Marta Pereira
“The Giver” is a recent movie based on the classic and famous novel by Lois Lowry of the same name. In this story, everyone is happy, the world is perfect. When Jonas is 18 years old, he is chosen to be the community’s Receiver of Memories. He enters into training with an old man called ‘the Giver’ who would give Jonas memories of the “real” world that the rest of the community is hidden from. From the Giver, Jonas learns not only of love and family, but also of pain, war, and all the unhappy truths the world holds. Confronted with this new reality, Jonas realizes he lives in a fake community and must now make difficult choices about his own life and everyone around him. Therefore, if you enjoyed this sci-fi film, we present to you the list of fifteen movies that are similar to The Giver that are our recommendations. You can watch some of these movies like The Giver on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime.
15. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Teenager Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) suddenly discovers he is the descendant of a Greek god. Now he must set out on a quest to settle an on-going rivalry between the gods. “Percy Jackson” is a classic middle-grade series with an amazing and complex world that quickly grabs the attention of the viewer. Also, the special effects are incredible. Similarly to “The Giver”, this movie follows a young protagonist that discovers an unlikely truth about himself and the world. If you enjoy adventure movies or have an interest in Greek mythology this is definitely for you.
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14. Jupiter Ascending (2015)
A young woman discovers her destiny as an heiress of intergalactic nobility and must fight to protect the inhabitants of Earth from an ancient and destructive industry. “Jupiter Ascending” is an entertaining combination of “Dune”, “John Carter” and “Doctor Who”. Although the plot is very demanding because of an unconventional narrative and multi-level, fast-paced story, this movie deserves a watch because of its ambition. Moreover, “Jupiter Ascending” blends science fiction, fantasy, and fairy tales vibes, and that is why it is a unique film.
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13. The Host (2013)
When an alien race implants a parasite soul named Wanderer into Melanie Stryder’s body, she resists the takeover and the two become reluctant allies. Saoirse Ronan is the lead actress and has an amazing performance in this one. The rest of the cast is also pretty good. It focuses on the romance as much as on the sci-fi part of the story, which is a different approach than we are used to. Despite not being action-packed, it still manages to keep you interested. However, the film is not for everyone: you either love it or hate it.
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12. Johnny Mnemonic (1995)
The year is 2021, and half of the Earth’s population is suffering from the disease known as Nerve Attenuation Syndrome (NAS). Johnny, a mnemonic data courier, is hired to carry 320 gigabytes of crucial information to safety from the Pharmacom corporation. Pursued by a number of agents, Johnny must deliver the data or die in twenty-four hours. “Johnny Mnemonic” has such an interesting vision of the future that you will see yourself wanting to re-watch it. Overall, this movie has an interesting premise and a good execution. The characters are likable and unique in their own way. Additionally, Keanu Reeves, who plays Johnny, gives a good performance.
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11. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
When her mother disappears, Clary Fray learns that she descends from a line of warriors who protect our world from demons. She joins forces with others like her and heads into a dangerous alternate New York called the Shadow World. “The Mortal Instruments” is a fantasy adventure with a magnificent world and many mystical creatures. Because it borrows a lot of elements from “Harry Potter” and “Twilight”, it has been compared a lot with these movies over the past few years.
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10. Upside Down (2012)
Adam and Eden fell in love as teens even though they live on twinned worlds with gravities that pull in opposite directions. However, ten years after a forced separation, Adam sets out on a risky quest to reconnect with his love. Written and directed by Juan Solanas, this movie counts with Jim Sturgess and Kirsten Dunst to bring its original story to life. They are both amazing as the lead characters, making the viewer want more of this tragic love story. Furthermore, “Upside Down” is an amazing science fiction film with a beautiful setting and brilliant performances.
