If you're a fan of the gritty, cyberpunk aesthetic and high-octane action of 'Sons of Steel' (1989), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same dystopian energy, mechanical mayhem, and rebellious spirit. Whether you loved the film's unique blend of sci-fi and heavy metal or its underground fight scenes, these recommendations will keep you entertained.

Mad Max (1979)
Description: A dystopian action film set in a lawless future where society has collapsed, featuring intense vehicular combat and a lone warrior seeking justice.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget but became a cult classic, spawning a successful franchise. Many of the stunts were performed by the actors themselves.


Escape from New York (1981)
Description: A gritty sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian future where Manhattan has been turned into a maximum-security prison, focusing on a hardened anti-hero tasked with a dangerous mission.
Fact: The film's iconic protagonist, Snake Plissken, was inspired by Clint Eastwood's 'Man with No Name' character. The movie's dark tone and setting influenced many future dystopian films.


Blade Runner (1982)
Description: A neo-noir sci-fi film exploring themes of identity, humanity, and artificial life in a visually stunning cyberpunk world.
Fact: The film initially underperformed at the box office but later gained a massive cult following. Its visual style has been hugely influential in the cyberpunk genre.


The Terminator (1984)
Description: A sci-fi action thriller about a relentless cybernetic assassin from the future, blending high-tech weaponry with gritty urban combat.
Fact: The film's iconic villain was originally written as an unassuming man who could blend into crowds. The low-budget production used clever techniques to create its futuristic effects.


RoboCop (1987)
Description: A violent cyberpunk action film about a mortally wounded cop transformed into a cyborg law enforcer, exploring themes of corporate corruption and urban decay.
Fact: The film's satirical commercials were added late in production to lighten the tone. RoboCop's distinctive walk was inspired by a combination of a cowboy and a samurai.


Akira (1988)
Description: A groundbreaking anime set in a dystopian cyberpunk future, featuring motorcycle gangs, government conspiracies, and psychic powers.
Fact: The film was one of the first anime to gain significant recognition in Western markets. Its detailed animation required over 160,000 individual cels.


Cyborg (1989)
Description: A post-apocalyptic action film featuring a lone warrior protecting a cyborg messenger in a world ravaged by plague and violence.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a sequel to 'Masters of the Universe' before being reworked. It was shot quickly to capitalize on the star's rising popularity.


Total Recall (1990)
Description: A sci-fi action film blending futuristic technology with brutal combat, set in a world where memories can be artificially implanted.
Fact: The film's famous three-breasted woman was created using a body double and careful editing. The Mars sets were among the largest ever built at the time.


Demolition Man (1993)
Description: A futuristic action-comedy set in a sanitized society where a cryogenically frozen cop is revived to deal with a violent criminal from his past.
Fact: The film's prediction of all restaurants being Taco Bell became an in-joke, as international versions replaced it with Pizza Hut. The three seashells bathroom system remains unexplained.


Judge Dredd (1995)
Description: A sci-fi action film set in a violent future metropolis where law enforcement officers serve as judge, jury, and executioner.
Fact: The film's production design was heavily influenced by 'Blade Runner.' Stallone insisted on removing the character's helmet against the comic's tradition.
