Are you a fan of intense psychological thrillers, films that challenge societal norms, and explore the darkest corners of the human psyche? If you were captivated by the gripping and thought-provoking experience of "The Platform," then you're in for a treat!
In our quest to find the 22 best movies that share the same raw intensity, social commentary, and unnerving atmospheres, we've traversed the cinematic landscape to bring you a curated list best movies like 'The Platform'.
From mind-bending mazes to dystopian nightmares, these films promise to keep you on the edge of your seat, all while delving deep into the human condition and the moral quandaries that arise when pushed to the brink.
The Hunger Games (2012)
In a dystopian world, "The Hunger Games" introduces us to a society divided into districts, where children are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. Much like "The Platform," it explores social stratification and the brutality of oppressive regimes. Both films emphasize the stark contrast between the privileged and the oppressed, as well as the moral dilemmas faced by those trapped in these nightmarish scenarios. While "The Hunger Games" has a more expansive setting, the shared themes of survival, inequality, and resistance to a system of control are evident.
CAST
Jennifer Lawrence
Josh Hutcherson
Liam Hemsworth
Woody Harrelson
Elizabeth Banks
Lenny Kravitz
Stanley Tucci
Donald Sutherland
Wes Bentley
Toby Jones
Blade Runner (1982)
In the futuristic city of Los Angeles, "Blade Runner" follows a detective tasked with hunting down rogue replicants, bio-engineered beings that are virtually indistinguishable from humans. Although "Blade Runner" is more focused on the implications of artificial intelligence and identity, it shares with "The Platform" a dystopian atmosphere, a sense of isolation, and a critical examination of societal norms. Both films compel audiences to contemplate the moral and ethical challenges brought about by advancing technology and the consequences of social inequality.
CAST
Harrison Ford
Rutger Hauer
Sean Young
Edward James Olmos
M. Emmet Walsh
Daryl Hannah
William Sanderson
Brion James
Joe Turkel
Joanna Cassidy
Elysium (2013)
Set in a future where Earth is overpopulated and polluted, while the wealthy live in a luxurious space habitat called Elysium, "Elysium" resonates with themes of class division, similar to "The Platform." The film explores the stark disparities in access to healthcare and opportunities, highlighting the consequences of such inequality. Just as "The Platform" does, "Elysium" challenges viewers to reflect on the impact of wealth and privilege on the less fortunate, and the lengths individuals will go to in pursuit of justice and equality.
CAST
Matt Damon
Jodie Foster
Sharlto Copley
Diego Luna
Wagner Moura
Alice Braga
William Fichtner
Jose Pablo Cantillo
Faran Tahir
Maxwell Perry Cotton
Snowpiercer (2013)
In the aftermath of a climate catastrophe that has plunged Earth into a new ice age, humanity's last survivors are confined to the Snowpiercer, a colossal, perpetually moving train. Like "The Platform," the film delves into a stark class divide. The affluent passengers in the front carriages revel in luxury and decadence, while those in the squalid rear compartments suffer from deprivation and brutality. Our protagonists from the tail section embark on a perilous journey toward the front, and much like the characters in "The Platform," they encounter treacherous obstacles that challenge their morality and sanity. The film serves as a chilling metaphor for inequality, reflecting similar themes explored in "The Platform."
CAST
Chris Evans
Song Kang-ho
John Hurt
Tilda Swinton
Jamie Bell
Octavia Spencer
Ed Harris
Ewen Bremner
Ko A-sung
Alison Pill
Children of Men (2006)
Set in a dystopian future where global infertility has left humanity facing extinction, "Children of Men" shares thematic similarities with "The Platform." While not confined to a physical space like the vertical prison, the film explores the disintegration of society in the face of despair and chaos. Both movies emphasize the fragility of societal norms, the human drive for survival, and the sacrifices people are willing to make to protect a glimmer of hope. They confront the audience with the harsh realities of a world on the brink of collapse.
CAST
Clive Owen
Clare-Hope Ashitey
Pam Ferris
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Julianne Moore
Michael Caine
Oana Pellea
Charlie Hunnam
Danny Huston
Peter Mullan
Brazil (1985)
"Brazil" is a dystopian dark comedy that follows Sam Lowry, a low-level government employee in a totalitarian bureaucracy. While the film doesn't take place in a confined space like "The Platform," it highlights the absurdity and Kafkaesque nature of an oppressive system. Similar to the disorienting and surreal aspects of "The Platform," "Brazil" explores the feeling of entrapment, showcasing the futility of bureaucracy and the absurdity of everyday life.
CAST
Jonathan Pryce
Kim Greist
Robert De Niro
Ian Holm
Bob Hoskins
Katherine Helmond
Michael Palin
Ian Richardson
Peter Vaughan
Jim Broadbent
The Maze Runner (2014)
In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of young people finds themselves trapped in a massive, ever-changing maze with no memory of how they got there. Much like "The Platform," "The Maze Runner" focuses on the struggles of survival, cooperation, and the human desire to make sense of complex, seemingly impossible challenges. While the setting and circumstances differ, the tension, confinement, and psychological pressure resonate with themes found in "The Platform." Both films raise questions about the nature of authority and control in the face of adversity.
