Do you enjoy dystopian movies like Divergent, set in a future world where society has adapted to a new normal? Divergent is a sci-fi film about a post-apocalyptic Chicago in which people are divided into factions, each with its prominent features.
Finding movies tailored to your needs and preferences might take time and effort. As a result, I performed the laborious job for you and prepared this list of Divergent-related movies.
Some are action movies, while others are dystopian dramas. But one thing is certain: you may choose any movie from the list, and I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.
As a result, feel free to view a movie you’ve never heard of before. There’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Here are the 30 finest movies like Divergent.
1. In Time (2011)
- Director: Andrew Niccol
- Star cast: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, Alex Pettyfer, Vincent Kartheiser
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
In Time is a 2169-set science fiction action film. The film investigates a novel subject and constructs an action scenario around it.
The narrative begins in a dystopian future in which everyone has been genetically altered to not age after 25.
Time is the accepted global currency, and everyone holds a one-year timepiece. Anyone who runs out of time dies.
Meanwhile, similar to our society, there are several economic classes. The affluent use the system to keep the poor under their control, making it difficult to earn time.
When a young guy consumed with a vengeance for his late mother attempts to bring everyone on the same schedule, the system collapses.
Unfortunately, despite its brilliant idea, the film failed to fare well at the box office and earned little critical acclaim.
Given the intricate subject with so much promise, the audience believed the tale should have been better. Still, the film holds the audience’s attention throughout the plot, and watching how things turn out is exciting.
In Time is the greatest film to see if you like movies like Divergent and want to see something similar. It takes a fresh approach to the dystopian future and individual vs. system themes.
2. The Giver (2014)
- Director: Phillip Noyce
- Star cast: Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites, Meryl Streep, Taylor Swift, Odeya Rush, Alexander Skarsgård
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
The Giver is a dystopian drama film based on the same-titled 1993 book. The movie is set on a dreary imaginary planet where society is being reconstructed following a disaster known as “The Ruin.” For better or worse, everyone gets injected with a drug that erases their feelings daily.
Similarly, genetic engineering is used to bring any infant into the world, and sexual desire is also suppressed.
Finally, to avert a revolution, society’s authorities keep the memory away from all individuals in the care of a single person known as the Receiver of Memory.
Only this individual and his pupil can see the world in color; everyone else lives in a dreary, black-and-white world. We follow Jonas (Thwaites), a young guy who will be the next Receiver of Memory.
As he discovers the truth, he embarks on a journey to guarantee that everyone has the freedom to make their own decisions.
Despite the popularity of the original material, the film did rather well. However, critics say the film lacks substance, whereas the text provides readers with thought-provoking topics.
The Giver presents us with a novel concept about our emotions and makes us wonder what it would be like to live without them. If you love movies like Divergent, check out this movie.
3. Maze Runner (2014)
- Director: Wes Ball
- Star cast: Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Ki Hong Lee
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
The Maze Runner is the first in a series of dystopian science fiction films. Audiences adore all three films, meaning that if the first film piques your interest, you should see the entire series. The film is based on James Dashner’s novel of the same name, published in 2009.
The story begins with a young child with no recollection of visiting an unfamiliar environment through an elevator. He notices other individuals his age there, and they explain their jobs and how things function.
As he discovers that the only way out is via a maze filled with dangerous creatures, he begins to have flashbacks about his past.
The Maze Runner is one of the finest movies like Divergent, with a similar concept, such as a dystopian world with a group of people controlling other people’s lives. Furthermore, you will like the sequels, which thrillingly continue the plot.
The film franchise, led by Dylan O’Brien, was a huge hit and included many other bright young actors who delivered outstanding performances. You will appreciate every episode in this futuristic saga, and the plot will keep your interest until the end.
4. The Hunger Games (2012)
- Director: Gary Ross
- Star cast: Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
The Hunger Games is a dystopian film based on Suzanne Collins’ 2008 novel of the same name. The film is set in Panem, a country split into 12 districts.
As a punishment for a previously failed insurrection, Capitol authorities select a girl and a boy between the ages of 12 and 18 from each of the 12 districts to compete in The Hunger Games each year. The event had 24 participants, and only one of them survived.
