10 Movies & Shows Like Defiance (1980)

Description: A masterclass in atmospheric tension and horror, set in a futuristic, industrial environment where a crew faces an unknown, deadly alien threat.

Fact: The design of the alien creature was inspired by H.R. Giger's surreal and biomechanical artwork.

Description: A gritty, dystopian action film featuring a lone anti-hero navigating a lawless urban wasteland, blending sci-fi with elements of crime and thriller genres.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by growing urban decay and crime rates in New York City during the 1970s.

Description: A post-apocalyptic action film that emphasizes survival in a desolate world, with high-octane chase sequences and a focus on resource scarcity.

Fact: The film's stunt work and practical effects set a new standard for action movies, with many stunts performed without CGI.

Description: A high-stakes thriller set in a mining colony on one of Jupiter's moons, emphasizing isolation and moral dilemmas in a futuristic setting.

Fact: Often described as a sci-fi version of the classic Western 'High Noon' due to its similar plot structure.

Description: A neo-noir sci-fi that explores existential themes and the blurred lines between humanity and artificial life, set in a visually stunning dystopian future.

Fact: The film's iconic rainy, neon-lit aesthetic has influenced countless other works in the cyberpunk genre.

Description: A tense, claustrophobic horror-sci-fi that delves into paranoia and survival, featuring groundbreaking practical effects for its alien creature.

Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic.

Description: Features a protagonist unexpectedly thrust into a larger conflict, blending sci-fi action with a coming-of-age narrative. The film's use of early CGI for space battles was groundbreaking at the time.

Fact: One of the first films to use extensive CGI for its special effects, setting a precedent for future sci-fi movies.

Description: A sci-fi action thriller that combines relentless pursuit with themes of fate and technology's potential dangers, set in a near-future urban landscape.

Fact: The film's low budget forced the crew to get creative, such as using stop-motion animation for some of the Terminator's endoskeleton scenes.

Description: Explores themes of unlikely alliances and survival in hostile environments, with a strong focus on character development amidst sci-fi warfare.

Fact: The film was initially planned to be directed by Ridley Scott but was eventually helmed by Wolfgang Petersen.

Description: Amps up the action and intensity while retaining the original's themes of survival and human resilience against overwhelming alien forces.

Fact: James Cameron wrote the script in just four and a half months, inspired by his vision of a 'Vietnam War movie in space.'