10 Movies & Shows Similar to Beast Games (2024)

Description: The Running Man shares with Beast Games (2024) a dystopian future where criminals are forced to participate in a televised death match for public entertainment. Both films critique media sensationalism and the exploitation of violence for ratings.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Stephen King, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Arnold Schwarzenegger performed many of his own stunts, including the famous helicopter jump. The film's gladiatorial game show concept has influenced numerous reality TV shows and films.

Description: Battle Royale is a precursor to Beast Games (2024), featuring a brutal competition where students are forced to fight to the death on a deserted island. Both films delve into the psychological and moral dilemmas faced by the participants, as well as the societal commentary on youth and violence.

Fact: Battle Royale was initially banned in several countries due to its violent content. The film is based on a novel by Koushun Takami, which was rejected by publishers for being too controversial. Quentin Tarantino has cited Battle Royale as one of his favorite films.

Description: The Condemned, like Beast Games (2024), features a group of convicts forced to fight to the death on a remote island for a live audience. Both films explore the ethics of reality TV and the dehumanization of participants for entertainment.

Fact: The film was produced by WWE Studios, capitalizing on the popularity of wrestler Steve Austin. The Condemned was shot in Queensland, Australia, using the region's dense jungles as a backdrop. The film's release coincided with the rise of extreme reality TV shows, adding to its cultural relevance.

Description: The Tournament parallels Beast Games (2024) with its premise of a deadly competition where assassins hunt each other for a massive cash prize. Both films feature high-octane action, moral ambiguity, and a critique of violence as spectacle.

Fact: The film features a diverse international cast, including Ving Rhames and Robert Carlyle. The Tournament was shot in various locations across the UK, including Liverpool and Manchester. The film's director, Scott Mann, went on to direct the action thriller Final Score.

Description: The Belko Experiment mirrors Beast Games (2024) in its premise of ordinary people forced into a deadly game by a mysterious authority. Both films examine how quickly societal norms can break down under extreme pressure and the lengths people will go to survive.

Fact: The film was written by James Gunn, who later directed the Guardians of the Galaxy films. The Belko Experiment was shot in Bogotá, Colombia, to keep production costs low. The film's ending was intentionally left ambiguous to allow for potential sequels.

Description: Similar to Beast Games (2024), The Hunger Games features a high-stakes survival competition where participants must fight to the death. Both films explore themes of oppression, rebellion, and the manipulation of media. The dystopian setting and the idea of a powerful elite controlling the masses are central to both narratives.

Fact: The Hunger Games was inspired by reality TV shows and the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss Everdeen, became one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood after the film's success. The film's iconic three-finger salute was later adopted by real-life protesters in Thailand as a symbol of resistance.

Description: Like Beast Games (2024), The Maze Runner involves a group of young people trapped in a deadly environment where they must solve puzzles and fight for survival. Both films feature a mysterious organization orchestrating the events, adding a layer of conspiracy and intrigue.

Fact: The film's maze was built as a practical set, not just CGI. Dylan O'Brien, who plays Thomas, performed many of his own stunts. The film's sequel, The Scorch Trials, was shot back-to-back with the first movie.

Description: Divergent shares with Beast Games (2024) a dystopian society where individuals are divided into factions and must prove their worth through dangerous trials. Both films highlight themes of identity, resistance against oppressive systems, and the struggle for survival.

Fact: Shailene Woodley, who plays Tris, was initially hesitant to take on another big franchise after The Descendants. The film's futuristic Chicago setting was shot in actual locations around the city. The Divergent series was originally planned as a four-part franchise, but the final installment was canceled and released as a TV movie.

Description: The Purge and Beast Games (2024) both explore the idea of sanctioned violence, where society allows or even encourages deadly competition. Both films critique the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of a lawless environment.

Fact: The entire film was shot in just 20 days. The concept of The Purge was inspired by a nightmare writer-director James DeMonaco had. The film's low budget of $3 million led to a massive profit, grossing over $89 million worldwide.

Description: Escape Room, like Beast Games (2024), centers around a group of strangers forced to navigate deadly puzzles for the entertainment of unseen forces. Both films use high-stakes games to explore themes of survival, teamwork, and human psychology.

Fact: The film's production design team created intricate, life-sized sets for each escape room. Escape Room was originally conceived as a standalone film but later expanded into a franchise. The film's success led to a sequel, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions, released in