10 Movies and Shows Similar to Oblivion (2013)

Description: 'Total Recall' shares with 'Oblivion' a protagonist who questions the reality of his memories and identity. Both films are set in futures where corporations wield immense power, and both feature action-packed sequences as the hero fights to uncover the truth. The themes of manipulation and the search for self are central to both narratives.

Fact: The film was originally offered to David Cronenberg, who wanted to make a more psychological version. The famous three-breasted woman was played by a bodybuilder named Lycia Naff. The Mars scenes were shot in Mexico, where the crew had to deal with extreme heat and altitude.

Description: 'The Fifth Element' and 'Oblivion' both feature a dystopian future Earth where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Both films blend action, adventure, and a touch of romance, with visually rich worlds that are both familiar and alien. The protagonists in both are tasked with saving the world, often against overwhelming odds.

Fact: The film's unique visual style was heavily influenced by French comic books. Milla Jovovich had to learn an entirely fictional language for her role. The opera singer Diva Plavalaguna was performed by Albanian soprano Inva Mula, with the body acted by Maïwenn.

Description: 'The Matrix' shares with 'Oblivion' a dystopian future where humanity is deceived about the true nature of reality. Both films feature protagonists who awaken to the harsh truths of their worlds and must fight against oppressive forces. The themes of identity, control, and rebellion are central to both stories, and both employ stunning visual effects to create immersive sci-fi worlds.

Fact: The iconic 'bullet time' effect was achieved using a rig of 120 still cameras. Keanu Reeves trained for four months in martial arts for his role as Neo. The film's premise was inspired by Jean Baudrillard's book 'Simulacra and Simulation,' which appears briefly in the movie.

Description: Like 'Oblivion,' 'Minority Report' is a sci-fi thriller that combines action with philosophical questions about free will and predestination. Both films feature protagonists who are part of a system they come to question, leading them on a run from authorities. The sleek, futuristic design and high-tech gadgetry are prominent in both.

Fact: Steven Spielberg consulted with futurists to create a believable 205Tom Cruise did many of his own stunts, including the famous car factory scene. The 'precrime' technology was inspired by actual research into predictive policing.

Description: 'Interstellar' and 'Oblivion' both explore humanity's struggle for survival in a dying world, with a strong emotional core about love and connection. Both films feature breathtaking visuals of space and futuristic technology, and they grapple with themes of sacrifice and the greater good. The sense of isolation and the vastness of space are palpable in both.

Fact: The black hole, Gargantua, was rendered with unprecedented accuracy based on equations from physicist Kip Thorne. Matthew McConaughey's emotional reaction to watching his children's messages was unscripted. The cornfield scenes were shot in a real cornfield planted for the film.

Description: 'Looper' shares with 'Oblivion' a futuristic setting where the protagonist's understanding of his role in the world is turned upside down. Both films deal with themes of time, destiny, and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative in both is tight and thought-provoking, with a mix of action and deeper philosophical questions.

Fact: Joseph Gordon-Levitt wore prosthetics to more closely resemble a young Bruce Willis. The film's time travel rules were deliberately kept vague to avoid paradoxes. The diner scene where Joe meets his older self was shot in one continuous take.

Description: Like 'Oblivion,' 'Inception' delves into the nature of reality and memory, though through the lens of dream infiltration rather than post-apocalyptic Earth. Both films feature protagonists on a mission that blurs the lines between what is real and what is constructed. The storytelling in both is complex and layered, requiring audience engagement to unravel the narrative.

Fact: The spinning top at the end was not CGI; it was a practical effect. Hans Zimmer's score includes a slowed-down version of Edith Piaf's 'Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.' The hallway fight scene took three weeks to shoot and used a rotating set.

Description: 'Elysium' and 'Oblivion' both depict a future where Earth's elite live in luxury off-world, while the rest struggle on a ruined planet. Both films critique social inequality and feature protagonists who become unlikely heroes in the fight for justice. The contrast between the pristine, advanced habitats and the desolate Earth is a visual theme in both.

Fact: Matt Damon shaved his head and gained 30 pounds of muscle for the role. The film's design was inspired by the Stanford Torus, a proposed space habitat. Jodie Foster's accent was a point of controversy, as it was hard to place geographically.

Description: Similar to 'Oblivion' (2013), 'Edge of Tomorrow' is a sci-fi action film that explores themes of time loops and human resistance against an alien threat. Both films feature a protagonist who must uncover hidden truths about their world while battling formidable enemies. The visual aesthetics in both movies are sleek and futuristic, with a strong emphasis on advanced technology and warfare.

Fact: The film is based on the Japanese light novel 'All You Need Is Kill' by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including the intense beach battle scenes. The film's tagline, 'Live. Die. Repeat.', became more popular than the actual title in some markets.

Description: Both 'Blade Runner 2049' and 'Oblivion' are visually stunning sci-fi films that ponder what it means to be human in a technologically advanced, yet emotionally barren world. The protagonists in both films are on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering secrets that challenge their understanding of their own identities. The atmospheric and moody cinematography is a hallmark of both.

Fact: The film's runtime is 2 hours and 44 minutes, making it one of the longest mainstream studio releases in recent years. Ryan Gosling's character, K, is a reference to Franz Kafka's protagonist in 'The Trial.' The iconic orange haze in the Las Vegas scenes was achieved using real dust and smoke.