If you loved the eerie, atmospheric storytelling of 'The Vast of Night' (2019), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same mysterious, retro sci-fi vibe, blending suspense, small-town intrigue, and otherworldly phenomena. Whether you're a fan of slow-burn thrillers or vintage sci-fi aesthetics, these picks will keep you hooked just like 'The Vast of Night' did.

Primer (2004)
Description: Similar to 'The Vast of Night', 'Primer' is a cerebral sci-fi film that challenges the audience to piece together the narrative. Both films feature amateur scientists uncovering something beyond their understanding, with a focus on the implications of their discoveries. The low-budget, indie feel is also a common trait.
Fact: The film was made for only $7,


Timecrimes (2007)
Description: 'Timecrimes' and 'The Vast of Night' both deal with the concept of time and its manipulation. While 'The Vast of Night' focuses on the mystery of a strange radio signal, 'Timecrimes' explores the consequences of time travel. Both films maintain a tight, suspenseful narrative with a small cast.
Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood as 'Timecrimes' but the remake was never released. The director, Nacho Vigalondo, also appears in the film as a minor character. The film was shot in just four weeks.


The Man from Earth (2007)
Description: Similar to 'The Vast of Night', 'The Man from Earth' is a dialogue-driven sci-fi film that explores big ideas with a small budget. Both films rely on the power of storytelling and the audience's imagination to create a sense of wonder. The themes of history, time, and the unknown are central to both films.
Fact: The film was written by Jerome Bixby, who also wrote episodes of 'The Twilight Zone'. The film was shot in just one location. The film's script was completed in the 1960s but wasn't produced until


Moon (2009)
Description: 'Moon' shares with 'The Vast of Night' a sense of isolation and the exploration of identity in the face of the unknown. Both films use a minimalist approach to storytelling, focusing on a single protagonist's journey. The themes of loneliness and the search for truth are central to both films.
Fact: The film was Duncan Jones' directorial debut. The film's budget was $5 million, which was considered low for a sci-fi film at the time. The film's score was composed by Clint Mansell, who also scored 'Requiem for a Dream'.


Another Earth (2011)
Description: Like 'The Vast of Night', 'Another Earth' combines sci-fi elements with a deeply personal story. Both films explore the idea of alternate realities and the impact of the unknown on human lives. The emotional tone and the focus on character development are similar in both films.
Fact: The film was co-written by and stars Brit Marling. The film was shot in just 20 days. The film's concept was inspired by a dream co-writer Mike Cahill had.


Sound of My Voice (2011)
Description: 'Sound of My Voice' and 'The Vast of Night' both delve into the mystery of unexplained phenomena and the power of belief. Both films use a slow, deliberate pace to build tension and intrigue. The focus on a small group of characters and their reactions to the extraordinary is a common thread.
Fact: The film was co-written by and stars Brit Marling. The film was shot in just 20 days. The film was originally intended to be the first part of a trilogy.


Predestination (2014)
Description: 'Predestination' and 'The Vast of Night' both deal with the concept of time and its manipulation. While 'The Vast of Night' focuses on the mystery of a strange radio signal, 'Predestination' explores the paradoxes of time travel. Both films maintain a tight, suspenseful narrative with a focus on the implications of their central mysteries.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Robert A. Heinlein. The film's twist ending has been the subject of much discussion and analysis. The film was shot in Australia.


The One I Love (2014)
Description: Like 'The Vast of Night', 'The One I Love' is a low-budget sci-fi film that explores the nature of reality and identity. Both films use a small cast and a single location to create a sense of intimacy and tension. The themes of love, loss, and the unknown are central to both films.
Fact: The film was Mark Duplass' first feature as a producer. The film's twist was kept secret from the audience during its marketing campaign. The film was shot in just 12 days.


Coherence (2013)
Description: Like 'The Vast of Night', 'Coherence' is a low-budget sci-fi film that relies heavily on dialogue and atmosphere to build tension. Both films explore themes of the unknown and the supernatural, with a focus on ordinary people encountering extraordinary events. The use of a single night as the timeline for the events also mirrors the real-time feel of 'The Vast of Night'.
Fact: The film was shot in just five nights. The actors were given minimal direction and were often unaware of what would happen next in the story. The film's budget was only $50,


The Endless (2017)
Description: 'The Endless' shares with 'The Vast of Night' a sense of mystery and the exploration of otherworldly phenomena. Both films use a slow burn approach to storytelling, gradually revealing the strangeness of their worlds. The themes of time loops and unexplained events are central to both films.
Fact: The film is a semi-sequel to the directors' previous film 'Resolution'. The directors, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, also star in the film. The film was inspired by real-life cults and mysterious phenomena.
