10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Annihilation (2018)

Description: Andrei Tarkovsky's 'Solaris' is a slow-burning, philosophical sci-fi film like 'Annihilation'. Both explore the human mind's response to the incomprehensible, featuring mysterious zones that reflect the characters' inner turmoil and psychological states.

Fact: Tarkovsky considered 'Solaris' a response to Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey'. The film is based on the novel by Stanisław Lem, who was reportedly unhappy with the adaptation. The famous highway scene was shot without permission, with the crew pretending to be a traffic survey team.

Description: Another Tarkovsky masterpiece, 'Stalker' shares 'Annihilation's' themes of a mysterious, possibly supernatural zone that changes those who enter it. Both films are meditative, visually stunning, and explore deep existential questions.

Fact: The film was shot twice because the original footage was ruined in a lab accident. Much of the film was shot in abandoned industrial sites in Estonia. The Zone's mysterious properties are never fully explained, leaving interpretation to the viewer.

Description: 'The Cell' and 'Annihilation' both feature surreal, visually striking journeys into altered states of consciousness. Both films blend psychological horror with sci-fi elements, exploring the human mind's dark corners through stunning imagery.

Fact: The film's dream sequences were inspired by the works of artists like Damien Hirst and the Chapman Brothers. Jennifer Lopez performed many of her own stunts. Director Tarsem Singh funded the film's elaborate costumes himself when the studio refused.

Description: 'The Fountain' and 'Annihilation' both deal with themes of mortality, love, and the unknown. They share a dreamlike quality and use stunning visuals to explore deep philosophical questions about existence and the nature of reality.

Fact: The film was originally planned with a much larger budget and Brad Pitt in the lead role. Director Darren Aronofsky used microscopic photography to create some of the film's visuals. The score was composed by Clint Mansell and features the Kronos Quartet.

Description: Based on a Stephen King story, 'The Mist' shares 'Annihilation's' themes of ordinary people confronting incomprehensible horrors. Both films feature mysterious phenomena that challenge human understanding and survival instincts.

Fact: Frank Darabont originally planned to shoot the film in black and white. The film features one of the most shocking endings in horror cinema. Thomas Jane reportedly stayed in character throughout the entire shoot.

Description: This film shares 'Annihilation's' eerie, surreal atmosphere and themes of identity and transformation. Both movies feature mysterious female protagonists navigating alien and unsettling environments, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling.

Fact: Scarlett Johansson wore a hidden camera to film scenes with real, unsuspecting people. The film is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Michel Faber. Director Jonathan Glazer used experimental techniques to create the film's unique look.

Description: Like 'Annihilation', 'Arrival' explores themes of alien contact and the unknown, focusing on communication and the human psyche. Both films feature strong female leads and a non-linear narrative structure that challenges the viewer's perception of time and reality.

Fact: 'Arrival' is based on the short story 'Story of Your Life' by Ted Chiang. The film's unique alien language was created by a professional linguist. Director Denis Villeneuve was inspired by the works of Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg.

Description: 'Coherence' shares 'Annihilation's' themes of reality unraveling and the psychological effects of encountering the unknown. Both films use sci-fi concepts to explore human relationships and the nature of identity.

Fact: The film was shot in just five nights. Much of the dialogue was improvised based on outlines given to the actors. The budget was only $50,000, with most of it going towards food for the cast and crew.

Description: This film, like 'Annihilation', follows characters encountering strange phenomena that challenge their understanding of reality. Both feature mysterious government involvement and blend sci-fi with psychological thriller elements.

Fact: The film was shot in just 23 days. Director William Eubank used his parents' house as a key location. The film's visual effects were created by the director and his small team.

Description: Like 'Annihilation', 'The Endless' deals with a mysterious phenomenon that defies explanation, blending sci-fi and psychological horror. Both films create a sense of creeping dread and feature characters trapped in increasingly bizarre situations.

Fact: The directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead also star in the film. The film is connected to their previous movie 'Resolution' (2012). Made on a tiny budget, the filmmakers used clever techniques to create the film's eerie effects.