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10 Action Movies Like Edge of Tomorrow That Are A Must Watch

March 14, 2023
movies like edge of tomorrow

The tag ‘Live. Die. Repeat’ was ingrained in the memories of movie-going fans long before the movie, Edge of Tomorrow was actually released. The movie was released in 2014 with good reviews, with praise especially reserved for the performances of Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. Directed by Doug Liman, the movie was touted as his best since The Bourne Identity. The movie takes place in Europe, in the near future, where Earth has now been occupied by an alien race, and Earth’s forces are trying their best to fight back. If you’re looking for similar recommendations, check out our list of movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

List of Movies Like Edge of Tomorrow

  1. Oblivion 
  2. The Tomorrow War 
  3. Terminator Genisys 
  4. Geostorm
  5. Chappie
  6. The 5th Wave
  7. Outside the Wire
  8. Battle Los Angeles
  9. Battleship
  10. Transformers: The Last Knight

1. Oblivion (2013)

Oblivion coincidentally also stars Tom Cruise in yet another post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller just like Edge of Tomorrow. The movie which is based on an unpublished graphic novel by Director Joseph Kosinski, is centered on a love story taking place in the near future of 2077. Jack Harper played by Tom Cruise is a technician who works to repair drones on a desolated earth, but with time grows to start questioning what the point of his mission even is.

The movie also stars legend Morgan Freeman, who reprises his usual role as a guide and voice of reason for both the main character and the viewers. Kosinski makes use of an expansive budget to create a movie which is very cinematic, and visually striking. Check out this film if you’re on the lookout for movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

2. The Tomorrow War (2021)

Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt, who plays Green Beret Dan Forester, takes on the role of a leading man in this American military sci-fi movie. The movie sees soldiers sent to the future by the U.S. government, to fight an alien army which has invaded Earth, just like in Edge of Tomorrow. Dan Forester, eager to serve his country, signs up to jump through the wormhole device created by the government.

The Tomorrow War which is directed by Chris McKay, and scored by Composer Lorne Balfe, tried to bring something new to the table in terms of time travel mechanics, and all in all, provides a fresh new take on the regularly used science fiction trope. A sequel for the movie at the time of writing is also currently in development. This is a great choice if you’re looking for movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

Also Read: Sci-Fi Movies like Upgrade

3. Terminator Genisys (2015)

Terminator as a franchise could indeed take the whole of this list, and I would encourage you to check out the collection of movies. However, for the purposes of this list, I will be recommending one of the more recent entries in the saga, in Terminator Genisys. Just like Edge of Tomorrow, this is an American science fiction/action movie which takes place in the near future. The movie is directed by Alan Taylor. It brings back some familiar faces for fans of the franchise, in Arnold Schwarzenegger, and a new face in Game of Throne’s Emilia Clarke, who plays a grown-up Sarah Connor.

The plot follows Kyle Reese, a soldier in the war against Skynet, who is sent to the past from 2029 to prevent Sarah Connor’s death. Upon arriving at the past, he finds out the timeline has been altered and Sarah has already been saved and raised by a reprogrammed Terminator who was tasked with protecting her. You should check out Terminator Genisys if you’re looking for movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

4. Geostorm (2017)

The events of Geostorm take place in a world ravaged by disaster, similar to Edge of Tomorrow. The movie was directed, co-written and co-produced by Dean Devlin in what was his big-budget directorial debut. It stars Gerard Butler, as a satellite designer who is tasked with saving the world from a storm bent on wiping out life on Earth, which is actually discovered to be caused by malfunctioning climate control satellites.

The production of the movie was a high-budget affair, with some NASA scenes being shot in the actual NASA Rocket Factory in New Orleans. The film is a disaster action-adventure of epic proportions, featuring big set pieces and entertaining scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the movie. You must watch it if you’re on the lookout for films like Edge of Tomorrow.

5. Chappie (2015)

Chappie is a sci-fi action movie set in a dystopian version of Earth similar to films like Edge of Tomorrow. In this movie, we get a setting you rarely see in movies like these, as it is set in Johannesburg, South Africa. Due to the high rate of crime in the city of Johannesburg that exists within the film, the city’s leadership decides to purchase a set of armour-plated robots to curb the growing menace of crime.

