Movies Like Darkest Minds: Your Watch List for Adventurous Entertainment

Movies Like Darkest Minds captivated audiences with its thrilling blend of dystopian drama and supernatural elements. Suppose you enjoyed this film’s intense storyline, powerful characters, and the fight for survival in a world where teenagers with extraordinary abilities are hunted. In that case, you’ll be pleased to discover a range of similar movies. 

These films often feature young protagonists navigating dangerous landscapes, grappling with their unique powers, and challenging oppressive regimes. Whether you are drawn to the adrenaline-pumping action, the emotional depth of the characters, or the thought-provoking themes of resistance and resilience, movies like “Darkest Minds” offer a rich cinematic experience. 

From gripping dystopias to riveting adventures, these films promise to keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for heroes who must rise against the odds and redefine their destinies in a world that fears their strength.

20 Movies Like The Darkest Minds (2018)

If you loved “The Darkest Minds,” you’ll enjoy exploring a selection of movies with similar themes of dystopian worlds, young heroes, and extraordinary abilities—titles like “The Maze Runner” and “Divergent” present gripping tales of survival and rebellion. 

Each film captures the essence of fighting against a world that fears the extraordinary. Let’s grab your seat belts as we delve into charismatic action and thrilling proxies of a captivating entertainment journey.

Knives Out (2019)

Knives Out mystery film, with bit different genres, shares some thematic elements with “The Darkest Minds,” particularly in its exploration of deception, power struggles, and uncovering hidden truths. The film revolves around the mysterious death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. 

Renowned detective Benoit Blanc is enlisted to untangle the secrets and lies surrounding the eccentric Thrombey family. Each family member becomes a suspect, revealing motives driven by greed, jealousy, and ambition.

The central character, Marta Cabrera, Harlan’s nurse, navigates a treacherous landscape where everyone is out for themselves, much like the young heroes in “The Darkest Minds.” As Blanc peels back layers of the family’s deceptions, Marta’s integrity and resilience come to the forefront.

The film’s intricate plot and character dynamics echo the intense personal and societal conflicts seen in “The Darkest Minds,” making “Knives Out” a compelling watch for fans of intricate, character-driven stories.

American Sniper (2014)

The biological war drama American Sniper is based on the life of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper with numerous confirmed kills. The film delves into Kyle’s experiences in the Iraq War, highlighting his exceptional skills and the moral complexities of his role. Amid the intense action, the movie explores the impact of war on his psyche and his struggle to balance his duty with family life back home.

Like “The Darkest Minds,” where young characters grapple with their newfound powers in a hostile world, “American Sniper” portrays Kyle’s internal and external battles. Both films feature protagonists who must navigate treacherous environments and face intense personal challenges.

The themes of resilience, duty, and the cost of survival are central to both narratives, offering viewers a deep, emotional connection to the characters’ journeys.

White House Down (2013)

In the White House Down thriller movie, Capitol Policeman John Cale finds himself in a high-stakes battle when a paramilitary group seizes the White House. Initially there for a routine tour with his daughter, Cale must use his skills to protect her and rescue the President from the assailants.

The film is packed with intense action sequences as Cale navigates the treacherous situation, overcoming numerous obstacles and uncovering a deeper conspiracy. Like the protagonists in “The Darkest Minds,” Cale is thrust into an unexpected conflict where he must rise against powerful adversaries.

Both films feature ordinary characters placed in extraordinary circumstances, fighting not only for their survival but also for a greater cause. The relentless pace, high tension, and themes of courage and resilience make “White House Down” an engaging watch for fans of “The Darkest Minds.”

Taken (2008)

In the French action thriller Taken, ex-CIA operative Bryan Mills faces every parent’s nightmare when his daughter, Kim, is abducted by a human trafficking ring while vacationing in Paris. Leveraging his “particular set of skills,” Mills embarks on a relentless mission to track down and rescue her. The film is packed with intense action as Mills navigates the underworld of trafficking, dismantling the criminal network piece by piece.

Similarly, “The Darkest Minds” features young characters with supernatural abilities fighting for their freedom in a dystopian society. Both films focus on protagonists confronting overwhelming odds to save those they care about.

Mills’ determination and resourcefulness mirror the resilience and bravery of the characters in “The Darkest Minds,” making “Taken” a gripping and emotional journey of empowerment and survival against formidable adversaries.

