10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Cloud Atlas (2012)

Description: 'The Thirteenth Floor' shares with 'Cloud Atlas' a fascination with simulated realities and the nature of existence. Both films feature characters who discover that their world is not what it seems, and both use a noir-inspired visual style. The themes of identity and reality in 'The Thirteenth Floor' are also central to 'Cloud Atlas'.

Fact: The film is based on the novel 'Simulacron-3' by Daniel F. Galouye. It was released the same year as 'The Matrix', which overshadowed it at the box office. The film's depiction of a virtual 1930s Los Angeles was praised for its attention to detail.

Description: Similar to 'Cloud Atlas', 'The Fountain' explores themes of love, death, and reincarnation across different time periods. Both films use a non-linear narrative structure and feature interconnected stories that span centuries. The visual aesthetics of 'The Fountain' are also reminiscent of 'Cloud Atlas', with lush, dreamlike sequences that blend reality and fantasy.

Fact: The film was originally planned with a budget of $70 million and Brad Pitt in the lead role, but after Pitt dropped out, the project was scaled down to a $35 million budget with Hugh Jackman. Director Darren Aronofsky used microphotography of chemical reactions to create some of the film's visual effects. The film's score, composed by Clint Mansell, is performed by the Kronos Quartet and Mogwai.

Description: 'The Tree of Life' and 'Cloud Atlas' both explore existential themes and the interconnectedness of all life. Terrence Malick's film, like the Wachowskis', uses a non-linear narrative and stunning visuals to convey its message. Both films blend personal stories with cosmic scale, creating a meditation on life, death, and rebirth.

Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Brad Pitt initially turned down the role but changed his mind after reading the script a second time. The dinosaur sequence was created using a combination of animatronics and CGI, and was a last-minute addition to the film.

Description: Like 'Cloud Atlas', 'Mr. Nobody' delves into the concept of multiple lives and the butterfly effect, showing how small decisions can lead to vastly different outcomes. The film's structure jumps between different timelines and realities, much like the interwoven narratives of 'Cloud Atlas'. Both films also share a philosophical tone, questioning the nature of existence and free will.

Fact: The film took nearly a decade to complete due to funding issues and the complexity of its narrative structure. Jared Leto learned to speak French for his role in the film. The movie features a cameo by Juno Temple, who appears in a minor role as a teenage version of one of the main characters.

Description: While 'The Man from Earth' is a much smaller-scale film than 'Cloud Atlas', it shares a similar fascination with the passage of time and the idea of a single individual experiencing multiple historical periods. Both films use dialogue-driven storytelling to explore big ideas about human history and existence.

Fact: The film was written by Jerome Bixby, who also wrote episodes of 'Star Trek'. It was shot in just a few weeks on a very low budget, primarily in a single location. The film has gained a cult following despite its limited initial release.

Description: 'Interstellar' shares with 'Cloud Atlas' a grand, epic scale and a focus on humanity's place in the universe. Both films explore themes of love transcending time and space, and feature complex, non-linear storytelling. The visual grandeur and emotional depth of 'Interstellar' are also comparable to 'Cloud Atlas'.

Fact: Christopher Nolan consulted with physicist Kip Thorne to ensure the film's scientific accuracy, particularly regarding black holes and wormholes. The cornfield scenes were shot in a real cornfield in Alberta, Canada, which was planted months in advance for the film. Hans Zimmer's score was composed before the script was finished, with Nolan providing Zimmer only a one-page document outlining the film's themes.

Description: 'Predestination' shares with 'Cloud Atlas' a complex, time-bending narrative that explores identity and destiny. Both films feature characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways across different timelines. The twisty, thought-provoking plot of 'Predestination' is similar to the intricate storytelling of 'Cloud Atlas'.

Fact: The film is based on the short story '—All You Zombies—' by Robert A. Heinlein. Ethan Hawke was initially hesitant to take on the role but was convinced by the script's originality. The film was shot in Melbourne, Australia, with a relatively modest budget.

Description: 'Arrival' shares with 'Cloud Atlas' a focus on communication and the way language shapes our perception of reality and time. Both films use a non-linear narrative to explore deep philosophical questions about human existence. The emotional tone of 'Arrival', which balances personal drama with larger existential themes, is also similar to 'Cloud Atlas'.

Fact: The film is based on the short story 'Story of Your Life' by Ted Chiang. Director Denis Villeneuve insisted on using practical effects for the aliens' spacecraft to make it feel more realistic. Amy Adams learned to speak Mandarin for her role as a linguist.

Description: Like 'Cloud Atlas', 'Annihilation' deals with themes of transformation and the unknown, blending science fiction with philosophical inquiry. Both films feature strong female leads and use surreal, visually striking imagery to explore their themes. The narrative structure of 'Annihilation', which gradually reveals its mysteries, is also reminiscent of 'Cloud Atlas'.

Fact: The film is based on the first book of Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy. Natalie Portman trained with a biologist to prepare for her role as a scientist. The eerie soundtrack features a haunting cover of 'Helplessly Hoping' by Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Description: 'Coherence' and 'Cloud Atlas' both explore the idea of multiple realities and the interconnectedness of lives. While 'Coherence' is a smaller, more intimate film, it shares with 'Cloud Atlas' a mind-bending narrative structure and a focus on how small changes can have large consequences. Both films also blend science fiction with deeper philosophical questions.

Fact: The film was shot in just five nights with a budget of only $50,