If you enjoyed the dystopian sci-fi thriller 'Blame!' (2018) and are craving more dark, futuristic worlds with intense action and deep lore, this list is for you. We've curated 10 movies and shows that share similar themes of survival, cyberpunk aesthetics, and high-stakes conflicts in bleak futures. Whether you loved the animation style, the relentless tension, or the philosophical undertones, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Battle Royale (2000)
Description: A violent, high-concept thriller where students are forced to fight to the death on a remote island. The ruthless competition and moral ambiguity make it a gripping watch.
Fact: The film was controversial in Japan and initially faced calls for a ban. It was based on a novel by Koushun Takami, who drew inspiration from his own experiences with bullying.


The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)
Description: A psychological drama based on a real-life study where participants adopt brutal roles in a simulated prison. The exploration of power dynamics and human behavior under pressure is gripping and unsettling.
Fact: The real Stanford Prison Experiment was originally planned to last two weeks but was shut down after just six days due to ethical concerns.


The Belko Experiment (2016)
Description: A brutal social experiment where ordinary people are forced into a deadly game of survival within an isolated corporate setting. The high-stakes tension and moral dilemmas mirror the intensity of confined, life-or-death scenarios.
Fact: The film was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, to take advantage of tax incentives. The script was originally written in 2012 but took years to get funding.


Exam (2009)
Description: A psychological thriller set in a single room, where candidates for a high-stakes job are subjected to a mysterious and increasingly sinister test. The claustrophobic setting and mind games create a tense, cerebral atmosphere.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just 12 days. The script was inspired by the writer's own experiences with job interviews.


The Hunger Games (2012)
Description: A dystopian action film where teenagers are selected to fight in a televised death match. The themes of oppression, survival, and rebellion are central to the story.
Fact: The arrow used by Katniss in the film was a real carbon arrow, not CGI. Jennifer Lawrence learned archery for the role and performed most of her own stunts.


The Human Race (2013)
Description: A sci-fi horror where strangers are forced to participate in a deadly race with unknown rules. The relentless pacing and existential dread align with themes of survival under extreme conditions.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of just $10,


Snowpiercer (2013)
Description: A dystopian sci-fi thriller set in a confined, hierarchical environment where societal tensions escalate into violent conflict. The stark visual style and themes of survival and rebellion resonate strongly.
Fact: The film is based on a French graphic novel called 'Le Transperceneige.' The entire movie was shot on a single, elaborately designed train set.


The Maze Runner (2014)
Description: A young adult dystopian thriller where a group of teens must navigate a deadly maze with no memory of their past. The mystery and survival elements create a tense, high-stakes narrative.
Fact: The maze in the film was a practical set built in Louisiana, spanning over 40,000 square feet. The actors were not allowed to see the full maze until filming began.


The Purge (2013)
Description: A horror-thriller set in a near-future America where all crime is legal for one night. The film explores societal breakdown and the dark side of human nature under extreme conditions.
Fact: The entire film was shot in just 20 days. The concept was inspired by the writer's frustration with economic inequality and political division.


The Signal (2014)
Description: A sci-fi mystery where a group of friends is lured into a remote area and subjected to bizarre experiments. The eerie atmosphere and psychological tension create a sense of paranoia and uncertainty.
Fact: The film was shot in two distinct visual styles: one for the first half (naturalistic) and another for the second half (sterile and clinical). The desert scenes were filmed in New Mexico.
