36 Movies Similar to Don’t Look Up (2021)

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb lands here for its satirical approach to catastrophic global threats. Its dark humor makes it a classic in political satire, dissecting bureaucracy and ineptitude in the face of disaster with sharp wit and memorable absurdity.

After the insane General Jack D. Ripper initiates a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, a war room full of politicians, generals and a Russian diplomat all frantically try to stop it. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 1964 with an average rating of 8.1 by 6,243 people. The movie made an estimated total of $9,500,000 in the box office.

Idiocracy earns a spot thanks to its comedic investigation of mass media and societal distraction, relevant to Don’t Look Up’s commentary on public indifference. Its unique premise imagines a future shaped by cultural and intellectual decline, providing distinctive laughs and biting social commentary.

To test its top-secret Human Hibernation Project, the Pentagon picks the most average European-Americans it can find - an Army private and a prostitute - and sends them to the year 2505 after a series of freak events. But when they arrive, they find a civilization so dumbed-down that they're the smartest people around. Idiocracy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.4 by 3,697 people. The movie made an estimated total of $495,303 in the box office.

Wag the Dog belongs on this list for highlighting the manipulation of public opinion during crises, a strong narrative link. This film stands out with its shrewd observation of politics and media, weaving together pitch-perfect satire and engaging, clever storytelling.

During the final weeks of a presidential race, the President is accused of sexual misconduct. To distract the public until the election, the President's adviser hires a Hollywood producer to help him stage a fake war. Wag the Dog is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 1997 with an average rating of 6.9 by 1,072 people. The movie made an estimated total of $64,256,513 in the box office.

Network is included due to its incisive exploration of media sensationalism and its impact on truth. The movie captivates with its bold dramatization of broadcast news, elevated by memorable performances and iconic, emotionally charged moments.

When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings. Network is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 2m runtime, released in 1976 with an average rating of 7.8 by 2,069 people. The movie made an estimated total of $23,700,000 in the box office.

The Death of Stalin joins based on its blend of comedy and serious political stakes, offering memorable humor amidst chaos. Its razor-sharp dialogue and ensemble cast deliver both laughs and insightful political satire, resulting in a uniquely entertaining historical sendup.

When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains — just who is running the government? The Death of Stalin is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 7.0 by 2,178 people. The movie made an estimated total of $24,600,000 in the box office.

Thank You for Smoking deserves placement for its wry take on influential spin and public messaging during controversies. The film wins attention with fast-paced dialogue, charismatic performances, and a skewering of modern information warfare.

Nick Naylor is a charismatic spin-doctor for Big Tobacco who'll fight to protect America's right to smoke -- even if it kills him -- while still remaining a role model for his 12-year old son. When he incurs the wrath of a senator bent on snuffing out cigarettes, Nick's powers of "filtering the truth" will be put to the test. Thank You for Smoking is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 32m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.2 by 2,447 people. The movie made an estimated total of $24,793,509 in the box office.

Mars Attacks! is recommended for delivering a comedic spin on world-ending scenarios involving threats from beyond Earth. Its over-the-top humor, all-star cast, and visually distinctive sci-fi style make it an irreverent and fun cinematic spectacle.

A fleet of Martian spacecraft surrounds the world's major cities and all of humanity waits to see if the extraterrestrial visitors have, as they claim, "come in peace." U.S. President James Dale receives assurance from science professor Donald Kessler that the Martians' mission is a friendly one. But when a peaceful exchange ends in the total annihilation of the U.S. Congress, military men call for a full-scale nuclear retaliation. Mars Attacks! is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 1996 with an average rating of 6.4 by 5,957 people. The movie made an estimated total of $101,371,017 in the box office.

The Day After Tomorrow is featured due to its dramatic depiction of a global catastrophe, tapping into large-scale consequences. The movie provides suspenseful action sequences and a grand visual spectacle, engaging viewers with its survival narrative.

After paleoclimatologist Jack Hall is largely ignored by UN officials when presenting his environmental concerns about the beginning of a new Ice Age, his research proves true when a superstorm develops, setting off catastrophic natural disasters throughout the world. Trying to get to his son, Sam, who is trapped in New York City with his friend Laura and others, Jack and his crew must travel to get to Sam before it's too late. The Day After Tomorrow is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 4m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.6 by 9,014 people. The movie made an estimated total of $552,639,571 in the box office.