We follow Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers in place of her sister and becomes a game-changer in the Hunger Games. Because of the great adaptation of the original material, the film did extremely well on the big screen.
Its popularity prompted the production of two further sequels in the franchise based on the book series, and another film in the franchise is being created independently of any books.
The Hunger Games gives everything from a compelling storyline to mind-blowing action and emotional upheaval. So, if you want movies like Divergent, you should see The Hunger Games.
5. Dune (2021)
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Star cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Dune is an epic science fiction film based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name. The film is the first installment in a two-part adaptation of the novel’s first half. The film is set in a hypothetical universe where various houses rule over different planets.
The emperor orders the House Atreides to seize possession of the planet Arrakis. Spice is a chemical found in the sand of the desert planet that is required for faster-than-light intergalactic travel. However, because of the rising power of House Atreides, the Emperor has a backup plan.
Dune is a slow-burning film with a narrative that unfolds gradually. The action sequences are amazing, but most occurrences need to be answered, which can sometimes be annoying.
Nevertheless, the film is regarded as one of the finest to be released in 2021 and has received multiple Academy Award nominations.
The visual effects, cinematography, and background soundtrack are the most interesting aspects of Dune. You may find similar films on our list of movies, like Divergent.
6. The 5th Wave (2016)
- Director: J Blakeson
- Star cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Alex Roe, Nick Robinson, Maika Monroe, Zackary Arthur, Liev Schreiber
- IMDb rating: 5.2/10
The 5th Wave is a science fiction action film that takes a fresh look at the premise of an extraterrestrial invasion.
You may have seen similar survival movies like Divergent, making the narrative predictable. Still, it’s worth seeing the performances and activities in the picture.
The narrative opens with a spaceship hovering over the globe, followed by a series of attacks. The aliens plot and carry out their attacks in waves, generating a distinct occurrence each time.
The first wave causes all technological and electrical equipment to malfunction, forcing planes to crash mid-air; the second wave creates earthquakes and tsunamis, bringing widespread devastation.
The third Wave creates deadly sickness, while the fourth Wave possesses humanity and compels them to kill each other.
The film depicts individuals preparing for the fifth Wave, as the title indicates. Meanwhile, the film’s protagonist is attempting to save her brother.
The 5th Wave did well at the box office but earned mixed reviews from reviewers and audiences alike. The film is based on the same-titled novel, which contains two additional sections.
However, because of the film’s underappreciated performance, no sequels are now planned.
7. The Matrix (1999)
- Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Star cast: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, Gloria Foster, Marcus Chong
- IMDb rating: 8.7/10
The Matrix, one of our generation’s most beloved and acclaimed films, challenges you to rethink reality. This science-fiction cyberpunk action film is set in a bleak future in which humanity is confined to a virtual world.
Neo (Keanu Reeves), the film’s protagonist, knows something is wrong. As a result, when given a choice between knowing the truth and continuing to live a lie, he chooses the red pill, which returns him to the real world.
Then we learn that machines have taken over the world and are harvesting humans to generate electricity. Meanwhile, every human’s consciousness is represented in a computer program known as the Matrix, which seems real to everyone.
The Matrix was a huge hit when it was originally released, and it still seems new when you view it for the first time. Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss all found success with the film.
Furthermore, the monetary success allowed for two additional sequels (and, well, a resurrection) that needed to be received by the public.
Nevertheless, the Matrix trilogy is a groundbreaking film that has influenced cinematography and superhero films. I recommend seeing this film at least once in your life if you fancy movies like Divergent.
8. Ready Player One (2018)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Star cast: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Mark Rylance, Ben Mendelsohn, Win Morisaki, T.J. Miller
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Ready Player One is a dystopian science fiction film set in 2045. The film depicts people using the OASIS, a virtual reality entertainment environment, to escape the real world.
However, turmoil ensues when the company’s creator passes away and leaves a hint about a competition to gain control of the virtual reality world.
The victor would get complete control over OASIS, which piqued the interest of many parties, including the company’s present CEO, who wants it for himself.
The film examines some intriguing concepts about the future of virtual reality. Furthermore, the narrative is fascinating and keeps you glued to your seat.