Se7en (1995)

In the American crime thriller Se7en, seasoned detective William Somerset is on the brink of retirement when he is paired with the young, impulsive detective David Mills to solve gruesome murders based on the seven deadly sins.

As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover the disturbing motivations behind the killings and are forced to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. Similarly, “The Darkest Minds” follows young characters with supernatural abilities who must navigate a world that fears and hunts them.

Both films are characterized by a sense of foreboding and moral complexity as the protagonists clash with the consequences of their actions and the darkness within themselves and society. The relentless pursuit of truth and justice drives the narratives, making both films compelling and thought-provoking experiences.

Enough (2002)

In the American thriller film Enough, Slim, a young mother, discovers her husband’s abusive nature and decides to flee with her daughter to start a new life. However, her husband’s relentless pursuit forces Slim to confront her fears and fight back, using her wits and resourcefulness to protect herself and her child.

Similarly, “The Darkest Minds” features young characters with extraordinary abilities who must escape a government intent on controlling them. Both films showcase protagonists who refuse to be victims, instead choosing to take control of their destinies and fight for their freedom. The themes of resilience, determination, and the will to survive resonate strongly in both narratives, offering viewers a powerful and inspiring story of courage and empowerment.

Django Unchained (2012)

Django Unchained tells a compelling story of liberation and retaliation in pre-Civil War America. The narrative centers on Jamie Foxx’s character, Django, a former slave who joins forces with Christoph Waltz’s portrayal of Dr. King Schultz, a German bounty hunter. 

Schultz teaches Django the art of bounty hunting and promises to help him rescue his wife, Broomhilda, from the ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. As they delve deeper into the heart of the South, Django and Schultz encounter various challenges, including confrontations with Candie’s loyalists and navigating the complex web of slavery and racism. 

The film is renowned for its powerful storytelling, intense action sequences, and brilliant performances. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, “Django Unchained” is a riveting blend of history, drama, and revenge, offering a thought-provoking exploration of slavery and the human spirit.

The Maze Runner (2014)

“The Maze Runner” is a thrilling sci-fi film based on James Dashner’s novel. The story centers on Thomas, a young man who wakes up in a mysterious meadow without remembering who he is or how he got there. He discovers that the clearing is surrounded by a massive maze that changes daily and is inhabited by other boys who have been trying to escape for years. 

As Thomas becomes more involved in the clearing’s community, he learns about the complex dynamics, alliances, and rules that govern their existence. Determined to find a way out, Thomas and his fellow “runners” risk their lives to navigate the ever-changing maze and uncover its secrets. The film is a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and discovery, with a compelling mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Chronicle (2012)

“Chronicle” is a found-footage sci-fi film that follows three high school friends who gain telekinetic abilities after encountering a mysterious object in a cave. As they experiment with their newfound powers, they initially use them for harmless pranks and personal gain. However, as their abilities strengthen, one of the friends, Andrew, struggles with his troubled home life and the temptation to use his powers irresponsibly.

As tensions rise between the friends, Andrew’s unstable mental state leads to tragic consequences, forcing the others to confront the darker side of their powers. The film explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, culminating in a thrilling and tragic climax. “Chronicle” is praised for its unique take on the superhero genre, its innovative use of found footage, and its exploration of complex characters grappling with extraordinary abilities.

The 5th Wave (2016)

“The 5th Wave” is a sci-fi thriller based on the novel by Rick Yancey. The film follows Cassie Sullivan, a teenage girl who survives catastrophic alien attacks that devastate Earth. The attacks, known as “waves,” include an electromagnetic pulse, natural disasters, a deadly virus, and infiltration by alien beings posing as humans.

As Cassie navigates the dangerous landscape, she is separated from her younger brother, Sammy, who is taken to a military base for protection. Determined to reunite with him, Cassie joins forces with a mysterious young man named Evan Walker. Together, they must evade the alien invaders, who can inhabit human bodies, and uncover the truth behind the attacks.

The film is a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and family bonds, with a strong female protagonist at its center. It explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love in the face of overwhelming odds.

X-Men (2000)

“X-Men” is a superhero film that introduces the world to the iconic mutant team led by Professor Charles Xavier. The story revolves around the conflict between two groups of mutants: the X-Men, led by Xavier, who advocates for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans, and the Brotherhood of Mutants, led by the charismatic Magneto, who believes in mutant superiority.

The film follows Wolverine, a rugged and powerful mutant with retractable claws and accelerated healing, as he is introduced to the world of mutants and joins the X-Men. Together, they must frustrate Magneto’s plan to turn world leaders into mutants and wage war against humanity.

