10 Things To Watch If You Like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
The original Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series was devised and made by Canadian author Bryan Lee O’Malley. He built a heartfelt, unique and genuinely funny series that ended up attracting fans around the world. Eventually, Edgar Wright was handed the reigns to a film adaptation of the series, released in 2010 to a disastrous box office showing. Everyone who saw it, however, realised it for its genius: an intentionally over-the-top, hilarious and truly unique film that combined wonderful visuals with an (at times) moving story.
Without a sequel on the cards, fans might be desperate for more from the crazy comic book world. As such, we’ve put together a list of ten suggestions for things to watch.
10 Kill Bill (2003)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is sort of like a child-friendly entry point into the cinematic style of Quentin Tarantino. It might be taken to a much more dramatic extreme in Kill Bill (while also filled with much more graphic gore and violence) but there are certainly nuances connecting both works. Edgar Wright and Quentin Tarantino don’t feel the need to explain why seemingly illogical things are the way they are; they just are. The pair also share a love for a cartoonish presentation, over-the-top editing and intentionally crazy characterisation.
9 Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
Back in 2004, Edgar Wright was a much less prominent figure in the film industry. Shaun Of The Dead was the first entry into his, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy and arguably one of the finest zombie films, one of the finest comedies, and one of the best British films ever made. His manic editing style and colourful, disorienting presentation hadn’t reached its peak yet, but there were certainly hints towards his future work lurking within.
8 Baby Driver (2017)
Baby Driver is one of the first films Edgar Wright ever envisioned, leading him to develop it for over twenty years, drawing on his previous directing experiences and amassing the budget he needed to pull off such a spectacular work. Like Scott Pilgrim, colour plays a huge role in the aesthetic of the film, with his carefully choreographed shooting style and well-thought-out stunts leading to a marvel of cinematic visuals.
7 Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
There have been so many Spider-Man films over the years that an animated entry into the franchise seemed like something fans wouldn’t be particularly interested in.
It ended up almost exactly the other way around, with the film being praised on just about every level, from its connection to its comic book source, incredible visual style, perfectly balanced humour and a fantastic soundtrack. It’s no surprise it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
6 Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool has a natural connection to Scott Pilgrim simply through being a comic book adaptation. It also has a directorial style that links perfectly to the over-the-top drama and violence. While Deadpool may be a little more human in its themes, its persistent awareness of the fact that it is a film, combined with bold, brash colours and dynamic editing make the pair a harmonious combo for a double-bill.
5 Zombieland (2009)
There is a clear connection between the awkward and nerdy, yet sweet and innocent characters played by both Michael Cera and Jesse Eisenberg. Eisenberg’s character in Zombieland is arguably his most similar to Pilgrim himself: self-depreciative yet quietly confident in his abilities, awkward and shy but weirdly good with girls, lovable and kind-hearted, yet flawed. Plus they have similar voices.
4 Kick-Ass (2010)
While Scott Pilgrim doesn’t seem to be fazed by (or really understand?) his sudden ability to use what are effectively superpowers, it is Dace Lizewski’s dream to become a superhero. There are many overlaps in characterisation between the two films, while much of the over-the-top, cartoon violence and well-timed humour links the two. Both were adapted from comic books.
3 Attack The Block (2011)
Attack The Block was one of John Boyega’s first chances to really show off his impressive acting abilities before he was cast in Star Wars and went on to begin a huge career.
The British comedy combined self-aware sci-fi with perfectly timed humour that showed off the true reality (until the aliens showed up) of growing up in London.
2 The World’s End (2013)
Another of Edgar Wright’s brilliantly overdone comedies was the final entry into the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy: The World’s End. After the massive success and critical adoration of both Hot Fuzz and Shaun Of The Dead, Wright had a lot to live up to. Honestly, he didn’t pull it off. However, fans of the manic sci-fi and well-timed humour will still find a lot to love here.
1 School Of Rock (2003)
School Of Rock is more of a straight-up no-frills comedy than Scott Pilgrim. However, it remains one of the funniest and best comedy films ever made, with Jack Black having never yet topped his performance there. There is a lot more relatability and realism in School Of Rock and its characters, but it shares one key thing: Battle Of The Bands is the end-goal for both fictional musical collectives.