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10 Movies Like Alita Battle Angel to Watch if you Like Dystopian Sci-Fi

March 10, 2022
movies like alita battle angel

Looking for science-fiction movies like Alita Battle Angel? We have compiled a set of movies like Alita Battle Angel that you might enjoy watching.

When Alita Battle Angel was released in 2019, it had decent reviews but a lukewarm reception at the box office. However, over the past couple of years, more and more people have come to appreciate this visually beautiful and action-packed movie with a heart. While there aren’t many examples of anime-based films done right, Alita Battle Angel is certainly one of them.

However, watching Alita Battle Angel left in me an itch to explore movies with similar themes, characters and worlds. If you are looking to watch movies similar to Alita Battle Angel, check out this list of films below

List Of Movies Like Altia Battle Angel

  1. Ready Player One
  2. Valerian
  3. Blade Runner 2049
  4. Ghost in the Shell
  5. Tron Legacy
  6. Mad Max Fury Road
  7. Maze Runner
  8. Upgrade
  9. District 9
  10. Mortal Engines

Also Check Out: Movies like Prometheus

Ready Player One

Similar to Alita Battle Angel, when Ready Player One was released on the big screen, it did not have a very good box office reception. However, the film received highly positive critical reviews for its gorgeous visuals and spectacular CGI work. Fans of the book loved how well the film managed to translate the story from the pages onto the screen without skipping any important beats.

Most importantly, the look and the feel of the film is surprisingly similar to Alita Battle Angel. The main characters of the film are relatable and it’s easy to immerse yourself into the beautiful high-tech virtual world of Ready Player One. There are a ton of pop-cultural references in the film, which was one of the main highlights of the book. All this is not to say there are no faults in the film, there are several. However, for fans of the book and sci-fi genre, Ready Player One is a highly enjoyable experience. If you are looking for movies similar to Alita Battle Angel, Ready Player One easily takes the top spot.

Tron Legacy

Tron Legacy left the fans of the franchise divided into two opinions. It was undeniable that the film had groundbreaking CGI and special effects work. At the same time, old fans of the franchise felt betrayed since the story of the film did not stand up to their expectations. Nevertheless, Tron Legacy is a visual spectacle that appears once in a generation. The incredibly iconic soundtrack by Daft Punk elevates the film to a much higher level.

The feel of the film is also very similar to Alita Battle Angel, where the protagonist finds themselves in a completely new world filled with threats and adventure. It’s a story about the main character finding themselves and establishing their own identity in a world where everything is virtual. The neon, blue and orange special effects of the film are worthy of being watched in IMAX. Michael Sheen and Olivia Wilde deliver great performances. If you are looking for movies like Alita Battle Angel, you should most definitely check out Tron: Legacy.

Blade Runner 2049

I may be biased with this entry in the list, but Dennis Villeneuve is one of my all-time favourite directors. Just like the above two films on the list, Blade Runner 2049 was not a box office success considering the film’s budget, but it’s one of the highest-rated films and a worthy successor to the first classic Blade Runner movie. Director Villeneuve manages to create a dystopian world that looks exquisitely beautiful and the cinematography is one of the best in modern times.

Just like in Alita Battle Angel, the main character K (played brilliantly by Ryan Gosling), is confused about his identity and goes on a journey of self-discovery that could change the whole world. Harrison Ford is back in his role as a blade runner and plays his part to perfection. While some viewers may not enjoy the long brooding scenes, they only add to the gloomy atmosphere that Villeneuve manages to capture. The film also has much deeper themes like existentialism and what it means to be truly human. The story writing is impeccable and the set designs are absolutely mind-blowing. If you are looking for movies similar to Alita Battle Angel, you cannot go wrong with Blade Runner 2049.

Mad Max Fury Road

At first glance, Mad Max may not appear to be an obvious choice for a movie similar to Alita Battle Angel. However, the futuristic dystopian world, the tight grip that the rulers have on their people and the fight for scarce resources are similar themes across both movies. Both movies are full of incredible action scenes that get your heart pumping, although when it comes to Mad Max: Fury Road, the action never lets up. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron give some of the best performances in cinema history in this film.

