Top 7 Movies to Watch After Enjoying ‘Uglies’

To revitalize its Sci-Fi catalog, Netflix has released Uglies, featuring Joey King in the role of Tally Youngblood. This film is based on the popular young adult novel of the same name and unfolds in a futuristic society where individuals are required to undergo mandatory cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 to be considered “pretty.”

As she eagerly awaits her transformation, Youngblood uncovers disturbing secrets that lead her to question everything. The harrowing reality that these surgeries promote a loss of individuality, coupled with the sinister operations overseen by Dr. Cable to uphold an oppressive regime, drives her to join a rebel group known as The Smoke.

Directed by McG, known for his work on Charlie’s Angels and Terminator Salvation, the film delves into profound themes of humanity and self-identity. It includes dramatic twists, action-packed sequences, stunning visuals, and a life-altering sacrifice that brings this dystopian future into sharper focus.

7 Movies That Offer a Similar Experience to Uglies

With its gripping storyline, compelling performances, emotional resonance, and poignant themes, Uglies is a thought-provoking watch that lingers in the viewer’s mind. The film’s conclusion may prompt audiences to reflect deeply on its messages.

If you enjoy films that challenge societal norms and explore the concept of progress, you may be interested in the following selections once you’ve finished watching this Joey King feature.

The Maze Runner
Ready Player One
Never Let Me Go
Jupiter Ascending
THX 1138
Divergent
The Creator

1) The Maze Runner (2014) – Available on Apple TV, Prime Video

A still from The Maze Runner (Image via Prime Video)

Both Uglies and The Maze Runner share several characteristics. Set in dystopian futures and adapted from novels, they both feature engaging character arcs and thought-provoking themes. Directed by Wes Ball, the latter film has two sequels to its credit.

Starring Dylan O’Brien and Will Poulter, the narrative unfolds in a maze called the Glade where Thomas (played by O’Brien) and a group of boys struggle to navigate their way out while evading deadly creatures known as Grievers.

Compounding their troubles, the arrival of Teresa, played by Kaya Scodelario, as the first girl in the maze propels them all into a path of rebellion and self-discovery.

2) Ready Player One (2018) – Available on Hulu

Tye Sheridan in a scene from Ready Player One (Image via Prime Video)

Directed by the renowned Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One stars Tye Sheridan as Wade Watts. Set in 2045, society has largely retreated into a virtual reality video game, dominating human interaction.

The plot revolves around players racing to discover an Easter egg that grants control of the game and a fortune from its creator, James Halliday. Similar to Uglies, it features a struggle for power as Halliday’s organization, OASIS, aims to control the virtual and actual worlds.

The protagonist faces numerous close calls while trying to secure the ultimate prize for the greater good, evading threats that force him and his friends into an exhilarating escapade entwined with pop culture references.

3) Never Let Me Go (2010) – Available on Apple TV, Prime Video

A still from Never Let Me Go (Image via Apple TV)

Featuring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield, Never Let Me Go takes place in an alternate reality where medical advancements have significantly extended human lifespans.

The narrative takes a dark turn as the trio discovers they are clones bred solely for organ donation. This revelation spurs them on a quest for purpose, exploring themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and friendship.

The haunting realities, sinister motives, and existential questions posed in this alternate future resonate deeply, making it a compelling choice for fans of Uglies.

4) Jupiter Ascending (2015) – Available on Apple TV, Prime Video

Mila Kunis in a scene from Jupiter Ascending (Image via Prime Video)

An epic space opera, Jupiter Ascending stars Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones, an ordinary woman who learns she is destined to inherit an intergalactic title.

The storyline immerses audiences in a universe where Earth serves merely as one of many planets producing a youth serum for alien royals. Set within a complex dystopia, the narrative follows Jupiter’s battle for her inheritance, with Channing Tatum’s Caine Wise standing as her protector against various threats.

5) THX 1138 (1971) – Available on Apple TV, Prime Video

A still from THX 1138 (Image via Prime Video)

Marking George Lucas’s directorial debut, THX 1138 is produced by Francis Ford Coppola and features Robert Duvall in a dystopian thriller where humanoid robots serve as law enforcement.

In this world where emotions are suppressed through drugs, the film navigates the tale of Duvall’s character, who rebels against the system along with his roommate, LUH 3417, played by Maggie McOmie.

This engaging story of romance, escape, sacrifice, and the longing for freedom parallels the themes explored in Uglies.

6) Divergent (2014) – Available on Netflix

Shailene Woodley in Divergent (Image via Netflix)

Uglies and Divergent both present narratives set in oppressive societies where characters fight for freedom. Both films are also adaptations of popular young adult novels, further connecting them.

Starring Shailene Woodley as Beatrice Prior, Divergent explores a world split into five factions, each symbolizing a critical human quality.

After taking an aptitude test revealing her diverse qualities, Beatrice becomes a target of the ruling faction, setting the stage for a saga of rebellion and escape, leading to two sequels, Insurgent and Allegiant.

7) The Creator (2023) – Available on Hulu

An AI robot from The Creator (Image via Prime Video)

The Creator aligns with Uglies in its portrayal of a dystopian future intertwined with a romance subplot. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the story is set in 2070, amidst a power struggle between humans and advanced AI.

The protagonist, played by John David Washington as Joshua, embarks on a mission to find the originator of the advanced AI technologies hidden in the Eastern territories of the globe.

This gripping narrative features themes of lost love, sacrifice, and action-packed drama, blurring the lines between humanity and technology, culminating in an emotional and suspenseful climax.

With Uglies recently released and currently streaming, viewers keen to dive deeper into this thought-provoking genre will find these seven recommendations much to enjoy until a sequel becomes available.

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