“X-Men” is praised for its complex characters, compelling storyline, and exploration of themes such as prejudice, identity, and acceptance. It kickstarted a successful film franchise and is credited with revitalizing the superhero genre in cinema.

Jumper (2008)

“Jumper” is a sci-fi action film based on the novel by Steven Gould. The story follows David Rice, a young man who discovers he can teleport, or “jump,” to any location he can visualize. Using his newfound powers, David escapes his troubled past and begins a life of luxury and adventure, teleporting to exotic locations and stealing from banks.

However, David’s life takes a dangerous turn when he discovers he is not the only jumper in the world. He is soon pursued by a secret organization, the Paladins, dedicated to hunting down and killing jumpers. As David fights to survive, he uncovers dark secrets about the origins of his powers and the true nature of the Paladins.

“Jumper” is praised for its exciting premise, fast-paced action sequences, and dazzling special effects. It explores power, freedom, and the consequences of one’s actions, making it a thrilling and thought-provoking watch.

Captain Marvel (2019)

“Captain Marvel” is a superhero film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, serving as an origin story for the character Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel. The story begins in the 1990s when Carol, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, becomes embroiled in a war between two alien races, the Kree and the Skrulls. During a mission, Carol is captured by the Skrulls and subjected to memory manipulation, causing her to forget her true identity.

After escaping from the Skrulls, Carol crash-lands on Earth, where she begins to uncover her past and her true potential as a powerful superhero. With the help of a young Nick Fury, Carol must confront her past and stop the Skrulls from infiltrating Earth.

“Captain Marvel” is praised for its strong female lead, dazzling visual effects, and compelling storyline. It explores themes of identity, empowerment, and the importance of standing up for what is right, making it a standout addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ready Player One (2018)

“Ready Player One,” directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Ernest Cline’s novel, is set in the dystopian future of 2045, where people escape their exposed realities by immersing themselves in the virtual reality universe of the OASIS. The story follows Wade Watts, a teenager and avid gamer, who joins a high-stakes contest created by the OASIS’s late creator, James Halliday. 

The writer left behind a series of puzzles and challenges, promising the winner control of the OASIS and his immense fortune. As Wade, using his avatar Parzival navigates the intricate virtual challenges, he forms alliances with fellow gamers Art3mis, Aech, Daito, and Sho. 

Together, they face off against the powerful corporation IOI, led by the ruthless Nolan Sorrento, who seeks to seize control of the OASIS for its gain. The film is a thrilling adventure that blends virtual and real-world action, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and the fight against corporate greed.

Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

“Alita: Battle Angel,” directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, is a sci-fi action film set in the post-apocalyptic world of Iron City. The story follows Alita, a cyborg discovered in a scrapyard by Dr. Dyson Ido, a compassionate cyber-surgeon. Ido rebuilds her, but Alita has no memory of her past life. As she navigates her new surroundings, she discovers her extraordinary combat abilities.

Alita befriends Hugo, who dreams of moving to the wealthy sky city of Zalem and becomes entangled in the dangerous world of Motorball, a brutal sport that offers a chance to reach Zalem. Alita delves deeper into her past and discovers she is a formidable warrior in a long-forgotten conflict. Determined to uncover her true identity and protect her loved ones, Alita faces powerful enemies and corrupt forces, leading to a climactic battle that challenges her strength and resolve.

The Huntsman Winter War (2016)

“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is a fantasy action-adventure film that explores the origins of the Huntsman, Eric, and the evil Queen Ravenna. After being betrayed by her sister Freya, who can control ice, Ravenna’s magic mirror is hidden in a distant land. 

Freya, heartbroken and vengeful, raises an army of Huntsmen, including Eric and his love, Sara, forbidding them from falling in love. Eric and Sara defy Freya’s orders, but their love story is cut short by tragedy. Years later, Eric retrieves the mirror to prevent Ravenna’s return. 

Along the way, he reunites with Sara, joining forces to defeat the evil queens. The film twists with love, betrayal, and redemption themes, climax in an epic battle to stop Ravenna and Freya from plunging the world into eternal darkness.

Mortal Engines (2018)

In the post-apocalyptic universe of Mortal Engines, directed by Christian Rivers and based on Philip Reeve’s novel, cities have evolved into huge mobile machines that traverse the planet, hunting and consuming smaller towns in order to survive. The narrative centers on Hester Shaw, a fearless young lady out to get revenge on her mother’s killer, Thaddeus Valentine, the strong and cunning head of London’s growing population.

