10 Dystopian Movies Like "Leave The World Behind"

Since its release on Netflix, the gripping apocalyptic psychological thriller Leave the World Behind—an adaptation of Rumaan Alam's heralded novel—has been on everyone's watchlist. With a strong cast including Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha'la, and Kevin Bacon, this movie narrates the story of a family whose vacation goes berserk when a cyberattack hits and two unsolicited guests show up at their rental house in the dead of night. Here is a list of flawed movies like Leave the World Behind.

Leave the World Behind is receiving rave reviews from both critics and viewers, quickly establishing itself as a standout in the apocalyptic genre that leaves audiences questioning what lies ahead. For fans of this thrilling Netflix release, we’ve curated a list of ten films that echo the themes of impending doom and family vacations turned upside down.

10 Best Movies Like Leave the World Behind:

1. Don't Look Up (2021)
2. Bird Box (2018)
3. The Road (2009)
4. The Invitation (2015)
5. Take Shelter (2011)
6. The Purge (2013)
7. Silent Night (2021)
8. It Comes at Night (2017)
9. Us (2019)
10. Knock At the Cabin (2023)

‘Don't Look Up’ (2021)

Directed by Adam McCay

The Don't Look Up film, by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, follows Kate Dibiasky, an astronomy graduate student, and her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy, played respectively, as they learn there is a comet en route to Earth on a collision course. The world shows itself completely apathetic to the potential disastrous outcomes of that fact. They go the way of a media frenzy, hoping to warn humankind.

This film shares a satirical bent with Leave the World Behind, albeit on a highly expanded scale. As much as the film relies on humour, it also comments on authority figures and societal complacency, going in tune with the sense of urgency noted in the 2023 film.

'Bird Box' (2018)

Directed by Susanne Bier

In Bird Box, based on the novel by Josh Malerman, an unseen force decimates humanity—those who see it are doomed. The story follows Malorie, played by Sandra Bullock, as she navigates treacherous terrain with her children in search of safety.

Bird Box and Leave the World Behind explore survival during the destruction of society. In each, a tension regarding trusting strangers unfolds. While more action-oriented than Bird Box, this latter title explores the resilience of humans, a common fan favorite of the intimate conflict found within the 2023 film.

'The Road' (2009)

Directed by John Hillcoat

Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, The Road depicts the journey of a father, played by Viggo Mortensen, and his son, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, toward the sea, hanging on to hope amidst despair. They scavenge for survival and keep away from violent gangs.

The emotional depth of their struggle reflects the familial bonding depicted in Leave the World Behind: protection and the instinct to survive against the tide.

'The Invitation' (2015)

Directed by Karyn Kusama

In The Invitation, Will-Logan Marshall-Green brings his girlfriend Kira (Emayatzy Corinealdi) to a dinner hosted by his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard). As the tensions mount during the dinner party, Will suspects foul play behind the reunion.

Both movies are created to have this eerie atmosphere that keeps the audience in suspense. The psychological uneasiness in The Invitation plays out well with the suspenseful elements of Leave the World Behind, ultimately leading to conclusions where anxiety is raised regarding what is to come.

'Take Shelter' (2011)

Directed by Jeff Nichols

Take Shelter follows Curtis LaForche as he starts having apocalyptic visions that threaten his family's safety. Instead of confiding in his wife Samantha, he builds a storm shelter, which strains their relationship.

Fans of Leave the World Behind will like the intense performances and psychological depth found in this film, centered around human vulnerability amidst existential dread.

'The Purge' (2013)

Directed by James DeMonaco

The movie starts in a dystopian America where everything is allowed to take place—even murder—for one night. The movie sees James Sandin, played by Ethan Hawke, do everything humanly possible to ensure his family is safe from marauding intruders that night.

Hawke’s role as a protective father parallels his character in Leave the World Behind, despite differing threats. While The Purge leans more into horror, both films share chaotic environments that challenge familial bonds.

'Silent Night' (2021)

Directed by Camille Griffin

In Silent Night, Nell (Keira Knightley) and Simon (Matthew Goode) host friends for Christmas dinner at their idyllic countryside home. Beneath their festive facade lies an unsettling truth about their holiday gathering.

Both films feature beautiful scenery that is ominously fraught and some complex interpersonal relationships. The comedy-terror hybrid that is Silent Night should also please those that responded to the existential vibes in Leave the World Behind.

'It Comes at Night' (2017)

Directed by Trey Edward Shults

In the midst of a global pandemic, Paul Joel Edgerton and Sarah Carmen Ejogo take their family deep into the woods to isolate themselves. When another family seeks refuge from external threats, tensions rise as they navigate trust issues under duress.

The theme of uncertainty with newcomers is strong within both films, making each filled with paranoia. Even though It Comes at Night edges more toward horror, the humanity in pressure fits well in Leave the World Behind.

'Us' (2019)

Directed by Jordan Peele

In Us, Adelaide Wilson, played by Lupita Nyong'o, returns to her childhood beach house with her family, only to be terrorized by doppelgängers. The tension mounts as they fight for survival against these sinister versions of themselves.

Both films show family dynamics under an apocalyptic kind of stressor and how tranquility is changed into terror. The hidden commentary on societal issues also makes them both worth watching for fans of psychological thrillers.

'Knock At the Cabin' (2023)

M. Night Shyamalan Directed

Based on the novel by Paul G. Tremblay, Knock at the Cabin follows a family whose cabin vacation is disrupted by four armed strangers who command the family to make an impossible choice in order to avert the apocalypse. Their isolation heightens their sense of dread as they grapple with existential questions.

Both films involve families under desperate conditions, isolated from outside influences. The tension of an unknown motive is an unnerving atmosphere that plays throughout the core of both films.

These films echo not only themes in Leave the World Behind but are also thrilling explorations of human nature as it faces chaos and fear—perfect for viewers who want more cinematic experiences that keep them on the edge!