Armageddon enters this list thanks to its focus on an apocalyptic celestial threat, tapping into high-stakes drama. Propelled by explosive action and emotional arcs, the film’s adrenaline-fueled storytelling has made it a standout in the disaster genre.

When an asteroid threatens to collide with Earth, NASA honcho Dan Truman determines the only way to stop it is to drill into its surface and detonate a nuclear bomb. This leads him to renowned driller Harry Stamper, who agrees to helm the dangerous space mission provided he can bring along his own hotshot crew. Among them is the cocksure A.J. who Harry thinks isn't good enough for his daughter, until the mission proves otherwise. Armageddon is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 31m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 6.8 by 8,721 people. The movie made an estimated total of $553,799,566 in the box office.

Deep Impact earns inclusion for its treatment of humanity’s response to an impending extinction event. Known for its emotional storytelling and large ensemble, the movie delivers a blend of tension, drama, and poignancy as characters confront the unimaginable.

A seven-mile-wide space rock is hurtling toward Earth, threatening to obliterate the planet. Now, it's up to the president of the United States to save the world. He appoints a tough-as-nails veteran astronaut to lead a joint American-Russian crew into space to destroy the comet before impact. Meanwhile, an enterprising reporter uses her smarts to uncover the scoop of the century. Deep Impact is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 2m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 6.2 by 3,392 people. The movie made an estimated total of $349,464,664 in the box office.

In the Loop is a fit for its satirical approach to government competence and crisis management, using quick-witted dialogue. It’s notable for rapid-fire humor and scathing insights into political machination, offering a distinct tone and hilarious situations.

The US President and the UK Prime Minister are planning on launching a war in the Middle East, but—behind the scenes—government officials and advisers are either promoting the war or are trying to prevent it. In the Loop is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.0 by 799 people. The movie made an estimated total of $6,200,000 in the box office.

Brazil appears for its dystopian examination of bureaucratic absurdity, contrasting science fiction with dark comedy. The film’s surreal visuals and incisive critique of society create an engaging, hauntingly whimsical atmosphere.

Low-level bureaucrat Sam Lowry escapes the monotony of his day-to-day life through a recurring daydream of himself as a virtuous hero saving a beautiful damsel. Investigating a case that led to the wrongful arrest and eventual death of an innocent man instead of wanted terrorist Harry Tuttle, he meets the woman from his daydream, and in trying to help her gets caught in a web of mistaken identities, mindless bureaucracy and lies. Brazil is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 23m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 7.7 by 3,775 people. The movie made an estimated total of $9,953,708 in the box office.

Love and Monsters makes this list with its focus on an ordinary person navigating a world-ending event. Through charming adventure, inventive creature designs, and an underdog hero, it brings heart and levity to the apocalyptic genre.

Seven years since the Monsterpocalypse began, Joel Dawson has been living underground in order to survive. But after reconnecting over radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee, Joel decides to venture out to reunite with her, despite all the dangerous monsters that stand in his way. Love and Monsters is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 7.3 by 4,524 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,122,066 in the box office.

The World’s End is included for its unexpected twist on planet-threatening chaos during a reunion, blending humor with sci-fi. Noteworthy for its witty dialogue and inventive structure, it delivers both comedy and genre thrills.

Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind's only hope for survival. The World's End is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 6.8 by 5,978 people. The movie made an estimated total of $46,100,000 in the box office.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is featured because it approaches humanity’s last days with dark humor and heartfelt emotion. This touching exploration of relationships amidst looming catastrophe blends poignant drama and offbeat comedy.

As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 6.6 by 2,278 people. The movie made an estimated total of $9,636,289 in the box office.

Don’t Look Now appears due to a shared sense of impending doom, but stands apart with its moody atmosphere and psychological tension. The film’s haunting story and evocative imagery create a compelling, suspenseful experience.

While grieving a terrible loss, a married couple meet two mysterious sisters, one of whom gives them a message sent from the afterlife. Don't Look Now is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 1973 with an average rating of 6.9 by 1,204 people.

