Are you a fan of the heart-pounding action, intriguing mysteries, and dystopian settings of The Maze Runner? If you’ve already binge-watched the entire Maze Runner trilogy and are craving more movies with a similar vibe, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 18 best movies like The Maze Runner that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
From post-apocalyptic adventures to suspenseful sci-fi thrillers, these films share common themes with The Maze Runner such as survival, uncovering secrets, and fighting against oppressive systems. Get ready to immerse yourself in captivating stories featuring brave young protagonists navigating treacherous worlds.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let’s dive into this exciting list of movies that any Maze Runner fan is sure to love!
1. The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hunger Games is a dystopian adventure film based on the popular novel series by Suzanne Collins. Set in a post-apocalyptic nation called Panem, the story follows 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who volunteers to take her sister’s place in the annual Hunger Games – a televised fight to the death among teenagers from each of Panem’s districts.
Like The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games features a strong young protagonist thrust into a dangerous situation where they must use their wits and skills to survive. Both movies also explore themes of rebellion against totalitarian governments that oppress their citizens.
With its gripping plot, stellar performances, and impressive world-building, The Hunger Games launched a massive franchise and is a must-watch for any fan of dystopian YA adaptations.
2. Divergent (2014)
Based on Veronica Roth’s bestselling novels, Divergent is set in a futuristic Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on personality traits. The story centers on Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), a teenager who discovers she is “Divergent” and doesn’t fit into any one faction. When Tris uncovers a sinister plot by the government, she must rely on her Divergent abilities to protect the ones she loves.
Divergent shares several similarities with The Maze Runner, including a post-apocalyptic setting, a teenage protagonist grappling with their identity, and an oppressive ruling class. Both films also feature thrilling action sequences and a resistance movement working to topple the status quo.
With an engaging story and a compelling lead performance by Shailene Woodley, Divergent is an exciting dystopian thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
3. The Giver (2014)
The Giver is a thought-provoking sci-fi drama based on the beloved novel by Lois Lowry. The film takes place in a seemingly utopian society where all emotions and memories have been erased to maintain order and harmony. When teenager Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memory, he begins to question the true nature of his world.
Like The Maze Runner, The Giver features a young hero who starts to unravel the secrets of his tightly-controlled society. Both movies also explore the consequences of sacrificing individuality and freedom for the sake of security and conformity. If you enjoy contemplative sci-fi that makes you ponder deep philosophical questions, this film is a great choice.
4. Ender’s Game (2013)
Based on the classic novel by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game is a sci-fi action film set in a future where Earth has barely survived an alien invasion. The story follows Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a brilliant young cadet recruited to an elite military academy to train for the next alien attack. As Ender excels in battle simulations, he begins to question the true motives behind the war.
Ender’s Game shares some key similarities with The Maze Runner, including a gifted teenage protagonist facing high-stakes challenges and uncovering hidden agendas. Both films also feature impressive special effects and pulse-pounding action sequences.
With a stellar cast that includes Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, and Ben Kingsley, Ender’s Game is a gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
5. The 5th Wave (2016)
The 5th Wave is a sci-fi thriller based on the YA novel by Rick Yancey. Set in the aftermath of a devastating alien invasion, the story follows 16-year-old Cassie Sullivan (Chloë Grace Moretz) as she fights to save her younger brother amid the chaos. As Cassie teams up with a mysterious young man named Evan Walker (Alex Roe), she begins to question who she can really trust.
Like The Maze Runner, The 5th Wave features a determined teenage protagonist navigating a dangerous post-apocalyptic landscape. Both movies also involve uncovering secrets about the true nature of the threats they face. If you enjoy stories of survival and family bonds in the face of overwhelming odds, this film is worth a look.
6. Ready Player One (2018)
From visionary director Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One is a sci-fi adventure film based on Ernest Cline’s bestselling novel. Set in a dystopian future where people escape reality by immersing themselves in a virtual world called the OASIS, the story follows teenager Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) as he competes in a high-stakes treasure hunt that will decide the fate of the OASIS and the real world.
Ready Player One shares some similarities with The Maze Runner, including a young hero on a quest, a futuristic setting, and themes of rebellion against powerful forces. Both movies also feature stunning visual effects that bring their imaginative worlds to life. Packed with nostalgic pop culture references and thrilling action sequences, Ready Player One is a fun and exciting ride from start to finish.
