10 Movies and Shows Similar to Sputnik (2020)

Description: 'Alien' shares with 'Sputnik' a claustrophobic atmosphere and a focus on a hostile alien organism. Both films delve into the horror of the unknown and the vulnerability of humans in space. The tension and suspense in 'Alien' are masterfully crafted, similar to the slow-building dread in 'Sputnik'. The alien in both films is a central, terrifying presence that challenges the protagonists' survival.

Fact: Directed by Ridley Scott, 'Alien' won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The famous chestburster scene was kept secret from most of the cast to capture genuine reactions. H.R. Giger, the Swiss artist, designed the alien creature, which has become one of the most iconic in cinema history.

Description: Similar to 'Sputnik' (2020), 'The Thing' is a sci-fi horror film that explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and an unknown extraterrestrial threat. Both films feature a small group of people trapped in a confined space with a deadly alien entity, leading to intense psychological and physical confrontations. The practical effects and creature design in 'The Thing' are iconic, much like the eerie and unsettling alien in 'Sputnik'.

Fact: Directed by John Carpenter, 'The Thing' is a remake of the 1951 film 'The Thing from Another World'. The film was initially a box office failure but has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic. The special effects were created by Rob Bottin, who was only 22 years old at the time.

Description: 'The Abyss' and 'Sputnik' both explore the discovery of alien life and its implications for humanity. While 'The Abyss' is more optimistic, both films delve into the psychological and emotional impact of first contact. The underwater setting in 'The Abyss' creates a similar sense of isolation and claustrophobia as the space setting in 'Sputnik'.

Fact: Directed by James Cameron, the film was groundbreaking for its underwater filming techniques. The special effects, particularly the water tentacle, were revolutionary at the time. The film's ending was altered for the theatrical release, but the director's cut provides a more complete story.

Description: 'Event Horizon' and 'Sputnik' both delve into psychological horror and the terrifying unknown. While 'Event Horizon' leans more into supernatural elements, both films feature a small crew dealing with an otherworldly threat that preys on their fears. The dark, oppressive atmosphere and the sense of inevitable doom are shared traits.

Fact: Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the film was inspired by real scientific theories about black holes and alternate dimensions. The original cut was much longer and more graphic, but it was heavily edited before release. The film has gained a cult following over the years, especially among horror and sci-fi fans.

Description: 'Sphere' and 'Sputnik' both involve a team of scientists encountering an alien artifact that has profound psychological effects. The films explore themes of fear, paranoia, and the unknown. The confined, isolated setting in 'Sphere' mirrors the tension in 'Sputnik', as the characters grapple with an incomprehensible threat.

Fact: Based on the novel by Michael Crichton, the film stars Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Samuel L. Jackson. The underwater setting was achieved using large water tanks and miniatures. The film's plot revolves around a mysterious sphere that grants the power to manifest thoughts into reality.

Description: 'Sunshine' and 'Sputnik' both focus on a space mission with high stakes and a small, isolated crew. While 'Sunshine' deals with saving the sun, both films explore the psychological toll of space travel and the fragility of human life. The visual style of 'Sunshine', with its stark contrasts and intense lighting, creates a similar sense of awe and dread as 'Sputnik'.

Fact: Directed by Danny Boyle, the film features an ensemble cast including Cillian Murphy and Chris Evans. The soundtrack was composed by John Murphy and includes the iconic track 'Adagio in D Minor'. The film's third act shifts dramatically in tone, dividing audiences and critics.

Description: 'Pandorum' shares with 'Sputnik' a narrative about a spaceship crew dealing with a terrifying alien presence and their own deteriorating mental state. Both films use confined spaces to amplify tension and explore themes of survival and identity. The mystery surrounding the alien threat and the crew's past is a key similarity.

Fact: The film stars Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster. 'Pandorum' was influenced by classic sci-fi horror films like 'Alien' and 'The Thing'. The title refers to a fictional psychological disorder caused by deep space travel.

Description: 'Annihilation' and 'Sputnik' both involve a mysterious extraterrestrial phenomenon that alters biology and psychology. The films explore themes of transformation, identity, and the unknown. The eerie, surreal visuals in 'Annihilation' parallel the unsettling atmosphere of 'Sputnik'. Both films leave much to interpretation, engaging the audience's imagination.

Fact: Directed by Alex Garland, the film is based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer. The bear scene is one of the most terrifying moments in recent horror cinema. The film's ending is intentionally ambiguous, sparking numerous theories and discussions.

Description: 'Life' mirrors 'Sputnik' in its portrayal of a scientific mission gone wrong due to a highly intelligent and deadly alien life form. Both films explore the consequences of human curiosity and the dangers of extraterrestrial organisms. The zero-gravity setting and the crew's struggle to contain the threat are reminiscent of the tension in 'Sputnik'.

Fact: The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, and Rebecca Ferguson. The alien, named 'Calvin', was designed to be a single-celled organism that evolves rapidly. The movie's ending is famously bleak, leaving the fate of humanity uncertain.

Description: 'Underwater' and 'Sputnik' both feature a small group of people battling an alien threat in an isolated, high-pressure environment. The films emphasize survival against overwhelming odds and the horror of the unknown. The pacing and tension in 'Underwater' are similar to 'Sputnik', with both films delivering relentless suspense.

Fact: The film stars Kristen Stewart in a rare action-horror role. The creatures in the film are inspired by Lovecraftian mythology. The movie was shot in just 43 days, a remarkably short production schedule.