15 Best Movies like Annihilation | Similar-List

Annihilation (2018) captivated audiences with its mesmerizing fusion of psychological horror and science fiction. Directed by Alex Garland, the film explores the enigmatic "Shimmer," a zone where reality warps and nature evolves in unpredictable ways. Its compelling themes, eerie atmosphere, and visual innovation elevate it as a standout in the sci-fi genre. If Annihilation left you craving more films that blend unsettling psychological elements with thought-provoking sci-fi concepts, consider exploring these recommendations. Each film echoes the haunting and enigmatic qualities that define Annihilation, offering its unique twists on similar themes.

15 Best Movies like Annihilation

Ad Astra (2019)

Ad Astra stars Brad Pitt as Roy McBride, an astronaut on a mission to uncover the truth behind his father's mysterious disappearance in deep space. The film follows Roy as he travels to the solar system's outer reaches, encountering a series of profound and perilous challenges. His journey involves physical dangers and forces him to confront deeply personal and existential questions. The film’s visual grandeur complements its introspective narrative, featuring stunning depictions of space travel and planetary landscapes.

Ad Astra shares thematic elements with Annihilation by exploring existential dread and the human psyche. Much like Annihilation, which delves into the unknown and the transformation of reality within "The Shimmer," Ad Astra tackles the profound isolation and psychological impact of venturing into the cosmos. Both films present characters with internal and external challenges that force them to grapple with their sense of self and purpose. The isolated, almost alien space environment in Ad Astra mirrors Annihilation's otherworldly and enigmatic setting. Additionally, the film's focus on personal revelation and the impact of extreme circumstances on mental stability aligns with Annihilation's reflective and unsettling qualities. The use of space as a backdrop for Roy’s journey emphasizes the vastness of the universe. It amplifies his internal struggle, akin to how Annihilation uses its mysterious zone to reflect the characters' psychological turmoil.

I Am Mother (2019)

I Am Mother features Clara Rugaard as Daughter, a young woman raised in a high-tech bunker by a robot named Mother (voiced by Hilary Swank). The film begins with Daughter's life being sheltered from a post-apocalyptic world, where Mother’s mission is to repopulate humanity. As Daughter grows older, she starts to question her existence and the true intentions of her robotic guardian, especially when an outsider's arrival introduces new information that challenges everything she has been taught.

I Am Mother shares thematic similarities with Annihilation through its exploration of artificial intelligence and the concept of a controlled environment. Both films focus on characters' psychological and existential dilemmas in highly controlled, isolating settings. In Annihilation, the Shimmer represents a mysterious force that distorts reality and challenges the characters’ perceptions. In I Am Mother, the bunker and the robot Mother represent a controlled and artificial world that raises questions about autonomy, trust, and the nature of reality. Both films create a sense of unease and suspense as characters grapple with understanding their environment and place within it.

Starfish (2018)

Starfish follows Virginia Gardner as Aubrey, a young woman grieving the loss of her best friend, Grace, who recently died. The film begins with Aubrey discovering Grace’s apartment, where she finds a mixtape titled "This Mixtape Will Save The World." As Aubrey listens to the mixtape, she experiences a series of apocalyptic and surreal events connected to the music. The narrative weaves between personal loss and cosmic horror, creating a unique emotional and existential exploration blend.

Starfish aligns with Annihilation through its cerebral and unsettling narrative style. Both films blend psychological and supernatural elements to create an atmosphere of disorientation and dread. In Annihilation, the Shimmer’s reality-bending properties challenge the characters' understanding of the world. Similarly, Starfish uses the mixtape and the apocalyptic scenarios to evoke a sense of cosmic unease and existential threat. Both films immerse viewers in worlds where reality is distorted, leading to profound psychological and emotional experiences.

Paradise Hills (2019)

Paradise Hills is a visually stunning film set in a surreal, dystopian world where young women are sent to a seemingly idyllic boarding school designed to "correct" their behavior. The story follows Uma (Emma Roberts), who arrives at Paradise Hills to undergo reformation after her rebellious behavior. As she unravels the dark secrets behind the institution, she realizes that the paradise she thought was a haven is a nightmarish trap.

