20 Best Adventure Movies Similar To The Maze Runner
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If you enjoyed *The Maze Runner*, you're in for a treat with a host of other captivating sci-fi and fantasy films that share similar themes. These movies often explore dystopian settings, the struggles of young protagonists, and the harsh realities of survival. Based on James Dashner’s popular book series, *The Maze Runner* follows a group of teenagers trapped in a complex maze controlled by a sinister government. Critics praised the film for its superior execution compared to many other young adult adaptations, and it proved to be a box office success, grossing $348 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). This success led to two sequels, solidifying its status as a notable franchise.
After diving into *The Maze Runner* and its sequels, fans can find plenty of other engaging stories in the sci-fi and fantasy genres. For instance, *The Hunger Games* presents a gripping narrative of teens forced into brutal competitions in a dystopian society. Similarly, *Lord of the Flies* explores themes of survival and societal breakdown among a group of stranded schoolboys. The intensity of *Battle Royale* with its violent competitions and the inter-school rivalry depicted in *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire* also resonate with the high-stakes atmosphere of *The Maze Runner*. However, some films inspired by *The Maze Runner* venture beyond typical young adult tropes, offering a diverse array of narratives for fans to explore.
### Notable Movies Like *The Maze Runner*
**1. Labyrinth (1986)**
*Available to stream on Peacock*
Directed by Jim Henson, *Labyrinth* features Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie in a fantastical tale where the protagonist must navigate a magical maze to rescue her baby brother. While it may seem far removed from the gritty world of *The Maze Runner*, the underlying theme of survival is central to both stories. Sarah, the main character, is not merely escaping for herself; she must face the labyrinth’s challenges to save her brother. The maze serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations of growing up and facing adversity.
**2. Boy 7 (2015)**
*Currently unavailable to stream*
In this Dutch thriller, a young man awakens on a subway with no recollection of his identity. The contents of his backpack provide clues about his past, leading him to uncover that he is a rogue government agent. This premise parallels Thomas's experience in *The Maze Runner*, where he, too, starts with a blank slate and gradually learns about his identity amidst chaos. Both narratives highlight the quest for self-discovery in oppressive environments.
**3. The Menu (2022)**
*Available to rent on digital platforms*
This horror-comedy directed by Mark Mylod features a protagonist trapped in a high-stakes situation, reminiscent of *The Maze Runner*. In a secluded restaurant, the characters confront psychological and physical challenges, revealing dark secrets as they attempt to escape. The tension builds similarly to the suspense found in *The Maze Runner*, where each new character reveals critical layers of the overarching plot.
**4. Final Destination (2000)**
*Available to rent on digital platforms*
This iconic horror film follows a group of teens who cheat death after one of them has a premonition of a plane crash. They quickly learn that death has a plan for them, leading to a series of increasingly inventive deaths. Much like the life-and-death stakes in *The Maze Runner*, survival hinges on understanding a deadly pattern, creating a compelling parallel between the two films.
**5. Divergent (2014)**
*Available to stream on Netflix*
*Divergent* takes viewers into a divided society where individuals are categorized based on their traits. The protagonist, Tris, played by Shailene Woodley, grapples with her identity in a system that pressures conformity. Both films tackle themes of rebellion against oppressive structures and the struggle of young adults to find their place in a divided world.
**6. Ready Player One (2018)**
*Available to stream on Fubo*
Set in a near-future dystopia, *Ready Player One* follows a group of teenagers who must navigate a virtual reality game to escape their bleak reality. Like *The Maze Runner*, it combines adventure and danger, as the stakes of their games become life-threatening. The film’s innovative use of technology reflects contemporary themes of escapism and the fight against authoritarian control.
**7. Infinite (2021)**
*Available to rent on digital platforms*
Dylan O’Brien stars in this mind-bending sci-fi thriller about a man who discovers his hallucinations are memories of past lives. The film’s exploration of identity and existence resonates with the existential themes in *The Maze Runner*, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.
**8. Escape Room (2019)**
*Available to stream on Hulu*
In *Escape Room*, a group of strangers must solve intricate puzzles to survive deadly traps. This film mirrors the survival tactics employed by the boys in *The Maze Runner* as they navigate life-or-death challenges together, fostering camaraderie amid peril.
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By emphasizing the thematic connections and providing additional context for each film, this revised copy enhances clarity, engagement, and persuasiveness for readers exploring movies like *The Maze Runner*.