5 Best Movies Like ‘Code 8’ Every Sci-Fi Fan Needs To Watch

If you’re hooked on the gritty, power-packed world of ‘Code 8’, you’re not alone. This indie sci-fi hit, starring Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell, throws us into a city where superpowered people scrape by under a harsh, watchful system. It’s tense, it’s grounded, and it’s got that edge that keeps us coming back. With its mix of raw action and a society split by abilities, it’s no wonder we’re itching for more like it.

Lucky for us, there’s plenty out there to scratch that itch. I’ve dug into some standout movies that echo ‘Code 8’ with their own takes on superpowers, dystopias, and the fight to survive. These picks aren’t just random sci-fi flicks—they bring the same vibe of ordinary folks with extraordinary gifts navigating tough worlds. Let’s dive into five films that’ll keep the adrenaline and intrigue flowing.

‘Chronicle’ – Teens and Telekinesis Gone Wild

‘Chronicle’ grabs you with a simple setup—three high school buddies stumble onto something weird underground and wake up with powers. Think telekinesis, flight, and a whole lot of teenage chaos. Directed by Josh Trank, this 2012 film stars Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan, who play Andrew, Steve, and Matt. What starts as fun—moving cars with their minds or pranking people—spirals fast when Andrew’s rough home life pushes him over the edge.

It’s shot like a home video, which makes it feel real and messy, much like ‘Code 8’ and its street-level stakes. The powers aren’t polished superhero stuff—they’re raw and unpredictable, leading to a showdown that’s as emotional as it is explosive. If you liked watching Connor wrestle with his electric abilities in a gritty world, this one’s a must-see.

‘District 9’ – Aliens Meet Human Grit

‘District 9’ takes us to Johannesburg, where a stranded alien race is stuck in a slum, treated like outcasts. Released in 2009 and directed by Neill Blomkamp, it follows Sharlto Copley as Wikus, a regular guy caught up in a messy eviction job. Things flip when he gets exposed to alien tech, slowly turning into one of them. Suddenly, he’s on the run, teaming up with an alien named Christopher to fight back.

The movie’s got that same underdog energy as ‘Code 8’, with a society that fears and controls the different. It’s rough, it’s real, and it mixes sci-fi with a sharp look at prejudice. The handheld camera style and intense action make it feel close to home, perfect for anyone who vibed with Lincoln City’s tension.

‘Project Power’ – Pills and Power Plays

Imagine a drug that gives you five minutes of random superpowers—could be strength, invisibility, or something wilder. That’s ‘Project Power’, a 2020 Netflix flick directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. Jamie Foxx plays Art, a guy hunting the source, while Dominique Fishback’s Robin deals the pills, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s cop Frank tries to keep New Orleans from falling apart.

It’s got that ‘Code 8’ feel—powers in a modern, crime-riddled setting, with regular people caught in the mix. The action pops off fast, and the mystery of who’s behind the drug keeps you locked in. If you enjoyed the grounded chaos of superhumans dodging drones and cops, this one delivers a fresh twist.

‘I Am Number Four’ – Alien Outcast on the Run

‘I Am Number Four’, from 2011, follows Alex Pettyfer as John, an alien teen hiding on Earth with powers like super strength and glowing hands. Directed by D.J. Caruso, it’s based on a book by Pittacus Lore. John’s one of nine survivors from his planet, hunted by creepy enemies called Mogadorians. He lands in a small Ohio town, falls for a girl (Dianna Agron), and tries to blend in—until the fight finds him.

Like ‘Code 8’, it’s about someone with abilities trying to live low-key in a world that doesn’t get them. The mix of teen drama and sci-fi action keeps it moving, with a vibe that’s less dystopian but still packed with outsider struggles. It’s a solid pick if you’re into powers with a personal stakes kick.

‘Dredd’ – Justice in a Brutal Future

‘Dredd’ drops us into Mega-City One, a sprawling, violent mess where Judges like Karl Urban’s Dredd dish out instant law. This 2012 film, directed by Pete Travis, teams him with rookie Lena Headey to take down a drug lord in a locked-down tower. The drug, Slo-Mo, messes with time perception, and the action gets gritty and relentless from there.

It’s got that ‘Code 8’ edge—law enforcement clashing with powered-up criminals in a city on the brink. The focus on one brutal day, plus Dredd’s no-nonsense attitude, mirrors the hard-knock life of Lincoln City. If you liked the drones and moral gray zones, this one’s a lean, mean sci-fi ride.