If you’ve already watched “Asteroid City,” and want to see more movies like it, here are the movies we recommend you to watch.
1. Paul (2011)
It follows the story of two British sci-fi enthusiasts, Graeme and Clive, who are on a road trip across America visiting famous extraterrestrial sites. Their adventure takes an unexpected turn when they encounter an actual alien named Paul.
The titular character, Paul, is a CGI-generated alien with a distinct personality and sense of humor. Voiced by Seth Rogen, Paul quickly becomes the center of attention and the driving force behind the plot. The dynamic between the three main characters is both hilarious and heartwarming, as they navigate their way through the obstacles that come with being pursued by government agents and religious extremists.
2. Synecdoche, New York (2008)
While “Synecdoche, New York” is not an easy film to watch, it is a deeply moving and thought-provoking work of art. It challenges the audience to confront their own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Kaufman’s writing is intelligent and nuanced, and his direction creates a beautifully crafted world that is both haunting and unforgettable.
3. Idiocracy (2006)
The story follows Joe Bauers, a U.S. Army librarian who is selected for a human hibernation experiment. However, due to a malfunction, he is forgotten and awakens 500 years later to find himself as the smartest man in the world. He discovers that society has become anti-intellectual and completely absurd, with big corporations running everything and the President of the United States being a former professional wrestler.
While the film’s humor is often crude and controversial, it effectively highlights many contemporary issues that are impacting our society, such as consumerism, anti-intellectualism, and the power of corporations over our lives. The film presents an exaggerated version of what could happen if we continue to allow these issues to progress unchecked.
4. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” follows the story of Steve Zissou, an eccentric oceanographer who embarks on a journey to hunt down a mythical creature known as the “Jaguar Shark.” Along the way, he reunites with old friends, confronts difficult relationships, and comes to terms with his own mortality.
5. The Watch (2012)
“The Watch” is a 2012 science fiction comedy film directed by Akiva Schaffer. The movie follows the story of a neighborhood watch group consisting of four unlikely heroes: Evan (Ben Stiller), Bob (Vince Vaughn), Franklin (Jonah Hill), and Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade). Their routine patrols take a turn for the unexpected when they discover that their town is being invaded by aliens.
In addition to its comedy, the film also features some impressive special effects and action sequences, making for an overall entertaining viewing experience. The aliens are well-designed, and the battles between them and the watch group are both intense and amusing.
6. Seeking a Friend For the End of the World (2012)
Directed by Lorene Scafaria, it takes place in a world where an asteroid is about to collide with Earth, leading to the impending doom of humanity. The story follows the journey of Dodge (Steve Carell) and Penny (Keira Knightley) as they embark on a road trip to find Dodge’s high school sweetheart before the apocalypse arrives.
The film succeeds in blending humor and heartbreak, exploring the complex emotions of its characters in the face of imminent destruction. Carell and Knightley have excellent chemistry, their contrasting personalities complementing each other well.
7. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Directed by Wes Anderson, set in the summer of 1965 on an island off the coast of New England and follows the story of two young lovers, Suzy Bishop and Sam Shakusky, who run away together into the wilderness.
Suzy and Sam meet at a church production of Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde and quickly fall in love. They plan their escape, stealing a canoe and making their way to a secluded cove on the island where they set up camp. While the town searches for them, a local scoutmaster, played by Edward Norton, leads his troop on a search party to find the young couple. Meanwhile, Suzy’s parents, played by Bill Murray and Frances McDormand, try to cope with their daughter’s disappearance.