10 Movies & Shows Similar to Divergent (2014)

Description: The Giver, like Divergent, is set in a seemingly utopian society that hides dark secrets. Both films follow young protagonists who discover the truth about their world and must decide whether to conform or rebel. Themes of memory, choice, and individuality are central to both stories.

Fact: The Giver was originally published as a novel in 1993 by Lois Lowry and won the Newbery Medal. The film was in development for nearly 20 years before it was finally made. Jeff Bridges, who plays the Giver, had wanted to make the film for years and originally envisioned his father, Lloyd Bridges, in the role.

Description: Similar to Divergent, The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian future where society is divided into distinct groups, and the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, must navigate and challenge the oppressive system. Both films feature strong female leads, themes of rebellion against authoritarian control, and a focus on survival and personal growth.

Fact: The Hunger Games was based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, who drew inspiration from reality TV and the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss, 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 protestors in Thailand as a symbol of resistance.

Description: The Host, like Divergent, is a sci-fi film with a strong female lead who must navigate a world where humanity is under threat from an external force. Both films explore themes of identity, love, and resistance against oppressive systems. The protagonists in both stories are caught between two worlds and must fight to protect what they believe in.

Fact: The Host is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series. The film was originally planned to be a trilogy, but plans were scrapped due to its box office performance. Saoirse Ronan, who plays Melanie Stryder, had to act opposite herself in many scenes due to the dual nature of her character.

Description: Ender's Game shares with Divergent a focus on a young protagonist who is exceptional and must undergo rigorous training and testing in a futuristic society. Both films deal with themes of leadership, morality, and the consequences of war. The protagonists in both stories are manipulated by higher authorities and must ultimately make difficult choices to assert their independence.

Fact: Ender's Game is based on the 1985 novel by Orson Scott Card, which won both the Hugo and Nebula awards. The film's battle room scenes were inspired by zero-gravity sequences in movies like Apollo 1Harrison Ford, who plays Colonel Graff, initially turned down the role but changed his mind after reading the script.

Description: Like Divergent, The Maze Runner is a dystopian sci-fi film centered around a group of young people trying to survive in a controlled and dangerous environment. Both films explore themes of identity, memory, and resistance against a manipulative authority. The protagonists in both stories discover hidden truths about their world and must fight to change it.

Fact: The Maze Runner was filmed in Louisiana, USA, and the maze itself was a massive set built specifically for the movie. Dylan O'Brien, who plays Thomas, performed many of his own stunts, including running through the maze. The film's sequel, The Scorch Trials, was released just one year later in

Description: The 5th Wave, similar to Divergent, features a young female protagonist surviving in a post-apocalyptic world where trust is scarce and survival is paramount. Both films explore themes of identity, trust, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The protagonists in both stories must navigate complex social structures and decide who to trust.

Fact: The 5th Wave is based on the novel by Rick Yancey, which was inspired by his own experiences during Hurricane Charley. Chloe Grace Moretz, who plays Cassie, trained extensively in firearms and survival skills for the role. The film's title refers to the five stages of an alien invasion that wipes out humanity.

Description: The 100, like Divergent, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where young people must navigate dangerous and morally complex situations. Both stories feature strong female leads who must make difficult choices to ensure the survival of their people. Themes of leadership, survival, and the consequences of war are central to both.

Fact: The 100 is based on the book series by Kass Morgan, but the TV show diverges significantly from the source material. The series was initially marketed as a teen drama but evolved into a darker, more complex story as it progressed. The show's creator, Jason Rothenberg, drew inspiration from classic sci-fi like Battlestar Galactica and Lost.

Description: Insurgent is the direct sequel to Divergent, continuing Tris's journey as she and Four flee the Erudite faction and uncover more secrets about their society. The film delves deeper into the themes of identity, sacrifice, and rebellion that were introduced in the first movie. Like Divergent, it features intense action sequences and a strong emotional core.

Fact: Insurgent was the first film in the series to be released in 3D. The film's simulation sequences allowed for more creative and visually stunning scenes compared to the first movie. Naomi Watts joined the cast as Evelyn Johnson-Eaton, adding a new dynamic to the story.

Description: As the third installment in the Divergent series, Allegiant continues the story of Tris and Four as they venture beyond the wall surrounding Chicago. The film expands on the themes of the previous movies, exploring the consequences of their actions and the larger world they inhabit. Like Divergent, it combines action, romance, and political intrigue in a dystopian setting.

Fact: Allegiant was originally planned to be the first part of a two-part finale, but the second part, Ascendant, was canceled due to poor box office performance. The film features more sci-fi elements than its predecessors, including advanced technology and genetic manipulation. Shailene Woodley, who plays Tris, performed many of her own stunts in the film.

Description: The Darkest Minds shares with Divergent a dystopian setting where young people are categorized and controlled by a fearful government. Both films feature protagonists with unique abilities who become symbols of resistance. Themes of friendship, survival, and fighting against oppression are central to both stories.

Fact: The Darkest Minds is based on the novel by Alexandra Bracken, who wrote the book while working in publishing. The film's young cast, including Amandla Stenberg and Harris Dickinson, bonded over their shared love of superhero movies. The movie's production was fast-tracked to capitalize on the popularity of young adult dystopian films.