10 Movies Like Dark Angel: The Ascent

Description: A neo-noir sci-fi film exploring themes of artificial intelligence, identity, and humanity, set in a visually stunning dystopian future.

Fact: The film's iconic rainy, neon-lit aesthetic was inspired by the artwork of French comic book artist Moebius. The unicorn dream sequence was added in the Director's Cut to hint at Deckard's true nature.

Description: A cyberpunk action film with a dystopian future setting, focusing on a relentless, nearly unstoppable antagonist and themes of man versus machine.

Fact: The film's budget was so low that the time-traveling scene used simple lighting effects to save money. The Terminator's red glowing eyes were achieved with tiny LED lights.

Description: A sci-fi action thriller set in a dystopian future, featuring themes of memory manipulation, identity crisis, and a blend of reality and fantasy.

Fact: The film's special effects included one of the first uses of CGI for a fully 3D-rendered character (the X-ray scanner sequence). The Mars scenes were shot in Mexico's active Popocatépetl volcano region.

Description: A cyberpunk anime film delving into themes of artificial intelligence, human identity, and the merging of man and machine, set in a visually rich futuristic world.

Fact: The film's animation was groundbreaking for its time, blending traditional cel animation with early CGI techniques. The iconic thermoptic camouflage effect was inspired by the refractive properties of insect wings.

Description: A sci-fi horror film featuring a genetically engineered human-alien hybrid, blending themes of science fiction, horror, and action with a dark, atmospheric tone.

Fact: The creature effects were designed by H.R. Giger, the artist behind the iconic Alien xenomorph. The film's plot was inspired by the real-life search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

Description: A visually vibrant sci-fi adventure with a mix of action, humor, and a dystopian future setting, featuring a unique blend of genres and a strong female lead.

Fact: The film's futuristic costumes were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, marking his first foray into film costume design. The alien language spoken by the Mondoshawans was created by linguist and actor Maïwenn.

Description: A sci-fi horror action film set in a secret underground facility, featuring bioengineered monsters, a strong female protagonist, and a mix of horror and action elements.

Fact: The film's iconic laser grid scene was inspired by a similar sequence in the original Resident Evil video game. The movie's production was rushed to capitalize on the popularity of the video game series.

Description: A groundbreaking sci-fi action film exploring themes of reality, identity, and rebellion against oppressive systems, with iconic fight scenes and a cyberpunk aesthetic.

Fact: The film's bullet time effect was created using a ring of still cameras triggered in sequence. The green tint of the Matrix's digital world was achieved by processing the film through a green filter.

Description: A gothic action-horror film featuring a centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves, with a dark, stylish visual aesthetic and intense action sequences.

Fact: The film's werewolf transformation scenes used a combination of practical effects and CGI, a rarity at the time. The script was originally written as a Romeo and Juliet-style love story between a vampire and a werewolf.

Description: A stylized sci-fi action film with a female protagonist, featuring high-energy fight sequences, a dystopian setting, and themes of genetic engineering.

Fact: The film's unique visual style was achieved using a combination of live-action and CGI backgrounds. The entire movie was shot on digital sets with minimal practical locations.