Paradise Hills shares thematic elements with Annihilation, such as the exploration of oppressive environments and the confrontation with hidden horrors. Both films use their settings as metaphors for deeper psychological and existential conflicts. In Annihilation, the Shimmer represents an unknown and transformative force, while in Paradise Hills, the boarding school symbolizes societal pressures and the often hidden, darker aspects of conformity and control. Both films challenge their protagonists to face and overcome these distortions of reality.

Freaks (2018)

Freaks follows the story of a young girl named Chloe (Lexy Kolker), who has been hidden by her father (Emile Hirsch) in their secluded home. As Chloe begins questioning her confined existence and learns about her father's dark past, she discovers that their world is far more dangerous and extraordinary than she ever imagined. The film blends science fiction, thriller, and family drama elements, culminating in a revelation about Chloe’s unique abilities and the true nature of the outside world.

Freaks shares thematic similarities with Annihilation, particularly in exploring isolation and discovering hidden truths. Like Annihilation, Freaks uses a mysterious and controlled environment to build tension and intrigue. The film’s focus on a confined, seemingly safe space that conceals extraordinary and dangerous realities parallels how Annihilation uses the Shimmer as a transformative and unsettling force. Both films create an atmosphere of suspense and wonder, gradually revealing deeper and more disturbing truths about their characters and worlds.

Dredd (2012)

Dredd is a gritty, action-packed film set in a dystopian future where the city is dominated by crime and lawlessness. The story follows Judge Dredd (Karl Urban), a law enforcement officer with the authority to judge, jury, and executioner. When he is assigned to investigate a high-rise apartment building controlled by a ruthless drug lord, Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), Dredd and his rookie partner, Judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), find themselves trapped in a brutal fight for survival against the building’s residents.

Dredd shares thematic elements with Annihilation, particularly in its portrayal of a dystopian world and confrontation with an unsettling and hostile environment. Both films feature protagonists navigating hostile environments controlled by powerful forces. In Dredd, the high-rise building is a microcosm of lawlessness and danger, much like the Shimmer in Annihilation. The film’s intense atmosphere and the gradual unraveling of the threats within the building parallel the way Annihilation reveals the complexities and dangers of the Shimmer.

Melancholia (2011)

Melancholia, directed by Lars von Trier, is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film that explores the psychological and existential effects of a looming planetary collision. The film is divided into two parts, focusing on two sisters, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), and their reactions to the impending impact of a rogue planet named Melancholia on Earth. As the collision becomes imminent, the film delves deeply into themes of depression, anxiety, and the human condition.

Melancholia shares thematic resonance with Annihilation in exploring existential dread and the impact of a catastrophic event on human psychology. Both films use an impending sense of doom to probe the characters’ inner turmoil and confront profound questions about existence and reality. The film’s focus on the psychological collapse in the face of an apocalyptic event parallels the mental and emotional unraveling experienced by the characters in Annihilation as they confront the mysterious and transformative Shimmer.

Coherence (2013)

Coherence is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller directed by James Ward Byrkit. The film follows a group of friends who gather for a dinner party during the passing of a comet. As the comet passes, strange and increasingly unsettling events unfold, revealing that reality itself may be fracturing. The film explores themes of parallel universes, personal identity, and the nature of reality.

Coherence offers a compelling exploration of alternate realities and existential anxiety, mirroring some of the core themes found in Annihilation. Like Annihilation, it employs a confined setting to intensify the psychological and existential elements of the narrative. The film’s innovative use of a low-budget, high-concept approach to alternate dimensions and the consequences of cosmic events resonates with Annihilation's eerie and enigmatic qualities. Both films challenge viewers to question the nature of reality and human perception.

