If you enjoyed the suspense and sci-fi elements of 'Zero Contact' (2022), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same thrilling mix of mystery, technology, and high-stakes storytelling. Whether you're a fan of futuristic thrillers or thought-provoking sci-fi, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Net (1995)
Description: A thriller about a woman whose identity is erased by a malicious organization, showcasing early fears about digital privacy and cyber threats.
Fact: The film was one of the first mainstream movies to address internet-based paranoia. It predicted many aspects of modern digital life, like online shopping and remote work.


Enemy of the State (1998)
Description: A high-stakes thriller about government surveillance, conspiracy, and the misuse of technology to track and control individuals.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by real-life concerns about the NSA's surveillance capabilities. It features advanced (for its time) surveillance technology.


The Matrix (1999)
Description: A groundbreaking sci-fi film that questions reality, freedom, and control in a world dominated by machines and simulated experiences.
Fact: The film's iconic 'bullet time' effect revolutionized action cinematography. It draws heavily from philosophical concepts, particularly Jean Baudrillard's 'Simulacra and Simulation.'


The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
Description: A sci-fi mystery that explores virtual reality and simulated worlds, questioning the nature of reality and identity.
Fact: The movie is based on the 1964 novel 'Simulacron-3' by Daniel F. Galouye. It was released the same year as 'The Matrix,' but with a different take on virtual worlds.


Source Code (2011)
Description: A sci-fi thriller about a soldier who relives a train explosion in a time-loop to prevent a disaster, blending technology with existential questions.
Fact: The film's premise is based on quantum physics and the multiverse theory. It was shot in just 28 days, a remarkably short production schedule for a major film.


Her (2013)
Description: A poignant exploration of human relationships with artificial intelligence, focusing on emotional connections and the blurring line between humans and machines.
Fact: The film's futuristic setting was inspired by Shanghai, giving it a unique, cosmopolitan aesthetic. The AI voice was performed by Scarlett Johansson, who replaced Samantha Morton after initial filming.


Black Mirror (2011)
Description: An anthology series that examines the dark side of technology and its impact on society, often presenting dystopian futures.
Fact: The show's title refers to the reflective screens of devices like smartphones and TVs. Each episode is a standalone story with different characters and settings.


Transcendence (2014)
Description: A sci-fi drama about uploading a human consciousness into a computer, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, ethics, and the future of humanity.
Fact: The film marks the directorial debut of Wally Pfister, who was previously known as Christopher Nolan's cinematographer. It features a unique blend of hard sci-fi and philosophical dilemmas.


The Circle (2017)
Description: Delves into the dangers of a tech-driven society, highlighting themes of privacy invasion, corporate control, and the loss of personal freedom.
Fact: The film is based on a novel of the same name by Dave Eggers. It features a fictional tech company with eerie parallels to real-life Silicon Valley giants.


Snowden (2016)
Description: Explores themes of surveillance, privacy, and the ethical dilemmas of technology, focusing on a whistleblower who exposes government secrets.
Fact: The real Edward Snowden provided input on the film to ensure accuracy. It was shot in Germany due to Snowden's asylum status in Russia.
