18 Similar Movies to Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Guardians of the Galaxy belongs here due to its blend of space-faring adventure and witty character interplay, forging an entertaining sci-fi journey with a rogueish ensemble. Its humor, dynamic team dynamic, and energetic storytelling have made it a standout in the genre, delighting audiences with its distinct charm.

Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted, Peter Quill finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser. Guardians of the Galaxy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 1m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.9 by 30,030 people. The movie made an estimated total of $772,776,600 in the box office.

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie earns its place thanks to its depiction of bounty hunters navigating criminal underworlds, much like Solo's escapades. The film stands out for its stylish animation, engaging action sequences, and a jazz-infused atmosphere that delivers a unique and memorable space noir experience.

The year is 2071. Following a terrorist bombing, a deadly virus is released on the populace of Mars and the government has issued the largest bounty in history, for the capture of whoever is behind it. The bounty hunter crew of the spaceship Bebop; Spike, Faye, Jet and Ed, take the case with hopes of cashing in the bounty. However, the mystery surrounding the man responsible, Vincent, goes deeper than they ever imagined, and they aren't the only ones hunting him. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 7.7 by 1,062 people.

Serenity is connected through its rebellious outlaws surviving on the margins of a futuristic universe, presenting tense action and strong ensemble dynamics. Its sharp dialogue, suspenseful pacing, and emotionally resonant story give it lasting appeal in the realm of science fiction adventures.

A group of rebels travel the outskirts of space evading the sinister Alliance regime. Their lives of smuggling and cargo-running are interrupted by a psychic passenger who harbours a dangerous secret. Soon, the crew find themselves being pursued by an Alliance agent who will stop at nothing to find them. Serenity is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.4 by 3,936 people. The movie made an estimated total of $38,869,464 in the box office.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story appears here as another stand-alone Star Wars tale exploring morally complex choices and high-stakes missions. Beyond franchise ties, it excels with a grittier tone, emotional heroism, and a focus on sacrifice that sets it apart within the saga.

A rogue band of resistance fighters unite for a mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring a new hope to the galaxy. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 13m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.5 by 16,594 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,056,057,273 in the box office.

The Fifth Element captivates with a visually inventive future, where eclectic heroes become unlikely saviors, connecting through its offbeat approach to science fiction action. It’s well-regarded for its creative design, eccentric humor, and the vibrant energy it brings to epic adventure.

In 2257, a taxi driver is unintentionally given the task of saving a young girl who is part of the key that will ensure the survival of humanity. The Fifth Element is a movie from France in French, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 1997 with an average rating of 7.6 by 11,963 people. The movie made an estimated total of $263,920,180 in the box office.

Outland makes the list due to its portrayal of law enforcement striving for justice in a hostile space colony, offering a suspenseful, atmospheric setting. Its blend of tense drama and bold world-building provides a compelling twist on classic science fiction storytelling.

On the sunless moon Io, Marshall William T. O’Niel goes toe-to-toe with the corrupt manager of a mining colony and his gang of roughnecks while investigating a rash of worker suicides. Outland is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 1981 with an average rating of 6.4 by 716 people. The movie made an estimated total of $17,374,595 in the box office.

Star Trek is included for its sense of exhilarating exploration and camaraderie in an intergalactic setting, introducing fresh takes on familiar dynamics. Its lively rebooted cast, impressive visuals, and adventurous spirit reinvigorate beloved material with renewed energy.

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, a Vulcan, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. The human adventure has begun again. Star Trek is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.4 by 10,619 people. The movie made an estimated total of $386,839,614 in the box office.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets stands out for its ambitious visual world-building and fast-paced space missions, offering an imaginative feast for the senses. Its vibrant alien city and inventive narrative deliver a distinctively stylish and fun science fiction odyssey.

In the 28th century, Valerian and Laureline are special operatives charged with keeping order throughout the human territories. On assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two undertake a mission to Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis where species from across the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures. At the center of Alpha is a mysterious dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a movie from France in English, with a total 2h 17m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 6.7 by 8,135 people. The movie made an estimated total of $225,973,340 in the box office.

Treasure Planet fits on this list through its high-adventure quest across fantastical outer space locales, much like the daring escapades in Solo. Its animated reimagining of a classic tale, dazzling visuals, and heartfelt character moments add to its timeless appeal.

When space galleon cabin boy Jim Hawkins discovers a map to an intergalactic "loot of a thousand worlds," a cyborg cook named John Silver teaches him to battle supernovas and space storms on their journey to find treasure. Treasure Planet is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2002 with an average rating of 7.6 by 4,688 people. The movie made an estimated total of $109,578,115 in the box office.

Space Cowboys finds its way onto this page through its focus on a scrappy team embarking on a dangerous space journey later in life, channeling camaraderie and perseverance. The film’s mix of humor, heart, and seasoned performances make its interstellar adventure memorable.

