10 Movies and Shows Similar to Metropolis (1927)

Description: Alphaville, like Metropolis, is a science fiction film that uses its futuristic setting to critique contemporary society. Both films explore the dangers of a world ruled by logic and technology at the expense of human emotion. Alphaville's minimalist approach to depicting the future, using real locations as stand-ins for a dystopian city, contrasts with Metropolis's elaborate sets but serves a similar thematic purpose. The noir-inspired storytelling and existential themes link the two films.

Fact: Alphaville was shot in real Paris locations without special effects. The film blends science fiction with the detective genre. Jean-Luc Godard directed Alphaville as part of his prolific 1960s output.

Description: THX 1138, like Metropolis, depicts a future society where individuals are stripped of their humanity and controlled by a faceless authority. Both films explore themes of rebellion, identity, and the cost of technological progress. The sterile, white environments of THX 1138 contrast with the dark, industrial look of Metropolis but serve a similar purpose in illustrating the dehumanizing effects of the society. The emotional tone of isolation and the quest for freedom are central to both films.

Fact: THX 1138 was George Lucas's first feature film. The film was expanded from Lucas's student short film. The title refers to the protagonist's alphanumeric designation, a theme Lucas would revisit in Star Wars.

Description: Similar to Metropolis, Blade Runner explores themes of class division, the dehumanization of technology, and the struggle between humanity and artificial intelligence. Both films feature stunning visual aesthetics, with Blade Runner's neon-lit dystopian cityscape echoing the towering, industrialized world of Metropolis. The film also delves into existential questions about what it means to be human, a theme central to Metropolis.

Fact: Blade Runner was initially a box office flop but later gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of science fiction cinema. The film's dystopian Los Angeles was inspired by the look of Hong Kong. Ridley Scott's director's cut removed the original voice-over narration, which was added at the studio's insistence.

Description: Brazil shares with Metropolis a satirical take on bureaucracy and the dehumanizing effects of technology. Both films depict societies where individuals are crushed by oppressive systems, though Brazil uses dark humor where Metropolis leans into drama. The intricate, cluttered production design of Brazil's dystopian world mirrors the detailed, industrial look of Metropolis. The themes of rebellion and the search for freedom are central to both films.

Fact: Brazil was heavily influenced by George Orwell's 198The film's title comes from the song 'Aquarela do Brasil,' which features prominently in the soundtrack. Terry Gilliam fought with the studio over the film's ending, which was originally much darker.

Description: Akira shares with Metropolis a vision of a futuristic city plagued by social unrest and technological overreach. Both films depict sprawling urban environments where the elite and the oppressed are sharply divided. The themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked scientific progress are central to both narratives. Akira's detailed animation and iconic cityscapes draw direct inspiration from the visual grandeur of Metropolis.

Fact: Akira was one of the most expensive animated films ever made at the time of its release. The film's depiction of Neo-Tokyo has influenced countless cyberpunk works. Akira was a major breakthrough for Japanese animation in international markets.

Description: The City of Lost Children, like Metropolis, presents a surreal, visually stunning world where technology and humanity intersect in strange ways. Both films feature childlike characters navigating oppressive, adult-dominated societies. The dreamlike quality of The City of Lost Children, with its steampunk aesthetic and fantastical elements, echoes the otherworldly feel of Metropolis. The themes of innocence, exploitation, and the quest for connection are central to both stories.

Fact: The film was a collaboration between Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, who also directed Delicatessen. Ron Perlman learned French phonetically for his role. The film's visual style was inspired by German expressionism, much like Metropolis.

Description: Ghost in the Shell, like Metropolis, delves into the philosophical questions surrounding humanity, identity, and the integration of technology into the human body. Both films present a future where technology has advanced to the point of challenging the very definition of life. The visual style of Ghost in the Shell, with its towering cityscapes and intricate mechanical designs, echoes the industrial aesthetic of Metropolis.

Fact: Ghost in the Shell was a major influence on The Matrix. The film's soundtrack blends traditional Japanese music with electronic sounds. The title refers to the philosophical concept of the 'ghost' (soul) in the 'shell' (body).

Description: Dark City, like Metropolis, presents a dystopian urban environment where the lines between reality and illusion are blurred. Both films explore themes of memory, identity, and control, with powerful elites manipulating the lives of the masses. The noir-inspired visual style of Dark City, with its shadowy streets and towering architecture, is reminiscent of the expressionist aesthetic of Metropolis.

Fact: Dark City was released the same year as The Truman Show, with which it shares thematic similarities. The film's director, Alex Proyas, also directed The Crow. The city in Dark City was built on the largest set ever constructed in Australia at the time.

Description: The Fifth Element shares with Metropolis a vision of a future where society is stratified and technology is omnipresent. Both films feature elaborate cityscapes that serve as backdrops for their stories. The Fifth Element's blend of action, romance, and philosophical undertones mirrors the epic scale and emotional depth of Metropolis. The film's vibrant visual style, while more colorful, still captures the sense of a bustling, layered urban environment.

Fact: The Fifth Element was inspired by French comic books. The film's costumes were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Bruce Willis initially turned down the role of Korben Dallas.

Description: Like Metropolis, Blade Runner 2049 continues to explore themes of societal hierarchy, the blurring line between human and machine, and the search for identity in a technologically advanced world. The film's visual style, with its vast, oppressive cityscapes and intricate production design, pays homage to the grandeur and detail of Metropolis. The emotional tone of isolation and longing also mirrors the melancholic undertones of the 1927 classic.

Fact: Blade Runner 2049 was shot by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins, who won his first Oscar for this film. The production team built massive practical sets to maintain the tactile feel of the original Blade Runner. The film's runtime of nearly three hours was a point of contention with the studio.