10 Movies & Shows Like The Darkest Minds (2018)

Description: 'Battle Royale' shares with 'The Darkest Minds' the harrowing premise of teenagers forced into violent competition by a controlling government. Both films critique societal systems that exploit youth, though 'Battle Royale' takes a more graphic and extreme approach to its themes.

Fact: Battle Royale is based on the novel by Koushun Takami. The film was controversial for its violent content. It has since become a cult classic and influenced many dystopian stories.

Description: Similar to 'The Darkest Minds', 'The Giver' presents a society where emotions and individuality are suppressed by a controlling government. Both films feature young protagonists who discover the dark truths behind their seemingly perfect worlds and must decide whether to conform or rebel.

Fact: The Giver stars Brenton Thwaites and Jeff Bridges. The film is based on the 1993 novel by Lois Lowry. Meryl Streep plays the antagonist, Chief Elder.

Description: Similar to 'The Darkest Minds', 'The Hunger Games' is a dystopian young adult film where teenagers are pitted against each other in a high-stakes survival scenario. Both films explore themes of government oppression, rebellion, and the resilience of youth. The protagonists in both films possess unique abilities that make them targets of authoritarian regimes.

Fact: The Hunger Games was directed by Gary Ross and based on the novel by Suzanne Collins. Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of Katniss Everdeen earned her widespread acclaim. The film's success spawned three sequels, making it one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time.

Description: 'I Am Number Four' and 'The Darkest Minds' both follow teenagers with extraordinary powers who are hunted by powerful organizations. The protagonists in both films must hide their abilities while trying to understand their true potential. Both stories blend action, romance, and sci-fi elements in a coming-of-age narrative.

Fact: I Am Number Four stars Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron. The film is based on the novel by Pittacus Lore. Despite setting up a potential franchise, no sequels were made due to mixed reviews.

Description: Like 'The Darkest Minds', 'The Host' features a young woman with a unique ability that makes her a target in a dystopian world. Both films explore themes of identity, love, and resistance against oppressive forces. The female protagonists in both stories must navigate complex relationships while fighting for survival.

Fact: The Host is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer. Saoirse Ronan stars as Melanie Stryder/Wanderer. The film was a box office disappointment compared to Meyer's Twilight series.

Description: 'Ender's Game' and 'The Darkest Minds' both focus on gifted children being manipulated by adults for military purposes. The protagonists in both films struggle with the moral implications of their powers and the weight of responsibility placed on them. Both stories examine the ethics of using children as weapons.

Fact: Ender's Game stars Asa Butterfield and Harrison Ford. The film is based on the novel by Orson Scott Card. The zero-gravity battle room scenes were achieved through wire work and CGI.

Description: 'The Maze Runner' shares with 'The Darkest Minds' a focus on a group of teenagers with special abilities navigating a dangerous, controlled environment. Both films involve mysterious organizations experimenting on youth, and both protagonists must lead their peers to safety while uncovering the truth about their circumstances.

Fact: The Maze Runner is based on the novel by James Dashner. Dylan O'Brien starred as Thomas, the film's protagonist. The film was shot in Louisiana, despite being set in a dystopian future.

Description: Like 'The Darkest Minds', 'Divergent' is set in a dystopian future where society is divided into factions based on personality traits. Both films feature a young female protagonist who discovers she doesn't fit into the established system and becomes a threat to the ruling powers. The themes of identity, resistance, and self-discovery are central to both stories.

Fact: Divergent stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James. The film is based on the novel by Veronica Roth. Despite its popularity, the final installment was released as a TV movie due to declining box office returns.

Description: Both 'The 5th Wave' and 'The Darkest Minds' feature young protagonists surviving in a post-apocalyptic world where adults are often the enemy. The films explore themes of trust, survival, and the moral complexities of war, with teenagers forced to grow up quickly in hostile environments.

Fact: The 5th Wave stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Cassie Sullivan. The film is based on the novel by Rick Yancey. It was originally planned as a trilogy, but the sequels were canceled due to poor box office performance.

Description: The TV series 'The 100' resembles 'The Darkest Minds' in its depiction of young people navigating a dangerous post-apocalyptic world. Both feature groups of teenagers making difficult moral choices in survival situations, with themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the consequences of war.

Fact: The 100 is based on the book series by Kass Morgan. The show ran for seven seasons on The CW. It was praised for its diverse casting and complex character development.