If you loved the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of 'The Blood of Heroes' (1989), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same raw intensity, brutal sportsmanship, and dystopian vibes. Whether you're a fan of underground blood sports or survivalist storytelling, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A Boy and His Dog (1975)
Description: A post-apocalyptic dark comedy-drama following a young scavenger and his telepathic dog as they navigate a brutal wasteland filled with danger and absurdity.
Fact: The film is based on a novella by Harlan Ellison, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Its bleak yet humorous tone has made it a cult favorite among fans of dystopian cinema.


Death Race 2000 (1975)
Description: A satirical, dystopian action film featuring a deadly cross-country race where drivers earn points for killing pedestrians, blending dark humor with extreme violence.
Fact: The film was produced by Roger Corman on a very low budget but became a cult classic. It was controversial upon release for its graphic violence and social commentary.


Rollerball (1975)
Description: A dystopian sports film where violent, high-speed gladiatorial combat serves as both entertainment and a metaphor for societal control and rebellion.
Fact: The futuristic sport depicted in the film was created specifically for the movie, blending elements of roller derby, motorcycle racing, and handball. The film's brutal action sequences were groundbreaking for their time.


Mad Max (1979)
Description: A dystopian action film set in a lawless wasteland, featuring brutal combat and a lone warrior navigating a violent, post-apocalyptic world.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of around $350,000 but became a massive success, grossing over $100 million worldwide. Many of the stunts were performed by the actors themselves, leading to several injuries during filming.


The Warriors (1979)
Description: A stylized action-thriller about a gang fighting its way through a hostile urban landscape, filled with rival factions and relentless pursuit.
Fact: The film's iconic line, 'Warriors, come out to play,' was improvised by actor David Patrick Kelly. Its unique blend of gritty realism and comic book aesthetics has made it a cult classic.


Escape from New York (1981)
Description: A gritty, dystopian thriller where a hardened anti-hero must survive in a dangerous, anarchic urban environment filled with violent factions and ruthless adversaries.
Fact: The film's iconic protagonist, Snake Plissken, was originally written as a much older character before Kurt Russell was cast. The movie's dark, futuristic aesthetic heavily influenced later cyberpunk media.


The Running Man (1987)
Description: A high-stakes, dystopian action film centered around a deadly game show where contestants fight for survival against ruthless opponents in a brutal, televised spectacle.
Fact: The film is loosely based on a Stephen King novel written under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman. The futuristic set designs and costumes were inspired by 1980s pop culture and gladiatorial themes.


Waterworld (1995)
Description: A high-concept action-adventure set in a flooded future where survival depends on scarce resources and brutal conflicts over land and power.
Fact: The film was notorious for its troubled production, including budget overruns and on-set difficulties. It was one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time, with costs exceeding $175 million.


The Postman (1997)
Description: A post-apocalyptic epic where a lone wanderer inspires hope in a fractured society by reviving the idea of communication and unity in a lawless world.
Fact: Despite its mixed reception, the film has gained a cult following for its ambitious storytelling and themes of resilience. It was one of the most expensive films of its time, with a budget exceeding $80 million.


Battle Royale (2000)
Description: A brutal, dystopian thriller where a group of students are forced to fight to the death in a government-sanctioned game, exploring themes of survival and societal collapse.
Fact: The film was highly controversial in Japan and other countries due to its violent content. It was based on a novel by Koushun Takami and has influenced numerous later works, including 'The Hunger Games.'
