Alex Garland’s latest thriller, “Civil War,” has become quite nerve-wracking for the American people since its release on April 12.
With the polarised political landscape of the United States, where news feeds are constantly filled with protests and insurrections, this dystopian movie depicting a civil war on American soil certainly touched a nerve.
The political content and underlying tension of the film make it an uncomfortable watch that stays with you long after you’ve finished viewing it.
We have compiled four other films that achieve comparable effects, although not always on the same subject matter, in case you are trying to feel the same tension.
10 Recommended Movies Like Civil War by TheDailyHeckle
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
“Hotel Rwanda” is a 2004 documentary drama movie co-written and directed by Terry George.
Actors Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, who play Paul Rusesabagina and Tatiana, respectively, star in the film, which was based on a screenplay by George and Keir Pearson.
The film chronicles Rusesabagina’s heroic acts during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when he saved the lives of over a thousand refugees, including his own family, by giving them shelter in the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines.
“Hotel Rwanda” delves into the themes of political corruption, the consequences of violence, and genocide.
Don Cheadle, whose performance earned him an Oscar nomination, is the film’s lynchpin.
“Hotel Rwanda” isn’t quite as exciting as “Civil War,” but if you were amazed by the suspense in that film, you’ll feel the same way watching “Hotel Rwanda.”
You can watch “Hotel Rwanda” for free on Tubi.
City of God (2002)
“City of God” is a 2002 epic action-crime film from Brazil, co-written and directed by Kátia Lund and Fernando Meirelles.
The screenplay by Bráulio Mantovani is based on Paulo Lins’s 1997 book of the same name; nevertheless, the story is also inspired by certain true facts.
The film follows the rise of organised crime in Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade de Deus neighbourhood from the late 1960s until the early 1980s.
It culminates in a showdown between drug dealer Li’l Zé and former vigilante turned criminal, Knockout Ned.
The catchphrase is, “If you run, the beast catches you; if you stay, the beast eats you.”
The story follows two young boys who grow up in a brutal Rio de Janeiro neighbourhood.
Both boys go their separate ways in life; one becomes a photographer and the other a drug dealer.
Just as “Civil War” lives and dies on the tension between its characters, “City of God” does the same.
There is no clear right or wrong answer in this film, and many of the characters struggle to find their footing.
You can watch “City of God” for free or buy it on Amazon Prime Video.
Munich (2005)
“Munich” is a 2005 Steven Spielberg-directed epic historical drama co-written by Tony Kushner and Eric Roth.
It is based on George Jonas’ 1984 book “Vengeance,” which recounts Mossad assassinations after the Munich tragedy.
“Munich” was nominated for five Academy Awards—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Score—and was released on December 23, 2005, by Universal Pictures in the US and DreamWorks Pictures overseas.
“Munich” recounts the events that followed the 1972 Munich Olympics, which claimed the lives of eleven Israeli athletes and instructors.
What began as a spy thriller turned into a complicated morality tale as the operatives entrusted with seeking revenge on behalf of their country started to doubt the morality of their mission.
Produced in the wake of 9/11, “Munich” makes no bones about its ties to the political climate of the time.
Despite its first release nearly twenty years ago, “Munich” feels even more pertinent to the current political atmosphere.
You may watch “Munich” on Amazon Prime Video or buy it.
Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
The 2013 American political action thriller “Olympus Has Fallen” is the first installment of the “Has Fallen” film series, directed and co-produced by Antoine Fuqua.
The screenplay was written by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt.
The movie stars Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Ashley Judd, Melissa Leo, Dylan McDermott, Rick Yune, and Angela Bassett in supporting roles. Gerard Butler, who also co-produced the film, stars as well.
The plot centres on the efforts of disgraced Secret Service agent Mike Banning to save US President Benjamin Asher during a guerrilla assault on the White House organised by North Korea.
With an estimated $70 million in production costs, the film grossed $170 million following its March 22, 2013, US release by FilmDistrict.
Some critics praised Fuqua’s direction and Butler’s performance, while others gave the film mixed reviews.
In both “Olympus Has Fallen” and “Civil War,” rebel groups take over the government and plunge the country into anarchy.
Terrorists from North Korea storm the White House in “Olympus Has Fallen,” while in “Civil War,” fanatical militias commit atrocities against civilians in a dystopian American conflict.
You can stream “Olympus Has Fallen” on Netflix.