7. The Darkest Minds (2018)
Based on Alexandra Bracken’s YA novel series, The Darkest Minds is a sci-fi thriller set in a future where a mysterious disease has killed most of America’s children and left the survivors with powerful abilities. When 16-year-old Ruby Daly (Amandla Stenberg) escapes from a brutal government camp, she joins forces with other superpowered teens to fight back against their oppressors.
The Darkest Minds shares several key elements with The Maze Runner, including a post-apocalyptic setting, a teenage protagonist with unique abilities, and a rebellion against a tyrannical government. Both movies also explore themes of found family and standing up for what’s right. If you’re drawn to stories of misfits banding together to fight injustice, this film is worth checking out.
8. Mortal Engines (2018)
Mortal Engines is a visually stunning steampunk adventure based on Philip Reeve’s novel series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where cities have become giant vehicles that prey on smaller towns, the story follows Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), a mysterious young woman seeking revenge against the powerful man who murdered her mother. Hester teams up with historian Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan) to stop London from unleashing a devastating weapon.
Like The Maze Runner, Mortal Engines features a unique and immersive dystopian setting, a determined protagonist uncovering secrets from the past, and themes of standing up to corrupt authority figures. Both movies also boast impressive world-building and exciting action sequences. If you love steampunk aesthetics and stories of unlikely heroes taking on powerful foes, this movie is definitely worth a watch.
9. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
From visionary filmmakers James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez, Alita: Battle Angel is a cyberpunk action film based on the Japanese manga series. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the story follows Alita (Rosa Salazar), a cyborg girl with no memory of her past who becomes a fierce warrior as she searches for her true identity and purpose.
Alita: Battle Angel shares some similarities with The Maze Runner, including a protagonist piecing together their mysterious past, a gritty futuristic setting, and pulse-pounding action scenes. Both movies also feature a young hero standing up against powerful forces.
With its stunning visual effects, thrilling fight sequences, and a captivating performance by Rosa Salazar, Alita: Battle Angel is a must-watch for any fan of sci-fi action.
10. Love and Monsters (2020)
Love and Monsters is a charming post-apocalyptic adventure comedy that follows Joel (Dylan O’Brien), a young man who ventures out of his underground bunker seven years after giant monsters have taken over the Earth’s surface. Determined to reunite with his high school girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick), Joel embarks on a dangerous journey across the monster-infested landscape.
While tonally quite different from The Maze Runner, Love and Monsters still shares some key elements, including a post-apocalyptic setting, a protagonist on a perilous quest, and themes of survival and human connection. Both movies also star Dylan O’Brien in the lead role. With its endearing characters, clever humor, and impressive creature designs, Love and Monsters is a delightful and heartfelt adventure that will leave you smiling.
11. Chaos Walking (2021)
Based on Patrick Ness’s YA novel The Knife of Never Letting Go, Chaos Walking is a sci-fi adventure set on a distant planet where all the women have disappeared and the men are afflicted by “the Noise,” a force that puts their thoughts on display. The story follows Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland), a young man who discovers a mysterious girl named Viola (Daisy Ridley) and must protect her from danger as they uncover the planet’s dark secrets.
Chaos Walking shares some similarities with The Maze Runner, including a dystopian setting, a young protagonist uncovering hidden truths, and themes of survival and rebellion against oppressive forces. Both movies also feature a mix of action and mystery. If you’re drawn to stories of young heroes navigating strange new worlds and fighting for the truth, this film is worth checking out.
12. Voyagers (2021)
Voyagers is a sci-fi thriller that follows a group of young people bred specifically for a mission to colonize a distant planet. As the crew descends into madness and chaos on their long journey through space, they must grapple with the consequences of their actions and the true purpose of their mission.
Like The Maze Runner, Voyagers features a cast of young characters facing high-stakes challenges in an isolated setting. Both movies also explore themes of survival, moral dilemmas, and questioning authority. With its tense atmosphere, psychological twists, and a talented ensemble cast that includes Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp, and Colin Farrell, Voyagers is a gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure.
13. The City of Ember (2008)
Based on Jeanne DuPrau’s novel, The City of Ember is a fantasy adventure film set in an underground city that is running out of power and supplies. When two teenagers, Lina (Saoirse Ronan) and Doon (Harry Treadaway), discover an ancient message that could lead to a way out, they must race against time to save their city before the lights go out forever.
