10 Movies and Shows Like Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Description: Like 'Valerian', 'Stargate' combines sci-fi adventure with ancient alien civilizations and interstellar travel. Both films feature a team exploring unknown worlds, with a mix of action and discovery. They share a similar sense of wonder and adventure, with a focus on uncovering the mysteries of the universe.

Fact: The film spawned a successful franchise, including multiple TV series and spin-offs. Kurt Russell initially turned down the role of Jack O'Neil but changed his mind after reading the script. The film's Egyptian hieroglyphs were created by a real Egyptologist.

Description: Like 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets', 'The Fifth Element' is a visually stunning sci-fi film with a vibrant, colorful aesthetic and a mix of action, adventure, and humor. Both films feature a futuristic setting with diverse alien species and a strong female lead. The films share a similar tone, blending epic storytelling with quirky, offbeat elements.

Fact: Directed by Luc Besson, who also directed 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets'. The film's unique visual style was inspired by French comic books, much like 'Valerian'. Bruce Willis initially turned down the role of Korben Dallas but changed his mind after his daughter begged him to take it.

Description: Both 'The Chronicles of Riddick' and 'Valerian' are sci-fi films with a dark, gritty aesthetic and a focus on action and adventure. They feature a charismatic antihero navigating a dangerous universe, with elaborate world-building and a mix of futuristic technology and ancient cultures. The films share a similar tone, blending epic storytelling with intense action sequences.

Fact: Vin Diesel was so passionate about the project that he mortgaged his house to help fund it. The film's Necromongers were inspired by medieval crusaders. The film was intended to be the second part of a trilogy, but the third film was never made.

Description: 'Serenity' and 'Valerian' both feature a ragtag crew navigating a dangerous universe, with a mix of action, humor, and drama. They share a similar tone, blending high-stakes adventure with character-driven storytelling. Both films also explore themes of rebellion and survival in a vast, interconnected galaxy.

Fact: The film is a continuation of the TV series 'Firefly', which was canceled after one season. Joss Whedon funded the film's production with his own money after studios showed little interest. The film's opening sequence was shot in one continuous take.

Description: Like 'Valerian', 'John Carter' is a sci-fi adventure film based on a classic piece of literature (Edgar Rice Burroughs' 'A Princess of Mars'). Both films feature a human protagonist thrust into an alien world, with epic battles, exotic creatures, and a romantic subplot. The films share a similar sense of wonder and adventure, with a focus on exploring strange new worlds.

Fact: The film was in development for over 80 years, with various directors attached at different times. Taylor Kitsch trained for seven months to prepare for the role of John Carter. The film's poor box office performance led to Disney taking a $200 million write-down.

Description: 'Avatar' and 'Valerian' both feature breathtaking visual effects and immersive alien worlds. They share themes of exploration, environmentalism, and the clash between different cultures. Both films are known for their groundbreaking CGI and 3D technology, creating a sense of wonder and spectacle.

Fact: James Cameron began developing the idea for 'Avatar' in 199The film's language, Na'vi, was created by a linguist and is fully functional. 'Avatar' held the title of highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by 'Avengers: Endgame'.

Description: Both 'Star Trek' and 'Valerian' are sci-fi films that emphasize exploration, diverse alien cultures, and high-stakes adventure. They share a similar visual style, with sleek futuristic technology and expansive space settings. The films also balance action with character-driven storytelling, focusing on a crew working together to overcome challenges.

Fact: J.J. Abrams initially turned down the offer to direct the film because he wasn't a 'Star Trek' fan. Chris Pine was cast as Captain Kirk just two days before filming began. The film's success revitalized the 'Star Trek' franchise, leading to two sequels.

Description: Like 'Valerian', 'Dune' is a visually stunning sci-fi epic with a complex, richly detailed universe. Both films feature political intrigue, exotic alien worlds, and a young protagonist navigating a dangerous galaxy. They share a similar tone, blending grand storytelling with immersive world-building and a focus on visual spectacle.

Fact: Denis Villeneuve had been a fan of 'Dune' since his teenage years. The film was shot in the deserts of Jordan and Abu Dhabi. Timothée Chalamet prepared for the role of Paul Atreides by reading the novel and studying desert survival skills.

Description: 'Jupiter Ascending' shares with 'Valerian' a grand, visually ambitious sci-fi narrative set in a richly detailed universe. Both films feature a young protagonist discovering their destiny among the stars, with elaborate world-building and a mix of action and romance. The films also share a similar aesthetic, with opulent production design and extensive use of CGI.

Fact: The Wachowskis wrote the script in 2009, but production was delayed due to budget concerns. Eddie Redmayne's performance as Balem Abrasax was criticized for its unusual whispering and shouting delivery. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Description: Both 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets' are space operas that combine action, humor, and a colorful array of alien characters. They feature a ragtag group of heroes navigating a vast, interconnected universe. The films share a similar tone, balancing high-stakes adventure with lighthearted moments and a strong emphasis on visual spectacle.

Fact: The film's soundtrack, 'Awesome Mix Vol. 1', became a best-selling album. Chris Pratt auditioned for the role of Star-Lord by performing a scene from 'Footloose'. The character Groot was originally supposed to say more than just 'I am Groot', but the idea was scrapped to make him more unique.