If you're a fan of the 1972 sci-fi thriller 'Doomsday Machine' and its blend of apocalyptic tension and Cold War-era paranoia, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same gripping atmosphere, high-stakes drama, and speculative sci-fi themes. Whether you're looking for more end-of-the-world scenarios or vintage sci-fi charm, this list has something for every enthusiast.

Metropolis (1927)
Description: A pioneering silent film depicting a futuristic city divided between the elite and the workers, exploring class struggle and technological control.
Fact: The film's restoration in 2010 included footage thought lost for decades. It is considered one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made.


The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Description: A classic sci-fi film about an alien visitor who comes to Earth with a warning, emphasizing themes of peace and humanity's potential for self-destruction.
Fact: The film's robot, Gort, became one of the most recognizable figures in sci-fi. It was one of the first major Hollywood films to use theremin music.


Planet of the Apes (1968)
Description: A thought-provoking sci-fi adventure where humans are subjugated by intelligent apes, exploring themes of civilization, evolution, and societal hierarchy.
Fact: The film's iconic Statue of Liberty ending was kept secret from the cast to ensure genuine reactions. It spawned multiple sequels and reboots.


THX 1138 (1971)
Description: A stark, minimalist sci-fi film depicting a dehumanized society where emotions are suppressed, and individuality is punished, focusing on escape and self-discovery.
Fact: George Lucas's first feature film, originally expanded from his student short. The title was later used as a license plate in several of his other films.


The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Description: A gripping sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences of a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism, emphasizing scientific investigation and human survival against an unseen threat.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) for its depiction of the microorganism. It was based on a novel by Michael Crichton.


Silent Running (1972)
Description: A dystopian tale set in space, focusing on environmental collapse and the ethical dilemmas of preserving Earth's last ecosystems, blending ecological themes with human emotion.
Fact: The film's drones, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, were operated by double amputees to achieve realistic movements. It was one of the first films to address environmentalism in a sci-fi setting.


Soylent Green (1973)
Description: A bleak vision of an overpopulated future where resources are scarce, highlighting societal decay and the shocking truth behind a seemingly benign food source.
Fact: The film was set in the then-future year of 202It was Charlton Heston's last film under his contract with MGM.


Westworld (1973)
Description: A high-tech amusement park where robots malfunction and turn on their human creators, exploring themes of artificial intelligence and control.
Fact: The film was the first to use digital image processing to pixelate scenes. It inspired the later TV series of the same name.


Zardoz (1974)
Description: A surreal and philosophical sci-fi film set in a post-apocalyptic world where a warrior discovers the truth behind a god-like figure, blending mysticism with dystopia.
Fact: Sean Connery wore a red diaper and boots for his role, which became one of the most iconic costumes in sci-fi history. The film was a commercial failure but gained a cult following.


Logan's Run (1976)
Description: A futuristic society where life is strictly controlled, and individuals are terminated at a certain age, exploring themes of rebellion and the search for truth.
Fact: The film's iconic Carousel sequence was inspired by a similar scene in the 1927 film 'Metropolis.' It was one of the first films to use extensive miniature effects.