Overall, Ready Player One is an entertaining film with a thought-provoking narrative. If you’re looking for movies like Divergent, this is a must-see.
9. The Host (2013)
- Director: Andrew Niccol
- Star cast: Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, Jake Abel, Diane Kruger, Rachel Roberts, Shyaam Karra, and Brent Wendell Williams
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10
The Host is a science fiction romance thriller based on Stephenie Meyer’s 2008 novel of the same name. She is the same author well-recognized for inventing the Twilight series.
The Host is about an extraterrestrial invasion in which “Souls” infect the planet’s dominant species (humans) and replace their consciousness.
When these aliens arrive on Earth, they determine that humans are unworthy of the planet and overrun the species. However, some people continue to battle for control.
We follow Melanie, a young girl, her boyfriend, and her brother as they search for her uncle. The aliens struggle to gain control of her consciousness, demonstrating her tremendous resolve to live.
Reviewers did not well receive the Host at its initial release. However, this film is a fantastic fit if you enjoy science fiction movies like Divergent.
10. Ender’s Game (2013)
- Director: Gavin Hood
- Star cast: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Gavin Hood, Ben Kingsley, Orson Scott Card, Hailee Steinfeld
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Ender’s Game is a military science fiction film like movies like Divergent, based on the 1985 novel by Orson Scott Card.
Like most movies like Divergent, the film is set in the future, where an alien civilization known as the Formics formerly assaulted Earth.
The last attempt was thwarted by a brave commander who finished the queenship while losing his life. Military commanders are now seeking a new commander who will bring the conflict to a close once and for all.
At this time, we meet Ender, a talented young lad with a strong aptitude and a distinct approach to problem-solving.
Then we follow him as he rises through the military ranks, while everyone believes he is the chosen one to end the fight.
Ender’s Game is a fun film with a great narrative and action moments. Ender’s character path is very nicely constructed, with maturity and turns.
Unfortunately, it was a large-budget film that underperformed on the big screen, earning less than projected returns.
In addition, those who read the text did not find the film thought-provoking. Apart from that, all other parts are perfectly chosen, and it’s a terrific movie if your only goal is enjoyment.
11. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
- Director: Robert Rodriguez
- Star cast: Rosa Salazar, Keean Johnson, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Skrein, Jackie Earle Haley
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Alita: Battle Angel is a cyberpunk science fiction film based on Yukito Kishiro’s Gunnm manga novels. Like some movies like Divergent, The film is set in the far future, following a devastating battle called “The Fall,” which decimated the Earth.
A scientist discovers an antique cyborg with a complete human brain. He brings the robot home, resurrects her, and renames her Alita after his late daughter. On the other hand, Alita has no memories and finds it difficult to cope.
She begins to make her way into the new world and forge her path with the assistance of a scientist named Ido.
Because of the original material, Alita: Battle Angel has a large fan base. In addition, it is regarded as one of the best-animated films based on manga comics and using current animation methods.
As a result, the film was a triumph at the box office and received excellent reviews from audiences and reviewers.
The film features some aesthetically beautiful sequences and visual effects, but the writing might have been stronger.
12. Chaos Walking (2021)
- Director: Doug Liman
- Star cast: Daisy Ridley, Tom Holland, Mads Mikkelsen, Nick Jonas, Cynthia Erivo, Demián Bichir, David Oyelowo
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
Chaos Walking is a dystopian science fiction film based on Patrick Ness’s novel The Knife of Never Letting Go.
Like most movies like Divergent, the movie is set in the far future when colonists on the planet New World have acquired a condition known as Nise, allowing people to hear each other’s thoughts.
Furthermore, the colonists were embroiled in a fight with the local humanoid species known as The Spackle, which destroyed the female population while only half of the men survived.
Todd, the protagonist, discovers a wrecked ship but fails in his attempt to keep the information to himself.
Finally, he meets a mysterious girl named Voila, the lone survivor, near the destroyed spacecraft. Todd had never seen a female before, and they quickly became friends. The remainder of the novel centers on both characters as they learn more about one another.
Chaos Walking underperformed at the box office despite an award-winning cast and an intriguing narrative.
The film flopped badly, earning only 30% of its budget, ruling out the chance of a sequel. Nonetheless, you should see this film if you want to explore novel concepts about a far-fetched dystopian future.
