Table of content    
  1. 1. John Carter (2012)
  2. 2. Divergent (2014)
  3. 3. Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
  4. 4. Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017)
  5. 5. Warcraft (2016)
  6. 6. Passenger (2016)
  7. Conclusion:

Get Ready To Be Transported By 6 Best Movies Like The Avatar Onto An Epic Adventure!

So you loved Avatar and can't get enough of those breathtaking visuals, mesmerizing storyline, and dazzling special effects? Do you want to dive into the best movies like Avatar? Well, you're in luck as I've got some epic science fiction movies that'll take you on a similar thrill ride!

These flicks will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you feeling awe-inspired just like Avatar did. Let’s go!

1. John Carter (2012)

John Carter (2012) Source: IMDb

John Carter (2012) is the first one of the best movies like Avatar in several ways and if you enjoyed Avatar, I believe that you will also enjoy John Carter. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Epic Sci-Fi Adventure: Both Avatar and John Carter are epic science-fiction adventures that transport the viewer to an immersive and beautifully rendered world.
  • High-Stakes Conflict: Both films feature a high-stakes conflict between different factions with vastly different goals. In John Carter, the conflict centers around a battle for control of a powerful energy source called "The Ninth Ray," while in Avatar, the conflict revolves around control of the valuable mineral "unobtanium."
  • Strong Protagonist: Both films feature strong male protagonists who initially find themselves struggling to navigate their way through unfamiliar worlds, but ultimately rise to become heroes capable of making significant contributions to the fight against evil.
John Carter (2012) - movies like Avatar Source: IMDb
  • Cutting-Edge Special Effects: Both films feature cutting-edge special effects that bring the vividly imagined worlds to life in stunning detail.
  • Entertaining Action Sequences: Both films deliver entertaining action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats and leave them feeling exhilarated. Ultimately, John Carter is a thrilling and visually captivating film that is sure to capture your imagination and take you on an unforgettable journey. If you're a fan of epic sci-fi movies similar to Avatar with engaging characters, intense conflict, and plenty of action, then I highly recommend giving John Carter a watch.

Critics and audience reviews of the movie:

+ Critics:

  • "John Carter is a visually spectacular and entertaining sci-fi adventure that suffers from a slow pace and convoluted plot." - Rotten Tomatoes "The narrative falters at times, but the visuals are stunning and Taylor Kitsch makes for an engaging leading man." - Empire Magazine
  • "Despite its flaws, John Carter is a fun and thrilling space epic that will satisfy fans of the genre." - IGN Movies
John Carter Source: IMDb

+ Audience:

  • "I loved John Carter! It's an epic adventure filled with great action and memorable characters." - IMDb user review
  • "This movie deserves more recognition. It's a fun and exciting ride with incredible visuals." - Reddit user comment
  • "If you're a fan of classic sci-fi adventure, John Carter is a must-watch. It captures the spirit of the source material perfectly." - Letterboxd user review

Ratings and Metascore for 'John Carter' (2012) from IMDb:

  • IMDb rating: 6.6/10 based on over 262,000 user ratings
  • Metascore: 51 based on 43 critic reviews

Where To Watch: JustwatchPlex

Official Trailer:

Source: YouTube

2. Divergent (2014)

Are you in the mood for an epic movie that's packed with action and girl power? Well then, you absolutely have to check out Divergent from 2014! Trust me, this flick is seriously fresh and totally badass. It's got everything you loved about Avatar but with an added kick of awesomeness. "Divergent" and the Avatar movie franchise are two different movies with distinct storylines. However, there may be some similarities between the two.

One possible similarity is that both movies depict a dystopian society that is deeply divided and in conflict. In "Divergent," society is split into five factions based on personality traits, while in "Avatar," humans are trying to extract resources from a planet inhabited by an indigenous species. Both movies explore themes of social injustice and the consequences of exploiting natural resources.

Another possible similarity is that both movies feature a protagonist who is initially an outsider but eventually becomes a leader and champion for their cause. In "Divergent," Tris Prior starts out as a member of Abnegation but discovers she is Divergent and must navigate the dangerous politics of her new faction. In "Avatar," Jake Sully is a former Marine who finds himself stranded on Pandora and must learn to live among the Na'vi and fight against the humans who threaten their way of life.