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9. Ender’s Game (2013)
In the near future, a hostile alien race has attacked Earth. In preparation for the next attack and the International Military seek to find a future leader who can save humanity. Ender Wiggin, a shy but brilliant young mind, is recruited to join the elite, where he’s trained for an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth. What sets “Ender’s Game” apart from other science fiction movies is its main message. It presents some exciting CGI and good performances by the cast, together with a nice soundtrack and enjoyable script.
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8. In Time (2011)
“In Time” is set in a future where time is the main currency. The gap between the rich and the poor is enormous since the rich become almost immortal and the poor must beg or steal to stay alive. When a man from the wrong side of the tracks is falsely accused of murder, he is forced to go on the run with a beautiful hostage. Living minute to minute, the duo’s love becomes a powerful tool in their war against the system. This original story combined with some good drama and action scenes turned “In Time” into a must watch for fans of dystopian and futuristic movies. It stars Justin Timberlake, Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried and Johnny Galecki.
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7. Maze Runner (2014)
In this movie, we follow Thomas who is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased. However, he soon learns they are all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape. Based on the novel of the same name, “Maze Runner” is a post-apocalyptic movie with up-and-comer actors and actresses. Despite the young careers, Dylan O’Brien and Aml Ameen are especially captivating in their characters. Wes Ball’s direction managed to bring a complex world alive by focusing on the simplistic sides of the story. A must watch for “The Giver” lovers.
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6. The Hunger Games (2012)
Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death. Jennifer Lawrence’s most famous movie is about a fight for survival that will leave you glued to the screen. “The Hunger Games” (based on the novel of the same name) is a social commentary on our current society and how people seem to be selfish nowadays.
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5. 1984 (1984)
Based on the classic of the same name written by George Orwell, “1984” is a science fiction drama about totalitarian future society. We follow a man, whose daily work is re-writing history, tries to rebel by falling in love. The casting, set design, and atmosphere are all amazing, with an incredible performance by John Hurt. “1984” is a wonderfully gritty, dark, foreboding movie; a social commentary of a society that does not wish to change. Overall, this is a classic story that deserves to be watched since it will leave its viewers surprised and wanting more.
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4. Tron: Legacy (2010)
“Tron” follows the son of a virtual world designer who goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father’s corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born in the digital world. Besides having an amazing soundtrack by Daft Punk, “Tron” used its monstrous budget to create a memorable story with incredible special effects. Additionally, the cast has amazing talented actors and actresses, like Jeff Bridges, Garret Hedlund, and Olivia Wilde. Director Josephn Kosinski created a magnificent world which provides an unforgettable experience for its viewers.
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3. Equilibrium (2002)
In an oppressive future where all forms of feeling are illegal, a man in charge of enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system and state. In this post-apocalyptic movie, books, art, and music are strictly forbidden and feeling is a crime punishable by death. Because of this interesting and original future, “Equilibrium” is a great drama. While minimalistic, the art style is a perfect way to portray a totalitarian and emotionless society. Moreover, the acting is excellent, with Christian Bale, Dominic Purcell and Sean Bean as the most important characters. If you are searching for action combined with a good and original story, this is the film to watch.
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2. Equals (2015)
In an emotionless utopia, two people fall in love when they regain their feelings from a mysterious disease, causing tensions between them and their society. Directed by Drake Doremus, “Equals” tells the story of a futuristic romance in a world where emotions were eradicated. It is a science fiction movie with a lot of heart that will surprise you in a lot of ways. Besides the acting being really good, the leads have great chemistry. Also, the brilliant script and good soundtrack make “Equals” a unique movie that fans of “The Giver” should watch.
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1. Divergent (2014)
In a futuristic Chicago, society is divided into 5 factions. When all teenagers reach the age of 16, they must choose to either stay in their faction of birth or transfer into another faction. Beatrice Prior must make the decision to stay with her family in a faction she feels she isn’t right for, or to transfer into another faction, and leave her family behind. Based on the book with the same name, “Divergence” is an incredible experience about someone who does not fit in an established society and must fight to find her place. The plot flows nicely, there is always tension and mystery. Because of that, this is an excellent and exciting family film.
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