Movies like The Fifth Element harness the creative freedom of science fiction to bridge the gap between the future and past, between science and mysticism.
Co-written and directed by Luc Besson, the film stars Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, and Milla Jovovich. Set in a vividly rendered 23rd century, taxicab driver Korben Dallas (Willis) becomes earth’s unlikely savior as the planet is threatened by a malevolent cosmic entity.
If you’re charmed by this intergalactic romp, then our list of 10 movies like The Fifth Element will provide the ultimate goofy science fiction playlist for your viewing.
Top 10 Unique Sci-Fi Movies Like The Fifth Element
1. Jupiter Ascending (2015)
Another on the list of cosmic space operas, this film charts the unlikely transformation of its protagonist from a housemaid to an intergalactic warrior with a destiny to fulfill.
Written and directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, Jupiter Ascending is at once an entertaining science fiction spectacle and a stereotype-busting comment on female roles in action films. Mila Kunis delivers a strong central performance as Jupiter Jones, with Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, and Eddie Redmayne in co-starring roles.
For fans of movies like The Fifth Element, this recently released flick has the makings of a similarly beloved cult Sci-Fi classic.
2. Heavy Metal (1981)
This animated Sci-Fi fan favorite is an adults-only descent into the dark subconscious of comic book writers, featuring several vignettes taken from the 70s cult magazine of the same name. With romanticized violence and cartoon nudity aplenty, this work is a zany fantasy romp that will leave viewers entertained and ever so slightly disturbed.
Directed by Gerald Potterton, this film features voiceovers from a coterie of actors and musicians and has inspired several Sci-Fi works, including Total Recall and The Matrix.
For its madcap originality and genre-hopping style, Heavy Metal strikes us as the perfect accompaniment to movies like The Fifth Element.
3. Alita Battle Angel (2019)
As its name suggests, Alita: Battle Angel stars a kickass female lead, who must utilize her prodigious fighting skills and spirit of adventure to fulfill her destiny. Amid a post-apocalyptic backdrop, Alita awakens as a scientifically engineered cyborg who needs to learn about her past, before she can ensure a safe future for planet earth.
The film was based on Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s 1990s series ‘Ganmu’, and adapted for the big screen by director Robert Rodriguez under James Cameron’s production. The result is a fast-paced, thoroughly absorbing watch that Sci-Fi fans would enjoy.
With movies like The Fifth Element owing their inspiration to the comic universe, Alita utilizes similar source material to produce a visually compelling experience.
4. Dark Matter (2008)
A gifted Cosmology student must confront the dark forces of politics, ego, and cultural insensitivity in this harrowing 2007 release.
Directed by Chen Shi-zheng, and starring Liu Ye, Aidan Quinn, and Meryl Streep, the film depicts the trials and tribulation of Liu Xing’s (Ye), whose quest for the Nobel Prize is frustrated every step of the way.
In style and substance, this film is similar to movies like The Fifth Element, while tackling some of the key cultural issues around identity and representation.
5. Gattaca (1997)
In a world governed by eugenics and genetic purity, one outlier faces an uphill battle against discrimination to realize his dream of going to space.
Released in 1997, and bearing all the stylistic hallmarks of 90s Sci-Fi, the film’s dystopian representation of a pure society deals with some key issues that we still must confront.
With Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman in starring roles, this ‘biopunk’ flick is recommended viewing for anyone who likes Sci-Fi’s power to hold a mirror up to our own society, and deservedly joins our list of movies like The Fifth Element.
6. Demolition Man (1993)
What do you do when a cryogenically frozen criminal mastermind escapes into a crimeless future society? Unfreeze the most badass police officer to help catch him. This is the eccentric but thoroughly enjoyable premise behind this cult sci-fi release.
Containing numerous references to other famous works in the genre, including Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and HG Wells’ The Sleeper Awakes, this is a must-watch for all Sci-Fi fans. Marco Brambilla’s directorial debut stars Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes in an epic time-traveling rivalry.
If you’re looking for films with madcap plots and melodramatic acting, then you’re in the right place. Demolition Man takes 6th spot in our list of movies like The Fifth Element.
7. Repo Man (1984)
Science fiction can be a great medium for delivering political satire – a technique used to great effect in this 1984 release.
The film stars Otto Maddox as an unruly punk rocker recruited by a car repossession agency. Tasked with pursuing a mysterious Chevrolet Malibu that might be connected to extraterrestrials, he is dogged at every step by a government agency.
With gags aplenty, and generous lashings of neon, if you enjoy movies like The Fifth Element, we can guarantee you’ll love this one.
8. RoboCop (1987)
For those growing up in the 80s, this cyborg law enforcer needs no introduction. If you’re new to the franchise, then you’ll love watching the crime-fighting exploits of resurrected police officer Alex Murphy.
The debut 1987 release was directed by Paul Verhoeven and depicted a crime-ridden future in Detroit, Michigan. With its success spawning several further film releases, as well as a TV series, it’s a real thrill going back to where it all started.
For those in the market for movies like The Fifth Element, look no further than Robocop.
9. Mirror Mask (2005)
This 2005 adaption of a Neil Gaiman fantasy work tells the story of a young girl named Helena Campbell, who is fed up with her family’s career as circus performers, and enters a fantasy realm instead.
Directed by Dave McKean, this magical film features strong central performances by Stephanie Leonidas, Jason Barry, Rob Brydon, and depicts a beautifully rendered fantasy land that viewers can take pleasure in escaping to.
For those that love watching films that depict an alternative universe, Mirror Mask joins our collection of movies like The Fifth Element.
10. Existenz (1999)
No list of movies like The Fifth Element would be complete without a David Cronenberg film. This 1999 action release follows a game designer named Allegra Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who finds herself targeted by assassins while playing a virtual reality game of her own creation.
With its energy, visual style, and edge-of-the-seat suspense, this film is a highly entertaining and imaginative work, touching on the topic of virtual reality gaming before it was even invented. The movie also features strong performances by Jude Law, Ian Holm, and Don McKellar.