Best Movies like Aquaman (2018)

Black Panther and Aquaman both portray a protagonist who must reconcile their dual heritage while claiming their rightful place as ruler of an ancient, hidden civilization. Each film explores kingship, legacy, and the collision between the human world and an advanced, secretive society.

King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T'Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia, the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan 'special forces') and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war. Black Panther is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 15m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 7.4 by 23,723 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,349,926,083 in the box office.

Thor shares with Aquaman a hero of mixed background caught between two worlds: Earth and a mythic, elemental realm. Both movies focus on proving worthiness to inherit leadership while navigating supernatural politics and familial conflict, blending action, fantasy, and epic journeys.

Against his father Odin's will, The Mighty Thor - a powerful but arrogant warrior god - recklessly reignites an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth. Thor is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.8 by 22,542 people. The movie made an estimated total of $449,326,618 in the box office.

Stardust parallels Aquaman by taking its lead on a fantastical journey involving self-discovery, magical kingdoms, and rightful succession. Each story weaves action and adventure into the hero’s quest for identity in a richly imagined world filled with danger and destiny.

In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity. Stardust is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.3 by 4,521 people. The movie made an estimated total of $137,500,000 in the box office.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian features a young heir returning to claim his throne among magical realms and epic battles, echoing Aquaman’s narrative of rightful ownership, ancient kingdoms, and the coming-of-age journey within a grand fantasy setting.

One year after their incredible adventures in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Peter, Edmund, Lucy and Susan Pevensie return to Narnia to aid a young prince whose life has been threatened by the evil King Miraz. Now, with the help of a colorful cast of new characters, including Trufflehunter the badger and Nikabrik the dwarf, the Pevensie clan embarks on an incredible quest to ensure that Narnia is returned to its rightful heir. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 30m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.6 by 6,850 people. The movie made an estimated total of $419,665,568 in the box office.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief aligns with Aquaman as it follows a protagonist who discovers a mythological heritage tied to the sea, undertakes a perilous quest, and confronts legendary creatures while navigating the responsibilities of an extraordinary legacy.

Accident prone teenager, Percy discovers he's actually a demi-God, the son of Poseidon, and he is needed when Zeus' lightning is stolen. Percy must master his new found skills in order to prevent a war between the Gods that could devastate the entire world. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.2 by 7,901 people. The movie made an estimated total of $226,497,209 in the box office.

The Legend of Tarzan tells of a man caught between two worlds—civilization and the wild—which mirrors Aquaman's struggle with dual heritage and returning to claim a leadership role. Both center on identity, return to origins, and bridging different cultures.

Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment. The Legend of Tarzan is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 5.9 by 6,572 people. The movie made an estimated total of $356,743,061 in the box office.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire offers an adventurous quest into a lost underwater civilization, aligning with Aquaman’s focus on Atlantean myths, undiscovered realms, and the blending of technology with ancient traditions in a visually vibrant, high-stakes narrative.

A young linguist named Milo Thatch joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis. Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 7.0 by 5,209 people. The movie made an estimated total of $186,053,725 in the box office.

John Carter features a protagonist thrust into a fantastical world where he becomes embroiled in the fate of a hidden realm, similar to Aquaman’s journey of discovering new responsibilities and becoming entwined with ancient legacies and large-scale conflict.

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.

The Last Airbender connects with Aquaman through its elementally themed world, a young protagonist destined for leadership, and a narrative centered on bringing balance to realms in conflict. Both films interweave folklore, destiny, and action-driven storytelling.

A century has passed since the Fire Nation declared war on the other three nations of air, water, and earth in its attempt for global domination. Aang, the long-lost Avatar, is found by Water Tribe siblings Katara and Sokka and must learn to master water, earth, and fire bending to defeat the Fire Nation and restore balance to the world. The Last Airbender is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 4.6 by 4,310 people. The movie made an estimated total of $319,713,881 in the box office.

The Scorpion King incorporates a tale of rising from humble origins into leadership within an ancient world rich in legend and combat. Its structure mirrors Aquaman’s themes of claiming power and fighting for a throne in a mystical environment.

In ancient Egypt, peasant Mathayus is hired to exact revenge on the powerful Memnon and the sorceress Cassandra, who are ready to overtake Balthazar's village. Amid betrayals, thieves, abductions and more, Mathayus strives to bring justice to his complicated world. The Scorpion King is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 32m runtime, released in 2002 with an average rating of 5.6 by 3,425 people. The movie made an estimated total of $165,333,180 in the box office.

The Mask of Zorro shares the motif of a reluctant hero who embraces a mantle to protect and lead. Both involve a personal journey towards embracing responsibility, combating adversaries, and navigating hidden identities tied to heritage and legacy.

It has been twenty years since Don Diego de la Vega fought Spanish oppression in Alta California as the legendary romantic hero, Zorro. Having escaped from prison he transforms troubled bandit Alejandro into his successor, in order to foil the plans of the tyrannical Don Rafael Montero who robbed him of his freedom, his wife and his precious daughter. The Mask of Zorro is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 18m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 6.6 by 4,392 people. The movie made an estimated total of $250,288,523 in the box office.

