10 Films Similar to Civil War Worth Watching

‘Civil War’ is an engrossing dystopian action film penned and helmed by Alex Garland. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating Second American Civil War, with a team of journalists embarking on a perilous journey across the strife-torn United States. Led by stellar performances from Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Cailee Spaeny, the film immerses viewers in a harrowing tale of survival amidst a nation plunged into chaos.

As the U.S. government transforms into a dystopian dictatorship and partisan militias wreak havoc, the journalists navigate treacherous terrain, documenting the grim realities of war-torn America. If you crave more narratives of societal collapse, political extremism, journalistic integrity, and the struggle for survival in a dystopian landscape ravaged by conflict and oppression, here are 10 movies like ‘Civil War’ you should check out.

10. The Road (2009)

Directed by John Hillcoat, ‘The Road’ is a post-apocalyptic drama film based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name. The plot follows a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his young son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) as they traverse a desolate, ash-covered landscape in search of food, shelter, and safety in a world ravaged by an unspecified cataclysm. Along the way, they encounter various dangers and struggles, including encounters with other survivors, scarce resources, and the constant threat of starvation and violence.

The film delves deep into themes of survival, resilience, and the enduring bond between parent and child amidst the bleakest of circumstances, much like the journey depicted in ‘Civil War’. Both movies explore the grim realities of a dystopian world and the human spirit’s capacity for perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

9. After Earth (2013)

‘After Earth‘ shares thematic parallels with ‘Civil War’ in its depiction of a dystopian future where humanity struggles against environmental devastation and societal collapse. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film follows a father and son (Will Smith and Jaden Smith), as they crash-land on an uninhabited Earth, which has evolved to be lethal to humans. They must navigate the treacherous landscape and confront their fears to signal for rescue. While facing physical and emotional challenges, they also encounter remnants of humanity’s past struggles, echoing the themes of survival and perseverance found in ‘Civil War’.

8. The Divergent Series: Insurgent (2015)

‘The Divergent Series: Insurgent’ mirrors the themes of societal upheaval and the struggle for survival seen in ‘Civil War’. Directed by Robert Schwentke, the film is set in a dystopian world where society is divided into factions based on personality types. As protagonist Tris (Shailene Woodley) fights against a corrupt government, she must confront her own inner demons and navigate a treacherous landscape of shifting alliances. The movie, which is an adaptation of Veronica Roth’s ‘Divergent’ trilogy, sheds light on themes of identity, resistance, and the consequences of authoritarian rule. Its gripping narrative and intense action sequences make it a compelling watch for fans of ‘Civil War’.

7. Fahrenheit 451 (2018)

‘Fahrenheit 451’ taps into tropes akin to ‘Civil War,’ focusing on a dystopian society where knowledge and free thought are suppressed by the government. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, the film adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic novel stars Michael B. Jordan as Guy Montag, a firefighter tasked with burning books to control the populace’s access to information. As Montag questions his role in enforcing censorship, he becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the oppressive regime. With its exploration of censorship, intellectual freedom, and societal control, ‘Fahrenheit 451’ mirrors the themes of authoritarianism and resistance depicted in ‘Civil War’.

6. Mortal Engines (2018)

‘Mortal Engines‘ presents a post-apocalyptic world where cities roam the Earth on wheels, preying on smaller towns for resources. Directed by Christian Rivers, the film, an adaptation of Philip Reeve’s novel, follows Hera Hilmar’s character, Hester Shaw, who seeks revenge on Hugo Weaving’s character Thaddeus Valentine for her mother’s murder. As Hester paves her way through the treacherous landscapes of the Great Hunting Ground, she uncovers dark secrets about the past and the true nature of the world’s existence. Similar to ‘Civil War,’ ‘Mortal Engines’ looks at themes of power, survival, and societal collapse in a visually stunning and immersive dystopian setting.

5. Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

‘Olympus Has Fallen’ is a political action thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua, featuring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan Freeman. The plot revolves around a former Secret Service agent who must rescue the President after the White House is seized by North Korean terrorists. The film combines intense action sequences with political intrigue as the protagonist battles against overwhelming odds to save the day. ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ and ‘Civil War’ both depict scenarios where rebel factions seize control of the White House, plunging the nation into chaos. In ‘Olympus Has Fallen,’ North Korean terrorists infiltrate and capture the presidential residence, while in ‘Civil War,’ the United States is embroiled in a dystopian conflict where extremist militias commit war crimes.

4. Snowpiercer (2013)

‘Snowpiercer‘ shares similarities with ‘Civil War’ in its portrayal of a dystopian society battling with internal strife and power struggles. Both narratives unfold in a future where societal breakdown and conflict have led to chaos and oppression. ‘Snowpiercer’ follows the inhabitants of a perpetually moving train divided by class, mirroring the fractured state of society in ‘Civil War.’ Directed by Bong Joon-ho and inspired by the graphic novel ‘Le Transperceneige,’ the film features an ensemble cast including Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, and Song Kang-ho. Set in a frozen world where the remnants of humanity survive aboard a train, ‘Snowpiercer’ explores themes of class disparity, rebellion, and the quest for justice, resonating with audiences drawn to complex dystopian narratives.

3. The Postman (1997)

In ‘The Postman’, Kevin Costner portrays a wandering survivor who inadvertently becomes a symbol of hope in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, as imagined by David Brin in his book. Directed by Costner himself, the film looks into themes of resilience and the human spirit’s capacity for redemption. As he journeys through the fragmented remnants of society, Costner’s character inspires others to resist tyranny and rebuild a sense of unity. Much like ‘Civil War’, ‘The Postman’ explores the aftermath of societal collapse and the struggle to forge a new path forward amidst chaos and uncertainty. Both films offer gripping narratives that highlight the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

2. The Book of Eli (2010)

Directed by the Hughes Brothers, ‘The Book of Eli‘ is a post-apocalyptic action film set in a world devastated by war and environmental collapse. Denzel Washington stars as Eli, a lone wanderer on a mission to protect a sacred book that holds the key to humanity’s redemption. Along his journey, Eli encounters various challenges and adversaries, including the tyrannical ruler Carnegie (Gary Oldman). The film’s exploration of a fractured society struggling to survive amidst chaos and violence echoes the themes depicted in ‘Civil War’. Both narratives delve into the consequences of societal collapse and the perseverance of individuals navigating through the remnants of civilization in a dystopian landscape.

1. 1984 (1984)

‘1984’, directed by Michael Radford, is a hauntingly captivating adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel of the same name. Set in a totalitarian society ruled by the oppressive Party, the film follows Winston Smith (John Hurt), as he rebels against the regime’s control and surveillance. The themes of government overreach, censorship, and the struggle for individual freedom align deeply with fans of ‘Civil War.’

Both movies offer a chilling glimpse into the consequences of unchecked authority and the fight for liberty amidst authoritarian rule. Hurt’s compelling portrayal of Winston Smith and the haunting depiction of a dystopian future make ‘1984’ a great watch (or read) for those intrigued by the exploration of societal collapse and resistance against oppressive regimes.