Inception (2010)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Inception is a groundbreaking sci-fi film that explores the concept of dream manipulation. The story follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled thief who enters the dreams of others to extract secrets. Cobb is given a chance to redeem himself if he can accomplish the impossible: planting an idea in someone’s mind, a process known as "inception." The film’s narrative intricacies and visual effects push the boundaries of what can be portrayed on screen.

Inception shares thematic and stylistic similarities with Annihilation, particularly in exploring complex, layered realities. Both films challenge viewers to navigate intricate, often confusing narratives that blur the lines between reality and illusion. Inception’s focus on the nature of dreams and perception complements Annihilation’s themes of distorted reality and psychological exploration.

Sunshine (2007)

Directed by Danny Boyle, Sunshine is a visually stunning sci-fi thriller that follows a team of astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying sun with a massive nuclear bomb. As they approach the sun, they encounter psychological and physical challenges that test their resolve and sanity. The film blends space exploration, psychological drama, and existential horror elements.

Sunshine shares Annihilation’s themes of psychological strain and existential dread in the face of cosmic phenomena. Both films use their high-stakes scenarios to explore the effects of extreme conditions on human behavior and perception. The sense of isolation and the looming threat of destruction in Sunshine parallels the existential and psychological tension experienced by the characters in Annihilation.

Under the Skin (2013)

Directed by Jonathan Glazer, Under the Skin stars Scarlett Johansson as an alien entity disguised as a woman who preys on men in Scotland. As she carries out her mission, she begins to develop an awareness of her humanity and identity, leading to a profound internal conflict. The film is known for its haunting visuals and minimalist dialogue.

Under the Skin shares Annihilation’s focus on existential themes and exploring otherworldly experiences. Both films use their unique premises to examine the nature of identity and the impact of encountering the unfamiliar. The eerie and unsettling atmosphere in Under the Skin is reminiscent of Annihilation's psychological and surreal elements.

Arrival (2016)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival stars Amy Adams as linguist Louise Banks recruited to communicate with extraterrestrial beings that have landed on Earth. As she deciphers the aliens' complex language, she unravels the broader implications of their visit, exploring themes of communication, time, and human connection. The film is renowned for its intellectual depth and emotional resonance.

Arrival aligns with Annihilation's exploration of profound, otherworldly encounters and their impact on human understanding. Both films delve into the theme of communication with entities beyond human comprehension. Still, while Annihilation focuses on the psychological and existential consequences of encountering the unknown, Arrival emphasizes the intricacies of language and time to bridge the gap between humanity and extraterrestrial beings.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a landmark in sci-fi cinema known for its ambitious narrative and groundbreaking visual effects. The film follows humanity’s journey from the dawn of civilization to the exploration of space, culminating in an enigmatic encounter with a mysterious monolith and the evolution of human consciousness.

2001: A Space Odyssey and Annihilation both explore themes of human evolution and the impact of cosmic phenomena on human perception. Kubrick’s film, like Garland’s, uses its narrative and visual style to delve into existential questions and the nature of human evolution. Both films challenge viewers to contemplate the broader implications of their respective high-concept scenarios.

Stalker (1979)

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, Stalker follows a guide known as the Stalker as he leads two clients through a mysterious and restricted area known as "The Zone," where a room is said to grant the deepest desires of those who enter. The film delves into themes of faith, human desires, and the nature of reality.

Stalker shares a thematic resonance with Annihilation in portraying a mysterious zone that challenges the characters' understanding of reality. Both films use their enigmatic settings to explore deep philosophical and existential questions, creating an atmosphere of psychological and metaphysical exploration.

Ex Machina (2014)

Alex Garland directed Ex Machina, a cerebral sci-fi thriller exploring artificial intelligence and human consciousness. The film follows Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer selected to participate in a groundbreaking experiment involving Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced AI with a human-like appearance. The film examines consciousness, manipulation, and ethical boundaries in AI development.

Ex Machina and Annihilation delve into existential questions and the impact of encountering entities that challenge human understanding. While Annihilation focuses on the transformation and psychological impact of the Shimmer, Ex Machina explores the boundaries of consciousness and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.