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15 Best Movies Like Ready Player One For Fans Of Virtual Reality

June 28, 2023
Movies like Ready Player One

As fans of mind-blowing, futuristic adventures, we’ve been captivated by the thrilling world of Ready Player One. This blockbuster film, directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, captivated audiences with its immersive virtual reality universe and its engaging storyline. We understand that after experiencing the exciting world of Ready Player One, many of us yearn for more movies with similar themes and imaginative concepts. We have curated a list 15 thrilling Movies like Ready Player One for those who just can’t get enough of the virtual reality adventures that Ready Player One offers us. Have a look!

In this selection, we will explore unique dystopian scenarios, captivating virtual realms, and fascinating technological advancements, providing hours of entertainment for fellow fans. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let’s dive into the incredible worlds that await us in these movies like Ready Player One.

List of Movies Like Ready Player One 

  1. Blade Runner 2049
  2. Matrix
  3. Alita- Battle Angel
  4. Tron: Legacy
  5. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
  6. Valerian and The City Of A Thousand Planets
  7. The Maze Runner
  8. Divergent
  9. Vanilla Sky
  10. Gamer
  11. Wreck-it Ralph
  12. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
  13. Inception
  14. Ender’s Game
  15. Tomorrowland

1. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Blade Runner 2049, similar to movies like Ready Player One, the story takes place in a dystopian future where technology has advanced significantly. Both movies explore themes of virtual reality, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.

Blade Runner 2049 delves into the idea of artificial intelligence and human consciousness, much like Red One Player. Both films also feature visually stunning cinematography and thought-provoking narratives that keep viewers engaged.

3. The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix shares many similarities with Ready Player One. Both movies center around a virtual reality world where the characters are unaware of their true existence. The protagonists find themselves caught in a larger conspiracy and must navigate through dangerous situations to uncover the truth.

Both films also incorporate mind-bending action sequences and explore the concept of perception versus reality. The Matrix and Red One Player are thrilling sci-fi adventures that challenge the audience’s perception of the world around them.

3. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

Alita: Battle Angel and Ready Player One are similar in their futuristic settings and action-packed storylines. Both movies feature a young protagonist who discovers their true potential and fights against a corrupt system.

 The visual effects and CGI in both films are remarkable, creating immersive and dynamic worlds. Additionally, both movies explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of personal agency. Fans of Ready Player One will likely enjoy the exhilarating action and emotional journey presented in Alita: Battle Angel.

4. Tron: Legacy (2010)

Tron: Legacy shares a strong resemblance to Ready Player One as they both transport viewers into the realms of virtual reality. In Tron: Legacy, the protagonist enters a digital world where he must navigate through perilous challenges to save his father.

Similarly, Ready Player One revolves around a high-stakes virtual reality game where the main character must overcome obstacles to win. Both films showcase stunning visual effects and highlight the contrast between the real and virtual worlds, making them visually captivating experiences.

5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

While Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind may not have the same futuristic elements as Ready Player One, it shares thematic similarities. Both movies explore the complexities of memory, love, and the consequences of altering one’s past. They delve into the human psyche and challenge the audience’s perceptions of reality.

Both films also blend genres, combining elements of science fiction, romance, and drama. With its thought-provoking narrative and compelling characters, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind resonates with those who appreciate the philosophical and emotional depth found in Ready Player One.

6. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, directed by Luc Besson, shares similarities with Ready Player One in terms of its visually stunning world-building and immersive sci-fi setting. Both movies take place in a future where advanced technology plays a central role.

Valerian follows the journey of two special operatives as they navigate through different dimensions and encounter various alien species. Similarly, Ready Player One immerses viewers in a virtual reality game where the protagonist faces challenging missions. Both films offer a blend of action, adventure, and visual spectacle, appealing to fans of futuristic settings and captivating storytelling.

7. The Maze Runner (2014)

The Maze Runner, based on the popular novel series by James Dashner, bears resemblance to Ready Player One in terms of its suspenseful and high-stakes narrative. In The Maze Runner, a group of teenagers find themselves trapped in a mysterious maze with no memory of their past.

As they attempt to escape, they uncover secrets that challenge their understanding of their reality. Ready Player One also revolves around a dangerous game where the protagonist must navigate a perilous virtual world to survive. Both films explore themes of survival, friendship, and the quest for the truth, delivering thrilling experiences for audiences.

8. Divergent (2014)

Divergent, based on the bestselling novels by Veronica Roth, shares thematic similarities with Ready Player One. Set in a dystopian future society, Divergent focuses on a young woman who discovers she doesn’t fit neatly into any societal factions and possesses unique abilities.

Similarly, Ready Player One features a protagonist who stands out in the virtual reality game due to extraordinary skills. Both movies explore themes of identity, rebellion, and the fight against oppressive systems. With their action-packed plots and strong central characters, Divergent and Red One Player appeal to fans of gripping sci-fi tales.

9. Vanilla Sky (2001)

Vanilla Sky, directed by Cameron Crowe, may not have the same futuristic elements as Ready Player One, but it explores themes of perception, reality, and the consequences of one’s choices. The movie follows a wealthy man who becomes disoriented after a car accident, and his perception of the world becomes distorted.

Similarly to movies like Ready Player One, this blurs the line between reality and virtual reality as the protagonist faces challenges within the game. Both films challenge viewers’ understanding of what is real and what is an illusion, inviting contemplation on the nature of identity and the choices we make.

10. Gamer (2009)

Gamer, directed by Neveldine/Taylor, shares similarities with Ready Player One in terms of its exploration of virtual reality and the consequences of technological advancement. In Gamer, humans control other humans in a deadly online game, blurring the lines between reality and gaming.

 Similarly, Ready Player One revolves around a virtual reality game where the protagonist must fight for survival. Both films raise questions about the ethics and dangers of advanced technology while providing intense action and suspense. Fans of Ready Player One will appreciate Gamer’s dark and thrilling depiction of a future world dominated by virtual reality gaming.

11. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Wreck-It Ralph, an animated film by Disney, may seem different from Ready Player One at first glance, but both share a common theme centered around video games. Wreck-It Ralph tells the story of a video game villain who wants to become a hero, and his journey takes him through various gaming worlds.

Similarly, Ready Player One immerses viewers in the virtual reality game environment. Both films pay homage to video game culture and offer a nostalgic and adventurous experience. Wreck-It Ralph’s colorful animation and engaging characters make it an enjoyable watch for fans of Red One Player seeking a lighter and family-friendly option.

12. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, directed by Edgar Wright, may seem different from Ready Player One in terms of its genre and setting, but both films share a similar spirit of immersive escapism and embrace the world of video games. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World follows the story of Scott Pilgrim, a young man who must defeat his girlfriend’s seven evil exes in order to win her heart.

The film adopts a stylized and visually dynamic approach, incorporating video game elements, references, and even fight sequences reminiscent of classic video games. Just like Ready Player One, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World blurs the line between reality and fantasy, creating a vibrant and energetic world that captures the essence of gaming culture. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World offers a unique and entertaining experience that resonates with fans of Ready Player One’s immersive and game-like atmosphere.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few movies like Ready Player One  that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Free Guy
  2. Dune
  3. Avatar
  4. Don’t Worry Darling
  5. Dark City
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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