Southland Tales is included owing to its chaotic portrayal of media-fueled panic set against impending disaster. Its unconventional narrative and ensemble cast offer a surreal, ambitious journey through a fragmented America.

Set in the futuristic landscape of Los Angeles on July 4, 2008, as it stands on the brink of social, economic and environmental disaster. Boxer Santaros is an action star who's stricken with amnesia. His life intertwines with Krysta Now, an adult film star developing her own reality television project, and Ronald Taverner, a Hermosa Beach police officer who holds the key to a vast conspiracy. Southland Tales is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 25m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 5.2 by 620 people. The movie made an estimated total of $374,743 in the box office.

Contagion joins for its intense focus on global crisis management and the public’s reaction to disaster. Acclaimed for its sobering realism and tense pacing, it immerses viewers in a web of interconnected stories.

As an epidemic of a lethal airborne virus - that kills within days - rapidly grows, the worldwide medical community races to find a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. Contagion is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.7 by 6,631 people. The movie made an estimated total of $137,551,594 in the box office.

Snowpiercer earns a place through its vision of global catastrophe leading to societal collapse and a fight for survival. The film’s striking setting aboard a perpetually moving train drives gripping drama and inventive world-building.

In a future where a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet, a class system evolves aboard the Snowpiercer; a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. Snowpiercer is a movie from South Korea in Korean, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 6.9 by 10,549 people. The movie made an estimated total of $86,758,912 in the box office.

Children of Men is cited for depicting a bleak, crisis-driven society, emphasizing human resilience under extreme threat. Its immersive cinematography and powerful narrative foster a tense, emotionally rich viewing experience.

In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind. Children of Men is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.6 by 7,987 people. The movie made an estimated total of $70,595,464 in the box office.

The Big Short appears for its unorthodox storytelling about systemic failure, resonating with Don’t Look Up’s exploration of overlooked disasters. Its sharp wit and creative narrative techniques turn complex topics into entertaining, thought-provoking cinema.

The men who made millions from a global economic meltdown. The Big Short is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 11m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.4 by 9,961 people. The movie made an estimated total of $133,346,506 in the box office.

Downsizing stands out by using speculative science fiction to examine humanity’s response to existential threat. The film entertains with its inventive premise, blending quirky humor and social commentary in a visually imaginative world.

A kindly occupational therapist undergoes a new procedure to be shrunken to four inches tall so that he and his wife can help save the planet and afford a nice lifestyle at the same time. Downsizing is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 15m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 5.4 by 4,148 people. The movie made an estimated total of $55,003,890 in the box office.

Outbreak is included for illustrating the consequences of a rapidly escalating global danger. Grappling with urgency and fear, the movie maintains suspense and engages with high-stakes narrative tension.

A deadly airborne virus finds its way into the USA and starts killing off people at an epidemic rate. Col. Sam Daniels' job is to stop the virus spreading from a small town, which must be quarantined, and to prevent an over reaction by the White House. Outbreak is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 9m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 6.6 by 2,537 people. The movie made an estimated total of $189,900,000 in the box office.

Melancholia relates through its poetic and meditative look at looming global destruction. The film’s mesmerizing visuals and emotional depth craft a haunting, immersive experience unlike typical disaster stories.

Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with Earth. Melancholia is a movie from Denmark in English, with a total 2h 16m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 7.2 by 3,868 people. The movie made an estimated total of $15,946,321 in the box office.

The Interview is recommended for its comedic take on international crisis and political absurdity. The film thrives on irreverence, wild plot twists, and audacious humor which set it apart in the political satire landscape.

Dave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapaport run the celebrity tabloid show "Skylark Tonight". When they land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, they are recruited by the CIA to turn their trip to Pyongyang into an assassination mission. The Interview is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 52m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 6.2 by 6,306 people. The movie made an estimated total of $12,342,632 in the box office.

Burn After Reading finds a place here through its comic portrayal of misunderstanding and chaos in modern life. Its eccentric characters and intertwining storylines create a distinctively offbeat and clever experience.

When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit. Burn After Reading is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.7 by 5,326 people. The movie made an estimated total of $163,700,000 in the box office.

Moonfall makes the list for its large-scale celestial threat engineered for thrilling spectacle. It captivates with high-octane action, epic visual effects, and imaginative disaster scenarios.

