If you loved the epic adventure and sci-fi spectacle of John Carter (2012), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same thrilling blend of action, otherworldly settings, and heroic journeys. Whether you're a fan of interplanetary battles, swashbuckling heroes, or fantastical worlds, these picks will satisfy your craving for more John Carter-style excitement.

Flash Gordon (1980)
Description: A campy, colorful space adventure with a heroic Earthman battling a tyrannical ruler, filled with over-the-top action and retro-futuristic aesthetics.
Fact: The film's soundtrack was composed and performed by Queen. It was initially a box office disappointment but later gained a cult following.


The Last Starfighter (1984)
Description: A classic underdog story where a young hero is whisked away to an interstellar conflict, featuring early CGI and a mix of adventure and coming-of-age themes.
Fact: One of the first films to use extensive CGI for space battles. The arcade game featured in the movie was later created as a real, playable game.


Stargate (1994)
Description: Combines ancient civilizations with futuristic technology, featuring a journey to a distant desert world and a battle against oppressive rulers.
Fact: The film spawned multiple TV series, including 'Stargate SG-1,' which ran for 10 seasons. The Stargate prop was built to rotate but often malfunctioned during filming.


The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: A visually vibrant and action-packed space opera with a mix of humor, adventure, and a unique alien mythology.
Fact: The film's iconic blue opera singer costume was inspired by a painting by Jean Giraud. It was one of the most expensive European films ever made at the time.


Pitch Black (2000)
Description: A survival thriller set on a desolate alien planet, blending horror elements with sci-fi action and a morally ambiguous protagonist.
Fact: The film was shot in the Australian outback, with extreme heat causing camera equipment to malfunction. It introduced the character Riddick, who became a cult favorite.


The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
Description: A dark, action-packed sci-fi tale with a rugged antihero navigating hostile alien worlds and battling oppressive forces.
Fact: Vin Diesel personally funded some of the film's promotion. The Necromongers' armor was designed to look both futuristic and medieval.


Avatar (2009)
Description: Features an epic sci-fi adventure with a protagonist adapting to an alien world, blending action, romance, and stunning visual effects.
Fact: James Cameron developed the concept in the 1990s but waited for technology to catch up to his vision. It was the first film to gross over $2 billion worldwide.


Dune (2021)
Description: A grand-scale sci-fi saga involving political intrigue, desert planets, and a hero's journey, with rich world-building and immersive visuals.
Fact: The film adapts only the first half of Frank Herbert's novel. It was shot using a special camera to capture the vastness of the desert landscapes.


Jupiter Ascending (2015)
Description: A space-fantasy with a protagonist discovering their destiny among the stars, featuring elaborate action sequences and a mix of sci-fi and mythology.
Fact: The Wachowskis wrote the script as a standalone story but envisioned it as a potential franchise. The film's production faced delays due to reshoots and script changes.


Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
Description: A visually stunning space adventure with exotic alien worlds, high-stakes missions, and a blend of action and fantastical elements.
Fact: The film is based on a French comic series that began in
