If you liked the quirky, nostalgic movie Super 8 by director J.J. Abrams then we think you should check out these 10 movies like Super 8. Super 8 is a film about a small town where a young group of teenagers with a passion for making films live. While filming a scene around railway tracks, a rather large crash happens. Unknown to them, a strange creature has gotten loose. The nature of the accident seems very unusual and the army arrives soon after. The army’s involvement deepens the mystery of the creature that escaped. From the very beginning, you can feel the tension in the film, like something sinister is in hiding, ready to pounce on our young protagonists. Many mysteries unfold over the course of the film with suspense building up every minute.
Masterfully directed by J.J. Abrams, the movie presents us with a good story, shown from the perspective of this group of interesting teenagers. The small-town vibe where everyone knows everyone, the relationship dynamics and how our group of protagonists navigate these relationships in the middle of a monstrous crisis are wonderful to watch. The film succeeds in creating tension and keeping us glued to our seats, wondering how the story will unfold. The visual effects are well done and the production quality is polished with a good soundtrack that immerses us in the adventures of these teenagers.
List Of Movies Like Super 8
1. E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. is one of the most well-known and beloved films of the ’80s. It’s so popular in fact, that it has inspired hundreds of films that came after. E.T. is a classic family film and has a truly wholesome and heartfelt portrayal of childhood. The film is about a young boy named Elliot who lives in California and by chance runs into an extra-terrestrial creature who is left behind on earth by his family/companions. What really makes E.T. a must-watch is the way it makes you want to be a kid again.
It’s often considered one of the best films made by Steven Spielberg. E.T. is driven by its intense emotional core. The relationship between Elliot and E.T. is wonderfully portrayed. It’s a film that works as an emotionally driven family film as well as a brilliant sci-fi film which is years ahead of its time. It’s an all-time classic that fans of movies like Super 8 should definitely watch.
2. The Goonies
Anyone who is a fan of the ’80s films will fondly remember the Goonies as one the best films of that era. The film has everything anyone could want – a lot of thrills, adventures, pirates and memorable villains. Steven Spielberg works his magic again in this film, as one of the writers and creates an instant cult classic. If you’re looking for more movies like Super 8, then The Goonies is a good fit.
The Goonies is a well-written, perfectly directed and brilliantly acted film, but more than anything, the film is crazy amounts of fun. The adventures the kids go on are fascinating to watch. Overall, the Goonies is less of a film and more of an awesome cinematic experience.There is a sense of wonder and inspiration in the film. The characters are very relatable and character development is perfect. The film makes you want to set off on your own little adventure with friends, without worry in the world. It’s a film that everyone will enjoy and is a perfect watch with family and friends.
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3. Chronicle
Chronicle is a ‘found footage’ type of film, very similar to ‘The Blair Witch Project’, and ‘Paranormal Activity’ style of filmmaking. usually found footage movies have a tendency to be mediocre and they age very poorly. The film, however, sets itself apart and is an original film that viewers can get engrossed in. For those looking for more films like Super 8, they should check out Chronicle.
The film is centred around Andrew, a high schooler who likes to make videos of his everyday life. He is shown to have an unfortunate life but through some weird circumstances, he and his friends develop some superpowers. The film is an honest exploration of how teenagers would behave if they got superpowers in real life – irresponsibly and destructively.
It’s a surprisingly well-written film and the characters and their motivations are completely believable. Their actions are relatable, so much so that if you were in their place, you would behave in the exact same way. Anyone who is a fan of superhero films and teenage films will love watching Chronicle.
4. IT – Part 1 and Part 2
IT is a great horror-drama film based on a Steven King novel of the same name and is considered to be one of his best literary adaptations to date. Both the IT movies are brilliantly filmed, with almost perfect cinematography It has great attention to detail with a very subtle comedic undertone to them.
IT is a pretty scary flick and the main antagonist, Pennywise the Dancing Clown(Played by Bill Skarsgård) will give you nightmares for days. The film loosely sticks to the source material, as the source material is very vast. However, it adapts the most important aspects of the story very effectively. IT has very few jump scares, but what makes the film really creepy is the dark atmosphere and the slick cinematography.