Warcraft presents factions vying for control over a mystical realm, with epic battles and the discovery of hidden powers. Like Aquaman, it dives into political intrigue, legendary lineages, and the struggle to unite divided worlds under a new leadership.

The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people, and their home. Warcraft is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.4 by 7,359 people. The movie made an estimated total of $433,677,183 in the box office.

The Green Knight, like Aquaman, centers around a quest for self-discovery and worthiness set in a mythic landscape. Both draw on legend and folklore as their protagonists face personal and supernatural trials to determine their destiny.

An epic fantasy adventure based on the timeless Arthurian legend, The Green Knight tells the story of Sir Gawain, King Arthur's reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. The Green Knight is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 10m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 6.6 by 2,246 people. The movie made an estimated total of $18,887,953 in the box office.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time features a journey rooted in royal succession, mystical artifacts, and internal palace conflict. Like Aquaman, the protagonist is swept up into grand adventures tied to ancestry and the fate of a magical kingdom.

A rogue prince reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time – gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 56m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.3 by 7,253 people. The movie made an estimated total of $336,365,676 in the box office.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets explores diverse, visually extravagant worlds and a hero’s responsibility to a greater cause. This mirrors Aquaman’s extensive world-building, imaginative environments, and the lead character's quest to unite disparate civilizations.

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.

The Fifth Element is notable for its elaborate world-building, vibrant visuals, and a protagonist navigating cosmic threats to save civilization. Like Aquaman, it blends fantastical technology, humor, and grand stakes with a journey toward embracing an unexpected destiny.

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.

Big Trouble in Little China combines otherworldly magic, ancient legends, and an unlikely hero thrown into a hidden world. The film’s blend of mythic conflict and comic action echoes Aquaman’s fusion of the extraordinary with a protagonist's transformative quest.

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.

Man from Atlantis II: The Death Scouts features underwater settings and characters with aquatic abilities, closely echoing Aquaman’s central themes of exploring the ocean’s mysteries and confronting challenges connected to a submerged heritage.

A human scientist capable of living underwater discovers similar alien life inhabiting human bodies, and looks to them for a clue to his origin. Man from Atlantis II: The Death Scouts is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 1977 with an average rating of 7.5 by 2 people.

Beowulf, like Aquaman, revolves around legendary heroes, mythical creatures, and quests to prove worthiness and secure legitimacy. Both films draw on ancient legends to tell stories of leadership, destiny, and epic confrontations with supernatural adversaries.

A 6th-century Scandinavian warrior named Beowulf embarks on a mission to slay the man-like ogre, Grendel. Beowulf is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 5.9 by 3,114 people. The movie made an estimated total of $195,735,876 in the box office.

The Mummy features ancient civilizations, quests for powerful artifacts, and a hero who must unlock secrets tied to forgotten worlds. Similarly, Aquaman’s narrative is driven by unearthing lost Atlantean history and relics amidst peril and adventure.

Dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell stumbles upon the hidden ruins of Hamunaptra while in the midst of a battle to claim the area in 1920s Egypt. It has been over three thousand years since former High Priest Imhotep suffered a fate worse than death as a punishment for a forbidden love—along with a curse that guarantees eternal doom upon the world if he is ever awoken. The Mummy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 4m runtime, released in 1999 with an average rating of 7.0 by 10,235 people. The movie made an estimated total of $415,885,488 in the box office.

The Odyssey is centered on a hero’s epic sea journey, facing mystical creatures and overcoming legendary challenges. This aligns with Aquaman’s underwater adventure, mythological elements, and the protagonist’s quest to fulfill his role within ancient traditions.

Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, embarks on a long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War. Throughout his voyage, he is forced to confront the whims of gods, mythological monsters, and trials that stretch both his cunning and his humanity to the breaking point. The Odyssey is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 53m runtime, released in 2026 with an average rating of 7.9 by 2,093 people. The movie made an estimated total of $911,397,415 in the box office.

Krull shares Aquaman’s blend of fantasy action, a perilous quest across magical kingdoms, and a hero who must unite allies to defeat a powerful enemy. Both use lore-filled worlds and the journey motif to shape the protagonist’s transformation.

A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet. Krull is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 1m runtime, released in 1983 with an average rating of 6.0 by 630 people. The movie made an estimated total of $16,916,617 in the box office.

Clash of the Titans revolves around a demigod protagonist, mythological creatures, and the struggle to fulfill ancient destinies. Its focus on legendary trials and the hero’s journey closely parallels Aquaman’s epic story rooted in myth and inheritance.

Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus is helpless to save his family from Hades, vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus and unleash hell on earth. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, Perseus and his warriors will only survive if Perseus accepts his power as a god, defies fate and creates his own destiny. Clash of the Titans is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 5.9 by 6,762 people. The movie made an estimated total of $493,214,993 in the box office.

Flash Gordon features a reluctant hero transported into a vibrant, perilous new world, where he becomes entwined with ruling factions and must lead against a great threat. It resonates with Aquaman’s themes of unexpected leadership and fantastical world-building.

