If you loved 'Future Shock! The Story of 2000AD' (2014), a gripping documentary about the legendary British comic, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that dive into the worlds of comics, sci-fi, and counterculture. Whether you're a fan of 2000AD's rebellious spirit or just crave more behind-the-scenes storytelling, these picks will satisfy your curiosity.

Heavy Metal (1981)
Description: An anthology of animated sci-fi and fantasy stories that explore dystopian futures, cyberpunk themes, and adult-oriented storytelling, much like the reference title.
Fact: The film was based on the French magazine 'Métal Hurlant' and inspired many future animators and filmmakers. It features a soundtrack with contributions from Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, and others.


Blade Runner (1982)
Description: A seminal cyberpunk film exploring themes of artificial humanity, corporate dominance, and existential questions in a rain-soaked dystopian Los Angeles.
Fact: The film initially underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic. There are seven different versions of the film, with the 'Final Cut' being director Ridley Scott's definitive version.


RoboCop (1987)
Description: A satirical take on corporate control, urban decay, and the mechanization of humanity in a near-future dystopia.
Fact: The film's infamous toxic waste scene was so graphic that test audiences reportedly fainted. It was originally rated X before edits were made to secure an R rating.


Akira (1988)
Description: A groundbreaking anime that delves into cyberpunk aesthetics, societal collapse, and the consequences of unchecked technological and psychic power.
Fact: The film's production budget was approximately $10 million, making it one of the most expensive anime films of its time. It was a major influence on Western sci-fi and cyberpunk media.


Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Description: A cyberpunk masterpiece exploring themes of artificial intelligence, human identity, and the merging of man and machine in a high-tech dystopia.
Fact: The film's iconic opening sequence was created using a combination of traditional animation and early CGI techniques. It was one of the first anime films to gain widespread recognition in the West.


The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: A visually stunning sci-fi adventure that combines dystopian elements with a colorful, over-the-top vision of the future and corporate control of society.
Fact: The film's iconic 'Diva Dance' sequence was performed by Albanian opera singer Inva Mula, with the impossible high notes created through digital manipulation. The movie's production design was heavily influenced by French comic books.


Watchmen (2009)
Description: A deconstruction of superhero mythology set in an alternate history where costumed vigilantes exist in a world teetering on the brink of nuclear war.
Fact: The film's opening credits sequence, set to Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are a-Changin',' is considered one of the most inventive in comic book movie history. The graphic novel was once considered 'unfilmable.'


Dredd (2012)
Description: A gritty, violent depiction of a dystopian future where justice is brutal and society has collapsed into urban chaos, mirroring the tone of the reference material.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D but didn't rely on post-conversion, using practical effects and real stunts. Despite poor box office performance, it gained a strong cult following.


Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Description: A high-octane post-apocalyptic thriller featuring societal collapse, vehicular warfare, and a stark vision of humanity's future without resources or order.
Fact: Over 80% of the film's effects were practical, with minimal CGI. The production built over 150 custom vehicles, many of which were destroyed during filming. It won six Academy Awards, mostly in technical categories.


The Animatrix (2003)
Description: A collection of animated short films set in a dystopian future, blending cyberpunk themes with philosophical questions about reality and human existence.
Fact: The project was conceived as a way to expand the 'Matrix' universe while giving various anime directors creative freedom. One segment was directed by the creator of 'Cowboy Bebop'.