The movie stars Dev Patel, Sigourney Weaver, and Wolverine star Hugh Jackman who plays Vincent Moore, a former soldier turned engineer, working for the company that manufactures the previously mentioned ‘killer robots’.Chappie, which is directed by Neil Blomkamp is an ambitious concept and worth checking out for fans of movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

6. The 5th Wave (2016)

J Blakeson directs this sci-fi action adventure, starring Chloe Grace Moretz as Cassie Sullivan. In this movie, Earth is under attack by aliens also known as ‘The Others’ seeking to wipe out the population just like in Edge of Tomorrow. The attacks come in waves, the first wave is an electromagnetic pulse that disables all electrical power and communication lines. While the second attack targeted the planet’s geology and tectonic plates.

In the midst of all this, survivors try their best to stop these aliens before they complete the annihilation of Earth and its occupants, before what will inevitably be the 5th and final wave. The movie is a gripping sci-fi thriller that leaves you wondering what comes next. Check it out if you’re looking for movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

Also Read: Space Movies like Contact

7. Outside the Wire (2021)

Outside the Wire is a straight-to-Netflix sci-fi action movie directed by Mikael Hafstrom, and stars The Avengers’ Anthony Mackie and Snowfall’s Damson Idris. A modern war film just like Edge of Tomorrow, the plot centers on both actors, who play Leo, an android officer, and Harp, a drone pilot, who both have to work together to prevent a catastrophe of biblical scales.

They both have to prevent the codes of nuclear weapons capable of wiping out entire continents from getting into the wrong hands. However, a plot twist occurs out of nowhere which is certain to catch you off guard should you decide to give this one a watch. You should definitely watch Outside the Wire if you’re on the lookout for movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

8. Battle Los Angeles (2011)

Battle: LA is an American sci-fi action film, which follows Marine Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz, who similarly to the titular character of Edge of Tomorrow is tasked with leading a platoon of U.S Marines, and other stranded military personnel in fighting against a worldwide alien invasion.

The movie stars Aaron Eckhart as Michael, and surprisingly R&B singer Ne-Yo makes an appearance as Corporal Kevin J. Harris, one of the soldiers in Michael’s platoon. Director Jonathan Liebsmann tries wherever possible to utilize practical effects, a rarity for movies in the science fiction genre. This is a must-watch if you’re looking for movies like Edge of Tomorrow.

9. Battleship (2012)

Battleship is a movie based on the board game of the same name. Directed by Peter Berg, and written by the Hoeber brothers, the movie follows a small group of warships who while going about their normal patrol duties are encountered by an alien navy and forced to fight back to thwart their dastardly mission. It’s a great option if you’re looking for films like Edge of Tomorrow.

The movie features Taylor Kitsch who stars as Lieutenant Alex Hopper, a U.S Navy Weapons Officer with a disdain for authority, and True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgård, playing Commander Stone Hopper, Alex’s elder brother and Commander of the USS Sampson. It also has another celebrity appearance similar to the previous film on this list, in Rihanna, who plays Cora Raikes, an officer on the USS John Paul Jones. The movie is visually impressive, with massive setpieces, pitting wave after wave of alien attacks against the U.S. naval forces.

10. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

Transformers: The Last Knight is a science fiction action film, and just like a previous movie on this list Terminator Genisys, Transformers also has an ever-expanding franchise of which I could only choose one to recommend for you. You should definitely also check out other films in the Transformers franchise if you’re looking for films like Edge of Tomorrow.

The interesting thing that differentiates Transformers from a movie like Edge of Tomorrow, is the fact that some of the aliens actually decide to stand with Earth and fight against the evil invaders. Transformers: The Last Knight, directed by flashy blockbuster movie director Michael Bay, is the 5th instalment in the Transformers series. Mark Wahlberg rejoins the cast to reprise his role as Cade Yeager, an inventor who helped the Autobots fight against the Decepticons in Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few films like Edge of Tomorrow that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Pacific Rim
  2. World War Z
  3. The Old Guard
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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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