Overall, while "Divergent" and "Avatar" are different movies, they do share some common themes and character arcs. So what are you waiting for? Sit down, get comfy, and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled ride with Divergent!

movies like Avatar - Divergent (2014) Source: IMDb

Critics and audience reviews of the movie:

+ Critics:

  • "Divergent is a competent and well-crafted adaptation that should satisfy fans of the novel and newcomers alike." - Claudia Puig, USA Today
  • "It's not as good as The Hunger Games, but Divergent definitely has its moments and features a strong lead performance from Shailene Woodley." - Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly
  • "The film moves along at a brisk pace, though it fails to capture the rich complexity of the book's dystopian world." - Justin Chang, Variety

+ Audience:

  • "I loved the Divergent series and the movie did not disappoint! Shailene Woodley was perfect for the role of Tris and the rest of the cast was great too!"
  • "As someone who hasn't read the books, I thought the movie was really entertaining and engaging. The action scenes were thrilling and the story kept me on the edge of my seat."
  • "I was disappointed by the movie. It felt like they rushed through the plot and didn't develop the characters enough. If you're a fan of the books, you might be disappointed."

Ratings and Metascore for 'Divergent' (2014) from IMDb:

  • IMDb rating: 6.7/10 based on over 422,000 user ratings
  • Metascore: 51 based on 43 critic reviews Besides, on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has a 41% approval rating from critics and a 70% audience score.

Where To Watch: Hulu, Justwatch

Official Trailer:

Source: YouTube

3. Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

If you loved Avatar, you should check out Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)! This is actually one of my favorite epic science-fiction movies. These two movies are like cousins or something, they share a lot of similarities. Here are some of them:

  • Both movies take place in fictional universes with their own set of rules and laws.
  • They both feature a team of unlikely heroes who come together to fight against a powerful enemy.
  • Both movies feature stunning visual effects and cinematography.

The unique features of Guardians of the Galaxy that set it apart from others include:

  • The movie has a more comedic tone compared to Avatar.
  • The soundtrack is a standout feature of the movie, consisting of classic rock songs from the 70s and 80s that perfectly complement the action on screen.
  • The characters are quirky and lovable, from the wise-cracking Star-Lord to the literal-minded Drax the Destroyer. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, making it a fun and enjoyable ride from start to finish.
  • The movie is a complete story in itself but also serves as a part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, meaning there are plenty of connections to other Marvel movies for fans to enjoy.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) - movies like Avatar Source: IMDb

In short, if you're already a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then this movie is a must-watch as it sets up some important storylines that continue throughout the series. Trust me!

Critics and audience reviews of the movie:

+ Critics:

  • "A winning blend of humor and action, Guardians of the Galaxy is one of Marvel's most entertaining movies to date." - Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
  • "James Gunn's direction and a lively cast of characters make Guardians of the Galaxy a fun and fresh addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe." - Claudia Puig, USA Today
  • "A space opera with heart, humor, and enough spectacle to keep you glued to your seat, Guardians of the Galaxy is a rollicking good time at the movies." - Peter Debruge, Variety

+ Audience:

  • "Guardians of the Galaxy is one of my favorite Marvel movies ever! The humor is spot-on, the characters are lovable, and the soundtrack is killer!"
  • "I went into this movie not knowing anything about the comics and was blown away by how much I loved it. The world-building is incredible, the visual effects are stunning, and the cast is perfect."
  • "I thought this movie was just okay. It had some funny moments, but overall, I didn't really care about the characters or the story. Maybe it's just not my thing."

Ratings and Metascore for Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) from IMDb:

  • IMDb rating: 8.0/10 based on over 1,000,000 user ratings
  • Metascore: 76/100

Where To Watch: JustwatchPlex

Official Trailer:

Source: YouTube

4. Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017)

If you are a big fan of Avatar and you are looking for some similar flicks that'll take you on an intergalactic adventure, then Valerian and The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017) is definitely a movie you gotta check out! This sci-fi masterpiece, directed by Luc Besson, follows the journey of two special operatives who are tasked with protecting Alpha, a sprawling metropolis where species from all over the universe come together to share knowledge and culture.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) and Avatar (2009) share some similarities in terms of their science fiction settings and themes:

  • Firstly, both movies are set in fantastical worlds with stunning visuals that transport viewers to otherworldly locations. Both movies feature intricate and detailed alien creatures, cultures, and landscapes that are visually impressive and immersive.
  • Secondly, they all deal with themes of environmentalism and conservation. In Avatar, the Na'vi tribe lives in harmony with nature and fights against corporate interests that seek to exploit their world's natural resources. Similarly, in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, the characters must protect the planet Mül from the destruction caused by an industrialized society.
  • Finally, these two films feature strong female leads who are instrumental in driving the plot forward. In Avatar, Neytiri is a fierce warrior and love interest to the main character, Jake Sully, played by James Cameron. In Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Laureline is a skilled agent who works alongside her partner Valerian to save the city of Alpha.

