10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Arrival (2016)

Description: Solaris, like Arrival, is a meditative sci-fi film that explores themes of memory, love, and communication. Both films prioritize psychological depth over action, using the alien encounter as a means to examine human emotions and relationships. The enigmatic nature of the alien intelligence in Solaris mirrors the heptapods' inscrutable motives in Arrival.

Fact: Solaris was directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, a master of slow cinema. The film is based on the novel by Stanisław Lem, who was critical of Tarkovsky's adaptation. Solaris is often compared to 2001: A Space Odyssey for its philosophical depth and visual poetry.

Description: The Man Who Fell to Earth, like Arrival, tells the story of an alien visitor who becomes entangled in human affairs. Both films explore themes of alienation and the difficulty of communication between species. David Bowie's performance as the alien Thomas Jerome Newton adds a layer of melancholy and otherness that resonates with Arrival's tone.

Fact: The film stars David Bowie in his first major acting role, capitalizing on his androgynous and alien persona. Director Nicolas Roeg used surreal visuals and nonlinear storytelling to create a disorienting effect. The film was initially controversial for its explicit content but has since gained a cult following.

Description: Close Encounters of the Third Kind, like Arrival, is a seminal film about peaceful contact with aliens. Both movies emphasize communication and understanding over conflict, featuring awe-inspiring visuals of alien spacecraft. The emotional core of both films revolves around the protagonist's personal journey and their connection to the extraterrestrial visitors.

Fact: The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and is considered one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. The iconic five-note musical motif was created by composer John Williams. The film's climax was shot at Devil's Tower in Wyoming, which became a popular tourist destination as a result.

Description: Despite sharing a similar title, The Arrival differs from Arrival in its focus on conspiracy and environmental themes. However, both films involve the discovery of alien life and the protagonist's race to understand their intentions. The Arrival leans more towards thriller elements, but like Arrival, it raises questions about humanity's readiness for extraterrestrial contact.

Fact: The film was directed by David Twohy, who later gained fame for the Riddick series. The Arrival features a young and relatively unknown Charlie Sheen in the lead role. The film's plot includes a twist involving global warming, which was a less common theme in sci-fi at the time.

Description: Like Arrival, Contact delves into the themes of first contact with an alien intelligence and the challenges of communication across species. Both films center on a female scientist who must navigate bureaucratic and societal obstacles while trying to decipher alien messages. The films share a contemplative tone, blending scientific rigor with philosophical questions about humanity's place in the universe.

Fact: Contact is based on the novel by Carl Sagan, who was a renowned astronomer and science communicator. The film's depiction of the alien message includes a hidden image of Adolf Hitler, a detail that sparked controversy. Jodie Foster's character, Ellie Arroway, was inspired by real-life astronomer Jill Tarter.

Description: Similar to Arrival, Interstellar explores themes of time, communication, and human connection in the face of extraterrestrial encounters. Both films blend hard science fiction with deep emotional narratives, focusing on the protagonist's personal journey intertwined with a larger cosmic mystery. The visual aesthetics of both films are grand yet intimate, with a strong emphasis on realism and scientific accuracy.

Fact: Interstellar's black hole, Gargantua, was rendered with unprecedented accuracy based on equations provided by physicist Kip Thorne. The film's soundtrack by Hans Zimmer features a prominent use of the pipe organ, adding to its ethereal and grandiose tone. Matthew McConaughey's emotional performance was partly inspired by his own experiences as a father.

Description: District 9, while more action-oriented, shares Arrival's exploration of humanity's reaction to alien presence. Both films critique xenophobia and the fear of the other, though District 9 does so through a more overtly political lens. The alien 'prawns' in District 9, like the heptapods in Arrival, challenge human perceptions of intelligence and communication.

Fact: District 9 was made on a relatively modest budget of $30 million but became a critical and commercial success. The film's documentary-style approach was inspired by real events in apartheid-era South Africa. Director Neill Blomkamp originally planned the film as a Halo adaptation before it became District

Description: Moon shares Arrival's introspective and cerebral approach to sci-fi, focusing on isolation and identity. Both films feature protagonists who must confront profound existential questions while dealing with the implications of their discoveries. The minimalist setting and strong performances in Moon echo Arrival's emphasis on character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Moon was the directorial debut of Duncan Jones, son of musician David Bowie. The film's budget was only $5 million, yet it achieved critical acclaim for its storytelling and Sam Rockwell's performance. Moon's production design was heavily influenced by classic sci-fi films like 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Description: Under the Skin, like Arrival, deals with the theme of an alien trying to understand humanity. Both films use the alien perspective to reflect on human nature, though Under the Skin is more abstract and unsettling. The visual style of both films is striking and unconventional, creating a sense of otherworldliness.

Fact: Under the Skin stars Scarlett Johansson as an alien seductress preying on men in Scotland. Many of the film's scenes feature non-actors who were unaware they were being filmed. The film's eerie soundtrack was composed by Mica Levi, who used unconventional instruments to create its haunting sound.

Description: Annihilation shares Arrival's focus on the unknown and the psychological impact of encountering the alien. Both films feature female leads grappling with personal loss while confronting an incomprehensible extraterrestrial phenomenon. The visual style of Annihilation, with its surreal and dreamlike sequences, mirrors Arrival's emphasis on atmosphere and mood over traditional action.

Fact: Annihilation is based on the first book of Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy. The film's haunting soundtrack was composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, who also worked on Ex Machina. Natalie Portman's character undergoes a transformation that blurs the line between human and alien, a theme echoed in Arrival.