A football player and his mates travel to the planet Mongo and find themselves fighting the tyranny of Ming the Merciless to save Earth. Flash Gordon is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 1980 with an average rating of 6.3 by 1,114 people. The movie made an estimated total of $27,100,000 in the box office.

Eragon focuses on a young hero called to fulfill an ancient prophecy, involving magical realms and epic battles for rightful rule. This mirrors Aquaman’s blend of destiny, coming-of-age, and the challenge of uniting fractured kingdoms.

In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon's egg -- a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realized he's the one person who can defend his home against an evil king. Eragon is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 5.1 by 3,495 people. The movie made an estimated total of $250,425,512 in the box office.

Guardians of the Galaxy, like Aquaman, thrusts unconventional heroes into a cosmic-scale adventure involving mysterious heritage, lost civilizations, and reluctant leadership. Both feature a mix of humor, action, and imaginative visuals in their world-spanning stories.

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.

Gods of Egypt features mythic battles for the throne and ancient deities clashing over the fate of a magical realm. Its themes of inheritance and supernatural conflict are closely aligned with Aquaman’s Atlantean succession and fantasy-infused power struggles.

A common thief joins a mythical god on a quest through Egypt. Gods of Egypt is a movie from Australia in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 5.7 by 4,406 people. The movie made an estimated total of $150,680,864 in the box office.

Willow brings to life a fantastical world in turmoil, where an ordinary protagonist leads a struggle against dark forces and fulfills a greater destiny. As in Aquaman, themes of hidden heritage and the hero’s growth are central.

The evil Queen Bavmorda hunts the newborn princess Elora Danan, a child prophesied to bring about her downfall. When the royal infant is found by Willow, a timid farmer and aspiring sorcerer, he's entrusted with delivering her from evil. Willow is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 1988 with an average rating of 7.0 by 2,203 people. The movie made an estimated total of $57,300,000 in the box office.

The Golden Compass explores a young protagonist’s coming-of-age in a richly constructed fantasy world filled with distinct societies and magical artifacts. Like Aquaman, it revolves around uncovering hidden truths and navigating power struggles within an extraordinary setting.

In a parallel universe, after overhearing a shocking secret, precocious orphan Lyra Belacqua trades her carefree existence roaming the halls of Jordan College for an otherworldly adventure in the far North, unaware that it's part of her destiny. The Golden Compass is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.1 by 4,889 people. The movie made an estimated total of $372,234,864 in the box office.

The Sea Beast features adventures on and beneath the ocean, focusing on myths and humanity’s relationship with the sea’s mysterious creatures. Its maritime setting and legendary elements resonate strongly with Aquaman’s oceanic world-building and sense of discovery.

When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters — and make history to boot. The Sea Beast is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2022 with an average rating of 7.3 by 1,741 people.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword parallels Aquaman in depicting a reluctant heir drawn into claiming a fabled weapon and a throne, navigating ancient legacies and epic battles to unite a fractious kingdom steeped in myth.

When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Vortigern, Arthur’s uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy... whether he likes it or not. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 6.6 by 6,122 people. The movie made an estimated total of $149,175,066 in the box office.

Pan features a young protagonist discovering magical origins and a fantastical world, ultimately embarking on a quest for identity and leadership. These core elements echo Aquaman’s themes of self-discovery, inherited destiny, and blend of high adventure and fantasy.

Living a bleak existence at a London orphanage, 12-year-old Peter finds himself whisked away to the fantastical world of Neverland. Adventure awaits as he meets new friend James Hook and the warrior Tiger Lily. They must band together to save Neverland from the ruthless pirate Blackbeard. Along the way, the rebellious and mischievous boy discovers his true destiny, becoming the hero forever known as Peter Pan. Pan is a movie from Australia in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.0 by 2,875 people. The movie made an estimated total of $128,388,320 in the box office.

The Water Man follows a young hero venturing into unknown worlds, confronting fantastical dangers tied to personal quests and mythic legends. Like Aquaman, it melds real-world concerns with a journey into the mysterious and extraordinary.

Hoping to save his sick mother, a boy named Gunner and his friend Jo venture into the remote Wild Horse forest to search for a mythical figure who possesses the secret to immortality. When they go missing, Gunner's father Amos must immerse himself in his son's world to find them. The Water Man is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 32m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 6.1 by 262 people.

Legend takes place within an enchanted realm where young heroes face powerful supernatural forces to save their world. The emphasis on mythic journeys, dramatic visuals, and a clash between light and darkness aligns with Aquaman’s narrative structure and style.

Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story follows a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate, to undertake a heroic quest. He must save the beautiful Princess Lili and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness, or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age. Legend is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 6.3 by 1,408 people. The movie made an estimated total of $15,502,112 in the box office.

Jupiter Ascending presents an ordinary individual discovering a hidden dynasty and being drawn into interplanetary struggles over succession and legacy. The protagonist’s unexpected elevation and cosmic adventure share strong parallels with Aquaman’s blend of fantastical journey and reclaimed birthright.

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.