The acting by all the kids is great and they have very good chemistry. You really come to believe they are really good friends. If you like great horror films with believable characters and a terrifying villains, IT and IT part 2 should be on your watchlist.
5. Pet Sematary(2019)
Pet Semetary is a remake of the 1989 film based on the works of famous horror author Steven King. However, it very loosely follows the story of the original. As a standalone film, it works really well and the story is pretty decent. The characters in the film are a little underdeveloped, as often is the case in horror movies. The actors play their characters very well, and there are some genuinely scary moments in the film.
The film has a dark and tragic undertone from the very start and you know some horror is going to unfold. The atmosphere of the film is pretty grim. You get to witness some beautiful visuals set in dark forests during the nighttime. There is a big twist in the second half which if you’re paying attention, you’ll see it coming. It’s not an excellent film, but if you’re a fan of horror and the works of Steven King, you should check this movie out.
6. Signs
Signs is a Sci-Fi film like M. Night Shyamalan and perhaps the movie most similar to Super 8 in terms of plot. Mel Gibson stars as the protagonist and his family the main characters. The brilliant actor Joaquin Phoenix is also in the film playing the role of Mel Gibson’s younger brother. You are left with the creepy feeling that something sinister is coming. The film can be very scary and has a lot of suspenseful moments.
The film also dives deeper into philosophical questions like do we choose our own path in life or is it determined by fate. Shyamalan uses brilliant techniques while producing the film and the result is a technical marvel and scenes blend into each other effortlessly. From start to end you are swept up in the tightly written plot and the suspense keeps building up and up. If you like films that make you think deeply after they are over and you are a fan of suspense thrillers, then you should definitely check out Signs.
7. Midnight Special
Midnight Special is a contemporary Sci-Fi film with a very old-school feel. The director clearly took inspiration for this film from classic movies of the past like Close Encounters of the ‘Third Kind’ and ‘Starman’. The director used his relationship with his son as an inspiration for this film as well. Check out this film if you’re looking for more movies like Super 8.
The story is about Alton, an eight-year-old boy with some special powers. There is a religious cult who want to capture him for his powers His father Roy wants to protect him from people who want to take advantage of his son’s abilities, so they travel across the country to their destination where a mysterious event is set to occur. Midnight Special creates a great mystery around the boy’s powers.
The story is crafted beautifully and the relationship between the son-father is heartwarming. It adds multiple layers to what seems like a straightforward sci-fi film. The performances of the actors are very good. It’s a thought-provoking, sci-fi film with a great story to tell and you should check this out.
8. Stand by Me
Another great film based on the work of Steven King, ‘Stand by Me’ is one of the best coming-of-age stories of all time. The actors, especially River Phoenix do an amazing bringing their characters to life. The film is so universally loved because everyone can find something to relate to.
This film is not exactly a sci-fi offering but we’ve added it to the list because the characters are young teens dealing with their lives just like the movie Super 8 did. It’s the bond between the 4 main characters of the film that really gets you involved emotionally in the film. All the good things said about this film is not enough. You have to watch the film to really understand why it’s such a well-received film and similar to movies like Super 8.
9. Fright Night(1985)
Fright Night is a truly awesome vampire story by director Tom Holland which became an instant classic. It has all the mystery and horror you could ask for – with real monsters, vampires and werewolves. The make-up and special effects are well done and way ahead of its time.
It’s one of the most popular horror films of the ’80s and for a good reason – it’s just a really really good film. There is plenty of monster-on-monster action and fights to fulfil your craving for horror. We don’t have a lot more to say without spoiling this amazing film, just go and watch it if you still haven’t, as its one of the best movies like Super 8.
10. Gremlins
Gremlins is a film that seems like a darker version of E.T. because it kind of is – as Steven Spielberg was involved in the production. The film is about a young boy who receives a little pet creature called ‘Mogwai’, but appearances can be deceptive. As usual, things go wrong the little creature turns into scary monsters that wreak havoc.
The special effects in the film are awesome and the main highlight. The actors also play their roles brilliantly and the result is a thoroughly entertaining film. Gremlins became so popular that it inspired many films – like ‘Ghoulies’ and ‘Critters’ but they could never stand up to the brilliance of this movie. If you want to have a fun time with your family and you’re looking for movies like Super 8, this is the perfect film to watch.
