15 Best Movies Like ‘Watchmen’ To Watch After Synder’s Hit

Zack Snyder’s Watchmen is a very divisive movie that is by some, considered to be a true comic book masterpiece. In contrast, others consider it an unworthy adaptation of Alan Moore’s seminal comic book. This article is written for both of these types because it will list 15 movies like Watchmen in one way or another. This way, the ones who loved Snyder’s work will have something new to watch, while those who hate it will know what to avoid.

1. 300

Adding 300 to our list seemed like an obvious choice. Namely, this movie is likewise an adaptation of a comic book, and it was likewise directed by Zack Snyder (with similar success). 300 is an adaptation of Frank Miller’s famous 1998 limited series; this is important because Miller is regarded as one of the best comic book writers ever, just like Alan Moore, and his work on The Dark Knight Returns is considered to be a turning point in the evolution of modern comic books.

Snyder worked on 300 before Watchmen, and this movie helped him helm the directorial position in Watchmen. The style is very similar, the adaptation mostly faithful and realistic compared to the original comic book, and although the plot is quite different, 300 will definitely provide you with a lot of entertainment if you’ve liked Watchmen.

2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition)

Another one of Zack Snyder’s films, Batman v Superman, was a very controversial installment within the DCEU. This film was supposed to be a major hit for the DCEU, but the theatrical cut received more negative reviews than had been expected. Sounds familiar, right?

Well, just as Synder did with his Watchmen, he soon released an extended director’s cut, the Ultimate Edition, which featured an additional 30 minutes, and it did wonders for this movie. It was a passion project, in a way. Combined with Snyder’s characteristic style, his gritty narration, and his big plot ideas, the Ultimate Cut is a truly great movie that is going to, if you approach it in the right way, provide a lot of entertainment (and great music).

3. Man of Steel

We could just repeat everything we said about Batman v Superman here, but Man of Steel is still somewhat different. Although visually quite similar and with a darker, grittier tone, Man of Steel is a completed story that tells Superman’s origins within the DCEU more coherently than the theatrical version of Batman v Superman.

This movie is a must-see for Zack Snyder fans because it offers more than enough of his characteristic styles, but also some lighter moments, which is a refreshing thing to see in Snyder’s films, and, in all honesty, we liked it a lot.

4. V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta is not a Zack Snyder movie but an adaptation of an Alan Moore comic book. Moore’s dystopian masterpiece about a masked vigilante who is fighting a totalitarian regime is regarded as one of the best anti-totalitarian stories ever written.

It combines Moore’s gritty style, his ingenious narrative ideas, and two great lead characters that make this story truly special and worthy of being compared to Watchmen. The Wachowskis did a good job in adapting the comic book into a script, and although the movie doesn’t fully present the depth of the comic book, it is still a cult classic that you’ll certainly enjoy if you like Watchmen.

5. Dredd

Dredd is yet another comic book adaptation on our list, based on the comic book series Judge Dredd. This was the second adaptation featuring the titular character after the 1995 version starring Sylvester Stallone, but it was not a remake but rather a standalone adaptation.

Although it might not be the best comic book adaptation out there, Karl Urban’s charismatic interpretation of the main character and the film’s dark atmosphere have made it a modern classic among comic book movie fans. We included Dredd on our list because it shares a lot of elements with Watchmen, having a gritty, dark story set in a dystopian society where moral norms have been put to the test, and this is why we recommend it if you’re a fan of the Watchmen.

6. The Dark Knight Trilogy

This one has nothing to do with either Alan Moore or Zack Snyder. Still, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy is a true masterpiece of modern cinema, with its second installment – The Dark Knight – being not just the best comic book movie of all time but one of the best movies ever.

With an ensemble cast, a great plot, and Nolan’s visionary direction, The Dark Knight trilogy is a must-watch for all movie lovers and certainly something you’ll thoroughly enjoy if you’ve loved Watchmen.

7. From Hell

With From Hell, we are once more returning to Alan Moore. Although this comic book is not among Moore’s more revolutionary ones, it’s still a great, gritty story about a conspiracy theory related to the infamous Jack the Ripper case. Despite being exactly that – just a conspiracy theory – the story presented by Moore is magnificently narrated while balancing between history, fiction, and character development.