During a raid, Hester’s attempt to kill Valentine is thwarted, and she escapes with the help of Tom Natsworthy, a young historian from London who is thrown out of the city for aiding her. Together, they navigate the treacherous wasteland, forming alliances with various resistance groups and uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the future of humanity.

As they battle against Valentine’s oppressive forces and the relentless pursuit of London’s mobile city, Hester and Tom must find a way to stop a powerful weapon that could destroy what remains of their world. The film is an epic adventure that explores themes of survival, revenge, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Divergent (2014)

“Divergent,” directed by Neil Burger and based on Veronica Roth’s novel, is set in a dystopian future where society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to a particular virtue: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). 

The story follows Beatrice “Tris” Prior, a young woman who discovers she is Divergent, meaning she does not fit neatly into any one faction. This makes her a threat to the rigid social order. Upon turning sixteen, Tris must choose a faction. She leaves her family’s faction, Abnegation, and joins Dauntless. 

During the intense initiation process, Tris befriends fellow initiates and falls in love with her instructor. As she struggles to conceal her Divergent identity, Tris uncovers a sinister plot by the Erudite faction leader, Jeanine Matthews, to overthrow the government.

With the help of Four and her friends, Tris fights to protect her family and society from impending chaos. “Divergent” is a gripping tale of identity, courage, and rebellion against oppressive control.

The Giver (2014)

“The Giver,” directed by Phillip Noyce and based on Lois Lowry’s novel, is set in a seemingly utopian society where emotions, memories, and individuality are suppressed to maintain order and harmony. The story follows Jonas, a young man chosen to be the Receiver of Memories. This role entails inheriting the collective memories of humanity from The Giver, an older man who holds these memories.

As Jonas receives these memories, he begins to see the world in a new light, experiencing emotions and sensations previously unknown to him. He learns about the complexities of life, love, pain, and joy and realizes the depth of what his society has sacrificed for uniformity and control.

With his newfound knowledge, Jonas becomes determined to break free from the constraints of his society and restore the memories and emotions of the people. The film explores themes of freedom, individuality, and the importance of human experience, challenging the concept of a perfect world.

Code 8 (2019)

“Code 8,” directed by Jeff Chan, is a sci-fi thriller set in a world where 4% of the population possesses superhuman abilities. Instead of being celebrated, these individuals, known as “Powered,” face severe discrimination and are forced to live in poverty. The story follows Connor Reed, a young man with electrical powers struggling to care for his sick mother.

Desperate for money, Connor becomes involved with a group of criminals led by Garrett, who recruits him for a series of heists targeting high-value technology. As Connor delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he grapples with the moral implications of his actions and the increasing dangers posed by the authorities, including the militarized police force known as the Guardian drones.

“Code 8” explores themes of inequality, justice, and the struggle for survival in a society that fears and oppresses those who are different. The film offers a gripping narrative that combines intense action with social commentary, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch.

The Darkest Minds (2018) Plot

“The Darkest Minds,” directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and based on Alexandra Bracken’s novel, is set in a dystopian future where a mysterious disease has killed most of the children in America, leaving the survivors with extraordinary abilities. The government, fearing these super-powered youths, detains them in harsh rehabilitation camps.

The story centers on Ruby Daly, a sixteen-year-old girl with powerful mind control abilities. After escaping from a camp, Ruby joins a group of runaway teens with unique powers: Liam, who can move objects with his mind; Chubs, who possesses heightened intelligence; and Zu, who can control electricity. Together, they search for a haven while evading government forces and bounty hunters.

As they journey across the country, Ruby grapples with the dangers of her powers and the burden of her past. The film explores themes of strength, friendship, and the fight for freedom, offering a gripping and emotional narrative.

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Conclusion

Movies like The Darkest Minds offer viewers a captivating blend of dystopian settings, supernatural abilities, and compelling narratives that delve into the human spirit’s resilience and determination. These films often explore themes of survival, friendship, and the fight against oppressive forces, resonating with audiences through their engaging storylines and complex characters. 

Whether it’s navigating a world where teenagers with extraordinary powers are hunted, uncovering dark secrets in post-apocalyptic landscapes, or challenging oppressive patterns, these movies provide a thrilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. 

Whether you’re a fan of intense action, emotional depth, or thought-provoking themes, these films promise to keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you contemplating the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.