10 Movies & Shows Like ‘Illuminated: The True Story of the Illuminati’ (2019)

Description: This film, directed by Roman Polanski, explores the occult and the search for a mysterious book that can summon the devil, paralleling 'Illuminated's' theme of hidden knowledge and its dangers. Both films feature protagonists navigating a shadowy world of secretive elites and ancient texts.

Fact: Johnny Depp stars as a rare book dealer. The film is loosely based on the novel 'The Club Dumas' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. It features a mix of horror and mystery elements.

Description: While more lighthearted, 'National Treasure' shares the fascination with historical conspiracies and treasure hunts tied to secret societies, akin to 'Illuminated'. The film's protagonist deciphers clues left by the Freemasons, echoing the investigative and revelatory nature of 'Illuminated'.

Fact: Nicolas Cage's character is inspired by real-life treasure hunters. The Declaration of Independence plays a central role in the plot. The film spawned a sequel, 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets'.

Description: Similar to 'Illuminated: The True Story of the Illuminati', 'The Da Vinci Code' delves into the mysteries of secret societies, religious conspiracies, and hidden knowledge. Both films explore the idea of ancient organizations influencing modern events, blending historical facts with speculative fiction. The narrative is driven by puzzles and symbols, much like the investigative approach in 'Illuminated'.

Fact: The film is based on Dan Brown's best-selling novel of the same name. It sparked controversy for its portrayal of the Catholic Church and the Priory of Sion. The movie was filmed in various historic locations, including the Louvre and Westminster Abbey.

Description: Set in the early 20th century, 'The Illusionist' deals with themes of deception and hidden truths, much like 'Illuminated's' focus on secret societies and their manipulations. Both films use a period setting to explore the idea that what is seen may not be real.

Fact: Edward Norton stars as the titular illusionist. The film is based on a short story by Steven Millhauser. It features a twist ending involving a staged death.

Description: Directed by Christopher Nolan, 'The Prestige' shares 'Illuminated's' fascination with secrecy and the lengths individuals will go to protect their knowledge. Both films involve rivalries and the idea that the truth is often obscured by layers of deception.

Fact: The film stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians. It is based on a novel by Christopher Priest. Nikola Tesla appears as a character, played by David Bowie.

Description: Another adaptation of Dan Brown's work, 'Angels & Demons' shares the theme of secret societies (the Illuminati) and their alleged influence on world events, closely aligning with the subject matter of 'Illuminated'. The film combines action, mystery, and historical intrigue, focusing on the conflict between science and religion, a recurring theme in conspiracy narratives.

Fact: Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon from 'The Da Vinci Code'. The Vatican allowed filming in some of its locations, a rare occurrence. The movie's plot revolves around the theft of antimatter from CERN.

Description: Based on another Dan Brown novel, this series continues the adventures of Robert Langdon, focusing on Masonic symbols and the search for hidden knowledge, much like 'Illuminated'. The series emphasizes the power of symbols and the influence of secret societies throughout history.

Fact: It was adapted into a TV series rather than a film. The story is set in Washington, D.C., and involves the Capitol Building. It explores the idea of noetic science, a theme present in Brown's other works.

Description: This horror film touches on themes of religious conspiracy and demonic possession, aligning with 'Illuminated's' exploration of secretive religious and occult practices. Both films suggest that powerful institutions may be hiding unsettling truths.

Fact: The film was directed by Mark Neveldine. It explores the idea of the Antichrist and exorcism. The plot involves the Vatican investigating a possessed woman.

Description: A found-footage thriller, 'The Conspiracy' mirrors 'Illuminated's' documentary-style approach to uncovering secret societies. Both films blur the line between fiction and reality, presenting their narratives as exposés on the Illuminati and other clandestine groups.

Fact: The film uses a mockumentary format to enhance its realism. It explores themes of paranoia and government cover-ups. The plot involves a journalist investigating a mysterious organization.

Description: While not a narrative film, 'The Secret' documentary shares 'Illuminated's' focus on hidden knowledge and the power of ideas. Both works suggest that certain truths are kept from the public, though 'The Secret' leans more towards self-help and the law of attraction.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Rhonda Byrne. It features interviews with various authors and speakers. The documentary popularized the concept of the 'law of attraction'.