20 Visually Stunning Sci-Fi Movies like Avatar

Science fiction is one of the most popular genres in the world, and for good reason. It allows us to explore the future and all of the possibilities that come with it. Movies like Avatar allow us to escape into a world of wonder and amazement. 

In this article, we will take a look at 10 science fiction movies that are similar to Avatar. If you enjoyed Avatar, then you will definitely enjoy these films!

Avatar is a 2009 American epic science fiction film directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. It is the first live-action film to be presented entirely in 3D and the most expensive film made to date. The film stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. The story takes place in the year 2154 on Pandora, a lush moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system, inhabited by the Na’vi, a humanoid species with their own language and culture.

The film tells the story of Jake Sully (Worthington), a disabled former Marine who becomes part of the Avatar Program after his twin brother dies. He is sent to Pandora as part of a team to infiltrate the Na’vi, whose homeland lies deep in the planet’s jungle. While trying to befriend the natives, Jake falls in love with Neytiri (Saldana), a female Na’vi. When his military unit tries to remove the native humans from their land, Jake leads an uprising that threatens to destroy the humans’ mining operations.

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The film was released on December 18, 2009, and grossed over $76 million in its opening weekend. It went on to gross over $27 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of all time. Avatar was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won three, for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects.

Critics praised the film’s visuals and Cameron’s direction. Avatar was also criticized for its plot holes and weak writing. The film has been dubbed a “game-changer” in the motion picture industry because of its extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and motion capture technology. It is considered one of the best films of all time.

If you’re looking for more Movies like Avatar, check out our list:

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Where to watch: Disney Plus, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a science fiction movie that is similar to Avatar in many ways. Both movies are set in the future and deal with the theme of human/animal relations. In Rise of the Planet of the Apes, we see a world where apes have taken over and humans are struggling to survive. This film is full of action and adventure, and it will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.

2. The Hunger Games (2013)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

The Hunger Games is another science fiction movie that is similar to Avatar. Both movies are set in the future and deal with the theme of a dystopian society. In The Hunger Games, we see a world where children are forced to fight to the death in a cruel and brutal competition. This film is full of suspense and action, and it will keep you entertained from start to finish.

3. District 13 (2004)

Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, MX Player, Vudu

Another science fiction movie that is similar to Avatar is District 13. This film is set in the future where society is divided into two parts: the haves and the have-nots. The have-nots live in a city that is full of crime and poverty, while the haves live in a city that is full of luxury and wealth. When the two worlds collide, it leads to an exciting and action-packed film.

4. The Matrix (1999)

Where to watch: Netflix

The Matrix is a classic science fiction film that was released in 1999. The movie follows Neo, a computer hacker who discovers that the world he lives in is actually a simulated reality created by machines. The film was a major success and spawned two sequels. The Matrix is similar to Avatar in that it features a world that is not what it seems. Both movies are also visually stunning and feature groundbreaking special effects.

5. Inception (2010)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

Inception is a 2010 science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie follows a team of thieves who specialize in stealing information from people’s dreams. The film was a major success and was nominated for multiple Academy Awards. Inception is similar to Avatar in that it features a world that is created by the mind. Both movies are visually stunning and feature groundbreaking special effects.

6. The War of the Worlds (2005)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

The War of the Worlds is a 1953 science fiction movie that tells the story of an alien invasion of Earth. The War of the Worlds was a major success and spawned two sequels. The War of the Worlds is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where aliens are invading and humans are struggling to survive. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

7. John Carter (2012)

Where to watch: Disney Plus

John Carter is a 2012 science fiction movie that tells the story of a Civil War veteran who is transported to Mars and must fight to save the planet from destruction. John Carter was a box office flop and was panned by critics. However, it is worth watching for its stunning visuals and action-packed scenes. John Carter is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where aliens are invading and humans are struggling to survive. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

8. Ender’s Game (2013) 

Where to watch: Netflix

Ender’s Game is a 1985 science fiction novel by Orson Scott Card. The book tells the story of Ender Wiggin, a young boy who is recruited by the military to lead the fight against an alien invasion. Ender’s Game was made into a movie in 2013. Ender’s Game is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where aliens are invading and humans are struggling to survive. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

9. Interstellar (2014)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

Interstellar is a 2014 science fiction movie that tells the story of a group of astronauts who are sent on a mission to save humanity from extinction. Interstellar was a box office success and was praised by critics for its visuals, acting, and direction. Interstellar is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where humanity is struggling to survive. Both movies are visually stunning and feature groundbreaking special effects.

10. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

Pan’s Labyrinth is a 2006 Spanish-language movie that tells the story of a young girl who is transported to a fantastical world where she must fight for her life. Pan’s Labyrinth was a critical and commercial success, and it won multiple Academy Awards. Pan’s Labyrinth is similar to Avatar in that it features a world that is full of danger and wonder. Both movies are visually stunning and feature groundbreaking special effects.

11. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a 2001 movie that tells the story of a group of friends who embark on a quest to destroy an evil ring. The Lord of the Rings was a box office success and won multiple Academy Awards. The Lord of the Rings is similar to Avatar in that it features a group of friends who are fighting an epic battle. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

12. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 movie that tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, who is recruited by Gandalf to help him overthrow an evil dragon. The Hobbit was a box office success and won multiple Academy Awards. The Hobbit is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where there is danger around every corner. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

13. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 movie that tells the story of a group of intergalactic criminals who must work together to save the universe. Guardians of the Galaxy was a box office success and was praised by critics for its humor and action. Guardians of the Galaxy is similar to Avatar in that it features a group of friends who are fighting an epic battle. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

14. Warcraft (2016)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

Warcraft is a 2016 movie that tells the story of a group of humans and orcs who must work together to save their world. Warcraft was a box office flop and was panned by critics. However, it is worth watching for its stunning visuals and action-packed scenes. Warcraft is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where aliens are invading and humans are struggling to survive. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

15. The Martian (2015)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

The Martian is a 2015 movie that tells the story of an astronaut who is stranded on Mars and must find a way to survive. The Martian was a box office success and was praised by critics for its humor and suspense. The Martian is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where humans are struggling to survive. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

16. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Where to watch: Disney Plus

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a 2015 movie that tells the story of Rey, who must find Luke Skywalker and save the galaxy from the evil Kylo Ren. Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a box office success and was praised by critics for its action and humor. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where good must fight against evil. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

17. Mortal Engines  (2018)

Where to watch: Disney Plus, YouTube (Buy or Rent)

Mortal Engines is a 2018 movie that tells the story of a world where cities move on wheels and eat each other. Mortal Engines was a box office flop but was praised by critics for its visuals and action. Mortal Engines is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where humanity is struggling to survive. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

18. Ready Player One (2018)

Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

Ready Player One is a 2018 movie that tells the story of a world where people escape their reality by living in a virtual world. Ready Player One was a box office success and was praised by critics for its visuals and action. Ready Player One is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where people are escaping from reality. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

19. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, YouTube (Buy or Rent), Apple TV

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a 2018 movie that tells the story of dinosaurs who have been brought back to life and must escape from an evil scientist. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom was a box office success and was praised by critics for its suspenseful scenes. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where dinosaurs have been brought back to life. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

20. Black Panther (2018)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus

Black Panther is a 2018 movie that tells the story of a superhero who must save his country from a villain. Black Panther was a box office success and was praised by critics for its action and humor. Black Panther is similar to Avatar in that it features a world where good must fight against evil. Both movies are full of action and suspense.

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