The Giver is a young adult fantasy movie based on the premise of conformity and the true meaning of being human. So if you are looking for movies like The Giver that pits young energy against extraordinary premises, consider yourself sorted!
Phillip Noyce’s The Giver puts a host of promising young faces backed by veterans like Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges. Based on Lois Lowry’s book, the dystopian movie contemplates the possibility of a world devoid of pain, anger, and sadness. But at what cost?
So if you’re searching for movies like The Giver, you’re in the right place!
Top 10 Young Adult Dystopian Movies Like The Giver
1. Divergent (2014)
In a dystopian future where the society is divided into 5 factions, one girl’s unique powers threaten to destroy the fabric of society as the world is nearing a chaotic war.
Neil Burger’s Divergent sets the ball rolling for the famous young adult fantasy series. Led by Shailene Woodley, Divergent boasts of an intriguing plot, great effects, and just enough jazz to sail through.
Divergent’s exploration of free will in a preordained society puts it in a list of movies like The Giver.
2. Equals (2015)
In an advanced society that knows no love, pain, or emotions, the increasing rate of suicide and two people’s discovery of a new disease set the alarm bells ringing.
Led by Nicolas Hoult and Kristen Stewart, Equals is a high concept movie that trades sci-fi excitement and action for a more nuanced and sedated take on a dystopian future.
Just like The Giver, Equals imagines a society devoid of choices, where conformity is perceived as the virtuous norm. So anything out of the ordinary puts the system in jeopardy.
3. Equilibrium (2002)
In an oppressive future where emotions are dealt with elimination, one cleric rises to the task of feeling and attempts to overthrow the system.
Directed by Kurt Wimmer, Equilibrium contemplates a society that has eliminated war by eliminating emotions. Christian Bale plays the deviant whose moral duties are pushed to the extreme.
If you’re looking for movies like The Giver, Equilibrium’s treatment of a dystopian future and the possibility of an emotionless society make it a compelling watch.
4. The Maze Runner (2014)
A group of teenage boys with no past memories are stuck in a maze with ‘grievers’ patrolling it. With no way out and no hope to survive, the group gets a new addition that changes everything.
Based on the book series by the same name, The Maze Runner finds its voice in Wes Ball’s direction. It’s a conceptual story that soars on ambiguity, thrill, and high octane action.
The Maze Runner focuses on a group of teenagers to find a way out of their predestined existence putting it in the same league as The Giver.
5. The Host (2013)
In a world where human bodies are possessed by unseen aliens, one young woman refuses to give up her control as she fights to explore new depths of humanity.
Based on Stephenie Meyer’s book, The Host is led by Saoirse Ronan who channels the vulnerability and overwhelming emotions in this intriguing story.
Just like the Giver’s relationship with Jonas, The Host features a constant dialogue between the alien and Melanie as they fight for control.
6. The Hunger Games (2012)
In a dystopian future, a yearly win or die competition is held for the entertainment of the elite. A young girl takes up her sister’s place from her district as she goes up against bigger and badder foes in a game of survival.
The Hunger Games kickstarted the trend of young adult fantasy series in the last few years and it’s not hard to see why. Led by an excellent Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Games is meticulously crafted on a grand scale.
Movies like The Giver champion teenage spirits in outrageous situations. The dangerous premise of The Hunger Games does the same with Katniss Everdeen.
7. Minority Report (2002)
In the year 2045, a law enforcement team has eliminated crime by detecting them even before they are committed. The man behind the system is detected for a future crime so he runs against time to prove himself against his own beliefs.
Minority Report is a highly conceptual movie that doesn’t go light on firepower. Featuring an explosive duo of Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise, it’s an intelligent movie with enough plot twists to keep you hooked.
Just like The Giver, Minority Report focuses on the power of the subconscious. The overarching theme of human minds makes it a fascinating watch.
8. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (2010)
A dyslexic teenager finds he’s actually a demigod, and when he is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt, Percy Jackson races against time to stop a war among gods.
Directed by Chris Columbus, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief weaves the fantasy on screen that has wooed readers all over the world for years.
The Giver features a teenager who comes across a revolutionary secret about himself and his power to stop a cataclysmic end, just like Percy Jackson.
9. Ender’s Game (2013)
A young boy is drafted in to train and fight an intergalactic battle against Formics who have ravaged the civilization on Earth.
Directed by Gavin Hood and led by Asa Butterfield and Harrison Ford, Ender’s Game is a visual spectacle and full of energetic action sequences.
If you’re looking for movies like The Giver, Ender’s Game will give you the same context of the boy chosen gradually learning contrasting things about the system that he has grown up in.
10. After The Dark / The Philosophers (2013)
A philosophy professor starts a thought experience with the graduating class on the last day. The hypothetical situation of a post-apocalyptic future gets all too real with life and death questions and situations that blur morality.
After the Dark or The Philosophers as it is called outside the USA is a clever yet ambitious movie. Led by James D’Arcy, the movie employs thoughtful provocations in strange scenarios.
Just like The Giver, this movie makes you think about the concepts of a utilitarian society where survival reigns over morality.