Fury Road is also one of the most successful films released in recent times, winning a total of 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Sound Design, Best Director, Best Cinematography and more. If you liked the futuristic feel and action of Alita, Fury Road just doubles down on it. If you haven’t seen Mad Max: Fury Road yet, you need to watch it ASAP. It’s one of the best films like Alita Battle Angel you can watch. Check out the trailer to get a glimpse of the incredible film that is Mad Max Fury Road.

Also Check Out: Movies like Super 8

Maze Runner

If you are looking for movies like Alita Battle Angel that fit the ‘young adult fantasy’ genre, Maze Runner is the perfect film. The 2014 Maze Runner starts with an amazing action scene. Just like the movie Alita, the protagonist of the film is thrown into an entirely new dystopian world where he has to learn fighting and survival skills to live till the next day. Over the course of the film, the bigger story becomes clearer and we get a good look at who the real villain is.

As the title of the film suggests, it is set in a deadly maze that keeps changing constantly, where a group of young boys have to fight their way through many challenges to discover the truth. If you are a fan of film franchises, you will be delighted to know that there are two more films in the Maze Runner series that you can check out after watching the first film.

Upgrade

Upgrade could be considered a darker spiritual successor to Alita Battle Angel. In both films, the protagonists who have lost their original bodies are fitted with cybernetic upgrades that they use to get revenge and reach the truth about their past. Admittedly, Upgrade has a lot more bloody violence and action compared to Alita, but the central theme for both movies remains the same.

Even if you are not a big sci-fi fan, Upgrade stands on its own as a stellar action thriller film with a highly engaging story that will keep you glued to the screen from the start of the film to the end. I will not spoil too much about the movie here, but Upgrade is a film a movie enthusiast should definitely watch once. Most importantly, Upgrade is one of the best movies similar to Alita Battle Angel you can check out.

District 9

District 9 is a deeply weird and political film and I was initially reluctant to add it to this list. However, there are many political similarities between this film and Alita that I felt could be explored more by the audiences. District 9 by director Neill Blomkamp is a thought-provoking film that starts with a large ship full of malnourished aliens that land in South Africa. There are many references to racism and apartheid in the film that come from the humans’ treatment of the aliens as inferior creatures.

Similarly in Alita Battle Angel, the people who are living in the slums below the floating city are considered to be inferior citizens. However, unlike Alita Battle Angel, this film contains very little action but is much more focused on showing the political side of how humans are taking advantage of these helpless aliens. If you are looking for sci-fi movies like Alita Battle Angel, District 9 is a great choice.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

When it comes to movies that look and feel like Alita Battle Angel, Valerian is one of the top ones. The film has incredible cinematography and special effects that are somewhat brought down by its lacklustre story. Although the film received mixed reviews, it’s is worth a watch simply given its beautiful special effects. The leads played by Deen DeHaan and Cara Delavingne are satisfactory in their roles but one does wonder if the film would have benefitted from better actors.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets has an interesting premise where thousands of cultures are living together and interacting with each other. There are many interesting action scenes in the film but the dialogues often fall flat. However, if you are bored at home and looking for something to watch, Valerian is a great film like Alita Battle Angel to check out.

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is the live-action adaptation of the classic anime film of the same name. The anime film of 1995 is considered to be one of the best cyberpunk works of all time. While the live-action does not match up to the expectations set by the original film, it’s still very much a great film on its own.

Scarlett Johansson stars as the lead role in the film, playing a robot embedded with a human mind. The film presents many interesting concepts for the viewers to think about and the action in the film is also quite memorable. Without going into too much detail, it’s safe to say that Ghost in the Shell will satisfy fans of sci-fi and is one of the best movies like Alita Battle Angel.

Mortal Engines

The world of Mortal Engines feels very much like Alita Battle Angel, cyberpunk, dystopian and futuristic. The premise of the film is wild, after a great big war, the survivors build huge robotic cities that serve as fortresses and these cities fight each other to take over their resources. The film is highly entertaining and fans of cyberpunk sci-fi will definitely enjoy watching this movie that is similar to Alita Battle Angel.

Also Check Out: Movies like Coherence

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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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