Overall, while there are some similarities between Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets and Avatar, each movie also has its own unique qualities and strengths.

Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017) - movies like Avatar Source: IMDb

Here are some reasons why you should definitely give it a watch:

  • Incredible visuals: The movie features some of the most spectacular visual effects ever seen on screen, with breathtakingly beautiful alien worlds and creatures brought to life in vivid detail.
  • Engaging characters: Valerian and Laureline, the two main characters, are both well-developed and engaging, with great chemistry between them. You'll find yourself invested in their journey and rooting for them throughout the movie.
  • Epic storytelling: The movie has an epic scope, with a story that takes us on a journey through space and time as Valerian and Laureline race to save the city of Alpha from destruction. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, making it a thrilling watch from start to finish.
  • The unique approach to science fiction: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets puts a fresh spin on the sci-fi genre, offering a unique blend of action, adventure, and romance. It feels like a true original, rather than just another generic sci-fi movie.
  • Auteur direction: Luc Besson, the director, brings his trademark style and vision to the movie, creating something truly special and unforgettable.
Source: IMDb

Critics and audience reviews of the movie:

+ Critics:

  • "Visually stunning but narratively overstuffed, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets offers a brain-bending colorful and wildly uneven sci-fi adventure that's worth a watch for genre fans." - Rotten Tomatoes
  • "A movie that's often striking to look at, even when it doesn't all hang together in terms of plot or character motivation." - AV Club
  • "Valerian is a visual feast with a storyline as flimsy as the visuals are dazzling." - Chicago Sun-Times

+ Audience:

  • "Incredible visuals and world-building. The story was decent, but the visuals were the true star of this film." - IMDb user review
  • "I had a great time watching this movie! It was a fun ride, visually packed with action and humor. I loved the performances and the universe they created." - Letterboxd user review
  • "The visuals are breathtakingly beautiful and the world-building is incredible. This film is a must-watch for any sci-fi fan." - Reddit user review

Ratings and Metascore for Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017) from IMDb:

  • IMDb rating: 6.5/10 based on over 100,000 user ratings
  • Metascore: 51 based on 49 critic reviews.

Where To Watch: Jexmovie, Justwatch

Official Trailer:

Source: YouTube

5. Warcraft (2016)

If you are fond of the world of Avatar and are on the hunt for more sci-fi/fantasy movies with political themes like Avatar to satisfy your cravings, look no further than Warcraft (2016). With breathtaking landscapes, epic battles, and mystical creatures reminiscent of Pandora, this film is sure to transport you to another world and make you feel like you're right in the middle of the action.

But what really sets it apart is the mind-blowing CGI effects that elevate the viewing experience to a whole new level. So if you're ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in a vibrant and immersive universe, then Warcraft should definitely be next on your watch list!

The best thing about this movie that will definitely attract you at the very first sight:

  • The rich and immersive world: The movie takes place in the world of Azeroth, which is richly detailed and immersive. From the towering cities of the humans to the brutal, war-torn landscapes of the orcs, every aspect of the world feels real and fully realized.
  • Incredible visuals: Warcraft features some of the most stunning visual effects ever seen on screen. The orcs, in particular, are incredibly lifelike and their movements are seamless and natural. The battle scenes are also incredibly impressive, with fantastic choreography and special effects.
  • Engaging characters: The movie does an excellent job of fleshing out its main characters, both human and orc. You'll find yourself invested in their struggles and rooting for them as they fight for what they believe in.
Warcraft (2016) Source: IMDb
  • Epic storytelling: The movie has an epic quality to it that makes it feel like a true adventure. There are plenty of twists and turns, betrayals and surprises, making it a gripping watch from start to finish.
  • Faithful to the source material: Finally, if you're a fan of the games, you'll be pleased to know that the movie stays true to the lore and mythology of the Warcraft universe. You'll see plenty of familiar characters and locations, and the filmmakers clearly put a lot of effort into getting everything just right.