13. Mortal Engines (2018)
- Director: Christian Rivers
- Star cast: Robert Sheehan, Hera Hilmar, Hugo Weaving, Leila George, Stephen Lang, Jihae, Ronan Raftery
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10
The 2018 steampunk film Mortal Engines is based on Philip Reeve’s 2001 novel of the same name. The film is set on a post-apocalyptic planet a thousand years in the future.
The Earth is in critical condition, and the usual world order has been destroyed due to the Sixty Minute War.
The survivors now follow the idea of “Municipal Darwinism.” They have mobilized whole cities, and the larger predators on The Hunting Ground prowl for smaller cities and assimilate lesser towns.
The plot thickens as larger cities continue to take resources from smaller ones, causing friction among its residents.
Despite its big budget and beautiful aesthetics, the film was bombed at the box office, resulting in a significant loss for the studios.
On the other hand, those who have read the novels felt the film was masterfully accomplished, with a few things that differed from the original material.
In a conceptual sense, the film is comparable to movies like Divergent in that those with little authority want to topple those in control.
14. Jupiter Ascending (2015)
- Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Star cast: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, Sean Bean, Tuppence Middleton
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10
Despite its big budget and beautiful aesthetics similar to other movies like Divergent, the film was bombed at the box office, resulting in a significant loss for the studios.
On the other hand, those who have read the novels felt the film was masterfully accomplished, with a few things that differed from the original material.
In a conceptual sense, the film is comparable to Divergent in that those with little authority want to topple those in control.
When the matriarch of one of the most powerful alien clans dies, her offspring fight over the inheritance; meanwhile, we follow Jupiter on Earth, leading a simple existence and being assaulted for mysterious causes.
By the film’s end, we learn why the royal dynasties are behind Jupiter and what role she plays in the larger scheme. Jupiter Ascending is a big-budget production.
As a result, you may expect enticing visual effects and eye-catching sequences. However, the film received critical feedback for its lack of a gripping storyline.
15. V For Vendetta (2005)
- Director: James McTeigue
- Star cast: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Stephen Fry, John Hurt, Stephen Rea, Rupert Graves, Tim Pigott-Smith
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political film based on the DC Vertigo comic character of the same name.
Like in most movies like Divergent, The narrative is set in the future, where a fascist government dominates the country, and all opposition is silenced.
However, a freedom fighter known as V attempts to bring about a revolution by carrying out terrorist attacks against the government.
He wishes to liberate everyone from the oppressive government by sending the message that governments should fear people, not the other way around.
The film has memorable statements such as “Ideas are bulletproof,” making it a groundbreaking picture regarding political views.
V for Vendetta was a big hit and is still adored by audiences worldwide. The film conveys important themes about freedom and speaking up against tyranny.
But unfortunately, it has also had a cultural influence, with individuals protesting by wearing the Guy Fawkes mask.
16. Minority Report (2002)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Star cast: Samantha Morton, Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Kathryn Morris, Neal McDonough, Max von Sydow
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Minority Report is a science fiction action film largely based on the 1965 short story of the same name by Philip K. Dick. The film is set in 2054, and Precrime is a police agency specializing in arresting criminals via foresight.
The narrative revolves around the protagonist getting accused of a crime he is innocent of and becoming a fugitive.
Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg has released the film in a multifaceted murder mystery with rich character development.
It also addresses issues like free will and determinism. Furthermore, we find themes such as set fate, the government’s excessive control over the population, and the future role of media.
Minority Report was a major hit at the time of its debut, featuring groundbreaking visual and auditory effects.
The film garnered generally good reviews from both audiences and reviewers. Minority Report is comparable to movies like Divergent because it has an intense murder mystery woven throughout the plot.
17. Tomorrowland: A World Beyond (2015)
- Director: Brad Bird
- Star cast: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Raffey Cassidy, Hugh Laurie, Thomas Robinson, Michael Giacchino
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Tomorrowland, sometimes known as A World Beyond, is a science fiction film directed by Brad Bird, the brain behind The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Mission Impossible.
The story revolves around two main characters: a disillusioned genius inventor and a young science-loving girl.