CAST
Dylan O'Brien
Kaya Scodelario
Ki Hong Lee
Aml Ameen
Blake Cooper
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Will Poulter
Dexter Darden
Chris Sheffield
Joe Adler
In Time (2011)
In a world where time is the new currency, "In Time" follows the life of Will Salas, a man from the impoverished Time Zone who unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune of time. This sparks a daring mission with Sylvia Weis, a wealthy heiress, to challenge the deeply unequal society that thrives on the commodification of time. Drawing parallels with "The Platform," the film underscores themes of wealth disparity and the moral quandaries posed by a world where time is both life and currency, urging viewers to ponder the ethical consequences of such a system.
CAST
Justin Timberlake
Amanda Seyfried
Cillian Murphy
Olivia Wilde
Alex Pettyfer
Johnny Galecki
Matt Bomer
Vincent Kartheiser
Yaya DaCosta
Toby Hemingway
High-Rise (2015)
"High-Rise" immerses us in the opulent, self-contained world of a towering luxury apartment building where the social fabric begins to unravel. The film dissects the gradual descent into chaos as power outages, class divisions, and lawlessness take hold. Echoing themes in "The Platform," this movie explores the societal breakdown within a confined space, shedding light on the disintegration of human behavior when order and structure crumble.
CAST
Tom Hiddleston
Elisabeth Moss
Sienna Miller
Jeremy Irons
Luke Evans
Reece Shearsmith
Dan Renton Skinner
James Purefoy
Peter Ferdinando
Stacy Martin
The Purge (2013)
Set in a chillingly dystopian America, "The Purge" delves into a society where, for one night each year, all crime, including murder, is legal. The story follows a family's struggle for survival during the annual Purge. Similar to "The Platform," this film dives deep into the consequences of sanctioned violence and the moral dilemmas that arise in extreme situations. It forces viewers to question the human capacity for violence and ethical choices when pushed to the limits.
CAST
Ethan Hawke
Lena Headey
Max Burkholder
Adelaide Kane
Edwin Hodge
Rhys Wakefield
Tony Oller
Arija Bareikis
Tom Yi
Chris Mulkey
Cube (1997)
"Cube" places a group of strangers in a perplexing maze of interconnected, booby-trapped rooms. They must decipher the puzzle's rules to escape, giving rise to tensions, suspicions, and moral quandaries. Much like "The Platform," the film explores the psychology of confinement, trust, and the dark recesses of human nature when individuals are pushed to their limits. It is a gripping thriller that forces the characters and audience to confront the moral dilemmas inherent to survival in an oppressive, uncertain environment.
CAST
Nicole de Boer
Nicky Guadagni
Maurice Dean Wint
David Hewlett
Andrew Miller
Wayne Robson
Julian Richings
Battle Royale (2000)
"Battle Royale" is set in a dystopian Japan where a totalitarian government forces a class of students to participate in a deadly game of survival on a deserted island. Each student is equipped with a weapon, and only one can emerge as the victor. The film shares similarities with "The Platform" as it explores the dire consequences of power dynamics, desperation, and moral choices within a confined space. It delves into the dark recesses of human nature when individuals are pushed to their limits.
CAST
Tatsuya Fujiwara
Aki Maeda
Tarō Yamamoto
Masanobu Ando
Ko Shibasaki
Chiaki Kuriyama
Takashi Tsukamoto
Sousuke Takaoka
Yukihiro Kotani
The Belko Experiment (2016)
"The Belko Experiment" unfolds within the confines of a high-rise office building in Bogotá, Colombia, where employees are unexpectedly subjected to a horrifying experiment. They are given a deadly ultimatum—kill or be killed. Like "The Platform," this movie depicts the rapid disintegration of social order and the moral dilemmas that arise when individuals are pushed to the brink in an enclosed space, emphasizing the brutal consequences of power and survival instincts.
CAST
John Gallagher Jr.
Tony Goldwyn
Adria Arjona
John C. McGinley
Melonie Diaz
Michael Rooker
Josh Brener
Owain Yeoman
Sean Gunn
Brent Sexton
The Lobster (2015)
In "The Lobster," single people are sent to a surreal hotel with an unusual rule: they must find a romantic partner within 45 days, or they'll be transformed into an animal of their choice. The film is a darkly satirical exploration of societal pressures and conformity. While different in tone from "The Platform," it shares a subversive social commentary, focusing on the absurdity of societal norms and the lengths individuals go to conform.
CAST
Colin Farrell
Rachel Weisz
Jessica Barden
Olivia Colman
Ashley Jensen
Ariane Labed
Angeliki Papoulia
John C. Reilly
Léa Seydoux
Michael Smiley
The Circle (2017)
"The Circle" delves into the world of social media and surveillance in a near-future dystopia. A young woman lands a job at a powerful tech company and becomes increasingly aware of the implications of constant surveillance. While not a confinement-based thriller like "The Platform," it touches on themes of privacy, control, and the consequences of technological advancements, much like "The Platform" explores the consequences of a confined space and social hierarchy.