The City of Ember shares some key similarities with The Maze Runner, including a mysterious and enclosed setting, young protagonists searching for a way out, and themes of uncovering long-buried secrets. Both movies also feature a race against the clock to ensure survival. If you love stories of brave young heroes taking on seemingly impossible challenges to save their world, this film is definitely worth seeking out.
14. I Am Number Four (2011)
Based on the YA novel by Pittacus Lore, I Am Number Four is a sci-fi action thriller about John Smith (Alex Pettyfer), an extraordinary teen who is actually an alien from another planet hiding on Earth. As John falls for his classmate Sarah (Dianna Agron) and befriends conspiracy theorist Sam (Callan McAuliffe), he must also evade the deadly Mogadorians hunting him and the other surviving members of his species.
I Am Number Four shares some elements with The Maze Runner, including a teenage protagonist with unique abilities, a mysterious backstory to uncover, and a fight for survival against powerful enemies. Both movies also blend sci-fi action with coming-of-age themes. If you enjoy stories of extraordinary teens embracing their destiny and fighting to protect the ones they love, this film is worth a look.
15. The Host (2013)
Based on Stephenie Meyer’s sci-fi romance novel, The Host is set in a future where Earth has been invaded by a parasitic alien species that takes over human minds. When Melanie (Saoirse Ronan) is captured and implanted with a “Soul” called Wanderer, she refuses to fade away, forcing Wanderer to coexist with her in the same body. As Melanie’s memories draw Wanderer to her loved ones in hiding, they must work together to survive and protect the remaining humans.
Like The Maze Runner, The Host features a dystopian setting, a protagonist navigating a dangerous new reality, and themes of resistance against oppressive forces. Both movies also explore complex relationships formed under extreme circumstances. If you’re drawn to unconventional sci-fi romances with a philosophical bent, this film is worth checking out.
16. Battle Royale (2000)
Battle Royale is a controversial Japanese thriller that follows a group of high school students who are forced by the government to fight to the death on a remote island. As the classmates turn on each other in a brutal game of survival, they must confront the harsh realities of their situation and the depths of human cruelty.
While more violent and disturbing than The Maze Runner, Battle Royale shares some similar themes, including a group of young people thrust into a deadly game, a dystopian setting where adults control their fate, and a fight against a ruthless system. Both movies also explore the psychological toll of survival and the lengths people will go to stay alive. With its shocking premise, intense action, and social commentary on conformity and rebellion, Battle Royale is a provocative and unforgettable film that has inspired countless imitators.
17. Dune (2021)
Based on Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel, Dune follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), a brilliant young man born into a destiny beyond his understanding. When his family accepts stewardship of the dangerous desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the most valuable substance in the universe, Paul must navigate a treacherous web of politics, religion, and ecology to ensure the future of his family and his people.
Like The Maze Runner, Dune features a young hero grappling with a mysterious fate in a harsh and unforgiving world. Both movies also boast stunning visuals, complex world-building, and themes of survival and rebellion against powerful forces. With its all-star cast, breathtaking cinematography, and faithful adaptation of its beloved source material, Dune is a must-watch for any fan of epic sci-fi.
18. A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Place is a post-apocalyptic horror thriller that follows the Abbott family as they navigate a world overrun by blind but deadly creatures that hunt by sound. With even the slightest noise potentially attracting the monsters, the family must live in near-total silence and find new ways to survive.
While more horror-focused than The Maze Runner, A Quiet Place still shares some key elements, including a dangerous post-apocalyptic setting, a focus on survival, and the importance of sticking together in the face of overwhelming odds. Both movies also feature innovative world-building and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
With its unique premise, masterful use of sound (and silence), and powerful performances by Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, A Quiet Place is a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller that will keep you holding your breath until the very end.
Conclusion
The Maze Runner is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. With its compelling characters, mysterious setting, and themes of survival, rebellion, and the power of friendship, it’s no wonder that fans are always on the lookout for more movies that capture a similar spirit.
From dystopian adventures like The Hunger Games and Divergent to sci-fi epics like Dune and Ready Player One, there are plenty of exciting and imaginative films out there that share key elements with The Maze Runner. Whether you’re drawn to stories of young heroes rising up against oppressive systems, post-apocalyptic survival tales, or mind-bending mysteries, this list has something for every fan of the genre.
So the next time you find yourself craving a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, challenge your expectations, and leave you pondering big ideas long after the credits roll, give one of these 18 films a try. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite movie.