A mysterious force knocks the moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. Moonfall is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 11m runtime, released in 2022 with an average rating of 6.3 by 3,714 people. The movie made an estimated total of $67,319,703 in the box office.

The China Syndrome appears due to its depiction of a potentially catastrophic event and the challenges of warning the public. With gripping tension and timely themes, it offers compelling drama surrounding information and accountability.

While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicize the incident, but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret. The China Syndrome is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 2m runtime, released in 1979 with an average rating of 7.1 by 526 people. The movie made an estimated total of $51,718,367 in the box office.

The Campaign deserves inclusion for highlighting absurdities in modern political theater through comedy. The film entertains with outlandish characters and sharp humor, skewering the pitfalls of electioneering.

Two rival politicians compete to win an election to represent their small North Carolina congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. The Campaign is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 5.8 by 1,907 people. The movie made an estimated total of $104,907,746 in the box office.

The Hudsucker Proxy is chosen for its satirical look at corporate culture and ambition. With a playful tone and cleverly stylized visuals, it delivers smart humor wrapped in engaging storytelling.

A naive business graduate is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam. The Hudsucker Proxy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 1994 with an average rating of 7.1 by 1,211 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,800,000 in the box office.

Four Lions is added for employing dark comedy to dissect a weighty, contemporary subject with boldness. Its unique blend of wit, irreverence, and absurdity makes for a memorable, risk-taking watch.

Four Lions tells the story of a group of British jihadists who push their abstract dreams of glory to the breaking point. As the wheels fly off, and their competing ideologies clash, what emerges is an emotionally engaging (and entirely plausible) farce. Four Lions is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,299 people. The movie made an estimated total of $6,200,000 in the box office.

Perfect Sense finds relevance by intimately exploring human responses to a mysterious global event. The film’s focus on personal connection during extraordinary circumstances creates a powerfully emotional and thought-provoking narrative.

In Glasgow, Scotland, while a mysterious pandemic begins to spread around the world, Susan, a brilliant epidemiologist, falls in love with Michael, a skillful cook. Perfect Sense is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.9 by 1,271 people. The movie made an estimated total of $138,868 in the box office.

Ad Astra earns inclusion through its character-driven journey into the unknown, framed against cosmic danger. The film’s introspective storytelling and striking visuals offer a meditative approach to science fiction.

The near future, a time when both hope and hardships drive humanity to look to the stars and beyond. While a mysterious phenomenon menaces to destroy life on planet Earth, astronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across the immensity of space and its many perils to uncover the truth about a lost expedition that decades before boldly faced emptiness and silence in search of the unknown. Ad Astra is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.1 by 7,321 people. The movie made an estimated total of $127,461,872 in the box office.

The Report is recommended for investigating truth, accountability, and the challenges faced by individuals exposing systemic problems. It grips with its tense narrative and thorough examination of political processes.

The story of Daniel Jones, lead investigator for the US Senate’s sweeping study into the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program, which was found to be brutal, immoral and ineffective. With the truth at stake, Jones battled tirelessly to make public what many in power sought to keep hidden. The Report is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,178 people. The movie made an estimated total of $275,000 in the box office.

The Adjustment Bureau appears for its compelling blend of speculative fiction and existential drama, exploring the boundaries of fate and agency. It distinguishes itself through clever plotting and brisk pacing.

A man glimpses the future Fate has planned for him – and chooses to fight for his own destiny. Battling the powerful Adjustment Bureau across, under and through the streets of New York, he risks his destined greatness to be with the only woman he's ever loved. The Adjustment Bureau is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.8 by 5,004 people. The movie made an estimated total of $127,900,000 in the box office.

The Happening is included for depicting a sudden, inexplicable disaster affecting ordinary people. Its mysterious atmosphere and escalating tension make for an unconventional, suspenseful take on mass panic.

When a deadly airborne virus threatens to wipe out the northeastern United States, teacher Elliot Moore and his wife Alma flee from contaminated cities into the countryside in a fight to discover the truth. Is it terrorism, the accidental release of some toxic military bio weapon -- or something even more sinister? The Happening is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 5.4 by 4,031 people. The movie made an estimated total of $163,403,799 in the box office.