CAST
Emma Watson
Tom Hanks
John Boyega
Karen Gillan
Ellar Coltrane
Patton Oswalt
Glenne Headly
Bill Paxton
Poorna Jagannathan
Nate Corddry
More Hidden Gems Like 'The Platform'
In the underrated movies section, we've unearthed cinematic gems that may have slipped under the radar but pack a powerful punch.
These lesser-known titles deliver gripping narratives, compelling social commentary, and nail-biting tension that rivals "The Platform." Get ready for a cinematic adventure that defies expectations.
Exam (2009)
In "Exam," eight candidates vie for a prestigious job in a high-stakes examination, only to find themselves in a sealed room with a single question and an intense time limit. As they struggle to solve the enigmatic problem, alliances form and tensions rise. Similar to "The Platform," this film explores the psychological strain of confinement, the consequences of competition, and the moral complexities that arise in high-pressure environments. It's a gripping thriller that delves into the depths of human behavior when individuals are pushed to their limits.
CAST
Luke Mably
Chukwudi Iwuji
Adar Beck
Jimi Mistry
Nathalie Cox
Pollyanna McIntosh
Gemma Chan
John Lloyd Fillingham
Colin Salmon
Chris Carey
Timecrimes (2007)
"Timecrimes" presents a time-travel paradox when a man accidentally stumbles into a time machine and becomes embroiled in a series of increasingly complex and baffling events. Like "The Platform," this Spanish-language science fiction thriller probes the intricacies of confined spaces, albeit in a different context. It maintains a suspenseful atmosphere and invites viewers to ponder the consequences of one's actions within a confined and disorienting temporal loop.
CAST
Karra Elejalde
Candela Fernández
Bárbara Goenaga
Juan Inciarte
Libby Brien
Nicole Dionne
Philip Hersh
The Experiment (2010)
"The Experiment" is based on the infamous Stanford prison experiment. Volunteers take on the roles of guards and prisoners in a simulated prison environment, but the situation quickly escalates into a harrowing exploration of power and authority. Much like "The Platform," this film dives into the sociopsychological aspects of confinement, questioning how ordinary people react when placed in situations of authority and captivity. It explores themes of control, manipulation, and the unraveling of human behavior under extreme conditions.
CAST
Adrien Brody
Cam Gigandet
Forest Whitaker
Maggie Grace
Clifton Collins Jr.
Fisher Stevens
Damien Leake
Ethan Cohn
Travis Fimmel
David Banner
The Wave (2008)
"The Wave" unfolds in a peaceful Norwegian high school, where a teacher embarks on an experimental project to illustrate the dangers of totalitarianism. However, as the students and community become engrossed in the social experiment, it quickly escalates into a full-blown fascist regime. The film resonates with "The Platform" as it explores the rapid erosion of societal norms and the ease with which people can be influenced in extreme circumstances. Both films serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of social structures and the consequences of unchecked power.
CAST
Jürgen Vogel
Frederick Lau
Max Riemelt
Jennifer Ulrich
Christiane Paul
Elyas M'Barek
Cristina do Rego
Jacob Matschenz
Maximilian Vollmar
Tim Oliver Schultz
The Divide (2012)
"The Divide" plunges viewers into the underground refuge of an apartment building's tenants following a nuclear attack on New York City. As the survivors endure the harsh reality of their confinement, their interpersonal dynamics disintegrate into paranoia, cruelty, and chaos. This film mirrors "The Platform" by illustrating how isolation and desperation can lead to the deterioration of civil behavior, emphasizing the blurred line between civilization and chaos.
CAST
Lauren German
Michael Biehn
Milo Ventimiglia
Courtney B. Vance
Ashton Holmes
Rosanna Arquette
Iván González
Michael Eklund
Abbey Thickson
Jennifer Blanc
Coherence (2013)
"Coherence" invites us to a seemingly ordinary dinner party, but it soon takes an eerie turn when a comet passes by, causing inexplicable phenomena and shattering reality. Much like "The Platform," this mind-bending thriller thrives on the tension of a confined space, where trust and relationships fracture as events become increasingly surreal and unpredictable. The films share the exploration of how individuals respond to an environment that defies logic, ultimately questioning the boundaries of trust and sanity.
CAST
Emily Baldoni
Maury Sterling
Nicholas Brendon
Elizabeth Gracen
Hugo Armstrong
Alex Manugian
Lauren Maher
Kelly Donovan
Aqueela Zoll
The Killing Room (2009)
"The Killing Room" centers on four individuals who volunteer for a psychological research experiment, only to find themselves trapped within a mysterious chamber with no apparent way out. As they are subjected to a series of chilling tests, their trust in each other wanes, and the fight for survival intensifies. Much like "The Platform," this movie immerses its audience in a confined and unsettling environment. It delves into the fragility of trust and the transformation of interpersonal dynamics when faced with life-and-death decisions, creating a suspenseful and morally challenging atmosphere.
CAST
Nick Cannon
Timothy Hutton
Shea Whigham
Chloë Sevigny
Peter Stormare
Clea DuVall
Bill Stinchcomb
Meade Patton
Gregory Gast