The Hughes Brothers directed a solid adaptation further augmented by Johnny Depp’s and Ian Holm’s magnificent performances. Except for the style, the conspiracy element connects it to Watchmen, which is why we suggest you try it.

8. Blade Runner

Blade Runner is neither a comic book adaptation nor does it have any straightforward connection to Watchmen. But Ridley Scott’s science-fiction masterpiece has some connections to Watchmen, so we have listed it here as a film you might thoroughly enjoy. Namely, the gritty, dark atmosphere of Snyder’s Watchmen is very similar to the dark aesthetic of Scott’s film.

Also, both movies tell of a dystopian society, albeit Scott’s is more cyberpunk-based than Snyder’s movie. On top of that, the lingering motif of a larger conspiracy is another thing that connects these two movies. Blade Runner is a masterpiece and a classic and is a movie you should watch; if you liked this film, check out the sequel, Blade Runner 2049.

9. Logan

Regarding Marvel Comics adaptations, the X-Men movies are the only ones that really dared to cross certain borders and be more daring. Within that series, James Mangold’s Logan is by far the bravest film of them all. Bringing us Hugh Jackman’s farewell to the character of Wolverine, Logan is a dark, dystopian movie about survival, redemption, and heroism.

This is a true comic book genre masterpiece that you will adore and a movie that dared to do many things other movies never dared to, which is why we are sure that you’ll love it just as you loved Watchmen.

10. Fight Club

David Fincher is now one of the biggest names in modern American cinema. He is a genius known for his dark and disturbing masterpieces that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.

But, when he directed the adaptation of the cult novel Fight Club, he was a relatively unknown, young director, and yet he still managed to create a brilliant movie that inspired generations. Edward Norton’s and Brad Pitt’s magnificent performances, the chaotic setting, and the revolutionary appeal of the movie are all things you’ll love if you love Watchmen.

11. Joker

Much has been said about the Joker during the past year, and there is no doubt that the Joaquin Phoenix-led movie has become an instant classic. The story of how society can lead an individual into complete chaos amazed both fans and critics alike, and we do not doubt that we have an instant classic in front of us.

Joker is definitely a dark, psychologically disturbing movie you’ll enjoy after Watchmen since the two movies share a lot of individual elements but within a different narrative. If you liked this movie, you’ll definitely want to check out both Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, two classic Scorsese movies that inspired it.

12. The Warriors

If you’re ever going to talk about cult classic movies, The Warriors should almost immediately become the topic of conversation. This “underground” masterpiece is a unique movie, as it is gritty. The story of a corrupt society where gangs constantly fight against each other in a dystopian state where morale is nearly destroyed has captivated fans since the movie was released in 1979.

If you liked Watchmen, you’d certainly love The Warriors. This hero-less movie turns a group of relatively noble individuals into the unlikely heroes of a nearly destroyed society.

13. Escape from New York

John Carpenter’s dystopian science-fiction classic is perfect if you liked the one-man crusade of Rorschach from Watchmen. Although Rorschach and Carpenter’s protagonists, Snake Plissken, are very different, their individual endeavors in a chaotic, dystopian world are similar.

Escape from New York is stylistically very similar to Watchmen, and with a thrilling story and a great lead character, we are almost certain you will enjoy it. Add to it Carpenter’s magnificent music and his unique directorial style, and you’ll have a classic that will undoubtedly entertain you.

14. Westworld

This one is probably our most debatable inclusion, but Michael Crichton’s 1973 science-fiction cult classic is something we think you’ll enjoy. The setting is quite different, and the characters aren’t really relatable. Still, we thought you might enjoy the atmosphere of this movie, the tension it builds, and the somewhat dystopian feeling it creates in the chaotic world of Westworld.

Yul Brynner’s excellent performance as the movie’s relentless villain gives it yet another level of quality. If you’re open-minded about your cinematic experiences, we advise you to also consider this movie.

15. Brightburn

Finally, we have Brightburn, a relatively low-budget “dark Superman” movie that was a latent hit when it came out back in 2019. Brightburn is a twisted Superman origin story that shows us what could’ve happened had it all gone to hell instead of being as it is. With a very dark, somewhat grotesque story, a lot of genuinely frightening moments, and a horrifying message for the end, Brightburn is probably the dark story you’ll thoroughly enjoy if you like the atmosphere of Watchmen.

Do you have a movie you think is a good addition to this list? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll check it out!