10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The 5th Wave (2016)

Description: Independence Day and The 5th Wave both feature a global alien invasion where humanity must unite to fight back. While Independence Day has a more action-oriented approach, both films explore themes of survival, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit. The large-scale destruction and the focus on multiple characters' perspectives are also similar.

Fact: Independence Day was the highest-grossing film of

Description: The Day After Tomorrow, like The 5th Wave, involves a global catastrophe that forces humanity to fight for survival. While one deals with aliens and the other with climate change, both films focus on the resilience of individuals and the importance of family and teamwork in the face of disaster. The high-stakes survival scenarios and visual effects are also comparable.

Fact: The Day After Tomorrow was inspired by the book The Coming Global Superstorm. The film's extreme weather scenes were based on real scientific theories. The Statue of Liberty freezing over was a last-minute addition to the script.

Description: War of the Worlds, like The 5th Wave, portrays an alien invasion that threatens humanity's survival. Both films focus on a family's struggle to stay together and survive amidst the chaos. The themes of fear, survival, and the breakdown of society are central to both stories.

Fact: War of the Worlds is based on the novel by H.G. Wells. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg. The tripod sound effects were created by slowing down the sound of a djembe drum.

Description: Battle: Los Angeles and The 5th Wave both depict a large-scale alien invasion where humanity must fight for survival. While The 5th Wave focuses more on a young protagonist's journey, both films highlight the chaos and destruction of an alien attack and the resilience of humans in the face of extinction.

Fact: Battle: Los Angeles was inspired by real military battles, giving it a documentary-like feel. The film used real Marines as consultants to ensure accuracy. The alien designs were kept secret until the movie's release to maintain suspense.

Description: Similar to The 5th Wave, The Hunger Games features a young protagonist thrust into a dystopian world where survival is key. Both films explore themes of government control, survival against the odds, and the resilience of youth. The strong female lead in both movies also adds to their similarity, as they navigate through hostile environments and fight against oppressive forces.

Fact: The Hunger Games was based on the novel by Suzanne Collins. Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss Everdeen, became a household name after this film. The movie was shot in North Carolina, and the forest scenes were filmed in a real forest to add authenticity.

Description: I Am Number Four shares with The 5th Wave a storyline about young aliens or enhanced humans hiding on Earth from a hostile alien race. Both films feature a protagonist who discovers their unique abilities and must fight to protect themselves and their loved ones. The themes of identity, survival, and young love are central to both.

Fact: I Am Number Four is based on the novel by Pittacus Lore. The film was produced by Michael Bay. Alex Pettyfer, who plays Number Four, was initially considered for the role of Superman in Man of Steel.

Description: The Host, like The 5th Wave, involves an alien invasion where humans are taken over by extraterrestrial beings. Both films explore themes of identity, resistance, and the struggle to retain humanity in the face of overwhelming odds. The strong female lead and the romantic subplot are also similar elements.

Fact: The Host is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer, the author of Twilight. The film was shot in Louisiana and New Mexico. Saoirse Ronan, who plays Melanie, learned to ride a motorcycle for her role.

Description: Ender's Game and The 5th Wave both focus on young protagonists who are trained to fight against an alien threat. Both films explore the psychological and emotional toll of war on children, as well as themes of leadership, strategy, and survival. The futuristic settings and high-stakes battles are also similar.

Fact: Ender's Game is based on the novel by Orson Scott Card. The film's zero-gravity battle scenes were inspired by real physics. Harrison Ford, who plays Colonel Graff, initially turned down the role but changed his mind after reading the script.

Description: Like The 5th Wave, The Maze Runner involves a group of young people trying to survive in a mysterious and dangerous environment. Both films feature a male protagonist who must lead others to safety while uncovering the truth about their situation. The themes of survival, mystery, and betrayal are prevalent in both.

Fact: The Maze Runner is based on the novel by James Dashner. The maze set was built in a Louisiana forest and was one of the largest sets ever constructed for a film. Dylan O'Brien, who plays Thomas, performed many of his own stunts.

Description: Divergent shares with The 5th Wave a dystopian setting where society is divided, and the protagonist must navigate through a world that seeks to control or eliminate them. Both films feature a young female lead discovering her unique abilities and fighting against a system that sees her as a threat. The themes of identity, resistance, and survival are central to both stories.

Fact: Divergent is based on the novel by Veronica Roth. Shailene Woodley, who plays Tris, did many of her own stunts. The film's faction system was inspired by the author's observations of high school cliques.