August 2, 2024, is a comedic heist flick. The movie is directed by Doug Liman, known for films like Edge of Tomorrow, Road House and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The film stars, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck as Rory and Cobby.

Rory, a father in a desperate situation, and Cobby, a former convict, are forced to participate in a robbery targeting a corrupt politician. However, their scheme goes wrong, causing them to embark on a disorderly escape from both law enforcement and vengeful criminals.

Apart from Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, The Instigators has an amazing star cast of Hong Chau playing the role of Dr. Donna Rivera, along with Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman.

The Instigators provides an enjoyable experience for those who enjoy heist comedies, with its entertaining characters and comedic approach to criminal schemes. This movie is worth watching for people who like films that combine comedy with intense action. For those who love to watch flicks like The Instigators, some of these comedy crime movies will also make the viewers laugh uncontrollably.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.


Rush Hour, Catch Me If You Can and 5 other crime comedies to watch after watching The Instigators

1) Rush Hour

Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour (1998) (image via New Line Cinema)
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour (1998) (image via New Line Cinema)

Rush Hour stars Jackie Chan who plays Detective Inspector Lee and Chris Tucker portrays Detective James Carter in this iconic film from 1998. The unlikely pair joins forces to save the kidnapped daughter of a Chinese diplomat, resulting in a string of humorous and adrenaline-pumping occurrences. The combination of Lee's martial arts abilities and Carter's clever behavior generates an amusing and exciting partnership.

The perfect mix of humor, action, and cultural differences in the movie creates a classic buddy cop comedy. Like The Instigators, this film blends comedy with serious criminal activity, appealing to audiences who enjoy buddy cop comedies. The dynamic between Chan and Tucker is captivating, resulting in numerous comedic moments and unforgettable experiences.

Rush Hour is available on HBO Max.


2) Catch Me If You Can

Leonardo DiCaprio ins Catch Me If You Can(2002) (image via Dreamworks)
Leonardo DiCaprio ins Catch Me If You Can(2002) (image via Dreamworks)

Catch Me If You Can, a classic created by Steven Spielberg, features Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr., a youthful scammer, and Tom Hanks as Carl Hanratty, the determined FBI agent pursuing him. The film tracks Frank's bold exploits in check forgery and identity theft, with Carl on his trail.

Catch Me If You Can is a captivating watch resulting from the film's clever dialogue, engaging performances, and cat-and-mouse chase between Frank and Carl. Similar to The Instigators, this movie combines crime and humor, with an exciting chase scene, perfect for those who enjoy crime comedies.

This movie is currently streaming on Netflix.


3) Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) (image via Warner Bros.)
Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) (image via Warner Bros.)

In this 2005 movie, Robert Downey Jr. plays a former thief who becomes an actor, while Val Kilmer portrays a private detective. Their exploration of a murder enigma is brimming with funny and thrilling scenes, making it a top choice for The Instigators enthusiasts.

The clever conversations, interesting storyline, and strong connection between Downey Jr. and Kilmer set this movie apart in its genre. Shane Black directs the film, blending noir elements with sharp humor to make a one-of-a-kind and enjoyable movie.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is available on Apple TV.


4) Nice Guys

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in The Nice Guys (2016) (image via Warner Bros.)
Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in The Nice Guys (2016) (image via Warner Bros.)

Set in 1970s Los Angeles, The Nice Guys features Ryan Gosling playing Holland March, a clumsy detective, and Russell Crowe as Jackson Healy, a tough enforcer. The two unexpected collaborators join forces to look into the mysterious vanishing of a young woman. March's incompetence is frequently used for comedic effect in their partnership, whereas Healy's seriousness adds tension to their relationship.

Similar to The Instigators, the movie relies on the dynamic between the main characters and their disorderly efforts to crack the case. The movie combines dark comedy, era-appropriate style, and intense action, creating a must-see for lovers of quirky crime comedies.

The Nice Guys is available on Netflix.


5) 22 Jump Street

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill in 22 Jump Street (2014) (image via Columbia Pictures)
Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill in 22 Jump Street (2014) (image via Columbia Pictures)

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill return as Schmidt and Jenk in 22 Jump Street, two undercover cops assigned to infiltrate a college drug ring. The humor largely stems from their cluelessness and the reversal of roles in this sequel, with their friendship being the emotional core, much like The Instigators, where the bond between the lead characters drives the plot.

22 Jump Street offers sharp, self-aware humor, making fun of cop movies, and delivers both laughs and action, making it a great follow-up to the first film.

It is available to stream on Hulu.


6) Midnight Run

Robert De Niro in Midnight Run (1988) (image via Columbia)
Robert De Niro in Midnight Run (1988) (image via Columbia)

In Midnight Run, Robert De Niro portrays Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter assigned to apprehend Charles Grodin's character Jonathan Mardukas, an accountant who stole millions from a criminal. The film is a humorous journey movie, in which the two main characters, who have different personalities, have to cross the country while avoiding law enforcement and criminal organizations.

Similar to The Instigators, Midnight Run also achieves success by showcasing an unexpected connection that develops between characters who may not appear compatible at first. The movie includes comedic moments, thrilling action scenes, and great acting, making it a must-see for those who enjoy buddy cop or road trip comedies with a criminal element.

Midnight Run is available on Peacock.


7) The Other Guys

Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in The Other Guys (2010) (image via Sony Pictures Entertainment).
Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in The Other Guys (2010) (image via Sony Pictures Entertainment).

Starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, this movie depicts two NYPD detectives, with poles-apart personalities, who stumble upon a major financial scam. The humor and exciting storyline of the movie resemble Instigators. Ferrell and Wahlberg's differing personalities form a funny and captivating team, filled with funny scenes and exciting action scenes.

The movie's mix of comedy, detective work, and witty twist on the buddy cop style makes it essential viewing for those who enjoy crime comedies. Adam McKay directed it, presenting a new and humorous take on the genre, with standout performances and clever humor.

The Other Guys is available on Netflix.


These films provide a gratifying cinematic experience that will keep audiences captivated from beginning to end.

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Edited by Bharath S
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