Critics and audience reviews of the movie:

+ Critics:

  • "Warcraft has visual thrills to spare, but they - and director Duncan Jones' distinctive gifts - are wasted on a sluggish and derivative adaptation of a bestselling game with little evident cinematic value." - Rotten Tomatoes
  • "An energetic, imaginative film that takes its influences as seriously as it does its audience." - The Guardian
  • "It's a handsomely made movie with some strong performances, but it suffers from trying to cram too many plotlines into a single two-hour narrative." - Collider
movies like Avatar - Warcraft (2016) Source: IMDb

+ Audience:

  • "As someone who's never played the game, I was blown away by how stunning this movie looked. The world-building was outstanding, and the characters were well-written and acted." - IMDb user review
  • "This is a great adaptation of the game, with jaw-dropping visuals and an epic story that will keep you engaged from start to finish." - Letterboxd user review
  • "If you're a fan of the game, you'll love this movie. It's not perfect, but it's faithful to the source material and a lot of fun to watch." - Reddit user review

Ratings and Metascore for ‘Warcraft’ (2016) from IMDb:

  • IMDb rating: 6.8/10 based on over 246,000 user ratings
  • Metascore: 32 based on 40 critic reviews.

Where To Watch: Justwatch, MOV

Official Trailer:

Source: YouTube

6. Passenger (2016)

Last but not least, when it comes to the top fantasy films like Avatar, Passengers (2016) is not one to be ignored. First off, both films take place in a futuristic setting with advanced technology and transport systems. Plus, both films have stunning visuals that really transport you to another world (or galaxy, in this case!).

In Passengers, we follow two characters who wake up from hyper-sleep decades too early and must navigate their way through a spaceship hurtling towards a distant planet. Like Avatar, it's a thrilling adventure with plenty of action and romance thrown in for good measure. So, take a seat and settle in for an out-of-this-world ride!

The best things about this movie that make it a ‘must’ for you to watch:

  • Compelling Storyline: The film has a unique premise that explores the consequences of being stranded in space with only one other person. It raises some interesting moral dilemmas that will keep you engaged throughout the movie.
  • Stunning Visual Effects: The film boasts visually stunning special effects that help to immerse the audience into the world of the spaceship. From the vast expanse of space to the futuristic technology of the ship, the visuals are truly breathtaking.
  • Exceptional Performances: Both Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt deliver standout performances in the film. They bring depth and complexity to their characters, making you care deeply about what happens to them.
  • Beautiful Soundtrack: The film's soundtrack is beautiful and immersive, adding an emotional depth to each scene. 
  • Themes That Resonate: Passengers deals with themes such as loneliness, love, morality, and the human condition, which are universal and relatable. You'll likely find yourself reflecting on these themes long after the movie ends.

Overall, Passengers is an engaging and thought-provoking film that is definitely worth watching if you're a fan of science fiction or just enjoy a good story with strong performances and stunning visuals.

Passenger (2016) - movies like Avatar Source: IMDb

Critics and audience reviews of the movie:

+ Critics:

  • "Passengers proves Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence work well together - and that even their chemistry isn't enough to overcome a fatally flawed story." - Rotten Tomatoes
  • "It's an intelligent, sleek, futuristic sci-fi with real heart." - Empire Magazine
  • "The film looks great and has moments of intrigue, but the script ultimately undermines its talented cast and intriguing premise." - Independent UK

+ Audience:

  • "I thought this was an excellent movie, with a gripping storyline and fantastic performances from Pratt and Lawrence. If you're a fan of science fiction or just looking for a good movie, give Passengers a watch." - IMDb user review
  • "This movie had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The special effects were amazing, and Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence were both fantastic in their roles." - Letterboxd user review

Ratings and Metascore for Passenger (2016) from IMDb:

  • IMDb rating: 7.0/10 based on over 327,000 user ratings
  • Metascore: 41/100 based on 48 critic reviews.

Where To Watch: Netflix, Justwatch

Official Trailer:

Source: YouTube

Conclusion:

In short, the best movies like Avatar suggested above will lead you to magical worlds, make you feel every emotion, and leave you with a new appreciation of the power of cinema. Whether you love epic battles, heartwarming romance, or mind-blowing sci-fi, there's something here for everyone.

Thus, let's prepare some snacks, settle in, and prepare to be blown away by these great movies! Don't forget to share your favorites with your friends and family and let me know how you feel. Have fun!

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