We join them on their adventure to a mysterious futuristic realm named Tomorrowland, which is most likely in another dimension. It is accessible through a pin imprinted with the letter T.
We follow the protagonists as they expose us to the mysterious society and its workings while attempting to solve an issue that might have terrible consequences in the future.
Tomorrowland is one of the few live-action Disney films with a unique narrative. So, yes, it’s a Disney film. But it’s a big-budget movie with great visual effects and humor, everything you’d expect from a Disney production. If you enjoy this kind of film, check out our selection of the top list of movies like Divergent.
18. City of Ember (2008)
- Director: Gil Kenan
- Star cast: Saoirse Ronan, Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Harry Treadaway, Toby Jones, Martin Landau
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
The city of Ember is a science fiction adventure film based on Jeanne DuPrau’s novel of the same name. Following a worldwide disaster, the narrative begins with the construction of an underground metropolis named Ember.
The city’s next generation is meant to return to the surface after 200 years, and the means for doing so is kept in a box with a 200-year timer.
The survivors have faith that the city mayor will keep the box secure and pass it on to future mayors. However, after the 7th mayor’s death, the box was forgotten and opened 200 years later undetected.
Several decades later, inhabitants begin to worry as generators fail with no way to fix them and food and medication are in short supply. To save the human race, the youthful generation must now find a route out of the metropolis.
The cast of City of Ember includes award-winning performers. However, the action and adventure might have been better.
Typical of movies like Divergent, This movie also has magnificent visual and acoustic effects and exciting chase moments that will keep you glued to your seat.
19. Battle Royale (2000)
- Director: Kinji Fukasaku
- Star cast: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Chiaki Kuriyama, Kō Shibasaki, Masanobu Ando, Taro Yamamoto
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
Battle Royale is a Japanese action-thriller film based on Koushun Takami’s 1999 novel of the same name. A controlling government forces a group of young Japanese high-school students to battle each other in the film.
In light of the current recession, the government selects students and asks them to compete in the yearly Battle Royale event.
Only one student will survive out of the entire class. If they disobey, the authorities place an explosive collar around their necks.
The kids are forced to participate in the battle, which results in complete mayhem. One of the most well-known Japanese films of all Time is Battle Royale.
It altered the way people watched movies. However, with intense gore and a frightening premise, this film received an R15+ rating, which is seldom used in Japan.
Furthermore, the film was prohibited in some countries owing to its grim plot, which left a lasting impression on people’s minds.
So, if you want to see a futuristic film with a nasty premise similar to movies like Divergent, try Battle Royale.
20. Never Let Me Go (2010)
- Director: Mark Romanek
- Star cast: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley, Izzy Meikle-Small, Ella Purnell, Sally Hawkins
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Never Let Me Go is a British dystopian romance film based on the novel of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro. The film is set in an alternate timeline in which a medical discovery permits humans to live for more than 100 years.
We follow a young girl called Kathy as she recounts her time at Hailsham’s boarding school and her subsequent life. Some shocking truths alter the course of these children’s lives.
Furthermore, the young lady falls in love with another male already in a relationship, resulting in a love triangle.
The film examines the love and suffering in these people’s lives as they progress toward their destinies. Never Let Me Go has an award-winning ensemble cast and incredible performances.
The film garnered favorable reviews, and spectators could identify the vital message in the film. Similar to other movies like Divergent, this movie will motivate you like nothing other if you want to explore the potential of love in a dismal future.
21. Oblivion (2013)
- Director: Joseph Kosinski
- Star cast: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Oblivion is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure film based on filmmaker Gore Verbinski’s previously unreleased graphic novel of the same name.
The film pays tribute to the 1970s science fiction era. The film is set in 2077 after an extraterrestrial invasion has wiped off the world.
Humans are compelled to migrate to Titan to survive. We follow Jack Harper (Cruise), a technician sent back to Earth to fix a drone used in the struggle against the last aliens. However, when Jack discovers a spaceship and saves a survivor, things go sideways.
Soon later, he is caught by the alien beings, who are revealed to be humans, and they must work together to combat another emerging menace.
The film received mixed reviews and did relatively well at the box office. It depicts the possibility of an extraterrestrial invasion from an unusual angle.
