Netflix continues to adapt great books that have marked an entire generation of readers and this time it’s “Uglies“, set in a world where a mandatory operation erases physical differences and makes everyone beautiful.
Joey King (Bullet Train) takes on the role of the protagonist as Tally Youngblood, alongside prominent stars from the industry, such as Brianne Tju, Chase Stokes, Keith Powers, Jan Luis Castellanos and Laverne Cox.
If you’re looking for movies similar to Uglies—a dystopian science fiction film based on Scott Westerfeld‘s novel, which explores themes of beauty, societal control and rebellion—here are some titles that capture similar themes…
10 movies similar to Uglies to stream in the US
- The Hunger Games (2012)
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games.
Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.
Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy.
If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. The world will be watching.
Available for purchase or rental through Prime Video, Vudu and Apple TV.
- Divergent (2014)
In a world divided into factions based on personality types, Tris learns that she’s been classified as Divergent and won’t fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it’s too late.
Available on Netflix.
- The Giver (2014)
In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the “real” world.
Available on Max.
- The Maze Runner (2014)
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, young Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they’re all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape.
Available for purchase or rental through Prime Video, Vudu and Apple TV.
- Equilibrium (2002)
In a dystopian future, a totalitarian regime maintains peace by subduing the populace with a drug, and displays of emotion are punishable by death. A man in charge of enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system.
Available on Kanopy.
- The Island (2005)
In 2019, Lincoln Six-Echo is a resident of a seemingly “Utopian” but contained facility. Like all of the inhabitants of this carefully-controlled environment, he hopes to be chosen to go to The Island — reportedly the last uncontaminated location on the planet. But Lincoln soon discovers that everything about his existence is a lie.
Available on Paramount+, Prime Video and Kanopy.
- Gattaca (1997)
In a future society in the era of indefinite eugenics, humans are set on a life course depending on their DNA. Young Vincent Freeman is born with a condition that would prevent him from space travel, yet is determined to infiltrate the GATTACA space program.
Available on Max and Netflix.
- Equals (2015)
A futuristic love story set in a world where emotions have been eradicated.
Available on Prime Video and Kanopy.
- The Host (2013)
A parasitic alien soul is injected into the body of Melanie Stryder. Instead of carrying out her race’s mission of taking over the Earth, “Wanda” (as she comes to be called) forms a bond with her host and sets out to aid other free humans.
Available on Tubi and Freevee.
- Elysium (2013)
In the year 2159, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth.
Secretary Rhodes, a hard line government official, will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can.
When unlucky Max is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that, if successful, will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.
Available on Prime Video and AMC+.