Frank Corvin, ‘Hawk’ Hawkins, Jerry O'Neill and ‘Tank’ Sullivan were hotdog members of Project Daedalus, the US Air Force's test program for space travel, but their hopes were dashed in 1958 with the formation of NASA and the use of trained chimps. They blackmail their way into orbit when Russia's mysterious ‘Ikon’ communications satellite's orbit begins to degrade and threatens to crash to Earth. Space Cowboys is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 10m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 6.4 by 1,555 people. The movie made an estimated total of $128,900,000 in the box office.

John Carter is featured thanks to its epic adventure and action on distant worlds, bringing to life a sweeping tale of heroism. The movie’s grand scale, imaginative landscapes, and swashbuckling spirit create a sense of outlandish fun and escapism.

John Carter is a war-weary, former military captain who's inexplicably transported to the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars) and reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict. It's a world on the brink of collapse, and Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands. John Carter is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 12m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 6.4 by 6,202 people. The movie made an estimated total of $284,100,000 in the box office.

Big Trouble in Little China earns a spot for its playful approach to action and unconventional heroics, drawing audiences into a wild ride with quirky obstacles. Its blend of humor, supernatural elements, and charismatic characters delivers a uniquely entertaining experience.

Truck driver Jack Burton gets embroiled in a supernatural battle when his best friend Wang Chi's green-eyed fiancée is kidnapped by henchmen of the sorcerer Lo Pan, who must marry a girl with green eyes in order to return to the human realm. Big Trouble in Little China is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 1986 with an average rating of 7.2 by 3,434 people. The movie made an estimated total of $11,102,672 in the box office.

The Chronicles of Riddick joins the recommendations because of its depiction of a hardened protagonist navigating treacherous galactic environments. Its dark atmosphere, expansive universe, and relentless action distinguish it as a bold entry in science fiction action cinema.

After years of outrunning ruthless bounty hunters, escaped convict Riddick suddenly finds himself caught between opposing forces in a fight for the future of the human race. Now, waging incredible battles on fantastic and deadly worlds, this lone, reluctant hero will emerge as humanity's champion - and the last hope for a universe on the edge of annihilation. The Chronicles of Riddick is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.6 by 4,575 people. The movie made an estimated total of $115,772,733 in the box office.

Kin-dza-dza! is included for its bizarre and satirical take on interplanetary travel, offering a perspective that subverts typical sci-fi expectations. The film’s offbeat humor, minimalist setting, and thought-provoking narrative leave a lasting and unconventional impression.

Two Soviet humans previously unknown to each other are transported to the planet Pluke in the Kin-dza-dza galaxy due to a chance encounter with an alien teleportation device. They must come to grips with a language barrier and Plukian social norms (not to mention the laws of space and time) if they ever hope to return to Earth. Kin-dza-dza! is a movie from Soviet Union in Russian, with a total 2h 15m runtime, released in 1986 with an average rating of 7.7 by 297 people.

Jupiter Ascending is on this list due to its grand interstellar setting filled with power struggles and extraordinary destinies. Noteworthy for its lavish visual effects and imaginative scale, it delivers an extravagant take on space opera adventures.

In a universe where human genetic material is the most precious commodity, an impoverished young Earth woman becomes the key to strategic maneuvers and internal strife within a powerful dynasty… Jupiter Ascending is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 5.5 by 7,182 people. The movie made an estimated total of $184,000,000 in the box office.

Firefly deserves mention for its serialized storytelling exploring a band of outcasts working as smugglers in a lawless corner of the universe. The incremental character growth, witty dialogue, and blend of Western and sci-fi motifs contributed to its cult following.

Emotionally withdrawn strip club dancer Ayako has never recovered from her mother's suicide when she was young. She begins a relationship with patient potter Daiji, but leaves him behind when she quits her job and returns to her home town after a 10 year absence. Firefly is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 2h 44m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1 people.

The Firefly distinguishes itself with a title reference but diverges in content from the typical space adventure. It is included for completeness, but its storyline and themes differ, making it an outlier in this group.

After her estranged brother's sudden death, young wife Lucia bonds with his fiancée through their shared grief and finds herself falling in love. The Firefly is a movie from Spain in Spanish, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 6.9 by 122 people.

Solo is on this list for its title similarity but is otherwise unrelated in premise or style. Its presence highlights the breadth of stories that share a name but travel very different narrative paths.

An android fighting-machine is charged with destroying a small brigade of rebels in a Latin American war who are fighting to maintain their freedom and protect their village. Contrary to his programming, Peebles decides to stay and assist the rebels in their plight. Having gained this information, his "creators" develop a more powerful android to try and defeat him. Solo is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 1996 with an average rating of 5.0 by 87 people.