So, if you enjoy action-packed sci-fi movies like Divergent, Oblivion is a good choice. Furthermore, seeing Tom Cruise deliver one of his finest performances is a sight.
22. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
- Director: Doug Liman
- Star cast: Emily Blunt, Tom Cruise, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Charlotte Riley, Tony Way
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
The film Edge of Tomorrow is a science fiction action-adventure. It is based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s Japanese novel, All You Need Is Kill. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic Europe where an extraterrestrial species has taken over most of the planet.
Tom Cruise, cast as Major William Cage in this movie, is a public relations officer who is obliged to participate in the war despite his lack of on-the-ground experience. However, he becomes trapped in a time loop, doing the same day eternally.
He must now discover a means to defeat his enemies to be free. The film has award-winning performers in the major roles, making it well worth your time.
Common with movies like Divergent, You’ll also get to see eye-catching visual effects and action-packed alien conflicts. The film became famous due to its intriguing plot and outstanding performances.
23. Snowpiercer (2013)
- Director: Bong Joon-ho
- Star cast: Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Song Kang-Ho, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, John Hurt
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
You may have watched a movie where the whole plot takes place aboard a ship, train, bus, or plane. But can you imagine spending your entire life on a moving train? Snowpiercer answers this question by taking a fresh look at the post-apocalyptic genre.
The film is based on Jacques Lob’s French graphic novel, Le Transperceneige. The film is set aboard a trained housing the last survivors of humankind, after a botched attempt to control the climate caused Earth to snowball.
We follow Curtis Everett (Evans), the head of the train’s tail end, representing our society’s lower economic class.
He organizes a revolution to take control of the train and improve their lives. Snowpiercer is a captivating narrative with a novel concept.
The use of railway cabins to shoot the whole film gives you the impression that you are a part of the journey for the duration of the film.
Critics praised the film for bringing us a different perspective on an artificial catastrophe. Furthermore, similar to previous movies like Divergent, the symbolism depicting society’s higher and lower classes is difficult to overlook.
24. Passengers (2016)
- Director: Morten Tyldum
- Star cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Spaihts, Andy Garcia
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
The film stars Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. Passengers is a science fiction romance film inspired partly by the EC Comics tale “50 Girls 50.” The plot centers on these two main characters as they go to a faraway galaxy.
Thousands of individuals are transported by interstellar travel to a new colony 60 light-years away. All of the passengers are subjected to a 120-year hibernation slumber. However, Jim (Pratt) is roused from his slumber owing to a mechanical malfunction.
When he realizes his mistake, he wakes up another girl (Lawrence) to keep her company on the ride, but he does not tell her the truth.
Both must now reside on the ship and look after it for the other passengers’ safety. If you love movies like Divergent, try this movie out.
The film was praised for its visual and acoustic effects and outstanding performances by both major actors. In addition, given the intergalactic travel concept, fans saw the potential for a richer tale and character progression.
25. Chronicle (2012)
- Director: Josh Trank
- Star cast: Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan, Alex Russell, Anna Wood, Ashley Hinshaw, Michael Kelly
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
Unlike other SciFi movies similar to movies like Divergent, Chronicle is one of the most underappreciated science fiction films available. The film is shot in the found-footage format, which adds a raw edge to the plot.
The narrative centers around three Seattle high school seniors who receive telekinetic abilities from an unknown substance.
The three begin by using their abilities to have fun and mess with people. However, Andrew, frequently ridiculed at school, becomes carried away and begins utilizing his gift for sinister intentions.
The film poses an important question about human behavior: “What are you capable of?” Chronicle is well-liked by both fans and reviewers for its ease of narrative and ability to make the tale accessible. A $12 million budget turned into a $126 million box office hit for the movie.
It also won various awards in the best science fiction film category. A female-led sequel is currently under production, with a release date set for next year.
26. Nerve (2016)
- Directors: Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost
- Star cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Willow Shields, and Elizabeth Banks
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Nerve is a science fiction adventure movie based on Jeanne Ryan’s novel Nerve. The film is inspired by the famed Blue Whale challenge, in which participants were required to execute several activities.
Similarly, the film is about a truth or dare game in which players must complete duties in return for money.
Participants can choose to be either a player or a spectator. However, you can’t back out once you’ve decided to play. As the game proceeds, we observe that players are required to do increasingly risky and life-threatening activities.
Nerve was praised for its original narrative and the connection between its principal performers. In addition, the fast-paced premise easily compensates for the film’s minor flaws.
So, if you appreciate movies that make people act forcibly, and futuristic movies like Divergent, Nerve takes it to the next level.
27. Code 8 (2019)
- Director: Jeff Chan
- Star cast: Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Sung Kang, Laysla De Oliveira, Shaun Benson, Greg Bryk
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10
I hope you enjoy superhero films from the DC and Marvel Cinematic Universes. These abilities inspire me and give us hope that wonderful things will happen to good people.
What if people with superpowers are treated like criminals? (read Sokovia accords) is the tale told in Code 8? It’s a science fiction film about a man with abilities who collaborates with criminals to help cure his ailing mother. This film is a feature-length adaptation of the same-titled Canadian short film.
Because it was a polished jewel on a small budget, Code 8 garnered commercial and critical success among users. Many moviegoers praised the initiative to create a new genre in the film business.
Unfortunately, Code 8 had little money and relied primarily on fundraising to finish the filming. As a result, the names of nearly 30,000 contributors may be seen in the end credits. If you are a fan of SciFi movies like Divergent, you should see this movie.
28. The Platform (2019)
- Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
- Star cast: Alexandra Masangkay, Iván Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan, Emilio Buale
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
The Platform is a Spanish-language social science fiction film. The site centers on a big vertical self-management center with occupants on each floor. Every 30 days, the occupants are rotated between floors.
Now comes the exciting part: everyone in the building can eat from a platform that runs from the top level to each story and pauses for a set period. So people at the top get to eat to their hearts’ content.
On the other hand, those at the bottom only receive leftovers from the floor above them. Survival is a fight, and it brings out the worst in people. This movie is one of the best movies like Divergent.
The film had its world debut at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. In 2020, Netflix acquired the film’s streaming rights. You may uncover more such treasures by reading our dedicated post on the finest movies on Netflix.
29. What Happened To Monday (2017)
- Director: Tommy Wirkola
- Star cast: Noomi Rapace, Willem Dafoe, Glenn Close, Marwan Kenzari, Cassie Clare, Clara Read, Robert Wagner
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
The film What Happened to Monday is a dystopian action thriller. Due to overpopulation, the narrative takes place in a world where each family is only permitted to have one kid.
The family we follow consists of seven identical sisters (named Monday through Sunday) who, in the outside world, adopt a single identity and can only go out on the same day of the week as their name. When one of the seven sisters goes missing, the other six begin searching for her.
However, they must do so without anybody knowing, or their lives would be jeopardized. The film features a twisted plot and one of the most creative ideas ever. The sci-fi aspect of the film is unappealing, but the action and narrative are ridiculous and brutal.
The film is not well received by reviewers, yet it has the potential to become a cult classic. If you love dystopian movies like Divergent, What happened to Monday will interest you.
30. Upgrade (2018)
- Director: Leigh Whannell
- Star cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson, Melanie Vallejo, Benedict Hardie
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
The upgrade is a cyberpunk action film from Australia about a man who fears technology. The narrative centers around Grey, a technophobe who receives a chip implant after being crippled in an attack. The STEM chip assists him in regaining control of his motor skills.
However, the chip has intelligence and communicates with Grey, assisting him in exacting revenge on the assailants who murdered his wife and disabled him. The rest of the film depicts Grey’s struggles to do the right thing as the chip desires something more.
Upgrade received a lot of praise for its action sequences and dark comedy. If you enjoy movies like Divergent, Upgrade is sure to catch your fancy.
Conclusion
Divergent is a movie about a dystopian future in which a central authority governs other people. The majority of films with similar stories depict a revolution to topple power.
A few films with a similar subject are The Hunger Games, The Giver, and Snowpiercer. We also explored films with slightly diverse themes, such as action films with an alien invasion, sci-fi films with a dystopian bent, and others.
I hope you identified the finest dystopian movies worth watching in this essay. If you think a movie we missed should be on this list, please leave a comment below.
